My other life: Andy Baldwin, cyclist

How did your interest in cycling start?

I’ve been cycling ever since I can remember my dad taking the stabilisers off my first bike as a child. I’m lucky enough to have lived on the borders of Shropshire growing up, so have always had really good cycle literally on my doorstep. I’ve participated in a number of different mountain bike disciplines to now and I also did a bit of road cycling in my 20s, but that was more than 10 years ago.

What’s next?

I signed up for Velo Birmingham, deciding to raise funds for the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham Charity. The inaugural event is being held on 24 September, which starts and ends in Birmingham city centre, taking us along a 100 mile route of closed roads. A 100-mile ride is a huge milestone and is seen as the cyclist’s equivalent to a marathon, so it’s going to be tough.

How did you build up your skills?

I really struggled to motivate myself to ride any further than 25 miles on my own, so I joined a local club to help and also to enjoy the social side of cycling. In my first ride out with them, I managed 50 miles and I’m currently up to 65 miles with their help.

How has the experience changed you?

The training has given me a real positive focus and outlook, as well as having a significant impact on my general fitness. But most importantly, it’s given me the opportunity to give something back by raising funds for the QE charity.

Any crossover between cycling and your insurance day job?

Considering risk is one, I’d forgotten just how unforgiving car drivers are with cyclists on the road, and avoiding potholes is a sport of its own. In all seriousness, there isn’t really much of a crossover. It is however a great opportunity to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city into the countryside, visit new places and take in some spectacular views.

You can sponsor Andy’s ride on Just Giving.