Antony Douglas, Cyclist & Businessman
Twenty years ago, we moved from London to Cranleigh. I didn’t expect it to be the place where I’d rediscover my childhood joy of cycling. I’m Antony Douglas, but I’m known as Dougie. Some will know me for playing and coaching rugby at Cranleigh RFC. I’m also the Chairman of Cranleigh Cycling Club.
I spent 40 years playing rugby. I enjoyed the discipline, camaraderie, and the resilience it required. But as is often the case with high-impact sports, the body stopped reacting kindly to a Saturday match, even less so the beers after… A recurring injury finally forced me to take the difficult decision to stop playing. Rugby remains the greatest team sport I know, hanging up the boots left a void. I missed the teamwork, social aspect and especially, the fitness. That’s when a friend suggested road cycling.
At first, I wasn’t sure. I’d always viewed cyclists as a different breed — the Lycra, talk of cadence and carbon fibre. But armed with a ‘Cycle to Work’ voucher I headed to Beyond Bikes at Smithbrook kilns, my local bike shop, and bought myself my first road bike in 30 years. I still remember my first proper road ride. It was much harder than I expected, although going out in a February gale didn’t help. My rugby fitness didn’t quite carry over. Tackling 20-stone props isn’t the same as puffing up Leith Hill. But there was something compelling about it too.
A solo cycle afforded an escape from work and time away from screens. I began cycling with some friends. Then, after seeing more and more Cranleigh Cycling Club jerseys, I chose to join one of their rides.
That was a game changer. Suddenly, I wasn’t cycling for fitness but relearning a skill I thought I’d mastered at 10 years old. The club welcomed riders of all ages and abilities (one member is nearly 90!) — a proper mix of people. You had the weekend warriors in full kit, as well as those returning to the saddle after years off. No one was judged. The club is very supportive of new members, especially those who are not used to riding with others. Whether you’re training for a sportive or getting back on the bike for the first time in a decade, there’s a place for you here. The ethos of the club is, ‘we ride together’.
Over time, I got more involved — not just riding but helping to organise things. The club has over 150 members, ranging from late teens to over 80 and 25% of our members are female. We offer several group rides each week. They range from easy spins to tough routes for experienced cyclists. What I love about the club is that no one gets left behind; we ride and work together as a team. Afterwards, we always debrief over coffee or something stronger.
It’s the unofficial but most important part of the ride.
A few years ago, we started doing introductory sessions for beginners. Helping people rediscover their cycling confidence brings the greatest satisfaction. I remember one rider, a lady in her 60s, who hadn’t been on a bike in 40 years. She was understandably nervous but determined. We started with a short loop, flat and quiet, and gradually built up from there. Now, she’s riding 40 miles on a weekend and keeping pace with the best of us. Stories like that keep us all motivated.
It’s not just the about the physical side of cycling — though that’s certainly a benefit. It’s the mental clarity which forces you to be present. You can’t check emails or scroll through social media while riding up or down Barhatch Road. We love some friendly banter, too. We’ve all experienced some form of cycling mishap. Wearing bib shorts inside out, battling a squeaky bike, or getting two flat tires at the Elmbridge lights. I’m still trying to live that one down!
As a club our members are highly adventurous. Many have completed the annual ‘Race the Sun’ event which happens on the longest day of the year. Riders face a challenge to finish a 200-mile route from East to West across the UK. Members entered ‘Le Loop’ and rode the full Tour de France route a week before the pros. They tackled 21 days and over 2,000 miles. The biggest challenge? Getting their kit washed every night. And just this weekend a group of club riders have returned from cycling the length of Spain, 800 miles in 7 days..!
One of the most common questions I get is: “Do I need to be super fit or own a top-of-the-line bike to join?” The answer is always, no. Come as you are. If you’ve got a roadworthy bike and a helmet, you’re good to go. We focus on enjoyment and progression, not just competition. If you like racing, we join local Time Trials. We also have riders in official race leagues. But for most of us, it’s about the joy of riding, socialising and the enjoyment of being outdoors.
Another thing people often ask is: “What do you do in winter?” Admittedly, it gets tougher when the days are shorter, and the roads are wet. You can train indoors with our organized Zwift rides if you prefer to stay dry. But some hardcore riders still brave the elements all year. They gear up with lights and layers, always keeping a good sense of humour. Some of the best rides happen in freezing fog or sideways rain. The tougher the conditions, the better the drinks taste afterward at The Richard Onslow, our unofficial HQ.
I also get asked about safety — understandably. We do everything we can to promote good practice. We ride in single or double file for safety, as the Highway Code advises. We also pay attention to other road users and adjust based on the situation. We use hand signals and wear bright clothes and ensure new riders know the rules of group riding. We want to build good relationships with other road users. After all, we’re motorists too.
One thing that surprises people is how much cycling has grown in recent years. The pandemic, oddly enough, gave it a real boost. With gyms closed and people seeking safe outdoor exercise, cycling saw a resurgence. We had an influx of new riders, and it was great to see the club grow. We’ve worked hard to keep that momentum going.
Looking ahead, I’ve got a few personal goals. I’ve cycled in Italy, California but really should do some horrible mountains in France! I’m excited to keep building the club with everyone. It’s for all ages, especially those who want to get fit, socialize, and enjoy our amazing countryside.
Cycling has filled the void of not playing rugby. It has brought back a sense of purpose, belonging, and challenge. It has also brought new friendships, experiences, and a way to stay connected to the community.
If you’re sitting on the fence about getting back on your bike — maybe it’s been years, maybe you’re unsure where to start — my advice is simple: just give it a go. Find your local club, or better yet, come ride with us. You don’t need to be fast. You just need to start. We’ll help you all the way.
For more information visit www.cranleigh.cc or email:
How it works and where we meet:
Saturdays: Smithbrook Kilns car park
Sundays: Cranleigh Leisure Centre car park
BST – 08:15 for 08:30 start
GMT – 08:45 for 09:00 start
Membership fees:
Individual – £28 (per year)
Couple – £48
