My engineering hobby... August 2016

... Investing in pedal power

Engineering consultant Bill Stringer, the founder of Green Shoots Growth, says he cannot remember a time when he did not ride a bike. 

“I messed around on my bike with my friends when I was young, rode to school, and used a bike for a paper round,” he says. In the past 10 years Stringer has got into what he calls “proper” road cycling, taking part in triathalons. 

His hobby could mean a long ride on a Sunday of between 50 and 100 miles and some shorter rides in the evenings after work. 

“There is a tremendous feeling of freedom when riding a bike,” he says. “It can be social, it keeps you fit and is a great way to spend time with my son.

“There is also something about the bike itself and the mechanics of riding. It involves so many aspects of engineering.”

Stringer says his riding highlights include the spectacular Alpe d’Huez in France with its 21 hairpin bends, while his spectating highlights include seeing Chris Froome wearing the yellow jersey racing around Paris in 2013.

As well as helping Stringer to unwind, cycling has assisted him in his business life, he explains: “Cycling is the new golf in business it seems – deals and connections get made while out riding. 

“The work done at pro cycling Team Sky on the concept of marginal gains – the idea that small tweaks in a process or capability all add up to significant gains – has been an inspiration to me in the work that I do with my manufacturing clients.”