My name is Kevin Mayne.
Why am I blogging?
For 14 years I was Chief Executive of CTC, the UK’s national cyclists’ organisation.
In 2012 I left CTC to join the European Cyclists’ Federation (ECF) as Director of Development based in their Brussels office.
Cycling has been an ever-present theme throughout my life as commuter, racer, tourist, mountain biker – call it what you will. In 1998 the CTC Council allowed me a unique opportunity to combine this life with my professional passion which is organisations and and the people that make them tick.
In my new role I am having the chance to bring these twin threads together even more. One of my major projects is to try and support vibrant and sustainable cyclists’ organisations in every country.
And as I travel about helping them I hope to have a bit of an insight into cycling culture, places and people. That is a special opportunity that I hope I can share, along with the pleasure of so many new places.
And I suppose it will also reflect the feedback I have had over the years from within cycling. Whenever I cycle with people we bond and we build relationships – the camaderie of the wheel.
Disclaimer, health warning, policy stuff
This is a personal project. I’m doing it in my own time to share some of the enjoyment I get from cycling, or indeed from anything else that pops into my head. So I am totally allowed to go off message and into areas I like.
I’m also not aiming to earn any money, strictly for fun. (Exception for the odd personal sale)
That means I won’t be blogging officially about policy stuff, or campaigning, or anything that crosses over into the day job with ECF. Ok, I’ve got a unique opportunity because my day job is cycling, but if you want to engage me on ECF or policy issues please don’t do it through the blog, contact me in Brussels.
Thanks.
The other stuff
I’m in my early 50s.
From November 2012 I live in the commune of Lasne, Brabant-Wallon, Belgium. I moved there from Berkshire England where I lived for the past ten years.
I grew up largely in Bungay, Suffolk, England which I regard as my home town and its where my parents still live.
What an amazing career you have , nice blogs especially on Beryl Burton ,
Best of luck in the ECF.
Andy
Hi Kevin,
Really enjoyed reading your blog! Thought I’d drop you a line about our current project ‘The Adventures of Don Quixote by Bicycle’ It’s a theatre show where the performers and audience ride together. Promo film here; https://vimeo.com/42642213 . Further details here; http://www.burnthecurtain.co.uk . We’re currently looking for venues for next year- be great to hear any ideas you might have?
Keep up the good work- favourite bike related tune? This;
Joe BTC
Thanks for following Joe – I have been to your site and I love the concept.
I’m sure you would go down a storm at some of the bike festivals that are put on by the more cycling friendly towns. The idea of a sort of mummers group wandering their festival performing sounds too good to miss. I remember the bicycle ballet in Brighton or the cycling film festivals in Leicester in recent years.
I would love to have seen you one day at the York Cycle Show!
Hi Kevin,
I’ve been reading your blog a lot, and I love it. I have a question that I’m not sure you can help me with but I see that you travel with your bicycle on what looks like a regular basis. I am moving from the states to the UK, what kind of bag/container do you recomend for bringing my bike over?
This is my bike: http://www.linusbike.com/models/dutchi-3/ Leaving it home is not an option. Thanks for any advice you can give me on this.
~Emily
If you are moving long term just go to a local bike shop and ask them for an old box that they had for a delivery. You usually need to turn the handlebars and remove the pedals to fit such a box, but the shop might help. These boxes are taken by most airlines.
Within Europe I either use a folder on trains or I hire bikes at the destination, I got really fed up with the hassle of trying to look after my nice bikes in transit.
Thanks! I didn’ t even think about asking my local shop for a box. I appreciate your help with this.
Hi Kevin. Thanks for taking a few moments to stop by http://CyclingEurope.org . I thought I recognised the name and then I dug a little bit deeper to realise why
I don’t know if you’ve had the chance to read my book Good Vibrations: Crossing Europe on a Bike Called Reggie (I mention it quite a few times on my website and on Twitter – @CyclingEurope) but I’d love to send you a copy (either an eBook or paperback version) if you are interested in doing so. Your former colleague at CTC, Chris Peck, called it a ‘wonderful, witty account of a cycling tour across Europe; well worth a read’. I also note from above that your home is in Berkshire as well; we may well cross each other in the rain…
All I need for the book is either an email address or postal address. Perhaps some of your new colleagues might also fancy reading it; the ECF gets a few mentions as, of course, does the Eurovelo 5.
Cheers
Andrew
apsykes@hotmail.com
Thanks Andrew
I have been keeping an eye on your stuff through the blogosphere too, if you can convince Chris Peck then you have cracked the toughest of audiences!
I don’t solicit stuff, but I am sure that we at ECF should have your book around the office after the publicity you have given Euro-velo and I’d love to add it to my somewhat incomplete book reviews on this blog, so if you want to send us one send it to the Brussels office.
Best wishes.
Kevin
I love the quote by HG Wells that you have on your header. Says it all really, doesn’t it?
THANKS for visiting my “pun-ny” photoblog and leaving a “like.”
–John R.: http://TheDailyGraff.com
Thanks for stopping by and leading me back here. Best wishes in your new endeavours. You sound like the right guy for the job!
Thanks, you are very kind
Thanks for stopping by my little bike blog. Best wishes in the new year!
You are welcome. Always delighted to see someone getting such obvious pleasure from the world of cycling.