Meet the Members, Jochen Fischer
Understandably we've not seen much of Jochen during the pandemic but anyone who follows him on strava will know he's been clocking up more and more the miles and when he did manage to get out on a training ride last December was as strong as ever.
What was your first proper bike?
My first proper bike was a Peugeot, I must have been about 12 years old. Steel frame that was twisting like hell but i loved the bike.
How long have you been a Macc Wheeler?
Ive been a Macc Wheeler for just over 3 (??) years now. I joined to help keeping up with the winter training and also to meet other riders and get to know other areas. Joining the club also helped me to ride longer distances.
Can you tell us about your most memorable club ride?
Most memorable club ride?? That must have been my first one. I tried joining the Saturday morning Lark Ride. Thanks to not knowing my way around South Park I was late and missed the start. I tried working out where the ride went along a set off in wild pursuit until finally realising that I had gone anticlockwise instead of clockwise. I then tried to intercept the group at another place but failed and ended up doing my own ride. A week later Chris Cottom told me that I hadn't missed much since on that ride unfortunately a club member collapsed and sadly passed away. I'm glad to say all other rides have been much more cheerful since!
What are your cycling goals for 2021 ?
I was toying with the idea of doing some Audax routes, but have now changed plans and I'm putting all efforts into a charity bike ride in memory of a scrub nurse I worked closely with and who sadly died from Covid 4 weeks ago. Weather permitting I will ride from Prestbury to Anglesey and back on the 1st of May, 215 miles in total. I've borrowed and adapted an Audax route for that. For someone who has never ridden more than 80 miles until the 1st lockdown it's big undertaking. Training is going well so far.
Have you a favourite ride, route or climb?
Up brickworks, kettleshulme, windgather rocks, goyt valley and back down via cat & fiddle, rainow, kerridge. never fails do deliver no matter whether it's sunny or a blizzard.
Let’s hope the weather is kind to Jochen on Mayday for his fundraiser. It’s an ambitious distance and we wish him well. Here’s a link to Jochen’s justgiving page which includes his very good reasons for making the effort.
https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/jane-barnsley?utm_term=R699WMb4X