Me & My Bike - Rhian Martin

Hello and Happy New Year Rhian! Let’s kick things off, can you tell us a bit about your role at Rapha?

I joined Rapha in 2017, supporting Simon, the Founder, and am now the Executive Assistant to Dan and Francois, the Co Managing Directors.? My role encompasses more than your traditional admin assistant job. I get to be a part of some awesome initiatives and events at Rapha, including our Getting Started (learn to Road Cycle) sessions, Office Rides and Charity Events. I've actually just returned to work from adoption leave after my husband and I adopted two little boys and I am looking forward to being part of the working world again.

So, what about your bike?

Juggling the nursery drop off and the commute to Rapha Works in London, getting an electric cargo bike was a bit of a no-brainer.? After a lot of research, and having ridden a variety of different cargo bikes in a previous job, I decided that a Tern GSD S00 was the best option.? My toddlers can sit behind me and I have the added storage of the front rack AND the bike is still the same length of your average bike (albeit a lot heavier!).? I can get to work via nursery a lot quicker than public transport and without breaking a sweat!? If I really want, I can turn off the e-assist and get a bit of a workout too.? This bike has honestly been a game changer and I get asked about it every time I ride it.? The boys love it too and call it the 'Mama Train’!

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Amazing! How did you get into cycling?

I started commuting by bike when I moved to London in 2008 - mainly to save money!? Then I met my partner who cycled too, but on another level, he had cycled the Coast to Coast route and John O’Groats to Land's End. He persuaded me to join him on some training rides in the countryside (I had only ever cycled in cities) and I was hooked! I quickly got myself a Road Bike and signed up to the inaugural Ride London 100. Before I joined Rapha, I was working as a cycling instructor and seeing how cycling can change peoples lives is amazing. I have met so many inspirational people through cycling, it's a 'tribe' I'll never be able to leave.

Can you tell us one of your favourite cycling memories?

Riding in Tuscany on a Rapha Travel trip was incredible! Cycling the length of the Outer Hebrides with a tent was definitely 'Type 2 fun', but I think my favourite cycling memory was a ride I did with a group of women from Rapha to St Peter's Chapel at Bradwell-on-Sea in Essex.? The weather was glorious, the route was superb, the cake was delicious and we paddled in the sea and foraged fresh samphire!? You make friends for life working at Rapha, people who will help you up those tough climbs, not bat an eyelid when you bring a pair of tap shoes on a ride and who will forever be your 'invisible peloton' (thanks Emily Chappell).

And finally, the round things up, can we know your favourtie Rapha product and why?

When I was Road cycling more frequently, the Brevet Insulated Gilet was my go-to product for a chilly ride, it really is amazing.

Now I'm more of an urban cyclist, I've pretty much worn the Explore Down Jacket on every commute since the Autumn!

Thanks Rhian! And if anyone is in a similar position to Rhian, juggling toddlers, the nursery run and wanting to commute by bike, definitely check out Tern!