Hey fellow cyclists, my name is Josh Lane and I'm as passionate about bikes as you are!
I started riding and racing mountain bikes at 7 years old, following in my downhill-racing dad's footsteps (quite literally, as he would make me follow him up some serious hills and mountains in search of downhill stoke!) and have been hooked on all things cycling ever since.
I have raced downhill, 4x, cx and xc, competed in dirt jump and slope style events, free ridden, commuted, couriered, BMXed and TTed. Alongside this I have been a professional mechanic, making sure people's bikes are the raddest they can possibly be!
In short I have spent my life pursuing the perfect ride and this has taken me to places and situations that I wouldn't have dreamed were possible. I know that if you're reading this then you feel the same because Conquista was born out of that same enthusiasm for all things cycling and it stands alone in its un-biased view of cycling.
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We are a community of cyclists, nothing more and nothing less. We share the same passion whether we are riding up hill or downhill, to work and back or around the world, we turn pedals that turn wheels. Let's keep it that simple and rejoice in the fact we share a sport that people from any background can enjoy. Whether you have built your bike out of 'scrap' parts or had it custom made with the latest parts, if you enjoy riding that bike then you're family to me.
This year I want to share my experiences with you, and hopefully you will share your experiences with me. As well as writing for Conquista I currently work as a mechanic at the esteemed look mum no hands! cafe and workshop in London's Shoreditch, a bike shop that not only shares my passion for cycling, but also the culture and a community that goes with it.
Let's make this coming year bike neutral and enjoy pushing all types of pedals together. It doesn't have to be complicated but it does have to be fun.
So clip in, buckle up and let's get stoked together!!!!
Josh
Also in Blog
Known Unknowns: Part 10
The difficulties of Cav To The Tour
Mark Cavendish’s welcome return to victory has led to calls for the Briton to be selected for the Tour de France, including the #CavToTheTour push on Twitter. There is a considerable emotional appeal to him taking part, but is it practical?
Known Unknowns: Part 9
Will Roglič’s race-free preparation secure Tour de France victory?
Earlier this week l’Equipe reported that last year’s Tour runner-up Primož Roglič would have a two month break from racing prior to the French event. That approach goes against the trend of all recent Tour winners, yet Jumbo-Visma believes that this route is the best one to take. Is the team right?
Known Unknowns: Part 8
What will WADA find in British Cycling investigation?
The Richard Freeman investigation may have concluded, but there is a sense that questions about British Cycling may only be multiplying. As WADA begins to delve into the federation’s past, Conquista speaks to one whistleblower about his ongoing concerns and where he believes previous enquiries have fallen short.