HOW CYCLING CHANGED MY LIFE…
Dave has lost five stone and been riding in Europe and the US
WHAT WAS LIFE LIKE BEFORE THE BIKE?
“I had put on weight gradually – I had an office-based job and did little exercise – and I was more than 17 stone. A friend suggested we take on a fitness challenge, and we came up with the London to Southend bike ride. I hadn’t ridden a bike for many years, so it seemed like a good idea.”
HOW DID CYCLING HELP YOU LOSE WEIGHT?
“I started out on a hybrid – I was going to do the 50-mile ride on an old mountain bike but got convinced of the benefits of something more suited to the road. We did local routes and long runs at weekends. I also got involved in time trials, and that’s how I measure improvements in fitness and health: me against the clock.”
HOW DID YOUR DIET CHANGE?
“The biggest change was reducing the amount of beer I drank. I still enjoy the coffee stops on rides – especially the cake – but have learned to moderate the treats!”
WHAT ACHIEVEMENTS HAVE YOU HAD THROUGH CYCLING?
“Aside from the weight loss and allround better health and fitness, I’ve ridden around the UK, and also in Spain, Mallorca and Lanzarote. After the LondonSouthend, I did Velothon Wales and RideLondon among other sportives. The highlight so far has to be the 173-mile LiègeBastogne-Liège ride in 2017. I completed a ride in aid of JDRF Type 1 Diabetes in the US, and am helping to organise an event for JDRF in May this year. I now help organise the Ford CC events, and hope to do some more open events this year.”
TOP TIPS
“Having the whole family decide to eat more healthily was great – it is much easier with everyone else doing the same.” Has cycling changed your life? Email us at cyclingplus@immediate.co.uk