HOW CYCLING CHANGED MY LIFE...

Nathan has used the bike to overcome injury and shed weight

WHAT WAS YOUR LIFE LIKE BEFORE THE BIKE?

Ten years ago I was involved in an accident at work, which crushed my leg. I was told I’d only be able to walk with a stick afterwards. Already overweight the lay-off meant I ballooned to 21 stone. My blood pressure was through the roof so I needed to get myself fit.

HOW DID CYCLING HELP?

I had surgery on my knee, my left leg is now an inch shorter than my right – my wife says that if I walk far enough I’d do a massive circle! But I wanted to get fit and joined a spin class. I was hooked and soon started road cycling.

HOW OFTEN DO YOU RIDE?

I ride regularly and do 100 miles every weekend. Training for the Deloitte Ride Across Britain has been hard as my work takes me away all week so I can’t follow the official training plan.

WHAT HAVE BEEN YOUR CYCLING ACHIEVEMENTS?

Friends asked me to join their team to do the London to Brighton ride. At the time I didn’t own a decent bike and 54 miles seemed impossible but I completed it. I loved the freedom cycling gave me so I kept on doing it.

I signed up to do the Dulux Trade London Revolution in May to get an idea of what I’ve let myself in for the Ride Across Britain. I’ve lost over six stone and I’m still losing. I need to lose about another three stone to get to my goal, but I’ll do it. Deloitte Ride Across Britain, 8-16 Sept, ride across britain. com. Nathan is riding for Demelza House Hospice http:// uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ Nathan Cook the impossible dream2

TOP TIPS

Apart from cutting out the takeaways, buying smaller bowls and plates, upping my protein intake to make sure the fat got turned to muscle and drinking lots more water helped! Has cycling changed your life? Email us at cyclingplus@immediate.co.uk