Where Are They Now?

Ron — still riding, still coming back

Riding with CSD since 2011

For Ron, a good ride should include coffee and cake. Based in Melbourne, the 84-year-old still gets out around three times a week, usually covering 40 kilometres on his gravel bike, and organises his own riding group.

Ron discovered CSD through his son, Nick, and has ridden with the group since 2011. His first ride left two lasting impressions: the quiet roads and spotting HH Sheikh Mohammed on the return leg. He’s kept coming back for the friendly faces, coffee rides and Spinneys Dubai 92.

His cycling adventures include riding the El Camino and, at university, crossing the English Channel with a mate on a tandem called ToTo, accompanied by a tugboat.

His goal now is simple: keep going. And his advice for anyone joining CSD? Know your ability, give yourself time to improve and don’t feel rushed to keep up.

Amanda Grose — from Al Qudra to the South Downs

Riding with CSD 2013–2023

Amanda Grose’s first CSD ride ended with the rest of the day on the sofa. A few laps of Dubai’s old camel track had left her and her husband thinking they were fit—until a stranger pointed them towards CSD at Al Qudra.

Nic and Stu’s welcome kept them coming back. During a decade with CSD, Amanda found friendship, fun and a reason to get out of bed at weekends. Spinneys Dubai 92 and rides to Jebel Jais remain favourite memories.

Now based in Eastbourne, Amanda has retired from corporate life and runs a coaching practice. She still rides, though less often, with the local Rovers Cycling Club. The beautiful, hilly South Downs are her favourite place to ride.

Her CSD lessons are simple: safety first, use hand signals, support newcomers—and remember cycling should be fun. Her advice to anyone considering joining? Go for it. There’s a community for all levels.

Erik — fast rides and lasting friendships

Riding with CSD 2009–2011

Erik’s first CSD ride was fast and fun—and the friendships have lasted. A cyclist since the age of 15, he joined in the early days through Ed Menzies and Stewart Howison.

Big club rides and nights racing around the track remain favourite memories. So does the first Spinneys Dubai 92, though his hopes of a top-three finish ended with a cone and a trip over the handlebars. His friends still tease him about it.

Finishing the 2012 ABSA Cape Epic with Ed, representing CSD and Revolution Cycles Dubai, remains a proud achievement.

Now in Plettenberg Bay, South Africa, Erik owns a motorbike store specialising in hard enduro and adventure bikes. He’s returned to cycling after two years away, with the Harkerville trails a favourite and a Trans Alps ride on his wish list.

His advice to today’s CSD riders? “Go hard and ride the wheels off it.”