To go to the home page click HERE:
First off, People always want to know, HOW CAN I LOSE WEIGHT. It’s it pretty simple, not easy, but simple, before I start my tale, I want you to consider this:
The best way to lose weight is, more cals out than in. So run/cycle/swim whatever you enjoy most !
Yep it’s that simple (in theory!). See HERE for some weight loss tips:
Welcome. On this page you will find details of my journey so far, taking me from 39 stone 13 pounds to where I am today, (June 2010), at just a few pounds over 19 stone. You will find a heart-warming, tear-jerking, inspiring account of how I have gone from a no-hoper, dead man walking, to someone who cycles up to 30 miles a day, does 100k charity rides and has even started RUNNING !
My name is Gary Brennan. You may know me as The Amazing Shrinking Gaz, The 39-Stone Cyclist, or just “the fat lad on a bike”.
When I was 18 years old. I used to play football every other day and cycled every day – I wasn’t skinny, but I was fit.
Then, somehow and to this day I really don’t know how, or what happened but I “Woke up” around 8 years later, I was 39 stone 13 pounds, a 8XL (XXXXXXXXL) Top, 68” Waist, My resting heart rate was around 130BPM, I had type 2 diabetes and was “Living” (NO existing) on Borrowed time.
Fat ? ME ?
Time To Wake Up
In January 2008 I weighed in at a mind- (and waist-) busting 39 stone and 13 pounds. A few months before my GP had suggested to me that I consider a gastric by-pass. I was shocked – I thought to myself “but they are for really fat people”.
I was at his surgery for many health-related issues and realising my dire situation, he thought he would make the suggestion to help me. I left and thought nothing of his words. It was around three days later that, while struggling to walk from my living room to my kitchen that I decided “Actually I am really fat” and with that, my ‘light-bulb moment’, my life would never be the same again.
Pre-Cycling
I was approved for the surgery in April, however as I had a Holiday booked at the end of September they told me that it would not be done until at least October 2008, I decided that I needed to change and attempt to get a little stronger for the operation. I purchased a Giant Yukon 08 MTB, I decided that I wanted to cycle to work, it was 6.5 miles away from where I live, and there is also a nasty hill that I had to ride on both journeys, there was no way I would be able to do that, it was something I was going to have to build up to.
- Yukon 08
From January to April I had lost around four-and-a-half stone and while I was impressed with my efforts it did mean that I was going to attempt to cycle weighing-in at over 34 stone. It was June 2008, 6pm; I had finished work, the sun was shining, my time was now, I got my bike and headed outside. I looked and felt like a total idiot, but nothing was going to stop me.
I had been watching NBC’s The Biggest Loser, seeing people weighing up to 29 stone doing punishing exercise. I was inspired by Mark Kruger and Roger Schultz who were both finalists, and who’d shown me in each episode how you not only need to change physically but also mentally. The reality, however, was that both Mark and Roger were 200 pounds lighter than me – shouldn’t it have been me that was on the show? The Biggest Loser is something I will always credit for helping save my life. If I hadn’t seen with my own eyes what could be done, then I’m not sure I would have even attempted it.
I cycled the half-mile to my local train station. I was wheezing, my arms hurt holding up my weight, my legs hurt pushing my weight along. I was soaking in sweat, like someone who had just run over 30 miles – but I had done it! I had made it to the half-way point. I took in an energy gel, about 500ml of water and had a ten-minute sit-down. I was then ready to set off again and get home. Boy was it hard. By the time I was home I thought to myself “I can’t do this” – I couldn’t breath, I was coughing and wheezing, tired and sore but I had cycled one mile. This was a REAL wake-up call for me; I had done well in losing over four stone but the reality that it was just a fraction of what I needed to do to survive this. With that I had a much needed half-hour sleep on the sofa.
Ramping It Up
Over the coming days I forced myself to up my mileage and I was at the stage after a week that I could cycle to the train station, and then cycle from the train station near work.
I was doing two-and-a-half miles a day and starting to gain confidence. Within six weeks I was getting on and off the train two stops before I needed to, and then on August Bank Holiday 2008 I decided I was going to cycle to work, the whole way. It was a Bank Holiday, I didn’t need to, but I was ready…
- Waiting For the Train after my first full 6.5 Mile “commute”.
I made it the 6.5 miles in 43 minutes, I felt fresh, strong and ready to do more, I decided to take the train home and save myself for the “Real” Commute the next day.
Over the next 3 weeks I cycled to work every day, but took the train home, the homeward leg was harder as it’s a gradual uphill with a kicker of a hill at the very end.
No Operation !
After my holiday I received the news I was expecting and yet dreading at the same time. I no longer qualified for the by-pass, due to losing so much weight. I was thrilled, yet at the same time scared. I had lost eight stone from April to October – I had shown that I COULD do it. The next day was a freezing cold and wet morning, one I am never going to forget. I thought to myself “I am on my own now, it’s all me”. Then from nowhere a good friend drove past. It was Christy, the one was pushed me to cycle in the first place. He waved and encouraged me on, and with that, the rain, the wind and the freezing temperature no longer mattered.
Once Again My Future Looked Bleak
Gaz In The Media
Before the Blackpool ride I made a conscious effort to make my story public. I was interviewed by Granada Reports
You might ask why someone who was still classed as morbidly obese would want to seek such publicity. Well, in my mind it was simple, to pile the pressure on me.
I had been cycling for around a year, yet I was still only around a quarter of the way though my journey. I had lost more weight than an average woman weighs, cycled more miles than 80% of the cyclists in my building at work and yet, I was still fatter than the majority of people who realise they need to lose weight. In fact, I was 12 months away from where most people START – shocking!
So I knew I needed to do something to keep me focused. The first year had been enjoyable, but I was nearing the point where cycling wasn’t as hard, but wasn’t easy, and I knew I was in for a rough ride.
So I started to write this blog, went public and signed up to a few cycling forums, all providing me with the motivation, drive and support I would need in the coming months.
Manchester To Blackpool
The night before the ride I couldn’t sleep – not to put too fine a point on it, I was on the toilet most of the night. When I got on the start line I was already knackered and my tummy would still not settle down. In the blink of an eye we were off – two colleagues and I were rolling.
I had to hold myself back from sprinting, I was so full of adrenalin. The first 15 miles flew by – our pace was good, and while not being record-setting, we were all in our stride and them boom – disaster. My colleague and I had a ‘coming together’; I held it together, he didn’t. The ensuing wait for medical help and then a stop for paramedics 10 miles later put us all off our stride. I struggled to get going again after being stopped for around 90 minutes in total.
In the end we made it to Blackpool. We were around four to five miles away and my cycle computer showed four hours and 50 minutes. I got a second wind and cycled harder than ever before – there was a nasty head-wind but I was going to push as hard as I could to get there in under five hours. The miles flew by, and before long we were on the sea front.
Around half-a-mile from the finish line, I said to Paul “Sorry mate, the adrenalin has kicked in, I’m going to sprint this,” and with that I watched my speed go from 14 mph to 18 mph, to 22 mph. Paul was still with me at this point, I then kicked into the big ring and stood up – I gave it hell, crossing the line, still sprinting at 29 mph. I was going a little too fast – the announcer told me to slow down, and my supporters said that they weren’t able to get any pictures due to my speed. What a result! I had finished, a year early, managed a sprint AND been told off for going too fast.
- Me at just one of the many “Finish Lines” I would be facing.
In the coming months I was cycling more, and then in September I did the Manchester 100 event – no records broken, but quicker than Blackpool – I was becoming a cyclist.
Be Proud Awards 2009
- Sporting Achievement
In November 2009 I was notified that I had been nominated in the Manchester City Council “Be Proud” Awards, I had been nominated for Sporting Achievement.
A few days before Christmas there was a gala ceremony for all the nominees, it was hosted by (amongst others) Gordon Burns.
I found out that I was nominated along side a under 11 football club and someone who was getting kids into angling and off the streets.
I really wasn’t sure what would happen, while I was confident of beating a fisherman (no offence intended at all) I really didn’t think I could beat a kids football team.
It was with great shock then that Gordon Burns read out my name as the winner of the category, months of hard work had been rewarded with the winning of the 2009 Sporting Achievement Award, I was in shock, my table erupted , but I sat there for a couple of seconds……stunned….This had been my most memorable moment of 2009, how could I top this.
Paul, Gordon Burns, Gaz
End of 09
I was cycling longer, harder and faster than ever before. It got to the winter and it was time to put my road-bike away and get on my hybrid. The snow and ice were a challenge but I had cycled in them last winter, only last time I was on an MTB. Nothing could go wrong – I was too focused and on the ball. Until…
Accident and Weight Gain
It was the first week in January 2010. I had gained a few pounds due to being off over Xmas and relaxing a little, nothing major, it was Xmas after all; I had it under control. It was on the last day of the week, the snow and ice were hard going but hadn’t caused me many issues. I had navigated all the side streets, untreated roads and was on the final stretch, a two-lane main road. I was slowing to 18 mph for the traffic lights when “bang”. It all went dark.
The next I knew I was waking up, laying on the road, freezing cold and in a fair old bit of pain. It seems I hit a patch of ice (on a treated road) and went over the handlebars and knocked myself out. My injuries, while not serious, were enough to keep me off the bike for four weeks. I struggled mentally to get back into the game, and gained two stone. My confidence was shot, my fitness was shot, my diet was shot, I was slipping back into my old ways – I had no idea what to do…..Once Again My Future Looked Bleak
Comeback 2.0
So I reacted in the only way I know how. I purchased a turbo trainer and set about fighting once again. After my confidence and weight gain, the biggest issue was my knee – I had struggled to walk for four weeks, now I was going to put it on a turbo trainer!
- Up The Alps On A Hybrid
My first ride was a non-event. I did around six or so miles. It was hard, painful work but over the next few weeks I built up to over 30 miles a day.
It was finally time to lay my demons. I still had no memory of the accident. “Had someone hit me?” “Why was the memory card missing from my camera?” “Can I really do this again”? And with that I was rolling, the air was freezing, the road was wet; I kept thinking to myself “could there be ice here?” My first trip to work was slow and mentally draining. I got to the point where I’d had the accident and I stopped, wanting to look for the memory card, which of course wasn’t there.
I felt that until I knew what had happened I wouldn’t have closure and wouldn’t get back to my best, so I stopped every morning that week at the same place, and by Friday I knew I wasn’t going to find the card – but at that point it didn’t matter, as I realised that regardless, it was once again down to me to get myself out of this goddam mess!
- LIVESTRONG ! We Can All Overcome Obesity !
Over the next four weeks I didn’t do extra miles – my body and mind were not ready. Almost overnight the fire that I had been plugging away to reignite had been rekindled and it happened almost without me knowing – a throwaway comment and I was back. I said “Eddie Izzard has run a marathon a day; maybe I should commute a marathon a day.” With that I went from 250 miles in February to a little under 500 miles in March, then April, then the same again in May. I WAS BACK!
What The Future Holds
I said” Eddie Izzard had run a marathon a day, maybe I should commute a marathon a day”…….With that I went from 250 Miles in February to a little under 500 Miles in March then April then the same again in May I WAS BACK !!!!!!
- I Had Always Wanted To Wear The Biggest Loser Shirt. NOW I CAN
It’s now June 2010 and I am a few pounds away from being 19 stone and 50% lighter than I was. It’s taken time, hard work, mental strength but I can now see, in the very far-away distance, my “Never-ending” finish line. I say never-ending as many people who have been morbidly obese lose the weight, get to their goal and then think “Right I’m here, now I can relax” and end up putting all the weight (and more) back on.
I know I can’t do that. If I regain my weight, plus more, then I will end up at over 45 stone (630 pounds) and let’s be realistic, that would KILL ME! So there is no finish line, no patting myself on the back. I have made my changes, I have saved my life but if I ever slip back into my old habits it will all be for nothing. I must keep the focus I have, and channel every emotion I go though directly into my pedals.
Current Health Issues
If you recall, back at the start I mentioned high blood-pressure, Type 2 diabetes, and so on. Here are some numbers for you all. My blood sugars used to be 35mmol on an average day (7 or 8mmol being classed as ‘normal). I’d say within 12 months of cycling I was down to around 10mmol on average (now running off to get tester) and as of this morning I am 5mmol (normal for early mornings).
My GP said it was all weight-related, and around nine months ago told me he was happy to no longer call me ‘diabetic’ – he suggested I get tested every now and again (hence the home test kit). High blood-pressure: I don’t have the numbers to hand but that is also back to normal, and no medication.
To give you an idea of why my health was not only so bad but also how it’s turned around, my BMI (Body Mass Index, which we all know is flawed but it’s the best we have for now) is 34 – that’s about half of what it was. It was 69.7 when I was at my highest weight (these numbers blow me away!) I have weighed in at 284lbs today, putting me 9lbs away from being 50% less of the man I used to be.
Those numbers blow MY mind and I was living it – to say I am lucky to be alive is an understatement.
Anyone Can Do What I Did
I am a normal everyday person; I am no better than anyone else. I am not special, so if you are reading this and thinking “I can’t do half of what he’s done” then you’re wrong. I used to look at others and think the same. We are all equal – if I can do it, anyone can. All you need to succeed is the will and desire I found when cycling!
- Let the 3 Lions ROAR and show some PRIDE in yourself !
My story and this page are always changing. I will try to update it every six months, so once in the summer and once at the end of the year.
Good luck everyone!
Disaster:
July 2010, heading for work, on my new MTB, I had climbed Joel Lane, and was pushing for around 20 miles , I am tired, I join Wilmslow Road, because its been such a long journey I check my helmet camera at the next lights, the battery is dead, I pop it in my pocket and carry on.
A couple of miles later, I notice the road (Wilmslow Road) is quiet, I look behind me, there is nothing, I look in front, there is nothing, its weird, almost like its been closed off. 45 seconds later, I approach a green light, there is a van on the other side of the road, he can see me, after all there is nothing in front or behind me and I am on a bright red and silver bike, for a reason I will never know, he pulled out in front of me and caused a serious accident, See below:
I Was Hit By A Van, Ended Up In A&E, Pictures Of Bike And Rider Enclosed.
We are almost 18 months on from that accident and yet I still suffer sever pain in my back/hips and knee, I am fighting through it, but its a struggle, mentally and physically.
Manchester 100, Fight To Make The Start Line:
I was booked in for the Manchester 100 in September, however I didn’t think I could ever make the start line, everything hurt, my confidence was shot, my ability seemed shot, my will and desire was shot to shit, I was depressed and angry , I needed to get out of the rut, so I did the only thing I know , I ATTACKED the situation
I created something called “Comeback 3.0″ and I set off on my second ride since the accident
I managed to fight and struggle my way to September where I made the call the night before the ride that I was going to ride it, however I had wanted to do the 100 miles, but I was in no fit state, so I did the 100Km, I raised money for charity , whilst also fighting my own mental daemons, there was still a HUGE amount of work to do, but I finished that ride, fighting, with a sprint finish
Weight Loss
Coming towards the back end of 2010 and the start of 2011, I really kicked things up a gear, I learnt so much more about weight loss, about what I was eating and about how to make it all work in harmony, TBH up till that point it had just been done with brute force beatings, but now I am more informed, its like racing (as I do every, single time I’m on my bike) I used to get infrot and get as big of a gap as I could as soon as I could, now I bide my time, watch the other rider, find his weakness and then exploit it, I found the weakness in the hold obesity had on me…..and I blew the mother-f***er apart 
I am now 13 Stone 12 Pounds, or for my American readers I weigh 194 Pounds, Down from 39 stone 13 pounds or 559 Pounds
At 6 foot 3″ that gives me a BMI down from over 70 to 24.2………for the first time In my entire Adult Life, I have a normal BMI, I have, as an adult ALWAYS been obese (or worse) and yet now at 30 I am “Normal”
From here, it just gets harder though, the road to successful maintenance isn’t an easy one, but Pain doesn’t last forever, however quitting does.
- Pain Is Temporary…Quitting Lasts FOREVER…. DON’T QUIT , Taken in Nov 2010
We now get to Summer 2011
I am 13 stone, normal BMI, no medial issues, times are tumbling on my bike, I missed out on Cycling the Manchester to Blackpool in under 3 hours by just 10 mins due to a mechanical
I have been nominated for more awards and to Carry the London 2012 Olympic Torch , I wear “Medium” tops and 30/32″ Pants , what a turn around its been !!!!!
Before we get serious, enjoy this for a second !
But then, over my shoulder is this
Only 5% of people who are morbidly obese will stay slim after non-surgical weight loss.
Shit !!!!!!! is that going to be me ? ONLY 5% , that leaves a pretty tiny window for error here considering its such a huge journey, but you know what ? the percentage odds on anyone LOSING 27 stone must have been HUGE , bigger, I’m sure than 95%, so I dont care if
Only 5% of people who are morbidly obese will stay slim after non-surgical weight loss.
Because that doesn’t affect me , why ? because I AM NOT GOING BACK THERE, NEVER EVER NEVER !!!!!!!!!
EDIT:
Another award for Gaz, The Pride of Tameside 2011:
Physical Achiever of the year, Gary Brennan (Thats ME !)
I want my own medals now !
Gary Brennan , Me and My Fat Friend
Hope to get ya back on regularly, miss your blog
Thanks Tom
Gaz,
I’ve been following your exploits and progress for some time now, on your blog and your posts on various forums. You are a true inspiration – yours is a story of self-discovery, enlightenment, and a realization of the power that is in you. The humble bicycle may be the enabler (and it is a wonderful machine), but it is you that takes this inanimate object and turns it into a force for health, for pleasure and for life. Marvellous stuff.
Chris
Chris
Thanks Very much for your kind comments mate, I hope I can live upto those comments you have made
Gaz
Been away from the bikeradar forum so lost track on your progress. Glad to see you’re still at it and making gains – soon you’ll be lighter than me!
Keep it up and best wishes.
Steve (sc999cs)
Not on there much myself TBH
Thanks Very Much, Appreciate It
Gaz
Been following you for a while after first seeing your vids on Bikeradar/YT. You are one hell of a hard worker. You have a “fan” in Iceland.
Keep up the good work.
Hey Hraustur
Thanks for your comments, I try my best to work hard, sometimes I fail, but i’l always give it another crack of the whip
Gaz
Absolutely wonderful story and blog. Well done and happy cycling!
Thank you very much Dave
Gaz
well fella , i dunno what to say , many many congratulations , reading your story has inspired me , i had been led to believe they didnt make bikes for folk my size , would you offer any advice on which bike to start up on etc please , im 32st and desperate to lose the weight
hope to hear from you
regards
paul
Hi Paul
I started on a Giant Yukon 2008 at 30+ stone, take it easy, keep to smooth roads, dont hit kerbs, or roll off them etc and you will be fine.
May I take the chance to wish you the best of luck on the journey you are about it start, its not easy mate, but trust me when I say its worth every single day of pain and every emoton that will bubble to the surface, during this, wanting to change is the single hardest part, after that,each day gets a little more easy.
PLEASE keep in touch and keep us update on how it goes
Thanks for getting in touch
Gaz
Thank you for your reply mate ,it is very much appreciated, would you mind pointing me in the right direction of finding a suitable bike in the uk , all the ones i can find are super expensive and in the usa
regards
paul
Well, It depends on your budget and height of course, The bike I got was £280 from a place in Manchester, There is one on ebay at the moment
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Giant-yukon-mountain-bike-discs-brakes-Norwich-area-/330454867943?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_Bikes_GL&hash=item4cf0a51fe7
Would “guess” it should be ok if you are 5ft 8″ ish,
Most MTB’s will be ok for you, the weak link in any bike for guys (or Gals) our size is always the wheels, This looks a bargain (Again depends on budget)
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/hardrock-disc-2010-mountain-bike-ec019400
***BUT*** Im not sure how strong the wheels are, I have used Alex rims on a MTB before but cant recall what model the rims were, your best best, is to phone you local bike shop, tell em that you want a MTB with SUPER STRONG wheels (No offence, its what I did) give them your budget and then see what they suggest and feel free to come back here for advice, I have had LOADS of bikes, not because any of them have caused me any problems, but because I have become so addicted to cycling, Again if you are local to me, let me know and I can point out a few decent bike shops, I would say right off the bat though AVOID Harry Hall Cycles in Manchester, regardless of where you are, but thats a story for another day LOL.
Feel free to come back if you need any further advice mate.
*********EDIT************** Dont get a bike with suspension (forks are ok with lockout) and DONT get a bike thats on the smaller side where you have the raise the saddle a huge amount, it will cause too much stress……
Gaz
Outstanding stuff – you should be extremely proud of yourself. All the best for the future!
Cheers,
Ian
Thank You Ian, Appreciate That.
Gaz
[...] of the 39 Stone Cyclist — You, sir, should be knighted. Your hard work, never give up attitude and positive outlook [...]
I had been umming and aahing about going out on bike today in the arctic conditions cos I dont trust the drivers…and then your blog email came thru. Cheers for the kick i needed to get me out, headed off at 6.30pm for a blast on me hybrid. Loving the new cycling jersey that you’ve treated yourself too; those kind of rewards make it all worth it!!!
All I needed today was that Jersey too, the weather doesnt bother me now, just the amout of ice about does, that said, I have studded tyres on order, once I get them, there is NO Excuse !
Gaz,
Truly outstanding effort mate and an inspiration to all.
Cheers from Australia
Rob
Its Minus 5 here right now, was double digit minus figures all week, then you tell me your from Australia and all I can think about it hot weather LOL
Appreciate your comment
Gaz
Well done to you!! I found this page while trying to find a cycle for me–I’m 18 stone, and am trying to find a woman’s bike that will hold my weight. Can you recommend one? I’d love to get fit and take the kids for a bike ride.
Gaz, you are a credit to yourself and the mind-set you have adopted and put to such fantastic use. I know that you primarily need to do this for yourself, but you have really inspired others along the way.
Thanks Larry, I appreciate that
Gaz
[...] [...]
I am getting my bike out …NOW
THANK YOU
Izzi
Excellent, Do Enjoy , I know I do
Gary, Thank youfor your kind words of support . I wish you all the happiness in the world. Reading your progress its like you have become a different person, like watching a caterpillar shed its skin and turn into a butterfly. Again, thank you. I have started recalling my life thinking that is a good exercise also. Keeping my memories alive but losing the hurt. A healthy mind is a healthy body
Hi ya Gary its been a while since I wrote to you. Been up to my own challenges. Since december I have lost over 3 stone with a further 10 stone to lose as my target by this time next year. I joined Helen Varey’s group beyondbigbones on June 23rd. What an inspired move that was challenging, motivating and inspiring. I joined a gym as part of that and lost 2 stone since June 23rd. I am prepping a static 50km bike ride in the gym which I am aiming to do on 30th September. I did 20km without stopping on Friday. Next year I aim to complete the Great Salford swim I can’t even bloody swim yet but am going to do it. Good luck in what you dream for Gaz!
Ian
Way to go Ian
Really glad things are working out for you mate
Gaz mate – watch out for those Innocent smoothies…
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-425440/Healthy-fruit-smoothies-sugary-cola.html
Yeah I heard about the sugar
SO I drink ‘em via a straw so that helps a bit and tend to only have 1 glass a day anyways
but thanks for the heads up, appreciate it.
hi
i have become inspired after reading your blog so i bought a bike but i am having huge problems as i am in agony when i try to sit on the cycle even for a second
i am about 24st can you recommend anything you did
say recommend a seat or something
Awesome
Congratulations on making the change, I did try to “Comfort” saddles, but I hated them, for me, the pain went away in about 2 weeks
Keep at it
Hope you like my tribute blog!
Hehe. Thats awesome mate, good luck
[...] HomeAbout GazBefore & After Photo’sBike’sDefend That JerseyGOALSMy Annihilation Of Selective Eating DisorderPB’sWeightLoss Vid's & Youtube [...]
[...] I started to write my blog, went public and signed up to a few cycling forums, all providing me with the motivation, drive and [...]
Wow you are such an inspiration. I’ve had a great time following you and your journey.
Thank you very much
Gaz
Hi gaz just wanted to say a big well done!!! Im currently losing weight lost 9stone so far only another 2 to go (15stone Goal weight) Just looking at your pics and spotted a lance armstrong tshirt with pain is temporary and quitting is forever were did you get it from? Got to get myself one lol.
Awesome work on the weight loss, well done.
I got it from ebay, I just had a look and the seller doesnt seem to have any more for sale
Sorry
[...] I’ve got lined up, starting with this one from Gary Brennan, aka: The Amazing Shrinking Gaz, The 39-Stone Cyclist, or just “the fat lad on a [...]
Do you have any articles about your eating habits and how they changed? Excellent Blog!
My eating habbits are not something that anyone else should follow im sorry to have to say.
Gaz
Great blog Gaz! Cheers from Colorado Springs, I bought a mountain bike last week and Paisley Dr is my Joel Lane.
That looks AWESOME dude
any videos ?
Gaz
Gaz: Please, please get yourself a high quality helmet. You can never plan where and when you will go down, but (as you’ve experienced) you should expect it could still happen again. Modern helmets have sufficient venting to be cool, very lightweight, and increase visibility. Just part of the cyclist’s essential safety equipment, OK?
Congrats on your accomplishments and dedication to the “journey.” It’s really inspirational!
Hey Paul
The helmet debate is always a fun one, the argument that it does nothing over 14 MPH is relevant to me now that my AVERAGE speed is never anywhere close to being under that.
That said, it is something that I am currently considering, I have a Team Issue HTC Columbia helmet , so Its just a case of deciding if I should in light of the evidence, or not.
Gaz
Gaz:
Thanks for the reply! Congrats on the high avg speeds (and sprints–Wow!). The 14 MPH upper limit on effectiveness is not one I’ve heard. As a head-on impact, that seems logical. Many impacts are oblique, or glancing blows. Here in bike-unfriendly So. California (yet with a huge biker population), I get a lot of anecdotal info. The adage is, “It’s not IF, but WHEN you’ll get hit.” OK, so I haven’t been hit in 20K miles, but I sure have gone down from 1 to 35 MPH due sloppy/fast/aggressive riding. In one case, I got a nice big dent in the helmet, and I only had a headache as a result. It’s rare to NOT see a rider w/o a helmet here, either on road or MTB bikes.
I see pictures of European cycling commuters, & I rarely see helmets. You have progressed beyond the typical commuter and have become a serious rider. I think in the long run, you’ll be really glad you wore your helmet.
Best of luck. I look forward to reading more of your exploits! “Be safe out there!” as the old saying goes.
The speed thing may or may not be true
but its what I used as justification
I have now done 150 miles in the last 5 days, I do feel that I should SERIOUSLY look at it now, I averaged 17Mph over that 150 miles and that was with almost 9000ft of climbing, so you get an idea that im Not slow anymore. I proved that riding quick gives you little time to react when I crashed my Carbon bike. Food for thought
Gaz
Hi Gaz,
I just wanted to add my 2c to the helmet question. I’m normally a fast cyclist but the only time I’ve ever really needed my helmet I was doing under 10mph; I was just cruising home from work, went round a corner, stood up on the pedals to accelerate and my chain snapped. I went down hard and fast- road rash etc up one side and my helmet cracked down the middle but my head was fine.
I’ve heard about the studies that say helmets don’t help above 14mph (and I think wearing them should be personal choice and not mandatory as they are in NZ and Australia), but some accidents don’t involve cars and are at low speeds, and I was grateful for my helmet then.
Congratulations on your inspirational achievement and all the best for the future.
Ian
Argh more helmet debates noooooooooooooo
What is your webite ?
Great to hear your story, Thanks for sharing , Glad you enjoyed the CA Article too.
Gaz
Bloody hell, you are an inspiration. I started a blog a couple of days back after reading the 22stonecyclist and frank kinlans blogs but only just stumbled across this from the lance support site.
I’m hovering around the 16/17 stone mark and not happy with myself and trying to get myself to around the 12 stone mark (or less if it’s possible) i’m only 5ft 10 so 16 stones doesnt look good on my frame!
I’m going to “steal” your marathon a day mantra though, its a fantastic idea and can only serve as motivation.
Bloody shame about the van incident last year but good to see you pushed through the pain barrier.
I hope one day when i feel comfortable with competing in events i’ll get to meet you and shake your hand, your blog and videos are going to be one of the motivational tools at my disposal.
You’ve done it, 22stone cyclist has, also Frank Kinlan, it’s about time i joined this club!
Well done.
Thanks for the comment
Good luck on your journey and of course, steal away
Gaz
Amazing story, you have shown fantastic will power to achieve what you have. Very inspiring & glad that you are sharing your journey
You are too kind, thank you.
Gaz
wow, you’re amazing… wish you all the best for the future…
Thank You
Total agreement with all comments – truly amazing achievement – just watched your motavational speech and it was inspiring.
I am about 6′ 5″ and have always hovered around the 18 stone mark. I love cycling both watching and riding but for some reason never applied the cycling to the point where it affected my weight loss – I had a revelation earlier this year, in part due to your blog and in part due to me realising I can hardly be taken seriously as a fan of cycling weighing 18+ stone! I was commuting which was marginally beneficial but my journey was too short to result in weight loss and because of commuting I was not doing much recreational cycling. In April I got rid of my Stumpjumper FSR and bought a Boardman CX (swapped out the knobblies for slicks) and I now ride a minimum of 10 miles a day (time trial style) and double that at the weekends (as you say in your video, cycling is now my addiction!) – the effect has been amazing and I have dropped about 20lbs in 7 weeks (I cannot remember the last time I was 17 stone – it was probably in my late teens/early twenties) – my target is 15 stone (maybe a bit less). I am looking forward to reaching 16 stone as I have promised myself a full carbon bike to inspire me for the final push and ongoing maintenance of new weight!
Glad the speech seems to have had the desired effect.
You will love the Carbon bikes, Am about to write an update and that will include my thoughts on my own Carbon bike.
Im in the 13 stone “Zone” and I have only ever weighed this little, when I was a kid and my weight was going up, past where I am now, its an amazing feeling isnt it ?
It is an amazing feeling, I had a revelation on my ride this morning whilst hitting a particularly nasty hill with a short kick at the end that almost feels like it’s 1:1, all of a sudden I realised I can get up it without it being as difficult as the first time I tackled it, in part I put it down to improved aerobic capacity and leg strength but it only just dawned on me that the biggest reason would be that I weigh 2 stone less now than I did on that first ride! It made me realise that the reason most diets fail is because if you have nothing to challenge yourself other than the drop in weight loss or your appearance in a mirror then that is not a lot to keep you going. Having something like cycling (or any other measurable activity) gives you the inspiration to keep going. My first 10 took about 37 minutes, my best now is 28 and average around 30 depending on route and weather conditions. It’s crazy that a couple of months ago I did not really give a toss and now I am pushing myself as hard as I can on every ride.
One thing I would like to know is if you did any other toning exercises to get your body back into shape or was it all purely through cycling?
Thats a really good point re diets and pushing yourself for sure !
I ran at the gym, about 4 times, but thats it, the rest was nothing but cycling cycling cycling
That’s great news as I hate running!
I quite enjoyed it , the 3 times I did it over the winter
Gary.
I owe you an apology.
When I spotted you a while back on the CC forums (of which I have been a little absent of late) I kind of “disregarded” you as something of an attention seeker or perhaps worse as a guy who had just “started” cycling and would soon be bored of it , as such I don’t recall giving you any credit or encouragement….for that I apologise.
Your achievement is immense, far greater than just that of a rider, you have had to come to terms with many more challenges and demons that, (without sounding too patronising) you can be proud to have found a way to control and beat.
I hope your journey continues and wish you every success. I am finding real inspiration in reading your blog.
Thank you
John
(AKA Jonny Jeez)
Not to worry mate, I do try to get the word out as much as I can these days BUT its not for personal gratification, its to inspire the man on the couch to say “Shit, I CAN do that too” I guess it doesn’t always come across like that ?
Glad you’re enjoying the blog, hope you stick around and thanks for apology but it really wasn’t needed mate
It has been great to read this blog. I used to do a lot of cycling and weighed about 10 1/2 stone but over the last 15 years my weight has risen to 18 stone 6lbgving me a BMI of around 40. I was diagnosed as having type 2 diabetes about 3 weeks agos and I am now losing weight. I am down to 17 stone 8lb. I would like to start cycling but finding cycling gear for someone with a 52″ waste is not easy. Also lycra does look rather silly when so heavy but is in my experience the most comfortable clothing to wear. Reading your blog though has encouraged me no end. What did you do about your diet whilst losing weight?
Wow you seem to be dropping numbers fast there mate
Well done
I love Lycra – unles your at a weight where you feel ok in it – why not put baggies on over it ?
Gaz
Smashing story and blog chap, you inspired me to get into cycling as a way to get shot of my excess 7 stone! And to strat my own blog! Thanks mate!
Good on ya dude, keep us updated
truley inspirational story.I bought a couple of cheap rigid mountain bikes about 8yrs ago and have hardly used them, but about 8mnts ago made the decision to start cycling,well i’ve been out about 6 times since then (pathetic I know) but getting motovated is my problem.For the past few months i,ve been buying MTB mags and spend hours on tinternet regularly drooling over cycling websites,you see my job holds me back cause i work 6 days weekly and 7 days every fortnight and i’m up at 4am but i know i’ts no excuse but reading stories like yours is the kick up the ARSE someone like me needs.Also in the last few months i started buying some gear (shorts,tops and bits and bobs even some lycra) i’ve not bought top end range stuff but i’m determined to get out there and use it.Also my BMI is not the healthiest (5″7 and touching 16st) so needs must.Anayway thanks again reading your blogs have been an inspiration……Stuguy67.
Just found your blog and read your story. Amazing! Congratulations on your weight loss and your positive attitude. More people need to know they can do this too.
[...] efforts to lose weight over the past three years on his blog, describes the reaction to his transformation from friends and family [...]
I can’t believe the dramatic music on the 100km that is too funny. I am so sorry about what happen to you. But you know you got this far and can’t ever give up just because of that. It didn’t kill you and your still alive and well, then you can keep going. No excuses can cause you to fail unless you let them. I have been on my workout routine for almost three months now. I was not as big as you but I am obese at 250 pounds in July 13th I was feeling depressed and didn’t want to feel like crap anymore so I did something about it. It was on a trip with my fiance to her mothers and we started there and kept at it. And at 20 or so pounds later I feel much better I am riding our mountain bikes that we bought last month and we are having a lot more energy then before. I know when you put your mind to something you can do anything. Its all about dedication and hard work and letting nothing stop you no matter what. The more you tell yourself that you can do it the more you will do it. You have your whole life to keep at it and you will when you step out the door to head to work. That bike is your life now along with you children. You do it for yourself first then your children and family next. I know your on your way to a better life and you will live longer because of this change. Those set backs were just setbacks not a punishment or an excuse to stop. i know that you didn’t get this far to give up on your goals. You will always have supporters who support you and those are the people that you rely on for encouragement. But it all comes down to you and your ability to get things done. We can always stop and quit. Quitting is easy. Not giving up is hard not to do. When we put in our heads that we can do something then we will never give up no matter what our brains are telling us. I have those days where I don’t want to get up anymore and want to sleep in. I know that I cant’ I have to get up and work out and keep on going to live a life full of determination and confidence. Thanks for reading and hope you are keeping at it. Don’t ever give up. Or throw away the towel.
Thanks but that was 12 months ago, since then I have dropped to 190 pounds, won another award and just this weekend did a hellishly hard 90km race, you just need to check out the home page
http://theamazing39stonecyclist.wordpress.com/
Hi Gaz. I was thinking of selling my bike because i don’t use it much. i’m 18.5 stone classed as obese. I use the car too often for short trips and i have a dodgey knee problem but after reading your story my weight problem is nothing compared to what yours was, WOW it makes me think that i could do things like you did and i should cycle more often. Forget the weather just cycle.
It was a great read…
Hi Peter
It’s amazing to hear things like this , I wish you the very best on your weight loss, do keep us updated
Gaz
Hi, randomly came across your blog whilst looking for info on Ribble Audax bikes. Had to read your story and was so impressed. Truly inspirational. I wish more people had your attitude to health and weight loss.
Thanks Russ
Gaz
WOW. You are truly an inspiration to people. I was so impressed by your story. Well done and keep it up. You deserve it.
ooh you ride singlespeed. I hope you’ll consider doing the world singlespeed champs when they come to England or UK (they were in Eire this year, I was there, but next year it’s southafrica, and the year after who knows ? it’s always random.
very cool blog, I am happy to read you’ve done so much.
Please tell me what food you ate selectively, and if food is becoming your friend I hope I hope.
, the ruthless recycler from Calif
[...] Sorry if it's a repost but just came across this blog, the amazing 39 stone cyclist. Wow! http://theamazing39stonecyclist.wordpress.com/about/ [...]
congratulations, fantastic and inspirational.. brillient.
Thank you very much Mr J
Gaz
As a medic, I’ve seen quite a few serious and/or long-term problems due to weight-loss surgery. You definitely made the right choice. I wish the big money spent on such surgery could be spent motivating people to do what you did and providing the infrastructure to prevent people feeling scared to cycle on the roads. I didn’t cycle from age 17 until I was about 40. I started cycling to work (13 miles each way) two or three times a week years eleven years ago, when I thought I was getting a bit overweight. I haven’t looked back and have never stopped eating whatever I feel like.
Frank I wish for the same too mate & while they are at it, I also wish I got a job inspiring those people who simply need to be shown what CAN be done, thats all I needed,
Sure that wont work for ALL but it would at least chip away (pun intened) at this CRISIS
hello i read your story and i say congratulations for the result
I have weight 185 kilos , i buy a bicycle to help me lose my weight.
I have one problem with the pain of the saddle and i don’t find a cyclist colan with pad in my size (7xl-8xl)
if you know a internet shop who sell cyclist colan in that dimensions please told to me.
thanks.
I got some good WIDE saddles on eBay for when I first started
I had something like this
Item number: 280625425806
Does that help ?
great post I’m a big biking fan from Washington
Thanks Sam
You sir, are an inspiration. At around the 21 stone mark myself, and at the beginnng of my bikeling blogging career, I cannot wait to read your stories.
Good luck man
Mate a truly inspiring story. I am an avid cyclist and a personal trainer in Australia and I want to spread the word to people how great cycling is for weight loss as it is a great cardio workout, low impact snd sbove all fun! Your story is a great advertisement for cycling and gives hope for those struggling with weight loss. I read that Alp d’Huez is on the horizon so good luck. I did it last year and it was bloody hard but you will smash it given what you have already achieved.
Hi Gary.
I spotted your vid on youtube and followed it to your page.
Your a true inspiration for me to follow as i too am obese, wow that’s the first time i have admitted that out side my own skull as i’m normally just “a bit over weight” at 19.5st 5ft11.
It’s funny finding your story tonight as yesterday i went to my local bike store and ordered myself a brand new Jamis Dragon 29 sport for + Garmin Edge 800 Enduro Pack With Discoverer 1:50k Maps + lights + lock + helmet & clothing.
I thought if i spend a fair bit of money at this stage it would put pressure on myself to actually get out and use the bike every day rather than a small investment that i might not mind leaving it in the shed as in a few years when i sell it as nearly new i might have gotten something back for it lol.
Everyone needs a light bulb moment and i had mine on Friday!
Sat in my van at MacDonald’s eating a big mac meal and looking through some pictures on my phone of my nearly 5 month old baby Benjamin when it suddenly dawned on me that if i carry on down this path i may not get to see him grow into a man.
So when my bike gets delivered i’m going to make a major effort to get out every day weather it be for a quick ride around the estate or a day through the woods and parks i’ll keep you in mind and know that it’s 100% achievable in time.
Tom.
Good luck
Keep at it
And keep us updated
[...] One of the guest posters on the blog is a poster that goes by the name “gaz”. He’s someone who’s lost over 300 pounds, using biking as his main exercise for weight loss. You can read about his journey here. [...]
I saw your blog via Cycle Scheme and wow!
Hi Gaz,
I came across you in Cycling Plus (March 2012). What an amazing story, and well done you!I was going swimming today and dithering about taking the train or the bike – not any more.
So I am a bit older than you Gaz and have been struggling with obesity since Uni. SO much of what i just read on your Blog echos with me. In High School (that’s right, stereotypical fat Yank) I play Proper football, Ran cross-country and athletics and was in the school cycling club. Fit but not thin.
I have been on 3 VLCD’s and now I am staring down the barrel of Surgery. Would have liked to avoid it but just wasn’t strong enough yet. I am firmly in that 95%. I also feel like the biggest div sometimes because I have a degree in Human Physiology.
New Year’s this Year and My Uber-fit Father-in-Law gives me one of the salvage bikes he uses to teach cycling courses in Newham. I get on the Thing to go to work and I hate it …and then at the end of the ride love it and wonder why I ever gave it up in the first place.
I am gonna keep returning to this blog whether you post anything new or not, so I am reminded of my own never ending finish line. I also will need it for support in the face of the random abuse hurled at me every flipping day. Maybe I DON’T get irony but why does someone yell insults at a fat guy WHO IS ACTUALLY EXERCISING??? I am a citizen now but this is something in the British persona (and Maybe it is ONLY these 2 miles in SW London) I just haven’t figured out and it is really soul destroying.
I just find your story wonderful and really what I need member and start living by. I want to be a five day a week commuter by Easter and well with this weather that shouldn’t be too difficult. Because of hacking my FB name is Cris, but please call me Jason.
and Thank You
Hi Gaz – I’m pretty sure, on my commute from NE manchester to Wilmslow I used to see you, in about 2008/2009 and you were a big guy – I thought good on you, and then over the weeks and months saw your frame shrinking but then I stopped driving that way and always wondered about whether you’d kept it up! Rather a surprise today to have found your website accidentally – what a fantastic, inspirational story.
I was searching for cycle recycle websites and remembered Oscar Brogden’s name but the recylcing centre seems to have shut down. You mention on your blog knowing him, and I wondered if you’d be able to provide me with a number or a location where I can get hold of him. Having had the same lilac Raleigh bike since I was 9 years old (I’m now 27) I’ve decided to get rid, and stop it from rusting in the shed. I’m going to replace and get back on my bike having stopped when I was knocked down a few years ago. It would be good if my old bike could be repaired for another 9 or 10 year old.
What a superb story thanks
If you ring 234 5000 and Ask for Oscar Brogden, they will put you through (sorry for the delay)
Hi Gaz
I live just off Joel Lane and I have never managed to walk up it never mind cycle up it! My daughter is only 10 weeks old so after a number of years piling on the pounds please let me know if you can help a local dad! I am looking for my first bike as are many who find this blog I weigh 26 stone and counting at 37 years old . I have lost and gained over past few years since balloning from my usual 14 stone, Family friends do the manchester blackpool run and try to help but its way to big a goal for me at this point. Can you help ? Personal training seems the way to go if you can fit in with your schedule!
Thanks
Hi Craig
Am more than happy to help you out mate
What do you have in mind?
All the best
Just…. Wow.
I’ve gone from 297lb to 249lb in 6 months and start personal training weds and googled fat training is possible and found your blog. Amazing!!! I felt until I read your blog I should cancel it, no way could I do the exercise to help shift the lbs. reafibg this orooves if you can do it at 30+ stone I can do an hour training induction weds. I’m so embarassed to go running / jogging but you’ve done it which prooves ignore others as you are doing it for yourself.
How did Wednesday go then ?
:0)
Gaz