A local dad is starting a small cycling project called From Rusty to Riding and the first session will take place in Bushy Park next month.

Angus Effemey, who lives in the Molesey/Hampton Court area, works in fitness and manages a local indoor cycling studio.

Speaking about his project, Effemey told Nub News: "The idea is very simple: it's for adults who have a bike sitting in the garage but don't feel confident enough to use it properly.

"Maybe they haven't ridden for years, feel nervous on the roads, or just don't fancy joining a full-on cycling club.

"The first ride will be a relaxed confidence-building session around Bushy Park, the trail paths and the Barge Walk between Hampton Court and Kingston.

"Nothing fast, no racing, no one getting left behind — just a steady ride using quieter routes where possible, with a social stop at the end for a drink at a café or pub.

"I'm trying to make cycling feel more accessible for normal local people, especially those who like the idea of using their bike more but don't know how to get started again."

Effemey first got into cycling after an injury meant that he could no longer run the way he used to.

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He said: "I've done the endurance/Ironman side of things, but over time cycling became much more than training. It became transport, family life and a huge part of how I get around.



Effemey's three children are also into cycling (Image supplied)

"I've got all three of my children into cycling, and we commute to and from school by bike most days. Before they were old enough or confident enough to ride properly, I used a bike trailer/buggy so cycling could still be part of normal family life.

"That's where From Rusty to Riding comes from."

Effemey continued: "Longer term, I'd love From Rusty to Riding to help people build enough confidence to take part in bigger social rides, including my Pedals & Pints event from Shalford/Guildford to Brighton later in the summer."

The first From Rusty to Riding session will take place at 6pm on Monday, 6 July at Bushy Park, and tickets cost £10.

Book onto the class here.