Club spotlight : Go Fast Turn Left, in their own words
Go Fast, Turn Left or GFTL was born out of a simple ambition to find like-minded, unpretentious cyclists who wanted to do one thing, and one thing only, go fast (and we guess also turn left).
Regents Park, London has become a global hub for racers and cyclists alike. It is one of the most Strava’d segments on the planet. With the park closed to motor traffic in the early mornings, it naturally lends itself to meeting for a few fast laps before heading for a coffee and out to work.
As a group of young, relatively inexperienced cyclists, the first members of GFTL focused on just getting out and having a good time with friends.
We didn’t know about The Rules, the etiquette or cycling rituals, we shunned exclusivity and embraced the simple and authentic desire to go faster each day.
As members of larger London clubs, we had access to cycling networks and forums to host and join other rides.
It was through the Rapha Cycling Club app that we decided to first label what we were doing – simply going fast, and turning left (anti-clockwise, i.e “Left”, around Regents Park).
Our first public ride created quite a buzz, and people kept coming back. It wasn’t long until our maverick approach to cycling gained notoriety and spin-off rides such as Go Slow Turn Right began to form.
In 2019, we decided to formalise the culture and small community we’d begun to grow and create a kit to call our own. Our idea now felt as though it had a life of its own, carried by anyone and everyone who wore our colours.
2022 achievements
In 2022, we made a series of new and exciting partnerships ranging from existing relationships and affections for One Shot Coffee to homegrown companies such as Stealth Carbon. Additionally, we are excited to receive support and guidance from Spoked (an innovative training platform), The New Normal Charity for mental health and grief and Malga Palazzo (a newly established and fast-growing workshop created by Oscar Vera).
We continue to develop how we partner with each of these great brands. With their new logos to our name, we needed a new kit. With an expanding membership base and a range of budgets, we needed a kit provider that matched the performance level of our riders. With Santini’s pedigree and world tour-level kit, they were the obvious choice.
In terms of competitions; notably, Harry won the podium (third) at the Guildford Town Centre Crit elite race in July, and Second in the Urban Hill Climb up Swains Lane head to head (with the fastest time of the day). George took second place at the Mountbatten Nat B race.
Those two are quite noteworthy for us, but we’re otherwise very proud of the fact that we’ve had a podium or a win almost every week this season to which we now refer to as the “blue tide”.
Aside from the title races, we came out in force at our local circuits – Hillingdon, Lee Valley, Hog Hill. George, Miguel Da Silva and Lew Bloyce also put on quite a display for us at Herne Hill Velodrome over the track league (at which George was crowned champion this season on points).
Pete Hargreaves, Charlie Banthorpe and Nate Roberts took to CX this season and placed well at a number of races such as the UCI World Masters CX Champs, Regional Champs and Rapha’s Muddy Hell.
Club of the Year 2022 regional winner
Being named one of Britain’s regional club winners by British Cycling and Bikmo was a great recognition of the culture, community, brand and vision we have created together.
Bikmo said they picked us due to the detail of our application, particularly on what we would spend the £1000 winning prize on, as well as our passion for being inclusive to all forms of cyclists and cycling.
“We loved how GFTL formed from a few like-minded cyclists, to now a welcoming, well organised community of riders that not only performs well, but gives back by striving to train riders, welcome all and support each other.” Josh Worrall Hardman – Bikmo
Where we are now
The club now lives and breathes without the same level of parenting it initially required.
Group rides and socials are hosted every day, and our racers draw huge levels of support from our members who provide both mental and physical support from taking bikes in the back of a taxi after a crash, to supplying “courtesy bikes” after a car accident and riding all over London to cheer them on, and help them Go Fast, and occasionally Turn Left!
How people can find us
GFTL remains as open and unassuming as its early days. Anyone can join our Tuesday morning rides in Regents Park. But be warned, turn up and expect to get dropped. It’s fast, painful and unrelenting. However, also expect a warm pat on the back, a coffee afterwards and the friendliest bunch of cyclists you could hope to meet.
To make sure we are riding, just check our Strava Club (anyone can join) and all Tuesday rides are posted. Keep in touch and see what we are up to on our Instagram.
As a British Cycling member, you can benefit from an exclusive 10%* discount on cycle insurance with Bikmo. They provide super simple, comprehensive cover for when you’re taking part in events to commuting, against theft, accidental damage and much more. Get a quote in seconds here.
Check out Bikmo’s British Cycling Club of the Year 2023 competition here – entries closed for this year
*T&C’s Apply – one entry per registered club only. Submissions close 12/03/2023 at 11.59pm. Minimum premium £3.73/mo and policy wording applies. This promotion is provided by Bikmo Limited, 1 Minerva Court, Minerva Avenue, Chester, CH1 4QT who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority ref: 745230
