Introducing: Emily Chappell

Welcome to Introducing, our series spotlighting the diverse range of contributors making Cycling Culture Club a reality.

Today feels particularly special, as I welcome Emily to our roster. Emily happens to be an inspirational individual, not only for her amazing feats of endurance, but for her impact on diversity. Emily's book, Where There's a Will, happens to be the very first cycling book I read, so to bring her into our project here is a proud moment. But this isn't about me; this interview is from Emily's heart.

Where are you from: Born in England, raised in Wales

Where do you live: Sheffield

Are you part of a Club/team: Rapha CC

Socials: @Emilyofchappell

Tell us about yourself. 

I’ve been obsessed with cycling ever since I moved to London in my early twenties and realised there were better ways of getting to know the city than taking the tube. I spent several years as a courier, I’ve cycled across Asia, North America, and Europe, I’ve competed in ultra-distance races, and I’ve ridden the route of the Tour de France several times. Along the way I’ve written two books – What Goes Around and Where There’s A Will, and there are more to come.

What do you love about cycling

I love how many different forms it can take – it can be a sport, a mode of transport, and a way of seeing the world; it can be a vehicle for socialising, or a route to solitude; it can be a means of challenging yourself, and a mode of relaxation. I love that I have been able to change and grow so much within the world of cycling, and that there’s always a new community, discipline or style of riding to explore.

What barriers have you faced in cycling

My main barrier has been feeling like I’m the only woman, lesbian, or mid-sized person in any given group. I’ve tried to carry on regardless, but not fitting in has meant I’ve usually been more comfortable riding alone. The post-lockdown cycling boom has rocked my world – all of a sudden there are so many more people like me riding bikes, and the ones who already existed are much more visible. I now feel like I truly belong, and although I’ve always tried to be myself, it now feels like so much less of a struggle.

Why were you interested in contributing?

I’m in awe of the community Miles has set up, and honoured to be a part of it. I hope that I’ll be able to contribute some of what I’ve learned over the last two decades, but what I’m really excited about is the opportunity to learn from everyone else. I’ve noticed again and again, as more people have come into cycling, that they bring fresh ideas and approaches that the rest of us hadn’t thought of. There’s a lot of strength in cycling’s traditions, but we also need to be open to innovation and collaboration, as we continue to grow.

Your fondest memory on the bike 

Although it’s impossible to pick just one, I’d say the day I rode the Bryan Chapman has to be up there. It’s a 600km audax that covers the length of Wales twice in a single weekend. I’d known about it for years, always assumed it was something only much stronger riders would be capable of, and was genuinely terrified once I’d committed to riding it. But a few hours in, I realised that not only was the ride within my abilities – I was actually enjoying myself. I loved (almost) every minute, sprinted into the finish, and came away with a lot more faith in my legs.

I’d add to that any time I’ve ridden with a member of my family – it doesn’t happen as often as I’d like, but it’s always a treat when it does.

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Emily is an author, not only of Where There's a Will, but of a Substack publication called Unfinished Journeys that's well worth a read.