On yer bike, says Mamraz, encouraging people to take up cycling

As an avid cyclist, he has been riding around on various mountain bikes for the past 15 years, but decided to purchase a road bike in August, 2020.

Up until 2020, his competitive cycling would have been restricted to the occasional orienteering mountain bike event, or as a means to keep his running fitness ticking over during periods of injury.

What got you into cycling?

After living in England for a number of years, [me and my family] relocated back to Fermanagh in 2007 and settled amongst the beautiful hills of Boho, where we built our home.

I’m an environmentalist at heart, so rather than buying a second car I cycled to and from work in Enniskillen each day.

The 16 miles a day was quite fun and was actually decent training as I was dabbling in long-running events at that time – it was during that period I won the inaugural Lakeland Warrior 50k run.

As strange as it sounds, just surviving in the winter weather commute brought me great enjoyment, and I’d end up racing out the Boho Road trying to make it home before my wife did!

In 2013, we moved to Australia, and despite shipping my mountain bike along with the rest of our belongings out there, I used it just once.

In addition to that, I ceased all physical exercise and put a decent three stone of weight on, and that’s how things remained until four years ago!

I decided enough was enough, and with my three kids being a decent age, started on a three-year plan to ease myself back into action.

I absolutely love training and can generally run until the cows come home, but with that trait comes over-training and the inevitable running injury setbacks, hence the road bike purchase in 2020 to help alleviate recurring injuries and my overindulgence in running.

What do you enjoy most about the sport?

First and foremost, I’m a huge professional cycling fan. I’ve been watching the Tour De France and Giro D’Italia since I was 15 years old.

I could watch it on TV all day, especially the mountain stages.

There is something majestic in the suffering that the athletes can put themselves through, and I’ve nothing but admiration for cyclists such as Jens Voight.

Last year was my first year of competitive cycling with Lakeland Cycle Club, and that was a complete baptism of fire!

The race was on the circuit around Florencecourt, and when we departed the starting line it was like somebody forgot to tell me that Kenny Boylan had robbed the local post office and we were the getaway transport!

It was ‘flat to the mat’, and a case of “Hold on to your hats – this is going to be fast”.

I believe it was on the third circuit of four that a tractor was on the road and our group went flying past it downhill.

The absolute lung-burning speed was exhilarating, and it was from that moment I was hooked on racing.

What is the hardest aspect of cycling?

I’d have to say the Fermanagh weather is a challenge sometimes, as are the risks that some drivers are willing to take too when sharing the space on roads.

Enniskillen town should be handy to cycle around, but it is completely ill-equipped for cycling.

When I take my kids into town, there are no cycle lanes whatsoever, despite the huge sums spent on the town centre upgrade, and there are still high kerbs, which make riding tricky.

At a time when we should be encouraging children to get outside and exercise, town planning can make that difficult.

I’ve had far too many close calls on the road, and for that reason I bought myself an indoor trainer last autumn which I now use in my garage.

What does your typical week look like in terms of training for cycling?

It’s a 6am start, which might sound early but that’s a normal waking time in the Nagi household anyway. I train in my garage, Tuesday to Friday, from 6 to 7 am or 7.30am if the session requires it.

Monday is an off day and I do a long cycle on Sundays.

I run every evening too alongside my wife and kids, who cycle beside me.

It’s a great way to chat with the kids about school and all the goings-on in their lives, and my wife and I can chat away when the kids bomb ahead down the road.

Are there any favourite cycle routes you have completed or would like to complete?

The Nagi family are heading off to their first Tour De France this summer and we’ll be staying at the very foot of one of the iconic cycling climbs – The Alpe d’heuz.

We’ll be on the climb for Stage 12 of the Tour, so that will be a dream come true.

Even better is that I’ll be able to cycle up every day on my morning spin!

All the Nagis cycle and the holiday bikes are already booked, so it’ll be good craic to see how far the kids get up the climb – I can’t wait to hear. “I need a push, daddy!”

What advice would give you to someone starting off in cycling?

Don’t worry about the bike – just get to a decent bike shop where you can get proper advice.

The most important thing is to have a bike you are comfortable on, and one that will entice you to get out the door.

Secondly, invest in good cycle clothing to protect yourself from the elements. There are now windproof and waterproof garments that will keep you comfortable on your bike, and make the experience much more enjoyable.

Much the same as cars, bikes have gears, so learn how to use them – it should never be a slog to get up a hill.

Always buy last season’s or older clothing, or bike – don’t let a new colour scheme be the reason you part with your hard-earned money.

Lastly, use your bike to go and explore your local area. The elevated riding position on a bike allows you to see over hedgerows to take in viewpoints that driving in a car doesn’t afford you.

If you get up early, you’ll see all kinds of wildlife, and you’ll be able to open your senses to the wonderful sights, smell and sounds that Fermanagh can offer.

Don’t be afraid to stop and watch a squirrel bound up a tree, a fox or even a deer disappear into the undergrowth, or to take time to marvel at the morning light scattering across the fields.

It’s all there for the taking if you want it.

Are you a cycling enthusiast? Would you like to help share some of the best routes in the area, or simply like to share insights about your own cycling motivations and experiences? Contact ciaran.flaherty@impartialreporter.com.