The Stoner - Ivan Cudby
It was great to catch up with Ivan. This guy is super strong on the bike but he does not mind cycling at anybody’s pace. He is a true gent and a pretty talented guy - just not very good at packing!
So you are a stoner? What exactly do you do?
Well technically I am a sculptor who specialises in stone carving. I work mainly in restoration in doing architectural stone carving. I have been commissioned to restore many of the famous London landmarks such as Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament. I do most of the work from our studio or yard in Crystal Palace before taking them up to install on site.
What is your favourite piece of carving that you have done that you have done so far?
It is very difficult to decide that; one piece does stand out, in Lombards Street in City, a falcon. It is also fun when I get commissioned to do more artistic pieces, I. had some work commissioned by an artist working for a hospital in Belgravia. I carved out a sculpture from a photograph of water, I was very happy about how it came out.
How long have you been riding your bike for?
Since about 4 but seriously maybe 10 or 11 years old
What got you into it?
Well it is a bit of a melancholy story actually. My mum moved into a new house when. I was about 11, so I got a bike and started cycling to see her. It was the easiest way to do it; I got hooked on it.
Cruising up the Aravis
You seem to like Colnago bikes? Have you ever owned any different makes?
Yes! I have a new one actually, a C59 so now two are for sales! I have had a Roberts and a Merlin titanium though. I like the way that Colnago’s are made. Unlike a lot of carbon bikes which are made in one piece in a mould, Colnagos make each tube and lug them together (little brackets), a bit like a steel bike. This means that they can achieve truer tubes. They are a bit heavier but a lovely ride. I guess I like it as they are more artisan.
Ivan’s new ride
Remind me of the story where one of your bikes was stolen…
Oh yes, I had one stolen, I was riding through London when I saw a guy on it! That is the good thing about having rarer bikes. Anyhow, I spun around and chased him down. I then locked my bike to his. I insisted that it was mine. The bike was all taped up. He had bought it for 150 quid in Brick Lane. I said that I could prove it was mine as there was a chip on the paint work by logo. I said to him give it back or I will call the police.
Did you give him any money for it?
Nah, just a tenner for a travel card!!!
You play tennis, golf and football - are then any sports that you are not good at?
Fishing haha - I do really like sport, I was playing for Croydon FC semi professionally but gave it up at 20 to study Architectural Stone Carving. I was not really tough enough in those days.
Yeah I remember it was all about “if you don’t go in hard, you will get injured”…
Yeah, I read somewhere that Maldini made less than 2 tackles a game, it was all about positioning and tactics not just being rough! I should have been in his team.
Why is it that you are not on Strava?
Well, I ditched the computer about 4 years ago and instantly preferred the riding. I think that is is more about feel and intuition, I do not want to be robotic. I was always trying to beat my previous ride and it became a bit obsessive and less fun. I guess it feels more of an art without a computer. Haha!
Do you have a favourite local route to you?
Being in Beckenham, I usually head out of the city in the Kent direction. I have 3 or 4 good routes. It is best down Edenbridge way, oh and Knatts Valley, that is cool.
And is there a ride that is most memorable to you?
Well, do you remember when we were going up the Cormet du Roseland. Paul shot off and someone challenged me to catch him. I went for it so hard but was never catching him, I felt so destroyed at the top. But he was not there. Turns out that he had stopped for a piss, and I missed him. Must have been early on. But I was going full gas the whole way. That was funny looking back but not at the time!!!