Dale Stephenson (@pedalsandpanniers)

About

My name is Dale Stephenson. I am an IT Manager in a Secondary school and I’m 29 years old. I live in Cockermouth, West Cumbria but work in my hometown, Maryport.

I am passionate about guitars, music and cycling. I love to travel – cycling is one of the best ways to get around and to see the sites of the place you are visiting.

How long have you been cycle commuting?

I have been cycling commuting on and off for 12 years. For the majority of my career, I lived just over one mile away from work and cycling was my main form of transport. I know what you’re thinking – one mile? – it’s hardly worth getting your bike out of the garage.

I became a cycle commuter by accident, never really giving it any thought – I just went to work on my bike. I didn’t buy my first car until I was 28.

My dad has cycled to work, come hail, rain or snow for the last 30 years so I guess you could say it was a subconscious thing for me. It wasn’t until I met my partner and moved to Cockermouth that the opportunity came about for me to start getting some miles in.

Your Commute

I try commute at least 3-days per week from Cockermouth to Maryport – a journey less than 9 miles by road. However, in order to travel via the cycle network, the route takes you from:

Cockermouth –> Papcastle or Brigham –> Broughton –> Camerton –> Seaton –> Northside –> Siddick -> Mayport.

Although this is a designated cycle route, the actual ‘cycle path’ doesn’t begin until Camerton. To find it, you have to follow an off-road, uphill track which brings you to the dead end of the cycle path. The longest route via the cycle path from my door to work is 17 miles.

If you like hills, then this is the commute for you. Check it out on my Strava!

What is the best thing about Cycle Commuting?

As well as the obvious health benefits, cycle commuting allows you the time to gather your thoughts before and after work. You arrive at work energised and arrive home less tired than you usually would be.

For me, the best thing is the scenery. I see at least one thing each day that I didn’t know existed the day before.

Your bikes

Current bike (purchased October 2019) – Cube Kathmandu SL 2020
Pannier – UPSO Bags – Potters Pannier

Any top tips?

Be true to yourself and don’t be afraid to be different. I’ve always carried panniers on all of my bikes. I’ve never know it any other way. Some would say ‘i’m old fashioned’ but that’s the way I like it.

Top tip – let the bike carry the weight. If you have a rack on your bike – why carry your things on your back?

Safety first: the safest route for cyclists is to always follow the designated cycle routes and where possible, keep off the main roads.