Musician Lloyd Cole, renowned as the frontman for 80s band Lloyd Cole and the Commotions and for his successful solo career, shares his profound connection to cycling. This feature delves into his personal journey with bicycles, from his initial reluctance to ride as a child due to safety concerns in his hometown, Chapel-en-le-Frith, to becoming a dedicated cyclist later in life. Cole's story is one of discovering an unexpected passion that not only provides physical exercise but also significantly contributes to his mental health, offering an enjoyable alternative to traditional gym workouts.
Cole’s cycling adventure began about nine years ago, sparked by the proximity of a bike path to his home. He initially started with a modest three-speed bicycle, gradually upgrading to an eight-speed as his enthusiasm grew. He humorously recounts his early struggles with coordination, admitting he still can't ride without hands on the handlebars, a testament to his unique spatial awareness challenges. This led him to seek out a specialized bike with an internal hub gear system, believing it would be easier to manage than conventional racing bikes. He acquired a Mercian bike equipped with a Rohloff hub via eBay, a decision that marked a turning point in his cycling progression. Despite his initial reservations, he eventually mastered multi-handed gear shifting, opening up new possibilities for his riding.
For Cole, cycling represents more than just a hobby; it’s a vital aspect of his life. He cherishes the feeling of self-propulsion and the environmental benefit of not burning fossil fuels. The sport offers an exhilarating escape and a tangible way to set and achieve goals. A memorable milestone was completing his first imperial century ride, a challenging 100-mile loop, which he accomplished by repeatedly traversing a bike path. This achievement underscored his growing confidence and commitment to cycling, making him feel physically and mentally stronger, to the extent that he ponders his well-being without it.
Cole discusses his current bicycle collection and his reliance on a local mechanic for maintenance, humorously noting his lack of mechanical prowess despite owning several bikes. His primary ride is a Parlee Chebacco, chosen for its versatility on both road and gravel, though he confesses a strong preference for paved surfaces over the instability of gravel. He even sent his Chebacco for a custom British racing green repaint, reflecting his personal touch and deep engagement with the cycling world. Additionally, he owns a Shand Stoater, kept in the UK, which he describes as 'awesome,' though he humorously regrets its conspicuous gold color due to concerns about bike theft.
Living in Massachusetts, Cole faces harsh winters that preclude outdoor cycling. During these months, his Wattbike becomes his essential companion, allowing him to maintain fitness and passion indoors. He recounts a recent 'post-season' session where he felt a resurgence of his previous year's speed, a welcome return after a period of touring that temporarily interrupted his riding routine. Despite his love for climbing, Cole admits a fear of high-speed descents, preferring rolling roads with moderate gradients. He finds particular joy in riding with friends, whether near Oxford, in Portugal, or on his local circuits, valuing the camaraderie as much as the ride itself. His ideal routes often involve two to seven percent gradients, allowing for engaging climbs without the apprehension of steep downhills. His enthusiasm extends to virtual cycling platforms like Zwift, where he enjoys the varied terrain of Scottish routes, though he playfully critiques fellow club riders for not optimizing descents to gain momentum for climbs.
Lloyd Cole's journey illustrates how cycling can transform lives, offering not just a physical outlet but also a path to mental well-being, goal achievement, and a vibrant community connection. From overcoming childhood fears and coordination challenges to embracing specialized equipment and virtual training, his story is a testament to the enduring appeal and profound impact of the bicycle.