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, Nadezhda and Larisa head up Pedalnorth, and are supported by 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.
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 Florida, 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.
Larisa Chinces
Larisa is a former Romanian speed skating athlete and record holder, changing sports due to injury. Living in Transylvania, she’s surrounded by mountains and some of the best roads and trails in Europe.
Taking up road and mtb racing at amateur level in Romania, this talented young athlete achieves regular podiums, coming second in 2019 in the famous Transgafarasan race.
Larisa is a Masters graduate in sports and coaching, a ski instructor, spin teacher, and is currently completing a mountain guides course.
An exceptional sportswoman, Larisa leads on reviews & cycling life for the team at Pedalnorth.
PEDALNORTH EDITORS (SUBJECT FOCUSED)
Cristian Popoi
Based in the World Heritage city of Sibiu, in Transylvania,Romania, Cristain has a wealth of experience with international brands from fashion and sports. He’s also worked on international sporting events and managed key projects.
These days, Cristian works from his own studio, situated directly off the main square - Pita Mare - and works closely with our managing editor, Larisa, creating amazing images for the brands that work with us.
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 is currently based in London, with connections to North Yorkshire and the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
Steve Smales
Editor-at-Large
Roadd Cycling & MTB Stage Racing
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.
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 their infrequent blogs are gratefully received.
Click the name under each image to link to their own social media profiles to follow them online.
Editor at Large & Twitter
Photographer & Videographer
