Tell us a little about yourself?
Hi, I'm Aaron from London and in 2017 started a small company of electricians using ecargo bikes called “Cycling Sparks” We were based in South East London but have just moved to Waterloo which is massive for us as a business.
How and when did you get into riding?
I got into riding just because I was late for work. I was working on a site in an annoying part of town to get to and a mate said to get a bike. I had just been diagnosed with a heart issue so figured, ok I’ll give it a go. I hadn’t ridden a bike since I was a kid at that point so I was a bit unsure, but I gave it a go and after about 10 minutes I was sold!
What are the best and worst things about riding?
Best thing is the freedom to move through your city unhindered and at your own pace. Worst thing is bike theft. The feeling of leaving your bike somewhere on a night out and that it might not be there when you get back. Weather comes and go, you just learn to deal with it.
Tell us about your most memorable ride to date?
Most memorable was riding one of the ecargo bikes to Bristol from London. I had never done anything like that before. It took 2 days during a heatwave. The seat broke halfway though and had to tape it back up with electrical tape and kept going. Because of the heat I was setting off at 5am and on the second day I was somewhere over west when I started, a load of hot air balloons had set off to Bristol for the Balloon festival whist I had Joni Mitchel’s “Refuge of the Roads” blasting out of my speaker.
What’s the best piece of riding advice you’ve ever been given?
Don’t ride in the gutter. I rode for years thinking I had to be as far over left at all times to be safe. I got some free lessons after a couple of years and it taught me how dangerous it is to do that. All the time.
How do you keep your bikes secure at home and on the go?
I have a X1 for my regular bike and now an X1 plus for the ecargo. You still have to be cautious about locking up but the piece of mind the locks give you is brilliant .
Share your best tips to help others keep their bikes safe?
Check the thing your locking it to isn’t damaged, don’t use a stand that's down a quiet street.
When someone asks what kit you recommend, you say?
My rule is so long as my feet and hands are dry and warm, you can pretty much get through anything, so good gloves and socks/shoes
What’s on your riding bucket list?
A ride though holland, the infrastructure looks incredible and there are some beautiful rides.
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