meet the committee
Werdah Hussain - Chairperson &
People of Colour Champion
What's your favourite type of riding?
I enjoy dabbling in a few different types - last year I got a TT bike as I love triathlon, and I'm now getting into gravel which is so much fun and I feel like a beginner again! But I think road will always be my favourite.
What’s your dream ride?
My parents are from Pakistan, so I would absolutely love to ride tip to toe - through all provinces, discovering the history, culture, and local delicacies.
Gary Boyd - Secretary
What’s your favourite type of riding?Three really - timetrialling at 25, 50 and 100 mile distances is always fun but love a lengthy Audax too but probably just touring, sleeping in a bus shelter, a bivvy bag and just seeing things from the side of the road.
...and despite being fat I love the challenge of a good long climb because what goes up must eventually come down much quicker!
Mike Mooney - Directeur Sportif
Stephen McKee - Ride Coordinator &
LGBTQ+ Champion
What would be your dream trip?
My dream trip would be cycling The Friendship Highway in China
Ollie Daw - Treasurer
What are your summer riding plans?
I am racing in the upcoming MAAP Beastway Summer Cyclocross at Herne Hill (everyone should do this, it is so much fun). I am riding the Dunwich Dynamo, and I have tentative plans to spend a week in the Netherlands cycling and sightseeing. I also might do a non stop ride from Llandudno to Bristol
Andy Donohoe - Membership Secretary
What’s your favourite ride of all time?
Has to be The Maratona Sportive in the Dolomites - 7 mountain passes and breathtaking scenery
What’s your dream ride?
It changes all the time but currently the Old Chalk Way - from the South coast of the UK to the East coast, mostly off road
Alex Booker - Social Secretary
I’m relatively new to HVCC, as I only joined in December 2021, but already I’ve cycled more than ever on so many fun rides!
Making new friends has been such a thrill, especially whilst exploring the Essex countryside and Kent hills. With this all mind I felt inspired to get involved in our club community - expect film nights, pop up events and a big summer bbq. As a printmaker and workshop teacher, I’d love for put on a Christmas workshop to celebrate the festivities.
Andy Buckwell - Race Captain
I want to encourage more members to try out and take up racing, see the team grow, to build on successes and have a lot of fun riding bikes.
What’s your favourite type of riding?
I love racing but it is just another way to spend quality time on the bike with friends. So my favourite ride is any spin with good conversation and some challenge!
Cecilia Boz - Welfare Officer & Women’s Champion
Why did you want to join the committee?
I started cycling 5 years ago and want to help encourage as many women as possible to enjoy it as well so decided to get involved!
Have you got any big summer riding plans?
I am planning a couple multi-day trips on the bike this summer (just finished the Badger Divide in Scotland!) and want to explore England a bit more since I’m pretty new here!
Robbie de Santos - Welfare Officer
What does your role entail?
My role includes trying to make the club as inclusive as possible, making sure we have good policies in place to look after everyone, and responding to welfare issues.
Why do you love riding?
I ride because I find it totally freeing. To make adventures happen with my own little legs! It's the perfect way of unwinding from the intensity of life, and just allowing my mind to wander or to focus on the beautiful scenery. I love chatting with all the different people with diverse lives and perspectives we have in the club.
Nicolas Laurent - Special Rides Coordinator
Tell us about your role
There’s a lot I’m still discovering about cycling and I wanted to share my curiosity with others through organising a different set of routes from our usual weekend rides; this includes replicating famous races, pushing our own boundaries, and discovering our local areas. Special rides also has the potential to bring together members who might not normally ride together, enjoy each other’s company and share ideas and learn from one another.
What’s your favourite ride of all time?
My first sportive and first time riding 200km when I rode the first stage of the Tour de France in 2019 in Belgium for Prostate Cancer in memory of my uncle. Then as a close second, every club ride in the company of our members, all brilliant