Meet the team
Pedalnorth is a website and emagazine built for cyclists by cyclists, that has become a global cycling network and information portal, with the very best information. It is a simple idea that will always do its best to retain a sense of independence, whilst striving to be among the best resources for cyclists of all ages and abilities, anywhere globally! We’re simply a group of like-minded friends and cyclists, contributors, writers and photographers all over the world, who love bikes and cycling.
Our writers are drawn from within the global cycling industry and community. Robert and Nadezhda head up the Pedalnorth team, and are supported by Larisa and numerous occasional contributors, all volunteers at Pedalnorth, sharing their knowledge and expertise to promote cycling and cycle tourism, partnering with others to develop our sport and access to cycling. This way we can ensure that our information is unbiased and honest and trustworthy. Our routes, the maps and gpx files are among the best and all free to access and download. Why, because like riding your bike, it should always be fun and as free as the wind. Over recent years, due to the exceptional writing of people like Ndezhda and Larisa in particular, the website has become one of the leading independent cycling websites in the world.
Pedalnorth means simply heading in that direction – north of anywhere using 2 wheels, as we continue to expand around the globe, promoting cycling and where to ride and what to ride and wear while having fun! 🙂
Click on their name to link to and access more information about them, and to visit their own blogs, websites and social media profiles.
Editorial Team
Robert Thorpe
A former middle distance track runner and cross country runner to a high level in his youth, Robert found time for cycling between training and races. He spent many years as a climbing instructor and mountain runner, and has lived his life in the outdoors.
Having a climber father and cyclist mother, two wheels were always on the horizon, once the mountains had exhausted him.
Robert is a former member of the government Cycle Training Standards Board and a British Cycling Ride Leader. He lives in the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park and whilst also writing freelance, Robert studied literature at university, he is a published poet and is still writing that unfinished novel.
Nadezhda Pavlova
Nadezhda has a Masters of Sports, specialising in triathlon, also competing at a high level: -1 place in age group full distance Ironman Russia (rating Tristats.ru), -1 place Russia, 33 Global Rank women age group distance 70.3 and full distance Ironman 2016 from countries all over the world (Rating ETU European Triathlon Union).
Currently living in Barcelona, this talented athlete achieved 11th place World Championship Ironman 70.3 championships at Australia 2016.
Nadezhda is also an artist, designer, business executive and model. When not doing one of these mulitple activities, Nadezhda is a certified triathlon coach, leading on triathlon & lifestyle for the team at Pedalnorth.
PEDALNORTH EDITORS (SUBJECT FOCUSED)
Ben Thorpe
Ben studied photography at university in London, and has worked with leading brands, as well as creating his own images of urban architecture and life scenes. He’s also a cyclist himself, riding all manner of bikes, from fixed gear, mtb to road and TT.
Ben recently moved back to North Yorkshire and the Yorkshire Dales National Park, having lived and worked in London since university.
Steve Smales
Steve is a multi-talented cyclist, riding mtb, cyclocross and time trial in his riding career. He’s also a graduate photographer, as well as a talented writer, and so is well equipped to write about all forms of cycling.
Steve is also a cyciling administrator, with experience working at world level. In his spare time - he rides bikes too, at home in the Yorkshire Dales with his family!
France, Lifestyle Editor at Large
Contributors & Writers
Our bloggers and writers come from a wide variety of disciplines in cycling the fitness world. They’re all experts in their field and their advice is here to help you in your own cycling and fitness lifestyle. For instance, nobody knows mountain bikes like Guy Kesteven, which is why we link directly in to his own YouTube channel for video reviews. We’re also going to be publishing lots of fantastic history rides by Guy, as he develops a new series of rides for everyone to enjoy. We’re able to do this, as we’re an independent group of writers, who come together like artisans, to produce something different and real.
A volunteer led website such as ours relies on good content being offered by our friends occasionally. Without this, we simply couldn’t offer the range of articles that make Pedalnorth so unique. These friends are talented athletes and industry experts, and their infrequent blogs are gratefully received.
Click the name under each image to link to their own social media profiles to follow them online.
Voom Nutrition Partner Blogger
Photographer & Videographer
Previous Editors & Contributors
Over the years, we’ve had some superbly talented cyclists and writers on the editorial team here at Pedalnorth. Their contributions to our website should not be underestimated, and we’re extremely grateful for their time, commitment and content, and their work in making Pedalnorth the best independent cycling lifestyle website.
You’ll find a wealth of cycling routes, reviews and lifestyle blogs by writers such as Larisa Chinces, Susan Barazza, Hannah Shell, Chris Galley and Jostein, on the Pedalnorth website. These are some of the most talented bloggers and cyclists that you’ll ever encounter, and have helped our website to become the best independent cycling website in the world – especially so with Larisa, who’s been a key part of Pedalnorth since early 2017, and who has helped it to become the best independent cycling website in the world. Whilst Larisa has decided to take a break from our website, we want to personally say how important to it that she is, and always has been. Thank you. Without her input, we would not be the same, and her personal promotion of cycling in the magnificent and beautiful area of Transylvania has been beyond measure for this region globally.
The blogs and routes by Larisa and others, remain some of the very best in the cycle blogging world. In their absence, their great writing remains here on our website, to help guide your own cycling adventures – wherever you are.
Managing Editor & Reviews Lead (2016-2023)
Editor, Northern Europe
Editor, South America
