Paris for Lunch?

David Beale has had a bike for as long as he can remember—whether for getting around, competing at the highest levels, or simply enjoying the freedom of the open road.

Like many athletes, his journey to cycling came via another sport. After 12 attempts at breaking the elusive three-hour mark in the London Marathon, David shifted his focus to triathlon, eventually representing Team GB’s age group squad at races in Edmonton and London.

Running soon became a chore, but cycling? That remained a joy. Unlike pounding the pavement, David found that, even after long rides, he didn’t ache all over.

And long rides have certainly featured in his cycling career. Among his most memorable are his jaunts to Paris: the midnight ferry to Dieppe, a 4 am start, and a ride to Paris in time for lunch, before cycling another 125 miles back to prepare for the journey home. One year, accompanied by the late John Mankalow and his daughter Katie, things didn’t go quite to plan—lost on the outskirts of Paris, a failing Garmin, rain setting in, darkness falling, it turned into a 170 mile odyssey and remains David’s toughest cycling experience.

His bike collection reflects his lifelong passion: a classic Principia, a Specialized Transition, an Orro and now, an Orbea e-bike, which helps ensure he gets home on those tougher days. As for his favourite local rides, Ashdown Forest is the go-to when the weather allows, with 100km outings still within his range.

But after years of experience on the roads, David knows that cycling isn’t just about performance—it’s about safety. The recent tragic loss of Chris Hough is a stark reminder of the risks cyclists face. David’s advice to Wanderers is simple: control the controllables.

🚴 Never ride when it’s icy, wet, misty, or dark—potholes are hard to see.
💡 Always have bright lights—make sure you’re visible.
👥 Ride with a friend if possible—there’s safety in numbers.
👕 Wear bright clothing, ideally a Wanderers jersey—being seen can save lives.