WHO IS STAN TOWNSEND?
Whilst studying for a masters Stan came to work at Pedal Progression during a busy Summer season at our Ashton Court centre. He had just “dragged himself” away from the Swiss Alps back to the UK, where he was doing Winter and Summer seasons and drinking lots of beer! We stayed in touch and he’s now back on board as Head of Sustainability. Stan is incredibly passionate about addressing environmental issues from many angles, particularly how to empower and engage communities toward collective action through experiences in nature. Alongside his role at Pedal Progression, he works in climate change policy and supports several different NGOs/community groups. Stan has also worked as an environmental consultant at the United Nations Environment Programme.
Stan is Head Of Environmental Sustainability at Pedal Progression
– MSc in Climate Change Science and Policy
– BSc in Earth Sciences
– Certified carbon literate by the Carbon Literacy Project
UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH STAN
Best place to ride:
Morgins, Switzerland. So many special memories there, those top turns will never get old. I can still feel the motions in my arms!
Favourite outdoor space in UK:
We are actually spoilt in the UK for outdoor space, even in its current state. The sands of South West England, Pembrokeshire’s coastal path and the wild parts of Scotland are right up there for me. However, Cwmcarn was my back garden growing up and has given me a lot over the years, so my number 1.
Tune for the trails:
Pentagram – Sub-Basement will always get me going.
When I’m not riding:
Wish I could say riding was getting in the way of other parts of my life, it’s the other way round right now. A very large part of my life is dedicated to climate and environmental action. Beyond my day job and Pedal Progression, I’m currently supporting Shift Cycling Culture to empower our community and industry toward sustainability (and intersecting issues), working on my Carbon Literacy Trainer accreditation and getting clued up on regenerative design/cultures. Apart from that I’m training for an ultra marathon in 2021 and trying to keep sane….
Riding to do list:
Bikepacking somewhere very out there, like Patagonia with a split-board. Big bike line like dream line in New-Zealand or the step down and first sender at Loosefest (no thanks to the rest though)! Enduro bike trip to Madiera.
