If you would like to know more about practicebicycle.com the company click on About Us, or if you would like to know more about the life experiences of Paul Hughes that are shared with you at practicebicycle.com, then please read on; 
Paul was born in the early 60's into a typical English cycling family and exposed at a very early age to the love of the bicycle. Beginning as a baby non-pedalling passenger in a side car of his parent’s tandem! Little did he know that these early adventures of travel by bicycle would set the seed of a life of travel and a passion for the bicycle! This global cycling odyssey in search of great places to "practicebicycle" would take Paul 'down under' to Australia and then back again to Europe, discovering the best of both cycling worlds. His school days in the United Kingdom were spent in a traditional cycling club with the Sunday club run and the Wednesday night Time-Trials, with weekends spent either racing or touring with the youth hostel association. Racing against the clock was a common past time of any UK cyclist at the time, although Paul’s father was keen to hold back the competitive spirit until 15 years of age, from that time on all types of the sport were experienced from racing on the Track at the National titles to a first Road Race in the grounds of Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire. Possibly this relatively late start to racing has helped to nurture this long term passion for cycling today! 
Paul’s father was also a cyclist and a member of the Yorkshire racing scene of the 50’s and one of the many traditional cyclists of the north of England during the time of Tom Simpson and Brian Robinson. He later moved to the West Country of England where he continued to be an active member of the district cycling association, including the promotion of National Championship events. Whilst sitting in and participating in committee and event meetings, Paul at a young age was getting a valuable insight into the organisational skills that are required within the sporting industry. On leaving school Paul followed the expected path of an educated career, although cycling remained a big part of this path, often rising to the surface at any opportunity. His next 10 years were spent in the British Royal Navy, initially with tertiary training at the Naval Engineering Schools at Plymouth and Portsmouth before taking on the role of Chief Petty Officer Aircraft Engineer, specialising on the Sea Harrier “jump jet” with periods at sea on HMS Hermes and HMS Illustrious. Travelling the oceans of the world, included one of those amazing opportunities of a life time with a visit to Australia, “The Land Down Under”! This period of senior management with intense responsibility and often in extreme conditions left little time for structured training or competition and cycling was the enjoyable “escapism” in the search for the balance with life. Every valuable opportunity was taken to ride the bike, keep healthy and be a good level club/regional cyclist, this included occasional competition opportunities with Royal Navy and Inter-service events, at one stage winning the 30 mile Time Trial Championship. A new chapter in Paul’s life started on leaving the military and migrating to Australia in 1988, initially working with the national airline QANTAS before a change of interest as well as country was taken. After further tertiary education in Business, it wasn’t long before the natural coaching skills and ability to assist others who were looking for cycling knowledge were recognised and “Paul Hughes Cycling Coaching” was formed. Formal general sports and cycling specific education was achieved in a pursuit of excellence for cyclists of all abilities, gender and age. This included Australian Cycling Level 2 accreditation at the Australian Institute of Sport in 1996 a standard Paul still maintains today. Working with a squad of 25 cyclists and triathletes of both men and women aged between 18-65 years, this successful business, formed partnerships that brought success at local to International level including world masters games and world triathlalon championships. It was at this very lucky time that Paul formed a very special relationship with Bridget Evans in cycling and life, this team also proved to be very successful on the women’s professional cycle racing circuit of the world, with a major campaign of great performances and results. The role returned Paul back to Europe on a regular basis again, and a second home was established with the town of Annecy in France. The life for Paul and Bridget established a pattern each season as they both pursued careers within sport and health, many an interesting story can be recollected, probably enough to fill an interesting book! Slowly, but surely the full time pressure and intensity of this lifestyle was metamorphosing into their latest joint venture “practicebicycle.com”. Paul’s passion for cycling and the common goal that he has with Bridget is to share with others the enjoyment of quality riding and quality relaxing in the best places in the world to practicebicycle. 
Qualifications: Australian Cycling Federation, Coach Accreditation Level 2. (National Coaching Accreditation Scheme) Australian Coaching Council, Coaching Principles Level 2. (National Coaching Accreditation Scheme) Australian Cycling Federation Coach Accreditation Level 1. (National Coaching Accreditation Scheme) Cycling Queensland College of Commissaries Diploma. 
Experience:
Over 30 years involvement in Cycling & Racing.
15 years Professional Coaching.
Assistant Director Sportive Italian Team (Master Team Carpie Diem) including responsibility for Athletes European and American circuit of 70 events per year.       
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