GRAHAM ROBINSON, 35 HOW CYCLING CHANGED MY LIFE...
Graham replaced rugby with riding and shed seven stone
WHAT WAS YOUR LIFE LIKE BEFORE THE BIKE?
Through my teens I was eating very unhealthily, with bread especially causing my weight gain. I played rugby so I didn’t feel unfit, but looking back I can see that I was.
HOW HAS CYCLING CHANGED YOUR LIFE?
I set distance targets each year; 5000 miles in 2016, 6213 miles in 2017 and I’m on course for 7000 miles or more this year. As a police officer, I’ve ridden for Cheshire constabulary in a police unity tour ( ukpoliceunitytour.org) and rode the coast to coast over two days. My biggest achievement has been getting my kids into cycling.
HOW DID CYCLING HELP?
After retiring from rugby I needed something to keep the weight off so I trained for and competed in triathlons. I soon realised it was the cycling aspect I really enjoyed, so I started cycling further, for longer, up steeper hills.
HOW DID YOUR DIET CHANGE?
My wife encouraged me to cook more using fresh veg and ingredients. One of my favourite meals is chicken, rice and peas with a hot sauce for spice. I look forward to treats such as meals out where I can eat what I want guilt free.
WHAT BIKE DO YOU RIDE?
I have a Carerra mountain bike when I’m riding with the family, a Dolan L’Etape Ultegra, plus a Cannondale Synapse 105 when I’m training solo or with my group of colleagues, the Peeler Wheelers. Graham is taking part in the Evans Cycles’ Heartwork campaign, celebrating 10 years of its Ride-to-Work scheme evanscycles.com/heartwork
TOP TIPS
You don’t need to spend thousands on cycling to work and you’ll save on petrol and parking. Get a decent bike and lights too. Has cycling changed your life? Email us at cyclingplus@immediate.co.uk