Mr & Mrs Velo

Its a good sign of a strong partnership when couples share an interest. Its an even better sign when the interest they share is Cycling!

Ben and Zoe Bartlett are the real Mr & Mrs Velo, the love of cycling extending much further than just riding a bike.

They both race, are very active and supportive members of one of Kent's fastest growing Cycling Clubs, and are now joint owners in a Cafe which houses a workshop, good cake and great beer. Living the dream!

As very active members of Folkestone Velo Club how have you seen the club grow over the past few years?

Z: "The club has grown dramatically since I joined back in the summer of 2013. I believe there were about 15 members when I first started riding with FVC, being the only female at the time. There are now 96 joined up members! Each year it is exciting to see so many new faces on bikes, there has also been an influx of female members in the club which is great."

B:"There were 7 of us in the 1st kit order, and we regularly have 30+ on club rides now."

What do you think the key to a good club is?

Z: "I think the key to a good club is good communication, good leadership and encouragement. Making sure there is something to suit every rider, giving different options of routes and “no drop” rides are also good for beginners. Trying to make sure everyone is safe, happy and never make anyone feel like they are not good enough. Not essential, but a good-looking kit is always a bonus."

B:"Planning events for all members, regular socials (piss ups!) and not prioritising racing/racers over other members."

What are your favourite club rides?

Z: "It really depends on the mood I’m in. If I’m feeling fit and a little competitive, I will go out with our group 1 on a Saturday. They like to add a nice bit of climbing and ride at a pretty quick pace. However, if I’m not feeling too energetic, I like to go out on the “no drop” Sunday ride, which is good to treat as a recovery ride."

B: "A sunny Sunday route ending with a cold beer at 13."

You both race locally, what are your goals for the season?

Z: "I’m just going to get out there and race as much as I can, fitting it in round the family. I don’t have high expectations of myself, as I’m getting on a bit now and there are some amazing riders out there. If I can get my 2nd Cat licence that will be a bonus. I am also going to be signing up for the Tour of Sussex again this year, hoping to better my performance on last year. I think the main thing is for me just to try and enjoy it."

B:"39 points with maybe a win!"

How do you both keep race fit? Do you have coaches? If no why? If yes, how does it help.

Z:"I have recently purchased a turbo, which is good for the winter months. I don’t have a coach, as think it’s a bit late in the day for me to be taking it serious. I do love the local training sessions at Betteshanger Park on Tuesday evenings through the summer months put on by VC Deal. I find that one hour a week really helps with my fitness levels. But most of all just love getting out on the road and riding."

B:"No, I just ride, and try and make the weekly race training sessions at Betteshangar Park on Tuesdays from April to September put on by VC Deal."

What is/are your favourite local circuits/races?

Z:"My favourite circuit is Betteshanger, as this where I train and know the circuit pretty well – plus it’s closest to home."

B:"Anything flat!"

Are you competitive with each other?

Z:"I would say I’m competitive, I’m just a competitive person in most things I do! I wouldn’t say Ben is competitive with me. Ben is only really competitive when he is racing. He’s quite laid back when it comes to club rides and riding with me."

B:"Not competitive with each other, we have different strengths (I’m too heavy!)."

You opened a cycling cafe/workshop in Folkestone last year, how is it going and what are your plans to grow it further?

Z:"The plan is to open another cycling café (13cc) in Kent at some point. The first year is always the hardest, but things are going really well for us at the moment. The local cycling club FVC (Folkestone Velo Club) use it as their club house to meet for their weekly rides. We also have other clubs who come and visit mid ride for a food/coffee stop. It’s always lovely to see new people coming through the door. It’s funny how so many people think you have to ride a bike to come in. We welcome everyone, even dogs. Josh our manger and bike mechanic does a really good job of running 13cc and keeping all our customers happy."

B:"13 is going well, its great to have somewhere to use as a clubhouse for FVC."

You go abroad on a club training trip each year, where do you go and why?

Z:"We go to a town called Puerto de Mazerròn in the region of Murcia, South of Spain. We go out in March, and this year will be the clubs 5th visit (my 3rd time). It’s a great place for riding, the roads are so good, with some great routes. The locals are all so friendly and laid back. Even so, that we meet with their local cycling club and have a day of riding with them, usually finished of with Taps and beer. Five days in the sun on great roads, just riding your bike, it’s a cyclist’s idea of heaven.

B:"This March will be our 5th trip to Puerto de Mazerròn in the region of Murcia in Spain. We use the same hotel, and meet up with the local road club for a ride and some lunch, there is a lovely town with a great marina and plenty of restaurants to sample. But the best part is the whole group riding together, with only riding on everyone’s mind, on decent roads, with considerate drivers, and (hopefully) warm weather, when its still bitter in the UK."

More info on Folkestone Velo Club can be found here: www.folkestoneveloclub.co.uk

Visit 13cc in Folkestone: 13cc.co.uk