Introducing: Robin Hutchinson

Welcome to CCC Introduces, our series spotlighting the incredible contributors who give their time and energy to Cycling Culture Club.

Today we head to Suffolk, meeting Robin Hutchinson. Adventure cyclist, advocate for mindful riding, and someone who once raced round a Ugandan garden on a red and yellow stepthrough with his older brother. Robin has spent the last decade taking every opportunity the bike will give him, from drop rides in the Surrey Hills to riding from Ethiopia to South Africa.

Follow Robin on Instagram: @robinonabike

Words: Robin Hutchinson

Tell us about yourself

I am Robin Hutchinson, a Suffolk based adventure cyclist. I have spent the last 10 years of my life taking any opportunity I can to get out on my bike. I have been challenging myself with rides for the last few years, slowly expanding my mileage and the challenge of the trip or ride. I remain an advocate of the idea that any riding is good riding, and I sometimes ride tall bikes and pre-war bikes in order to slow down and cycle mindfully, enjoying the mechanical marvel of the bike.

What do you love about cycling?

Cycling for me has always opened doors. Riding a bicycle can make the mundane exciting and create an adventure out of every journey, however small. It has allowed me to build community, the people I choose to spend time with, but also it has made me part of a wider unconditional group also known as cyclists. I love the cycling community. The fact that there are people all over the world with similar interests and passions gives me a desire to meet them, have conversations, adventures and connect.

The bike itself has helped me learn mechanics, work in industry and travel across countries and continents. Through cycling I have gained a feeling that nothing else has been able to offer me to the same extent. A feeling of accomplishment, a craving for more and a desire to explore the unknown.

What barriers have you faced in cycling?

In my first few years as a cyclist I was riding old worn out bikes which at the time felt like a huge challenge, however looking back I almost miss the simplicity of those years as it was purely about the riding, A to B. I suppose what I am getting at here is that cycling can be an expensive sport, and whilst you don't need the best equipment to enjoy yourself, once you are riding at a certain level, equipment can be very helpful and sometimes necessary.

Why were you interested in contributing?

I have often cycled with groups and clubs who feel somewhat impenetrable, fast group rides round Richmond, drop rides out in the Surrey Hills and everything in between. One thing that has always stayed with me is the groups where people took the time to actually chat bikes, share stories, experiences, encourage one another and enjoy it. In reflection to these experiences, the way I have been cycling in the last few years is very open and friendly. I would love for someone to cycle up next to me and say hey, I am also part of CCC, let's ride together.

Through my years of life and cycling it has also been beneficial for me to see riders such as Biniam Girmay and teams like Amani place black cyclists on the map, and in some small way I would love to be the change I want to see.

If you're comfortable, tell us about your personal experience of diversity in cycling

In my first few years as a cyclist I was riding primarily with white middle-aged men, which has its perks, a strong wheel to hold on to and plenty of knowledge to be shared. However there is something to be said for diversity, and a plethora of contributors to one pot often makes it that bit more exciting and appealing. I cycled with Together We Ride a few times while I was living in London as well as attending a few Black-focused events at Herne Hill, which introduced me to some Black riders and was fantastic.

We are a species who lead by example and learn from others. It is a shame that racial divisions exist, but they do, therefore it is crucial to have people of all ethnic backgrounds represented in all walks of life.

Your fondest memory on the bike

I have spent so much time riding bikes over the years that there are so many happy memories. The moments I love most are periods of absolute carefree simple joy. They come every once in a while and as far as I can tell it happens when I am able to let go of everything and just ride freely. It doesn't necessarily require a grand view or ride, just a childish freedom away from the chaos of modern life. Earlier this year I completed a ride from Ethiopia to South Africa, and this trip was filled with these intense moments of joy and complete freedom.

Where are you from: I spent my early years in Uganda, a place where bicycles are a real tool, seen every day as a mode of transport and a means of carrying goods, often piled high with charcoal, bananas or water tanks. I got my first bicycle when I was around four and cycled it round and round the garden with my older brother in toddler time trials. It was a red and yellow stepthrough with a pedal back brake, if anyone sees it I want it back! We moved to London and then on to Suffolk when I was 12, where I rediscovered cycling.

Where do you live: Sunny Suffolk. A place with a large cycling community, great roads, great gravel and fantastic cafes everywhere, but no hills. I appreciate my surroundings every day. I am lucky enough to live somewhere I can leave the house and get straight into a forest or a field. There is an abundance of wildlife and what feels like absolute freedom.

Are you part of a club/team: I have recently joined a group of misfit cyclists in Suffolk called New Street Market Cycle Club. We are a group of all ages and abilities who enjoy a ride each week starting and finishing at a pub. It is not a purists club and that's why I have been loving it. It's focused on a shared love of riding bikes and having a chat, something which I think is missing in many clubs I have cycled in. A lot of my touring in recent years has been spent with friends and strangers, and through this I now have a catalogue of great people who have equally wild ideas and would come on an adventure at the drop of a hat.