Meet the Member, talented Junior rider Joe Thorp
Joe is one of our talented and enthusiastic young members. Twelve months ago Joe joined the HUUB Ribble Performance Academy to race as a Junior after getting top results representing Macclesfield Wheelers as a youth and still rides with the club as a second claim member.
What was your first proper bike?
The bike I learned to ride bikes on was a little thing with stabilisers on it that my mum and dad bought me for my 2nd or 3rd birthday. Some hairy biker type used to ride around on a Harley Davidson and all the kids on the estate followed him on their bikes, that’s how I learned. I still have that bike in my grandma’s shed, she keeps threatening to give it to scrap-men but I’ve condemned her for even thinking about it.
My first proper bike was a Muddyfox MTB I got when I lived at mums near Bradford, I remember it getting stolen by a lad on the estate, and I didn’t want to tell my mum so me and my mate stole it back 😂.
How long have you been a Macc Wheeler?
Since Summer 2015 I think. We knew the Rowson’s from cross and then we got into MW that way. It’s the best thing I did, cycling-wise.
Do you have a special race or other cycling event?
The wheeler’s Supacross is always close to my heart, but I must say the biggest buzz or excitement I get is from town/city centre crits like Otley and Sheffield. Especially as I get older, because the races are later meaning all the pissed-up people are coming out of the pubs and the atmosphere is immense.
Have you any cycling goals for 2021 ?
I’m not sure really because it’s all so uncertain at the moment, but I’d like to move my way up with Junior National ranks if possible, and get some good miles in with mates if it’s allowed.
What does cycling mean to you?
Everything really. It’s a way out from the bad stuff and it’s a way into the good stuff. The people I’ve met, particularly in the Wheelers, have made it so much better and they know who they are.
Do you have any top tips for other cyclists?
None that people would want to take from me 😂. It’s not really a tip but I’d say enjoy it. If you start to not enjoy it, have a few days off and you’ll realise how much you miss it. Other than that, I’d say don’t get too involved in the money and science side of it unless you ‘need’ to, just enjoy pedalling the bike.
Thank you very much 😊. Joe
Frustratingly Joe's first year as a junior with his new team was completely spoilt by the pandemic but expect to hear about his exploits when road and cross racing starts again.