HOW CYCLING CHANGED MY LIFE...
Inspired to take up cycling a year ago, John hasn’t looked back
WHAT WAS YOUR LIFE LIKE BEFORE THE BIKE?
My weight gain was down to a lack of exercise and a diet of beer, crisps and bread, which ballooned my weight and my waist (44in). I went to watch my son riding at the local Steven Burke track and decided to give it a try. I nearly passed out after about 100 yards and the missus had to come and collect me!
HOW HAS CYCLING CHANGED YOUR LIFE?
From that moment I was hooked. I started riding with my son locally, I invested in a new bike, a Specialized Allez, and a turbo trainer. I started watching YouTube videos to follow fat-burning sessions, I changed my diet and as I trained to ride more, the weight came off too. I still have the odd treat, but in smaller portions. I have gin and tonic or white wine as my alcoholic drink instead of beer and black coffee instead of tea with sugar.
HOW OFTEN DO YOU RIDE NOW?
I ride five days a week on average. Cycling is part of my commute, which means I can ride 90 minutes a day and still have plenty of family time. I’ve set up a TV alongside the turbo to follow training videos. Thanks to the help of my local Green Jersey bike club I’m taking part in regular time trials and have got a British Cycling race licence.
WHAT ARE YOUR CYCLING ACHIEVEMENTS TO DATE?
One year on from the date I took up cycling I was racing alongside my mate, established rider Gareth Johnson, and a bunch of Cat 2, 3 and 4 riders. I’ve achieved the targets I’ve set myself, ridden over 2700 miles in a year and bought myself a Giant Advanced Propel by way of a reward.
TOP TIPS
Watch training videos featuring the goals you want to achieve and have incentives for meeting them. I bought a carbon bike when I got down to 13 stone. Has cycling changed your life? Email us at cyclingplus@immediate.co.uk