ALLISON Curbishley is a former British athlete who ran the 400m. Since retiring from competitive running in 2003, Stockton-born Curbishley has earned a reputation as one of the most respected athletics experts in the country. She now helps run Extra Mile Media with her partner and former Olympic runner Steve Cram. For more details visit www.extramileme.com/

Why do you cycle?

Sadly, the knees won't let me run as much as I'd like to anymore and the one thing I can do absolutely pain free and that I know is good for me, is getting out on two wheels. I've had eight knee operations in total now, with the first dating back to when I was 16. The surgeon who did my last op in Newcastle said to me post op the best thing I can do is cycle and when I get bored of that, cycle some more!

The Northern Echo:

Allison with her riding group. She is pictured left.

What do you ride?

I used to be purely a mountain biker. We live in rural Northumberland and long rides were way more fun going through the local forest trails and along mountain bike routes unsuitable for road bikes. However, I then found speed on a road bike and loved it. I'm just waiting to take receipt of a new road bike after seven years on my trusty Orbea. Can't wait for the new improved ride of a German Rose bike.

Tell me about your favourite route?

I'm a bit of a creature of habit to be honest. I'd love to have at least two to three hours every time I get on my saddle to explore new routes in Northumberland, but that never happens, so the long rides are few and far between. I have a small group of friends on a 'whats app' group who meet regularly in Corbridge and we do a 45-minute loop into Hexham and back at 6.15am in the morning. There's also a favourite loop from Wall where I live to Wark and back through Barrasford. Enough climbs to make me feel like I've worked hard, but quick enough to be back for breakfast!

Tell me about your best cycling memory?

Without doubt cycling across Maasai land in aid of COCO, my partner Steve Cram's charity. I've done the trek twice now and it's the most amazing challenge I've undertaken. Four days mountain biking cross remote Maasai land, camping on route and meeting the most amazing locals on the way. A unique challenge made bespoke for COCO fundraisers and one I would thoroughly recommend.

The Northern Echo:

Allison cycling in Africa for charity.

What do you consider your most important piece of cycling equipment?

Probably my cycle shorts ... I need my comfort - as well as making sure I look good!

If you could cycle anywhere where would that be?

The Maasai challenge has certainly given me the taste of cycling abroad. I would love to try a few weeks up in the Alps in the summer or even a mad three-month trek across Europe. I have a friend who took over a year to cycle from London to Melbourne - not sure I have the luxury of that time off, but would LOVE to do something amazing on two wheels.