Ride London 2022
The Platelet Society has three cyclists taking part in the 2022 Ride London cycle event – a 100 mile cycle challenge through London and Essex.
Meet Our Cyclists
Our Riders Dave Howard
Name
Dave Howard
Tell us a bit about yourself. How long have you been cycling?
I guess I’m your typical MAMIL (Middle Aged Man in Lycra!). I love the freedom of cycling, especially in a group and can’t think of a better way to keep fit in my old age. I returned to cycling 5 years ago after a 30 – year gap
What made you put yourself forward for a place in Ride London?
I did Ride London in 2019. It’s an amazing, friendly closed-road event and a great way to raise money for good causes.
What is your connection to platelets?
My wife is a phlebotomy trainer and ex-chemo nurse and so has been banging on about platelets for years. I’m now in a position to show that I was actually listening.
Do you have a pre-cycle routine?
The great thing about long rides like Ride London is that you have full permission to stuff your face with carbs the day before.
What is your ideal post-cycle drink?
I’m not sure if it is scientifically proven but I have found that best recovery drink for me is a traditional pint of ale.
Graham Halford
Name
Graham Halford
Tell us a bit about yourself. How long have you been cycling?
I’ve been cycling since childhood but the bug really bit about 10 years ago.
What made you put yourself forward for a place in Ride London?
I completed the Ride London in 2015 and the sense of achievement was fantastic! The crowd cheered us on all the way and made us feel like we were part of the Tour de France.
What is your connection to platelets?
My wife works in platelet research
Do you have a pre-cycle routine?
Stretches and coffee!
What is your ideal post-cycle drink?
A cold beer!
OGT is proud to sponsor Graham on his ride
Kirk Taylor
Name
Kirk Taylor
Tell us a bit about yourself. How long have you been cycling?
I am a scientist working to understand heart disease. I have studied platelets for over 10 years now and aim to start my own research group. Outside of the lab, I enjoy cycling, yoga, cooking and going to gigs. I also volunteer with Pint of Science and actively engage with LGBTQ+ groups.
I’ve been cycling since I was a kid. I remember cycling to school but I had a bit of a hiatus when I went to Uni. I picked it up again about 8 years ago and now cycle regularly, thanks to the purchase of my first road bike. I aim to cycle about 50 miles a week (some weeks are easier than others…).
What made you put yourself forward for a place in Ride London?
I have always wanted to complete the Ride London course and it would be the longest cycle that I will have completed. Doing the ride to support the Platelet Society makes it more special. I have been involved with the Society for a while and have seen it grow in size and ambition. I know how important it is to raise awareness of platelet-related disorders and funds to support research and public engagement activities. Finally, I have been cycling in London for 3 years now and it would be lovely to enjoy the open roads without worrying about the cars of normal string of red lights…
What is your connection to platelets?
I was first introduced to platelets and blood clotting during my undergraduate degree, and have been fascinated by them since. My research tries to understand how blood clots form and how we might target processes leading to large clots, that may cause heart disease. Ultimately, we aim to identify new targets to reduce the chance of heart disease.
Do you have a pre-cycle routine?
Quick coffee, psych myself up, find the right playlist and press go on Strava.
What is your ideal post-cycle drink?
A good single-origin filter coffee
The Event
Starting on Victoria Embankment and Finishing at the iconic Tower Bridge, Ride London is a test of a cyclists skill and endurance to complete the 100 mile course.
First established as a legacy of the 2012 London Olympic games, Ride London offers riders a chance to experience traffic free roads and a great day out.
More information
