In conversation with Cat Green
Much like Simon, I also met Cat on our friend Jody’s ride. I met many cool people that day, and Cat was one of them. She had that free-spirited vibe and easygoing persona that I’m always drawn to. After that day, I learned Cat was about to ride to Greece solo, making me even more of a fan. Recently, Cat set up a Rufus Stone, so I thought it would be a great time to get a bit more background into Cat and how bikes have been a part of her life.
The first time we crossed paths was at Jody's charity ride in 2022, which is a great day riding for such a good dude. I remember showing up and being surprised by how many people were there and how many cool and different bikes. What was it that first got you into bikes?
That day was great, especially for meeting cool people with nice bikes. Well, I’m like most people. I started riding when I was a child to school and when I went out with friends. This carried on into my late teens and early adulthood. I think living in a small seaside town really facilitated cycling. It’s flat and it’s easy to convince friends to ride to the beach for an ice cream, even now. Of course, there’d be the odd job I’d commute to by bike. But cycling is a social thing for me.
It seems like Portsmouth has a pretty good bike scene, which also seems to cross paths with the skate scene there a little bit. What or why do you think that scene grew there?
It does have a great cycling scene and skating scene. I think we’re very lucky to have access to lots of space to do both. It’s hard to think of the Portsmouth skate scene and not mention The Red on Southsea Promenade, South Skate Park, or Pitt St Skate Park. Having these spaces and keeping them can be tricky, I often see skate parks left to rot, so we’ve got to praise the individuals who keep these spaces going and everyone who uses them, who keeps them alive.
Sadly The Red has torn out due to the sea defences being built, which is sad we’ve lost a piece of history but understandable.
As for the cycling scene, I think I’m super fortunate that a lot of my longtime friends, friends I’ve had since school all cycle. I think all the positive memories we’ve made from summers cycling together have had a lasting influence.
We’re fortunate that there are lots of cycle paths in the city, a ferry ride from the Isle of Wight, and a short distance from country roads so it’s a great place to live as a cyclist.
After that first time we met you were just about to leave on a solo trip to Greece if I'm correct. What sparked that trip? How far did you ride and what countries did you pass through?
That’s right, I first learned about cycle touring in 2019. I was oblivious to the fact that people cycled around the world up until that point, it seemed like something a world record-breaking athlete did. I’m sure cycling influencers were doing their thing before 2019, but I wasn’t paying attention. Someone showed me a YouTube video of someone cycle touring, and I just thought, ‘Yeah, I’ll give that a go.’
Then came COVID, so after that blew over, I gave it a go. Why Greece? I’ve just always wanted to go, Athens seemed like a great place to aim for. I rode from Portsmouth to New Haven, took the ferry to France, heading north through Belgium to the Netherlands just because I wanted to see what Amsterdam was all about. Then I headed south, back again through Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Austria, Slovenia, Italy, Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania and Greece
How was it riding such a distance solo?
It was great, I really enjoyed the time alone. I met people along the way to cycle with other people doing their own adventures; I managed to ride with a friend for two weeks because our paths met, which was awesome. I also spent four days riding and wild camping with strangers who became friends.
How does riding feed you, especially those multi-day or longer bike tours?
I feel like they’re the ultimate holiday, with lots of time to myself, the only decisions to make are, to stop for a coffee now or later, and is this a good spot to camp? You see lots of one country, you move out of tourist areas, you speak to the locals. I love learning about different cultures, and moving slowly across a country is a great way to do it, culture isn’t the nicely packaged experience in a tourist hotspot. It’s all the little nuances that make up the collective feeling of a place.
Where are some of your favorite places to ride on the South Coast, and does the company matter more than the location?
Oh good question, I think if I’m alone then the location matters more. Maybe I’ve spoilt myself by riding in so many places. If I’m with good company I can be anywhere.
My favourite places; I love the Isle of Wight, my pals and I go at least once a year, in summer, it’s become a tradition. Always with a dip in the sea. I feel like the New Forest should get a mention, I have lots of incredible memories cycling there.
I like the section of the South Downs way, between Old Winchester Hill and Amberly, I can’t put my finger on why, it’s beautiful and so quiet in the colder months.
You recently set up a new Rufus Stone. How is this setup different from your previous bikes?
Yes, it’s a bike that was meant to be a classic road touring rig but was somehow transported into 2024 and is having an existential crisis about whether it’s meant to be an MTB. If I take time to reflect and I’m honest with myself, my bikes always have an element of flexibility in them. They all have a sort of identity crisis going on. But I want my bikes to be able to travel hundreds of miles on the road and then nip down a techy descent because I’m bored. The Rune Hilt bars are a nice change, I haven’t run drops for years so it’s a fun change.
I know you just bought a ticket to New Zealand and will be taking your Rufus with you. How long will you be there and what are your bike plans while you are there?
Yes, I’m off to New Zealand in February 2025. I plan to cycle from Auckland to Queenstown. Then I’m heading to Australia and Japan for more cycling. I’ll be away until early May, so lots of time to explore by bike.
All photos by Simon Weller