Ghost Peloton – A Rider’s Perspective

Ghost Peloton – a Riders Perspective

Tom Mutton works for Sustrans at seven schools across East Leeds, enabling parents and children to walk and cycle to and from school …

When I first heard about the Ghost Peloton I thought, that’s exciting! What a great thing to be involved in, it’s something new and different, that hasn’t been done before. I applied straightaway.

I’m delighted that The Tour de France is coming to my home city. The Cultural Festival has made The Grand Depart much more accessible to people. It’s not just the 2 days of the race whizzing past, it’s an ongoing conversation. There’s now a real buzz in my schools about The Tour, about Yorkshire and about cycling.

I’m very much hoping that it will leave a lasting legacy. I’d love Leeds to be more like other cities in Northern Europe, where people make every day journeys – to school, to work, to the shops – by bike. I hope the Grand Depart will inspire a new generation of cyclists, and motivate the armchair spectators to explore our beautiful countryside by bike – it’s the best way to experience it!

When I’m cycling I feel free, it’s a cathartic experience that gets me away from everyday stresses. There’s something about the simplicity of the motion. I love the fact that it’s my effort that makes me move through the landscape. I can empty my mind and get into an almost meditative state. It’s just me, the bike, and the scenery.

First rehearsal for the Ghost Peloton was somewhat daunting due to the ambition of the project and the amount of people who I know will be watching. I was really looking forward to trying on the light-suit for the first time and seeing the patterns emerge. It’s been a great experience to be involved in the creative process right from the start. We’re learning what the choreographers want and the choreographers are learning what we, the riders, can do – it is a learning experience for everyone!