Meet the riders: Catherine Dixon, CIArb
Cat Dixon is the Chief Executive Officer of CIArb - the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators - but she is also a world record holder for circumnavigating the world on a tandem bicycle. She shares some tips for those new to mutli-day cycling.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and what you're working on right now:
I'm the Chief Executive Officer of CIArb. I joined CIArb in May 2020, having set the world record for circumnavigating the world on a tandem bicycle. Before setting the world record, I held Chief Executive Officer roles at NHS Resolution, a University college and at the Law Society of England and Wales. Previously I was a Senior Executive Director and General Counsel roles at the NSPCC, BUPA, and in Canada, at Vancouver Coastal Health Authority. I started my professional career as a solicitor in private practice. I am passionate about diversity and inclusion and I chair Stonewall, Europe’s largest human rights LGBTQ+ charity. I have a MBA and I'm a solicitor and accredited mediator.
I also ride lead for a women's cycling club - BellaVelo - and support women's cycling. I was Cycle UK's top 100 riders and talk about cycling and setting a world record to inspire others.
How long have you been cycling and how did you get into it?
I have always cycled, but started cycling more competitively in my 40s. I came to cycling from running and I used to compete at county level. I also ran for the Army.
I rode a charity event when I lived in Vancouver to Seattle, and when I came back to the UK I rode LEJOG. After that I was hooked. I decided to ride around the world and thought, "Why not set a world record?" So my tandem partner and I did, getting back just before lockdown in 2020. We were faster than the men's record by 17.5 days.
How did you get involved in Cycle to PAW?
I am involved in dispute resolution so combining that with cycling is the perfect day (or days) out.
What are you most looking forward to?
I have ridden to Paris from London a few times, but this is a new route so I am looking forward to French roads and the coffee stops!
What are you dreading?
Rain, wind and mechanicals.
How are you approaching training?
I ride regularly so I'm sorry to say I haven't done any special training!
Any top tips you’ve picked up that you’ll take with you on the ride?
Eat regularly, stay hydrated (even if its cold), make sure you have a comfortable riding position and saddle, and enjoy it.
What would you most like to get out of the event?
Having fun with a great group of people.
Sponsor Catherine and the Cycle to PAW riders here: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/cycletopaw.
