HOW CYCLING CHANGED MY LIFE…
Andrew has shed over 14st with the help of a decent pair of wheels
NOW 19st (120kg) THEN 33st (209kg)
WHAT WAS LIFE LIKE BEFORE THE BIKE? “I was very heavy and I struggled to do anything energetic, besides watch lots of TV! I always had excuses not to play with the kids, which was the worst part.”
WHAT GOT YOU ON THE BIKE?
“My GP said, unless I changed my ways, it wasn’t worth me paying into my pension, as I wouldn’t live long enough to enjoy it. With two daughters that I one day want to give away in church I knew I had to change. I started out riding on a mountain bike as I thought a race bike wound buckle. After a year I bought a Giant Defy. I now have a Canyon Aeroad CF SLX – a far better bike than my ability deserves!”
HOW DID YOUR DIET CHANGE?
“I went to Slimming World, which helped keep me on track – by following meal plans I saw results straight away. It was an education really and I also enjoyed the teamwork as well as spending time with other people on the same journey.”
WHERE HAS CYCLING TAKEN YOU?
“I’ve ridden 1076 miles from Land’s End to John O’Groats, 340 miles from London to Paris (twice), RideLondon (twice, including the wet one in 2014!), Coast 2 Coast, I’ve also done a half Ironman and rode 160 miles from home to the seaside, for some chips… they were well earned!
“I ride for the charity A Smile for a Child and have even done a tandem trek from London to Amsterdam. Although I’m at the weight I want to be now, I’m still mad keen on cycling – I’ve even got my wife and friends into it too!”
TOP TIPS
“Follow a weight-loss plan - anything that gives you a bit of structure. Tell everyone what you’re doing too – they will keep you honest. Keep busy in the evenings as well - my worst time – by getting an indoor trainer.”