LIFE CHANGER
From stressed-out office worker to happy cyclist and cycling-wear business owner
HOW WAS LIFE BEFORE THE BIKE?
“I’d ridden a BMX as a kid and got into road cycling about 16 years ago, but work took over everything to the point where it left me exhausted, anxious and suffering from panic attacks.”
HOW DID CYCLING IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH?
“Work issues came to a head when I ‘hit the wall’ during a business presentation. I walked off the stage midway through as my mental health was really suffering. There were then some very dark days in the months that followed before I took drastic steps to re-prioritise my life, to regain my work-life balance and restore my mental health. Getting out on my bike at least three times a week was one of the first steps I took to rebuilding my life. It not only helped me regain my fitness and combat my weight but also provided the mental recovery I needed, as well as prompting a new business venture.”
HOW DID IT BECOME A BUSINESS?
“As I planned a cycle trip to France I couldn’t find any kit to fit me without me looking like a very badly packed sausage. While puffing my way up the mountains I had a brainwave to set up a firm making cycle clothing for all those people like me who can’t find kit to fit. My wife Lynn has a background in fashion so we created our own brand, Fat Lad At The Back.”
HOW HAS CYCLING CHANGED YOUR LIFE?
“Cycling helped me overhaul my physical and mental health and create thinking time for myself. Starting up Fat Lad At The Back has introduced me to a wonderful community of cyclists of all shapes, sizes and backgrounds.
It’s been a tough road in business terms, but we now have customers in over 80 countries.
HOW OFTEN DO YOU RIDE?
“I’ll get out on the bike at least three times a week ideally, with different groups of riders. One set love to chase the Strava segments – I’m usually just chasing them! Then there’s a group who ride out at a more consistent pace, only riding as fast as the slowest. And then another who do steady starts but include TTs or hill sessions – that variety makes cycling even more enjoyable. My ambition is just to be one of those guys who can spin up a hill and still hold a conversation!”
GET IN TOUCH...
Has cycling changed your life? Email us at cyclingplus@immediate.co.uk
“GETTING OUT ON MY BIKE AT LEAST THREE TIMES A WEEK WAS ONE OF T HE FIRST STEPS I TOOK”