A local man, who decided that his weight issue was causing him more harm than good has been celebrating recently by losing a massive 9st, with the help of a regional cycle shop.
Tony Mather, from South Shields became fed up with being so overweight and joined the government’s Cyclescheme initiative, which allows staff whose company’s participate in the scheme to receive tax free bikes to get them to and from work.
Cyclescheme is the UK’s number one administrator for the Government’s Green Transport Plan Initiative. Cyclescheme offers the most admin-friendly scheme for employers and the greatest choice of bikes and equipment for employees as Cyclescheme is partnered with around 1,600 independent bike shops throughout the UK.
Tony explains: “It was easy to get a bike through the cycle to work scheme. I decided what I wanted and rang M. Steels who supplied me a quote which I gave to the HR department. I got the voucher a couple of weeks later, Steels reserved the bike, and when it came into stock in mid-January it was all prepped and ready to go. I’m not going to lie and say getting started was easy; I had my first ride that weekend, only managing about two and a half miles before I was off the bike and trying not to be sick, but I kept practising, and in less than six weeks was ready to start making the 30 mile round trip to work. It went well, though I was in pretty rough shape on arrival, but a quick shower sorted that out, although if I am honest a nap would have been more appropriate!
“Originally my target was 15 stone. I started losing weight as soon as I started riding daily, and was surprised at how fast it happened and how visible it was, people were always commenting. By the time I had reached my target weight I was getting into cycling as a hobby, and weight was more about performance. Now I’m 12st 7lbs and maintaining this weight, in fact, now I’m eating to sustain my rides. I go out at weekends and can cover about 120 miles.”
Tony also participated in the newest service that M. Steel Cycles had to offer; the Specialized Geometry Body Fit, in which we alter your bike to fit your precise personal specifications. This was necessary because of Tony’s size as it is easy to become injured when first taking part in any sport after a time of abstinence, especially if the bike you are riding isn’t the correct fit for your frame. Often this makes cycling more comfortable and efficient, and it’s unique to M. Steel Cycles in this area; due to the level of training required to be able to offer it. Currently M. Steel Cycles we are the only qualified company between Glasgow and Harrogate providing this service.
“I always wanted to try the Specialized Geometry Body Fit, and had considered travelling down to London to do it, then saw an advert at M. Steels online showing they offered it and got booked in. I’m still in the process now; I have to ride with the bike as they have set it up for about two weeks then go back for any adjustments. When the first changes were made and I went for a ride I felt like I had a new pair of legs, it was just effortless. When you think of what you’ll spend on lightweight accessories for your bike, this is actually one of the most cost effective things you can do to improve performance.”
Joe Waugh, from East Boldon, owner of M. Steel Cycles concluded: “It was great working with Tony and we are pleased we were able to help him with both the Cyclescheme and the Specialized Body Fit. Both of these and his tenacious determination has helped him in his ultimate goal to lose weight and get fit and we are honoured that he chose us to achieve them”.