Lead Guide
I just bloody love bikes – I always have and I always will. Everything about them and everything they bring!
I have worked in the cycle industry for all of my career, from the education sector, working with Sustrans, the national sustainable transport charity, through managing a UK wide cycling brand as a National Cycling Manager in the Leisure industry to working as a Partnerships Manager for the National Governing Body for the sport, British Cycling.
As an experienced club rider and traveller, I am equally happy on a road or MTB and have guided tours all over the UK, France, Belgium, Holland, Spain, Italy, Sardinia, Mallorca and more.
I am also a tutor and assessor for British Cycling, delivering their L1 & L2 Ride Leadership Awards and their Bikeability National Standards qualifications. I hold a 1st Class Hons degree in Sport & Exercise Science (BASES Cert) and am a qualified Personal Trainer & Coach in Running & Fitness and am the Trainer for GoodGym in Sheffield, a charity that combines getting fit with doing good in your local community!
One of my favourite things about the guiding work I do is the people I meet, helping them along the way and sharing my love of the bike with them.
Qualifications:
British Cycling L2 Ride Leader
British Cycling MTB Leader L2
British Cycling L2 Coach (QCF)
British Cycling L2 MTB Coach (QCF)
Cycling UK Club Ride Leader
Cycling UK Ride Manager
Bikeability – National Standards Instructor Trainer (NSIT)
Cytech L1
ITC Outdoor 1st Aid (SQF L5)
British Red Cross – 1st Aid for Leading Rides
What our cycling clients say about Tom…
Tom was excellent and really encouraging. As I struggled to the top of Hautacam in the most dreadful of conditions and after coming off Tourmalet – he practically carried out a full service on my bike – tightened the brakes, cleaned the wheel rims etc. Really above and beyond also! Tom R, Pyrenean Classic Cols
Tom was an absolute star, very supportive, calm and helpful. Paul D, Raid Corsica
The crew worked tirelessly throughout and given how long some riders took, they deserve a medal themselves. They are the reason folks book with Marmot and do your company proud. Gary W, Raid Corsica
Tom was cheerful and helpful at all times. He was always available when needed and nothing was too much trouble. Karen R, Classic Cols of Corsica
Tom was a fabulous guide. Friendly, helpful, excellent in bike maintenance and making sure we had everything we needed for the days ride. I highly recommend him. Julia M, Classic Cols of Corsica
Just – thank you! Always in total control of everything in a completely friendly way. Many thanks for the mech tweaks, bike prep and bag coordination! Ian S, Classic Cols of Corsica
I really appreciated Tom’s calm, fuss-free, ego-free manner and found him totally approachable, charming, kind, polite and professional. His qualifications and experience speak for themselves – he’s a great asset to your team. Emma J, Classic Cols of Corsica
Tom can never do enough for you. His support on a red route was exceptional. Couldn’t have done it without him. Top man! G Treacy, Dolomites & Stelvio 2022
I arrived with my mech hanging off, Tom took the time to examine fix it. Always there with good humour and a few supportive words of encouragement. Top man!! C Kingsley, Dolomites & Stelvio 2022
Really knowledgeable and friendly and always having a laugh to brighten our day. If all your guides are like these two, then I can’t wait to go on another trip. J Beale, Dolomites & Stelvio 2022
Outstanding technical expert. Willingly helped with any problem. N Downing, Slovenia & Monte Zoncolan 2022
Tom was a star. Very organised and reliable and a real help with technical support. K Woolley, Slovenia & Monte Zoncolan 2022
They’re when you needed them, very efficient, and didn’t flap when the road was closed. Always approachable and helpful. Think they’re the best guides we’ve ever had on a group holiday. E L, Alpine Classic Cols 2022
Tom’s very calming and reassuring delivery of encouragement was very welcomed at van stops. Always on hand with help and advice with any mechanical issues, all full of praise for his brilliance in getting them through the week. Everyone also appreciated Tom’s one liners and magnificent beard. M Howard, Alpine Classic Cols 2022
Fantastic leader, brilliant mechanic. Tom was completely on it each day and adapted to circumstances. Very personable and supportive. I Nelson, Alpine Classic Cols 2022
I was impressed by his efficiency in dealing with situations and his quiet confidence and ability to articulate clearly with the group. A great ambassador for the Marmot brand. P Balding, Andalusia 2022
Extremely knowledgeable, very friendly and kept encouraging. Constantly trying to make the trip go smoothly for us all with his hard work ethic. A great, great guide. D Holt, Andalusia 2022
