HOW CYCLING CHANGED MY LIFE…

Yasmin took up cycling to work and lost weight and back pain

WHAT WAS YOUR LIFE LIKE BEFORE THE BIKE?

I had a poor diet, a sedentary job and did no exercise. I visited my physio about ongoing back pain and was told that I was overweight, and that the pain wouldn’t be relieved unless I lost weight.

WHY DID YOU TURN TO CYCLING?

I was noticing just how fast and fluidly cyclists would pass me as I was just sitting still in traffic. I would look at them and say to myself ‘I should be out there with them’. A cycling friend at work planted the seed, encouraged me to buy a bike and then introduced me to a cycling group.

HOW HAS CYCLING HELPED TO CHANGE YOUR LIFE?

I’m doing things now that I never dreamed I would be capable of. I’ve lost three stone, and am in a much healthier state. I’ve done coast-to-coast twice, rode Manchester to Edinburgh in 2016 and do sportives up to 100 miles. I have a Pinnacle Arkose and use the mudguards and pannier rack to commute, and a hardtail mountain bike - I love them both.

WHO DO YOU RIDE WITH?

I mostly ride with the women’s cycling network Team Glow, as well as Manchester Social Cycling, Cheshire Maverick and Girl Bike Van when I can. I enjoy the social side of riding with a group and I like the variety of people and new friends I’ve made. I tell people not to be put off by traffic, distances, the weather, your hair/make up... You will overcome all of these things very quickly and will achieve things you never thought possible. Thanks to Evans Cycles’ Heartwork campaign, celebrating 10 years of its Ride-to-Work scheme, evanscycles.com/heartwork

TOP TIPS

When training cut out alcohol, reduce sugar and do a food/exercise diary. Also, a pannier rack is a great way of carrying work things. Has cycling changed your life? Email us at cyclingplus@immediate.co.uk