Meet the Cycle to MIPIM rider: Barry Cho, AHMM
Allford Hall Monaghan Morris (AHMM) are once again returning as sponsor of the Reuse & Refuel stops of this year's Knight Frank Cycle to MIPIM, so you can thank them for all the carbs later. We caught up with Barry Cho from AHMM to find out what he's looking forward to on his first foray on the charity relay.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and what you're working on right now:
I’m Barry, an associate architect at AHMM and have recently completed a complex office-led mixed use scheme over the reworked Tottenham Court Road station. I was focused on designing and delivery the external envelope, as well as being core to the internal fitout design for tenants above the theatre. Since then, while still working with Derwent, my attention has turned to another London scheme set to provide a large commercial lab-enabled project. There’s a significant low-carbon challenge that I am tasked with which will be key to the success of the scheme and without detriment to the planet.
How did you get involved in Cycle to MIPIM?
AHMM has participated in the Cycle to MIPIM in one way or another for some time; in more recent years we have sponsored the daily RE:FUEL during the journey – I hear the pizza day is great morale booster!
Personally, it’s a significant challenge to ride such distance and the offer of mechanics and a support team is too good to refuse. I can’t help but admire the projects Club Peloton is involved in, transforming the lives of young people across multiple charities – a very worthwhile cause to be fundraising for. Huge thanks to everyone who has already donated and supported me thus far.
What are you most looking forward to?
Really the whole thing! Meeting some interesting people and enjoying the road surface, the views and the delicacies France has to offer!
What are you dreading?
It’s usually the first 10 minutes back on the bike where the legs are unwilling to churn and the bum is reminded that the saddle is neither a sofa nor a mesh-backed ergonomic swivel chair! On a week-long trip, it’s the fear of the unknown – firstly, the sustained day-on-day efforts can’t really be replicated during training, and secondly, the unpredictability of the weather continues to be worrisome.
Tell us a bit about your cycling background:
My love of bikes and cycling started a couple of decades ago while at university, riding everything from fixed to folding, carbon to cargo, retro to road, and everything in between.
My cycling CV has been less about pelotons, and more about exploration and discovery. It used to be social rides to the coast or attempts at crossing the country, but these days it’s ferrying children around whilst pumping out some nursery tunes.
How are you approaching training?
Work and family commitments meant I haven’t been able to join as many of the organised training rides as I would have liked so the bulk of my preparation has been done solo or in few numbers. That takes the form of early winter morning starts in darkness, but rewarded with sunrises and enough time after long rides to enjoy the weekend.
Any top tips you’ve picked up that you’ll take with you on the ride?
Clothing: Prep the night before. Start the ride cold or you’ll overheat.
Riding: Smile up the hills. Eat little and often.
Don’t forget to thank the wife for support and childcare. (Thank you Nicki!)
What would you most like to get out of the event?
The forming of friendships through shared forged determination to complete the ride, epic stories to tell my children, and some amazing Strava stats.
You can sponsor Barry here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/barrycho-mipim2023
