A big hello to Nathan, known to his friends and now to you, as NJ. NJ is a British Cycling Coach, countryside dwelling, podcast host and the newest member of our contributor roster.
From: Farnham, Surrey
Lives: After 8 years in London, I’ve now relocated to Hertfordshire
Club/team: CGC / NLD
Social: @antroovarn
1. Tell us about yourself.
I’m NJ, one of the co-hosts of the Cobbles and Cols podcast, where we dive into all things cycling culture—chatting with passionate people, brands, and clubs that keep the London (and further afield) communities thriving. I’m mixed-race—British with Southern Indian/Burmese (Myanmar) roots—which I love being. Fun fact: I hold a Level 1 British Cycling Coaching badge.
2. What do you love about cycling
Cycling is the perfect blend of freedom, adventure, and connection. There’s nothing like discovering new routes and the thrill of being out on the open road. But it’s not just about the ride—it’s about the people you meet. I connected with amazing people like Miles, and in the past 5 years, I discovered the social side of cycling. Joining clubs, chat laps, and those post-ride coffee stops brought a new layer of joy to the experience. It turned riding from a solo pursuit into a shared passion with new friendships and experiences.
3. What barriers have you faced in cycling?
When I first got into cycling back in 2012, things have changed a lot. The biggest hurdle for anyone looking to start is the cost—bikes, gear, events—it all adds up fast. Secondly, finding people you vibe with can be tricky if you’re not living in a big city. I’ve recently moved out of London and still yet to find a club that I think I’d feel comfortable joining. Luckily, some guys I met through CGC also live in Hertfordshire, and we can get rides together!
4. Why were you interested in contributing?In 2025, diversity and culture are still essential for growth, connection, and progress in every corner of society. Contributing was a no-brainer as I get to help impact diversity in a sport I love and became part of a group of like-minded people. I hope to inspire a new generation of cyclists and meet new people along the way.
5. Your fondest memory on the bike
I could easily list about 10 from my childhood, but the two I remember the most are riding laps of my grandparents' garden in Norfolk. There were two ponds, a hairpin turn, and some chicanes to navigate, but endless hours of fun. (My two brothers and I ended up in the pond at one point.) The second would be riding around a forest in Surrey/Hampshire called Alice Holt in my teens, going down gravel paths and lanes on a full-suspension MTB.
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