Meet Carrie, one of our UK cycling guides. A keen runner and lover of the outdoors who enjoys pushing herself physically, she discovered a love of cycling at a young age that has taken her across the UK and around the world. Becoming a cycling guide was her perfect match, and four years on with Skedaddle she absolutely loves it! Read on as we catch up with Carrie for a little Q&A…
Tell us a little bit about yourself and where you’re from…
I spent my childhood in Coventry and stayed there until 1995 when I moved to South Wales to marry a lovely Welshman. It’s an absolute fact that you can’t get a Welshman out of Wales!
Having not coming from a particularly sporting family, from a very early age I loved any kind of sport, especially if it was outdoors. I would try my hand at anything and the greater the effort, the more I enjoyed it! I involved myself with many different types of sport which I fitted in around my love of running. I’ve competed all over the country as a short distance runner and then later as a fell runner.
What got you passionate about cycling?
When I was around 7 years old my Mum and Dad bought my sister and I a red Raleigh bike as a Christmas present. The downside was… it was a joint present. However, it very quickly became apparent that my sister was not remotely interested in riding a bike and by Christmas afternoon it was mine! I loved this bike and cycled everywhere on it. The combination of fresh air, exercise and complete freedom had me hooked and that feeling has never changed. I’ve cycled all over the UK, parts of Europe, Canada, USA, Vietnam and this year I’m off to Sri Lanka. Without doubt, a bike is the best way to see the world.
What’s your history with Skedaddle?
I knew of Saddle Skedaddle as a few of my friends had been on UK and Europe trips with them. In 2021 two friends suggested that perhaps I should consider becoming a cycle guide! I’d never considered being a guide but the more I thought about it, the more it appealed and I started to feel that perhaps I might be a ‘good fit’ given my background and experience. In 2022 I contacted Skedaddle and happily 4 years later I’m still here.
My first trip was to the Outer Hebrides. A fantastic trip but as a new guide I was completely overwhelmed and questioned whether I would ever get my head around all the detail of running a successful trip! It was a great introduction to guiding but I’m not sure I felt that at the time! Looking back now, though, it was the perfect starting point. The more tours I guide the more I realise how rewarding guiding really is.
What is your favourite trip?
My favourite trip to guide is the Caledonia Way because of the variety of scenery, terrain and just the sheer beauty of the area. I love the route from Fort William to Fort Augustus which is a mixture of riding along the Caledonia Canal towpath, then through the forest tracks, finishing along the canal locks with views of Loch Ness.
What’s your favourite Skedaddle memory?
I have so many good memories of guiding trips with Skedaddle and usually I find that it’s the people on the trip who make the job so worthwhile. There is nothing better than seeing people grow in confidence and achieve more than they ever thought possible.
What’s your favourite power snack and why?
I’ve cycled quite a few long-distance trips such as ‘Wales in a Day’, the ‘Mallorca 312km’ sportive and the ‘Circumference of Wales’. With this type of distances, food and nutrition always forms a big part of the planning. My favourite power snack is a date and cranberry flapjack, and I definitely consume more calories than I burn!
What’s your top packing essentials for a cycling holiday?
On any cycling trip or day ride I always carry a light windproof jacket. If the temperature drops or you’re off the bike because of a mechanical, it’s an extra layer to keep you warm. When I’m on my road bike, I’m never without my V2 Tyrekey as it makes tyre removal and fitting so much easier. Most importantly it preserves my thumbs!
Tell us something about you we might not know…
Cycle guiding is now my third career! I spent 16 years as a Police Officer and then a further 13 years as a Development Manager working with programme-makers for BBC Wales. I’ve never worked for two organisations that were more diverse and I loved both of my jobs for different reasons. When I left the BBC, I never thought I would work again, other than perhaps in a voluntary capacity. The opportunity to work for Skedaddle came at the right time and was a breath of fresh air. I have no hesitation in saying that this has been the best job so far!
Want to know more about our amazing guides? Check out our meet the team section on the blog to get to know our team a little bit better and for more expert advice on all things cycling!