Guide
Cycling is still fairly new to me compared to many of the Marmot team. A friend of mine had done three of the Raids with Marmot and I had always been intrigued about what he was doing but I was busy doing my passion of competitive skydiving. I learnt to skydive in 1996 and in 2005 took it up a level to train with 3 great team mates to win the World Championships in 2006. I continued to compete at World and National level winning several medals over the years, whilst also taking out a few years to coach at National and World Cup level too.
For various reasons I stopped competing and coaching. I loved every minute of what I did. It was as exciting to see a team I had coached achieve their goals as much as it was to achieve my own. But it was time for a change and new challenges so I ran my first and second marathon in 2012 and between these events my friend encouraged me to do more cycling and buy a new road bike and that was it…I was addicted. I signed up for the Raid Dolomites after just 3 months of cycling and one 60 mile sportive in the Cotswolds.
The Raid Dolomites was amazing – hard work but stunning scenery. After just a year of cycling I always knew it was going to be tough. Each day was a challenge but the tour leaders Merv and Nathan were amazing giving me a boost when I needed it.
I took a summer off from my usual work as a Chartered Physiotherapist to work with Marmot Tours and to cycle in the mountains as much as I could. I wanted to be able to help others in the same way that the tour leaders had helped me on my Marmot trips. I loved seeing the skydivers that I coached achieve their goals and I hope that I can help you to enjoy your challenges that you take on with your Marmot trip.
I have now set up my own clinic, Bodyfit Physiotherapy (www.bodyfit.org.uk) in West Sussex and work closely with a local bike shop doing a ‘Physio Pro Bike Fit’. I will be back with Marmot Tours each summer to get my ‘fix’ in the mountains.
What our clients say about Amanda…
Amanda was so kind and considerate. She was attentive to your needs. A great advert for your company. D Cooper, Classic Cols of the Dolomites 2016
Always smiling and willing to help C Walker, Classic Cols of the Dolomites 2016
Great at keeping us organised and supplying food and warm clothing when required C Foott, Dolomites Minibreak 2016
Fantastic attitude, great knowledge and incredibly supportive. Made the trip an absolute pleasure. D Crawford Raid Pyrenean 2018
Amanda was very responsive and helpful, thinking ahead about people’s needs. J Meigs Classic Cols of Corsica 2018
Amanda was brilliant. I often saw her on tops of the climbs! Always happy to help and provide advice. Great fun and very knowledgeable. A Watkinson Powell, Pyrenean Classics 2019
