SPIN TO WIN
In April of last year, I was at the start of a bit of a journey. I weighed about 23 stone at the time and felt I had to do something about it. So, I got myself a Specialized Rockhopper and started putting the miles in. Queen Elizabeth Country Park in Hampshire is only down the road from me, and I became a bit of a regular on the trails there. A little over a year later, I’m the best part of five stone lighter and my fitness has certainly improved – although it could still be better!
Mountain biking has helped my physical health no end, but the mental aspect of the sport is enormous, too. If I’ve had a bad day, I can just chuck all my gear in the car, hit the trails for an hour and all is forgotten. I absolutely love it. I did, however, go on a group ride recently with a local club, and the experience served to highlight my fitness downfalls, but I have to say that they were an amazingly patient and seriously supportive bunch, especially on some of the nastier climbs.
The comparison pictures (right) should highlight just how much getting out on the bike has helped me, and I hope that I’ll encourage other people in a similar situation to do the same. Dan Williams, Portsmouth
That’s a pretty incredible year you’ve had, Dan! Thanks for sharing your inspiring story and pics. As you say, mountain biking definitely has its physical health benefits, but its effect on our mental wellbeing can be even more important. Here’s to many more years aboard your MTB – this selection of Lezyne goodies should help you along the way.