The Kid from the Palace
For many Wanderers, cycling is more than just a pastime—it’s a lifelong passion. Few embody this better than Bob Evans, a veteran of the club who has been riding, racing, and sharing his love of the sport for decades.
Bob’s journey began in south-east London, where riding a bike was simply the best way to get around. The thrill of riding faster than the next kid quickly turned into something more serious—joining a cycling club, working in a bike shop, and eventually racing at Crystal Palace and Brands Hatch. He was on a solid trajectory in competitive cycling, but as Bob puts it, he then discovered sex, drugs, and rock and roll—too much of the last two and not enough of the first—and took a step back from the sport for a while.
But cycling was never far away. Over the years, Bob has racked up countless miles, both in the UK and abroad. His longest ride in recent memory was over 210km in the Dolomites as part of a Gran Fondo Pinarello. But it’s a 160km, 4,200m climbing day in Gran Canaria that stands out most. “The legs were a teeny bit tired after that,” Bob admits, but the post-ride beers have never tasted so good.
Though his training volume has changed over the years—once logging 400km a week, now closer to 150km (with a fair share of Zwift in winter)—his passion remains undiminished. His favourite bike? Always the latest one. And while he has fond memories of the steel beasts of the 1960s, he’s more than happy with the fast, light, and comfortable machines of today.
At 77, Bob’s biggest achievement isn’t just the races he’s won—it’s that he’s still riding. That said, a Bronze medal in the World Masters Games road race is something to be proud of!
Ask him for his favourite local road, and he’ll pick the scenic stretch from Wilmington to Cadence Café, a road that offers stunning views and a perfect ride. But perhaps more telling is his other choice—the last 500 metres before his house after a long ride. Because, after decades on the bike, it’s clear that for Bob, the joy of cycling has always been about the ride itself, the challenge, and the simple pleasure of getting home after another day in the saddle.
Long may it continue! 🚴♂️