Today is Sunday 15 November 2015 and I pledge to save my life. After watching this video and listening to your story there is no reason I need to be obese any longer. Thank you for the inspiration. I look forward to updating soon with my own success story.
+Toby Field hey man am around 21 stone i want to change i hate being who i am i know i can become a better person and i want to get the best out of me i have been cycling 6 miles everynight and am on a diet i use to eat everything i didnt care about my self but now i just want to get on my bike and ride its an amazing feeling my thighs are becoming stronger i feel better am really moved by your story you are a pure inspiration to us over weight cyclists and i wish to follow in ur path great job for reaching ur goals amazing proud of you
6 miles is a great start. The more you cycle the fitter you'll get. As long as you're doing at least 30 mins of exercise with an increased heart rate you're doing good.
I have just awoken to the joys of cycling and like you purchased a bike through the cycle to work scheme. I love it, i feel fitter, healthier and have lost nearly a stone in 10 weeks. Cant imagine my life without the bike now. Your story is inspiring, i take my hat off to you
I've entered the scheme, picked a cyclocross bike and now waiting for the voucher to arrive in Jan so I can get started. I started running to lose weight by a leg injury from an accident put pay to that. I now see cycling as my route to serious weight loss, a new hobby and restored self esteem. I found your video a reminder it can happen and just takes a will to do it. Thanks! and fingers crossed
Fantastic work mate :) A year ago I weighed 33 stone (no, that's not a typo). I'm from the south coast but moved to the US in 2003. America didn't make me obese, not caring about anything did. Anyway, things got so bad I decided to have gastric bypass surgery (which for anyone reading this, is by NO MEANS an easy option, I can promise you). After six months of tests and being on a hospital-supervised weightloss program, I had the surgery in March of this year. My weight started to drop but it wasn't until I bought my first bike in 20 years that things really started to change for me. I started off with a Specialized Bikes Hybrid but then fell in love with the Specialized FatBoy fat bike. 7 months later and I've lost just over 15 stone and am cycling 40-60 miles a week. Got another 4 stone to go. Thanks for making this video :)
That is awesome! My goal is to be up to about a hundred to 100 to 120 a week. I've done 28 in the last 2 days. So I will get there in a couple of weeks. Right now I'm flat Landing in, but once I'm up to 20 miles comfortably, I'm going to hit the Canyons.
I am looking for stories of people who bike commute to work in order to get myself motivated to start bike communting also. I have a million excuses why I shouldn't do it. Your story just shot down most of them. Thank you, I will get my old bike fixed and start my bike commuting. Cheers from the state of Utah, USA.
Thank you. I changed my diet from day one. I started eating breakfast every day. I eat something simple for lunch like rice, pasta or cous cous. I eat a normal dinner but just cut down on the portion size. Snacks were fruit.
I used to be 250lbs I have been commuting to work for about 7 years today I'm 140 lbs. I'm proud of you man I know your struggle cause I have been there.
Very encouraging testimony Toby! I began riding back in 2011. At the time I weighed 275 lbs. I've since dropped 40 lbs, and have maintained that weight through exercise and diet. Cycling is a huge part of my regimen. I started with an inexpensive department store bicycle, quickly outgrew it, and now have the much nicer bike I have today. Last year I put on close to 3,000 miles between riding for fun (going for coffee across town), riding to work, and weekend touring (overnight camping trips via bicycle). Here in the states, it's catching on, but people are deeply in love with their cars. Where I live, in the winter, temperatures can easily drop to -20F by early morning when I rise to go out and make my way to work. I've ridden in that cold weather, it's okay but if it's windy I fire up my pickup truck. Frost bite is no joke, haha. Just be glad you live in a more temperate climate than here in the upper midwestern U.S. Cheers from across the pond, keep up the good work!
stumbled across on the 'recommended' on my home page as I like cycling and what a wonderful video. What you're done is amazing and inspirational to many I'm sure. Happy cycling. Matt
Way to go, Toby! You accomplished something very useful and meaningful, and changing your lifestyle in the process. Congratulations. I'm now 66 and commute 10 - 25 miles each day to work. Yes, I still work because I want to. Been riding most of my life and still love it more than ever. Occasionally, I'll do a century or double century ride for fun and fellowship with friends. Keep it up and stay safe. ~Jim G
Having watched your video on the cycle to work day 14 September 2016 I am impressed with your commitment. I am 55yrs old and cycle most days to work and venture out on 50 plus miles at weekends. So keep it up and well done. you can inspire many to do the same.
Awesome, congratulations! I'm soon going to be commuting by bike for the same reason. I've dropped over 40 pounds so far by watching my diet and exercising on a stationary bike, but I have 60 pounds to go, and I'm stepping up my game with a bicycle. I bought a bike about three weeks ago and have been riding to build up strength. My commute to work will be three days a week to a music studio where I teach private lessons. It's 8 miles to the studio. Last week, I pedaled there and back as a test run. I was pretty wiped out by the time I got back home, but if I can pedal there, take a 15-minute break, and then pedal right back home, I know I can pedal there, teach lessons for 5-6 hours, and then pedal home on somewhat rested legs. Aside from the health benefits I'm already feeling, I had forgotten how much fun it is to ride a bike!
Congratulations ! That is such a great story that you tell us here. You've had the determination to change your life, and you've got great results. I'm happy to see how much you changed with cycling. I'm 20 and I've absolutely no weight problem nor health problem (I'm only 50kg); but I decided to never ride a car, and not even get the license. This seems very strange to people, who nearly all use a car. But so many things could be done only with public transportation and bike. Imagine a city without cars, and pollution. What a paradise would it be ! And imagine how fitter and happier would the people be, if they made all possible commute using bike. I only see advantages to it. I'm Belgian, living in a very dangerous city for bikes (due to motorists)... and my commute to university is ~ 15km long with a 3km of 8% grade. But I really think anyone should do it and could do it, or just try it sometimes (with some will for some who are unfit). As you say, the feeling of freedom is huge. I'm always so happy to end an hard day by 20 minutes of downhill, even with the rain/the freeze. And also, it's so cheap ! Using 500€ a year for your bike + equipment seems a huge amount of money... But using it for a car seems almost impossible ! Great job man, and I hope your video will convince many more to get the same life-changing habit.
This is a really inspiring video. I bought a cycle to work scheme bike about a month ago and I am really enjoying. I have been cycling to work on and off over the last year and lost about 3 1/2 stone. Since seeing your video, I have extended my route to work by about 50% and I now make it every day. Thank you for taking the time to make this video.
Awesome. I have been cycling my whole life, I'm 57 years old. Your story is beyond great. Cycling changes you both mentally and physically. I'm so glad that you have been able to change your life. Words don't describe what cycling does for a person. Hats off to you and keep enjoying your new lifestyle. Lawrence from Canada
Holy crap man! That's very inspirational! It gave me chills. I started riding 15 miles every day to my college. It's the only exercise I'm currently getting. I've lost 2lbs my first week.
Just wanted to share that I saw this video last year and started cycling to work here in California. I've dropped 50 lbs and it's changed my life. Thanks for the video!
I can't think of a better and more inspirational story to encourage people to cycle Toby. I've cycled for years now and It really warms my heart to see people's lives being turned around by something I love so much. Keep riding fella!!!
Great video. Your Dad would be proud of you. In 2005 I weighed about 95 kg and was on a downward spiral due to a back injury where I was suffering intense pain in my lower back. I could literally only stand for a few minutes at a time, Surprisingly riding my MTB did not aggravate my bike, and watched a road cycle race, purchased a bike a couple of weeks later on the mortgage of course. I have since lost about 20 kg and now train and race race regularly. Good for you to make a video of this. I cycle for much the same reasons as you and it motivates me heaps. I have had a cycle coach for the last 2-3 years on and off and a great way to go to the next level providing you have the time and commitment for it. I am now the same weight I was back in High School some 30 years ago.
Getting started is the hardest part. Once you get on the bike, the fun of it will keep you going. The fun part may vary from one cyclist to another, adding mileage on the computer, challenging to the next telephone pole on the steep hill, catching up and passing a cyclist far away ahead of you is another. Some of you maybe motivated by losing the weight in the beginning, but soon you'll forget it.
Congratulations. I was out of shape when I started riding. I think every cyclist remembers that moment when cycling suddenly doesn't become a chore but when the legs really start pedaling on their own and the body is jazzed to push the pace
Toby, I want to thank you for doing this. I have been doing the same commute in Portland, Oregon, USA for 3 months now in the worst possible season... and I'm in love. Keep doing. :)
That is an incredible effort by you! Thanks so much Toby for sharing your story! It is an inspiration. I rode my bike for the first time in 4 years and I plan to continue!
Thank you for the story, I got a bike on the cycle scheme in July and have managed 350miles, I was 18.5stone, and have just made it under 18, gives me the strength to keep going. Thank you
Excellent story! I too ditched my automobile in favor of a bicycle and public transportation. Through 8 months I have: Lost 25 lbs, saved up $5000, avoided using 480 gallons of fuel. All in exchange for a bicycle that has cost me about $500 including upgrades.
Good job, Toby. I can say the same as once I became a bike commuter i got rid of more than fifteen kilos and I have been fitter even since. What's even more, I have also become a bike travelling along the roads in Argentina. Congratulations on your motivation to masses
Same story with me, I weighed almost 300 pounds and ate my own weight in junk food each day, then one day I started riding my bike and I never stopped. Very inspirational! Congrats on changing your life man!
I bought a road bike with the intention of cycling to work, but it's been a year now and I still haven't done it. It's silly but once the excitement of deciding to do it wore off ... I found that I was scared of cycling to work, my biggest fear is cars and oblivious drivers. Hopefully I can shake of the fear and follow in your stead. Good on you for doing this!! You're an inspiration!! I love the story behind your decision.
Fantastic work Toby! More than your lifestyle change, sharing your journey should set SOLID example for hundreds and thousands of people world wide to do the same!
I agree, I get to work and I feel absolutely great! Like I said, the hardest part is getting up early. Man Toby, your story really rocks bro! It's AMAZING what you've done with yourself! Way to go pal and thanks for the support as well. Winter is creeping in and I can already feel the cold wind as I begin my early morning commute. I'm currently taking the bus back home as I still don't have the energy to make it home with all the mad traffic. I'm pumped!!!
Well done! I just started commuting to work/class by bicycle. I haven't ridden a bike since I was 15, and learning to ride as an adult has been fantastic; a challenge, but well worth it. Thanks for sharing your inspirational story.
Thanks for sharing your really inspiring story. I was in a similar position last year - I hated my commute, I was working and then feeling tired and eating rubbish when I got home. Once I was motivated to change my lifestyle, I started off small - I'd check the weather and ride in once a week on the day with the best weather. It was 10 miles and I'd be pretty knackered by the time I got to work but I gradually got used to it and started riding in two days and then more. Now my health is great and I actually look forward to my commute. Anyone can make positive lifestyle changes if they want to.
Well done mate! This is really good and inspiring, keep up the good work. I have been road cycling for 6 years now and it’s helped me in so many ways I’m now joined a team and started to race.
This is very inspirational. I have let myself go, and I am ashamed of it, even though I am seriously ill with fibromyalgia and ankylosing spondylitis. Your video has helped me get out on my bike today...
Hi mate, Thanks for this video.. I am currently 170KG and am about to buy my first bike and looking for a healthy diet to go along with it. You are really an inspiration to me and alot of other people... Thank You!!
What an awesome, inspirational video. I started my own mission to cycle myself fit a few weeks ago (I'm a 20st blob) and it really works. Give yourself a big pat on the back, you deserve it :)
Hi. Great video and undoubtedly and inspiration to many many people ( me included ). I'm 5 weeks into my bike to work journey and have a similar distance to you for my commute. Thanks for posting this video and, through it, helping to get me out the house on a morning. Wishing you the best in all your cycling endeavors. Keep well.
I want to be like you. Thank you for sharing your journey! I rode for 3 miles yesterday. Need to lose 20lbs, not sure what a “stone” is but your pics encourage me. I’m 60, live 5 miles from work. Need a newer bike but gonna try with my old bike tomorrow. I will get there!
Thanks for sharing your story. My bike is a Genesis Day One. It's a Shimano Alfine hub geared cyclocross bike but to be fair it's more like a touring bike.
Dude......your poster of before and fter should be in every doctors waiting room, in every cycle shop window, bloody amazing man!! Respect to you for having the guts to get up and change your life. All the best to you. Mik
Its great to see transformations like yours, ive had a year or so off cycling, but getting a revolt 3 through the cycle to workscheme. Getting back into cycling again.
Wow!! Really inspiring. Cycling really does make a difference. Im 6'1 in height and weighed 205 for the longest time. Blood pressure was alittle high. I got me a bike and rode about 5 miles at first and slowly increased my distance. After 2 months of everyday riding i brought my weight down to 178 and feel a whole lot better. Seeing myself loosing the weight motivated me to even go further. To this day i ride about 100 to 150 miles a week. I might have to show your video to some friends of mine for a wake up call as i to have some friends out of shape. Thanks
just watched this inspirational video. congrats, mate. i love it. i plan to bike to work myself, hopefully starting next month. to this purpose, i've been practicing every morning almost a month now.
From the before and after photos it seems that the act of making the video helped you to achieve your goal, too. I'm sure this will be of great help to many people - WELL DONE!
Great video! It's all about having the motivation to start. Only 5 years ago I used to have to lie down for half an hour after a 3 mile ride around the block! Now I ride thousands of miles every year. Once the wheels start rolling it becomes wonderfully addictive.. and incredibly healthy for both body and mind. Cycling is perfect for those who are unemployed or retire and are depressed with their lives. Any old bike will do to start with. Congratulations! Well done, Toby!
Yes, I used padded shorts. They really do make a difference. I use a Buff in the cold weather but once warmed up I don't need it. I don't seem to supper from chapped lips but you can use some lip balm. You could get yourself a wicking base layer. That's help keep you warm but remove the moisture away from your skin.
I thought your video is like a carbon copy of my life even the way you looked back then seems to be similiar to how I look now. I thank you for your inspiration and need that realization that it is possible and change can happen. So thanks again and wish me good luck :)
well done mate!! i have a similar story.. i was 120kgs in october 2011 when i started cycling again (was an athlete in other sports in my youth..) Now at the age of 41, within 15 months i managed to lose 25 kgs (down to 95kgs)!! i cycle to work, to all my meetings and go for fast rides in the nights or the weekends, with my cycling buddys 3-4 times a week... i am loving it!!! keep up the good work!!
Thanks for your question. I take a backpack on a Monday with all my clothes in and bring them home again on a Friday. I leave my shoes at work. I have just bought some panniers to replace the backpack though.
That's why I like to ride too; the feeling of freedom...there are way too many people who tend to want tie one's mind into knots from all the everyday things a human has to deal with both in relationships and business aspects, bicycling gives me that sense of freedom and that "I can conquer anything if I just try". For a women, I am too over weight, but have lost some weight since I have restarted cycling in 2015 after a two year gap of not doing any exercise at all. SELF MOTIVATION is where a lot of people lack and I am still on the path of desiring to lose more weight :). Running leads a person to lose a lot more weight too. :)
I am watching this video and amazed at the beautiful scenery. I want to go there from Los Angeles just to ride my bike around. That commute is ridiculously cool looking! You are a lucky man to have that nice of a commute. I have to be up by 4:30 and ride through East Los Angeles by 5:30 am to be at work on time. I am JEALOUS! Congrats! I'm going to go ride my bike right now!
Glad I found this video. I started last week by getting up early to go on a bike ride. just doing 4-5 miles at the moment. Went all the way round without stopping today. I am 49 years old 6ft 4 and 22 stone. My excuse has always been that because I am tall I don't look as heavy which is true but I started feeling tired somedays and because I work at home from a studio in the garden, I realised that some days I was taking only a few hundred steps a day which isn't good. So even though it was raining today i still got out there and did the route. Now I am selling an old Brompton bike I used to use to commute in London and buying a hybrid bike with better gears and tyres as mine is an old mountain bike and not ideal for road cycling. So hopefully i am on the route to get fitter......
still out every morning doing around 7 miles, taking about 45 mins. Did my longest ride the weekend at 25 miles, really enjoying the new life routine. always eating breakfast, a smaller dinner and not eating as much for tea. losing 3-4 lbs a week which is ideal and not too extreme. For me its all about exercising more, eating less and better and not dieting because no diet ever really works, its changing your lifestyle......its one of those things that you have to realise yourself as no one likes being told what to do but at some point you wake up and realise that with a bit of effort and a change of mindset, your life could be so much better.....
I'm 21 stone right now and 42 years old. I am planning to do what you did very soon after Covid-19 dies down. Thanks for sharing your journey. I will use it as motivation and inspiration. Cheers :)
Very inspiring Toby, even over 2 years later. I am on a similar trajectory, going from 110kg in Aug-14 now to 88kg in Jan-15. Still more to go to reach my goal weight by May when I give my daughter away at her wedding. Having got back on my bike after an almost 30 year absence, my life is less stressed, my health is much better, and my fitness greatly improved. I'm not sure about the grand statement, but I feel cycling has also helped saved my life.
Thanks Toby. Yes they are. More to go before May, but having managed not to have put on weight over Christmas, I think it's going to be relatively easy from here. (Just off for a long ride now which will help!)
Darryl Collins Same here... I was 113 kg Apr 2014. Now [today] I'm 69 kg (and still loosing weight). Today I cycled for 100 km in 4:35. Cycling did motivate me to go in a diet and shed weight
Wow! Toby, this is very inspiring to me!!! I'm currently trying to cycle to work myself to loose weight, help the environment and to feel better about myself. I'm currently at 210lbs and my goal is to hopefully get to 170lbs. The toughest part is getting up really early in the morning at 3am; I begin work at 5am. My commute is 15 miles. I have slopes and rough urban riding but It feels rewarding when I get to work. Currently, I take the bus back home but hope to change that later. Thanks man!
I am on week 4. I have 7 miles (roughly 11km) each way for my commute. I weigh 230 lbs (16.4 stone). I'm quite glad I came across your video. I think the more difficult thing for me will be the summer months in Texas, but I plan on sticking with this. These past three weeks have been incredible. Your progress is a great thing for me to look forward to! Thanks for making this video.
very inspirational video pal, your farther would be very proud of you I'm hoping to sign up to the scheme next month and get fitter too well done again
Well done mate. Iam starting my life change this week. Same position 20 stone. Funny thing is I love cycling just not had the time with work to use it's benefits fully. Hopefully I can achieve what you have. As I don't want to follow my dad's ending either.
Today is Sunday 15 November 2015 and I pledge to save my life. After watching this video and listening to your story there is no reason I need to be obese any longer. Thank you for the inspiration. I look forward to updating soon with my own success story.
Good luck
+Toby Field hey man am around 21 stone i want to change i hate being who i am i know i can become a better person and i want to get the best out of me i have been cycling 6 miles everynight and am on a diet i use to eat everything i didnt care about my self but now i just want to get on my bike and ride its an amazing feeling my thighs are becoming stronger i feel better am really moved by your story you are a pure inspiration to us over weight cyclists and i wish to follow in ur path great job for reaching ur goals amazing proud of you
+Toby Field do you think cycling 6 miles everynight will help me?
6 miles is a great start. The more you cycle the fitter you'll get. As long as you're doing at least 30 mins of exercise with an increased heart rate you're doing good.
thanks for the advice bro Toby Field
This video is 11 years old but the message is still relevant to me! Thank you for inspiring me today Toby!
Rode to work today for the first time because of this video....hopefully i can keep it up!!!
Dale Drake Well done. Keep it up.
2 years later, did you keep it up? :)
checking in 5 years later
Endure! Best wishes. Always remember, pain is weakness leaving the body.
Howd it go buddy.. you keeping it up?
I have just awoken to the joys of cycling and like you purchased a bike through the cycle to work scheme. I love it, i feel fitter, healthier and have lost nearly a stone in 10 weeks. Cant imagine my life without the bike now. Your story is inspiring, i take my hat off to you
Anyone watching in 2020?
Why?
Yessir
Affirmative!
from 284 to 256 in 3 months almost entirely from riding to work for me. IT WORKS.
I've entered the scheme, picked a cyclocross bike and now waiting for the voucher to arrive in Jan so I can get started. I started running to lose weight by a leg injury from an accident put pay to that. I now see cycling as my route to serious weight loss, a new hobby and restored self esteem. I found your video a reminder it can happen and just takes a will to do it. Thanks! and fingers crossed
Fantastic work mate :) A year ago I weighed 33 stone (no, that's not a typo). I'm from the south coast but moved to the US in 2003. America didn't make me obese, not caring about anything did. Anyway, things got so bad I decided to have gastric bypass surgery (which for anyone reading this, is by NO MEANS an easy option, I can promise you). After six months of tests and being on a hospital-supervised weightloss program, I had the surgery in March of this year. My weight started to drop but it wasn't until I bought my first bike in 20 years that things really started to change for me. I started off with a Specialized Bikes Hybrid but then fell in love with the Specialized FatBoy fat bike. 7 months later and I've lost just over 15 stone and am cycling 40-60 miles a week. Got another 4 stone to go. Thanks for making this video :)
Wow! Well done you.
That is awesome! My goal is to be up to about a hundred to 100 to 120 a week. I've done 28 in the last 2 days. So I will get there in a couple of weeks. Right now I'm flat Landing in, but once I'm up to 20 miles comfortably, I'm going to hit the Canyons.
I am looking for stories of people who bike commute to work in order to get myself motivated to start bike communting also. I have a million excuses why I shouldn't do it. Your story just shot down most of them. Thank you, I will get my old bike fixed and start my bike commuting. Cheers from the state of Utah, USA.
Thank you. I changed my diet from day one. I started eating breakfast every day. I eat something simple for lunch like rice, pasta or cous cous. I eat a normal dinner but just cut down on the portion size. Snacks were fruit.
I used to be 250lbs I have been commuting to work for about 7 years today I'm 140 lbs. I'm proud of you man I know your struggle cause I have been there.
Very encouraging testimony Toby! I began riding back in 2011. At the time I weighed 275 lbs. I've since dropped 40 lbs, and have maintained that weight through exercise and diet. Cycling is a huge part of my regimen. I started with an inexpensive department store bicycle, quickly outgrew it, and now have the much nicer bike I have today. Last year I put on close to 3,000 miles between riding for fun (going for coffee across town), riding to work, and weekend touring (overnight camping trips via bicycle). Here in the states, it's catching on, but people are deeply in love with their cars. Where I live, in the winter, temperatures can easily drop to -20F by early morning when I rise to go out and make my way to work. I've ridden in that cold weather, it's okay but if it's windy I fire up my pickup truck. Frost bite is no joke, haha. Just be glad you live in a more temperate climate than here in the upper midwestern U.S. Cheers from across the pond, keep up the good work!
StormLaker1975 Thanks for your kind comments and well done you
Thank you for sharing. I shared my story in the the hope it would inspire and change the way people think about what is possible. Well done. Respect.
stumbled across on the 'recommended' on my home page as I like cycling and what a wonderful video.
What you're done is amazing and inspirational to many I'm sure.
Happy cycling.
Matt
That is an awesome effort by you, Toby. Thanks so much for making such a brill video, and sharing your story. :)
Way to go, Toby! You accomplished something very useful and meaningful, and changing your lifestyle in the process. Congratulations. I'm now 66 and commute 10 - 25 miles each day to work. Yes, I still work because I want to. Been riding most of my life and still love it more than ever. Occasionally, I'll do a century or double century ride for fun and fellowship with friends. Keep it up and stay safe. ~Jim G
Thanks Jim. Ride safe
Thx for the sharing. I just started my b2w since end of August. Its really an encouragement ...
Having watched your video on the cycle to work day 14 September 2016 I am impressed with your commitment. I am 55yrs old and cycle most days to work and venture out on 50 plus miles at weekends. So keep it up and well done. you can inspire many to do the same.
Thank you.
Awesome, congratulations! I'm soon going to be commuting by bike for the same reason. I've dropped over 40 pounds so far by watching my diet and exercising on a stationary bike, but I have 60 pounds to go, and I'm stepping up my game with a bicycle. I bought a bike about three weeks ago and have been riding to build up strength. My commute to work will be three days a week to a music studio where I teach private lessons. It's 8 miles to the studio. Last week, I pedaled there and back as a test run. I was pretty wiped out by the time I got back home, but if I can pedal there, take a 15-minute break, and then pedal right back home, I know I can pedal there, teach lessons for 5-6 hours, and then pedal home on somewhat rested legs. Aside from the health benefits I'm already feeling, I had forgotten how much fun it is to ride a bike!
Congratulations ! That is such a great story that you tell us here. You've had the determination to change your life, and you've got great results. I'm happy to see how much you changed with cycling. I'm 20 and I've absolutely no weight problem nor health problem (I'm only 50kg); but I decided to never ride a car, and not even get the license. This seems very strange to people, who nearly all use a car. But so many things could be done only with public transportation and bike. Imagine a city without cars, and pollution. What a paradise would it be ! And imagine how fitter and happier would the people be, if they made all possible commute using bike. I only see advantages to it. I'm Belgian, living in a very dangerous city for bikes (due to motorists)... and my commute to university is ~ 15km long with a 3km of 8% grade. But I really think anyone should do it and could do it, or just try it sometimes (with some will for some who are unfit).
As you say, the feeling of freedom is huge. I'm always so happy to end an hard day by 20 minutes of downhill, even with the rain/the freeze.
And also, it's so cheap ! Using 500€ a year for your bike + equipment seems a huge amount of money... But using it for a car seems almost impossible !
Great job man, and I hope your video will convince many more to get the same life-changing habit.
Benoît Seron Thanks for your kind comments and insight. Very valid points you make.
This is a really inspiring video. I bought a cycle to work scheme bike about a month ago and I am really enjoying. I have been cycling to work on and off over the last year and lost about 3 1/2 stone. Since seeing your video, I have extended my route to work by about 50% and I now make it every day. Thank you for taking the time to make this video.
thank you and good luck. glad you're making a difference to your life.
Awesome. I have been cycling my whole life, I'm 57 years old. Your story is beyond great. Cycling changes you both mentally and physically. I'm so glad that you have been able to change your life. Words don't describe what cycling does for a person. Hats off to you and keep enjoying your new lifestyle. Lawrence from Canada
Holy crap man! That's very inspirational! It gave me chills. I started riding 15 miles every day to my college. It's the only exercise I'm currently getting. I've lost 2lbs my first week.
thanks and good luck
Just wanted to share that I saw this video last year and started cycling to work here in California. I've dropped 50 lbs and it's changed my life. Thanks for the video!
Craig Frame Well done and thanks for sharing.
I can't think of a better and more inspirational story to encourage people to cycle Toby. I've cycled for years now and It really warms my heart to see people's lives being turned around by something I love so much. Keep riding fella!!!
Thank you for you kind comments Thomas.
Glad to hear riding has helped you so much. I can relate, it helped me as well and now that I'm retired I do it for fun. Thanks for the upload!
Toby - you have a great story that is truly inspiring. Thank you for sharing.
Very inspiring story and I am using this as my benchmark
Great video. Your Dad would be proud of you. In 2005 I weighed about 95 kg and was on a downward spiral due to a back injury where I was suffering intense pain in my lower back. I could literally only stand for a few minutes at a time, Surprisingly riding my MTB did not aggravate my bike, and watched a road cycle race, purchased a bike a couple of weeks later on the mortgage of course. I have since lost about 20 kg and now train and race race regularly. Good for you to make a video of this. I cycle for much the same reasons as you and it motivates me heaps. I have had a cycle coach for the last 2-3 years on and off and a great way to go to the next level providing you have the time and commitment for it. I am now the same weight I was back in High School some 30 years ago.
Greg Finch Thanks for sharing your story. It's good to know others have been where I have and found cycling a benefit.
Getting started is the hardest part.
Once you get on the bike, the fun of it will keep you going.
The fun part may vary from one cyclist to another, adding mileage on the computer, challenging to the next telephone pole on the steep hill, catching up and passing a cyclist far away ahead of you is another.
Some of you maybe motivated by losing the weight in the beginning, but soon you'll forget it.
A
Congratulations. I was out of shape when I started riding. I think every cyclist remembers that moment when cycling suddenly doesn't become a chore but when the legs really start pedaling on their own and the body is jazzed to push the pace
That’s awesome mate, as someone who is 18 stone and desperate to shift it. This really was a real pick me up. Congrats I hope you’re happy.
Toby, I want to thank you for doing this.
I have been doing the same commute in Portland, Oregon, USA for 3 months now in the worst possible season... and I'm in love.
Keep doing. :)
Thank you and good luck
That is an incredible effort by you! Thanks so much Toby for sharing your story! It is an inspiration. I rode my bike for the first time in 4 years and I plan to continue!
One of the most helpful videos on UA-cam. Thank you so much for sharing
My father died at the end of March! I came across your video watched it and cried! I miss my father! So at below freezing, I got my bike out and rode!
Well done my friend! Thank you for showing courage and sharing your story.
Fair play dude! Great story! Awful that your dad passed but he'll be super proud of you my man!
Thank you
Thank you for the story, I got a bike on the cycle scheme in July and have managed 350miles, I was 18.5stone, and have just made it under 18, gives me the strength to keep going. Thank you
+Ben Spivey Well done and good luck.
Well done! I am 17.7 miles from work but I am going to start with part train journey part cycling... You are inspirational.
good luck and thanks for your kind comments
Excellent story! I too ditched my automobile in favor of a bicycle and public transportation. Through 8 months I have: Lost 25 lbs, saved up $5000, avoided using 480 gallons of fuel. All in exchange for a bicycle that has cost me about $500 including upgrades.
The greatest bicycle video ever. Thanks for sharing your inspiring story.
Good job, Toby. I can say the same as once I became a bike commuter i got rid of more than fifteen kilos and I have been fitter even since. What's even more, I have also become a bike travelling along the roads in Argentina. Congratulations on your motivation to masses
I love this video. Inspiring and awsome story. I gotta go find my bike!
Thank you
Same story with me, I weighed almost 300 pounds and ate my own weight in junk food each day, then one day I started riding my bike and I never stopped. Very inspirational! Congrats on changing your life man!
I bought a road bike with the intention of cycling to work, but it's been a year now and I still haven't done it. It's silly but once the excitement of deciding to do it wore off ... I found that I was scared of cycling to work, my biggest fear is cars and oblivious drivers. Hopefully I can shake of the fear and follow in your stead. Good on you for doing this!! You're an inspiration!! I love the story behind your decision.
Well done fella, that’s really inspirational. Thank you.
Fantastic work Toby! More than your lifestyle change, sharing your journey should set SOLID example for hundreds and thousands of people world wide to do the same!
Very inspirational! Sorry about your dad and keep cycling :)
+Bradley Suarez Thank you.
A truly amazing transformation. Keep up the good work and keep on posting more vids.
I agree, I get to work and I feel absolutely great! Like I said, the hardest part is getting up early. Man Toby, your story really rocks bro! It's AMAZING what you've done with yourself! Way to go pal and thanks for the support as well. Winter is creeping in and I can already feel the cold wind as I begin my early morning commute. I'm currently taking the bus back home as I still don't have the energy to make it home with all the mad traffic. I'm pumped!!!
Well done! I just started commuting to work/class by bicycle. I haven't ridden a bike since I was 15, and learning to ride as an adult has been fantastic; a challenge, but well worth it. Thanks for sharing your inspirational story.
Hi Liz. Thanks for your comments. Enjoy your cycling.
Thanks for sharing your really inspiring story. I was in a similar position last year - I hated my commute, I was working and then feeling tired and eating rubbish when I got home. Once I was motivated to change my lifestyle, I started off small - I'd check the weather and ride in once a week on the day with the best weather. It was 10 miles and I'd be pretty knackered by the time I got to work but I gradually got used to it and started riding in two days and then more. Now my health is great and I actually look forward to my commute. Anyone can make positive lifestyle changes if they want to.
Well done mate! This is really good and inspiring, keep up the good work. I have been road cycling for 6 years now and it’s helped me in so many ways I’m now joined a team and started to race.
This is very inspirational. I have let myself go, and I am ashamed of it, even though I am seriously ill with fibromyalgia and ankylosing spondylitis. Your video has helped me get out on my bike today...
Very much my own story of the last 5 months. How to go, Toby! I've got quite a way to go yet but you're an inspiration.
Hi mate, Thanks for this video.. I am currently 170KG and am about to buy my first bike and looking for a healthy diet to go along with it. You are really an inspiration to me and alot of other people... Thank You!!
Beautiful story. By this reason I love my bicycle. My bicycle makes me feel happy and healthy every day. You look very good..congratulations !
What an awesome, inspirational video. I started my own mission to cycle myself fit a few weeks ago (I'm a 20st blob) and it really works. Give yourself a big pat on the back, you deserve it :)
An amazing and very inspiring video. Thanks for sharing your story with us.
Dude Toby you are the man!
Thanks
So much respect to you! I am selling my car and going to start cycling to work. I am 49 yrs old and ready to make some big changes!
Very inspiring !
Thank you Toby.
All the best and keep going further!
Very good! I wish I had this landscape to biking in...
your story is very inspiring.Thanks for the extra motivation,from Mexico City.
Thank you
Hi. Great video and undoubtedly and inspiration to many many people ( me included ). I'm 5 weeks into my bike to work journey and have a similar distance to you for my commute. Thanks for posting this video and, through it, helping to get me out the house on a morning. Wishing you the best in all your cycling endeavors. Keep well.
Tremendously inspiring. Thanks Toby!
What an inspiring video, Toby. I live in Los Angeles and plan on commuting to work by bike starting in August. It's 4 miles door to door!
I want to be like you. Thank you for sharing your journey! I rode for 3 miles yesterday. Need to lose 20lbs, not sure what a “stone” is but your pics encourage me. I’m 60, live 5 miles from work. Need a newer bike but gonna try with my old bike tomorrow. I will get there!
Thanks and good for you. A stone is 14lb.
Well done my friend, you're now the motivator for thousands of others.... Including myself
Thanks for sharing your story. My bike is a Genesis Day One. It's a Shimano Alfine hub geared cyclocross bike but to be fair it's more like a touring bike.
Thanks for sharing your story Ed and thanks for your feedback. Keep pedalling.
Dude......your poster of before and fter should be in every doctors waiting room, in every cycle shop window, bloody amazing man!! Respect to you for having the guts to get up and change your life. All the best to you.
Mik
Mik Murray Thanks. I love cycling now. Just completed a 100 mile ride today,
Its great to see transformations like yours, ive had a year or so off cycling, but getting a revolt 3 through the cycle to workscheme. Getting back into cycling again.
Enjoy. That bike looks sweet.
Wow!! Really inspiring. Cycling really does make a difference. Im 6'1 in height and weighed 205 for the longest time. Blood pressure was alittle high. I got me a bike and rode about 5 miles at first and slowly increased my distance. After 2 months of everyday riding i brought my weight down to 178 and feel a whole lot better. Seeing myself loosing the weight motivated me to even go further. To this day i ride about 100 to 150 miles a week. I might have to show your video to some friends of mine for a wake up call as i to have some friends out of shape. Thanks
Thanks for your kind comments and good for you. Please share.
just watched this inspirational video. congrats, mate. i love it. i plan to bike to work myself, hopefully starting next month. to this purpose, i've been practicing every morning almost a month now.
I still watch this video regularly just to try and get me out more on my bike, and get fitter. Very inspiring!
Awesome story!
Keep riding, everything will be ok :)
Cheers from Québec!
From the before and after photos it seems that the act of making the video helped you to achieve your goal, too.
I'm sure this will be of great help to many people - WELL DONE!
Well done to both of you. I like to get to work early before others as it gives me the relax and cool down time I need. Better to be early than late.
Great video! It's all about having the motivation to start. Only 5 years ago I used to have to lie down for half an hour after a 3 mile ride around the block! Now I ride thousands of miles every year. Once the wheels start rolling it becomes wonderfully addictive.. and incredibly healthy for both body and mind. Cycling is perfect for those who are unemployed or retire and are depressed with their lives. Any old bike will do to start with. Congratulations! Well done, Toby!
Yes, I used padded shorts. They really do make a difference.
I use a Buff in the cold weather but once warmed up I don't need it. I don't seem to supper from chapped lips but you can use some lip balm.
You could get yourself a wicking base layer. That's help keep you warm but remove the moisture away from your skin.
I thought your video is like a carbon copy of my life even the way you looked back then seems to be similiar to how I look now. I thank you for your inspiration and need that realization that it is possible and change can happen. So thanks again and wish me good luck :)
Looking sharp Toby...Good stuff. Very good video.
Rob.
well done mate!! i have a similar story.. i was 120kgs in october 2011 when i started cycling again (was an athlete in other sports in my youth..) Now at the age of 41, within 15 months i managed to lose 25 kgs (down to 95kgs)!! i cycle to work, to all my meetings and go for fast rides in the nights or the weekends, with my cycling buddys 3-4 times a week... i am loving it!!!
keep up the good work!!
Excellent video and a job well done, Toby. Congratulations. Keep it up.
Thank you
Thanks for your question. I take a backpack on a Monday with all my clothes in and bring them home again on a Friday. I leave my shoes at work. I have just bought some panniers to replace the backpack though.
That's why I like to ride too; the feeling of freedom...there are way too many people who tend to want tie one's mind into knots from all the everyday things a human has to deal with both in relationships and business aspects, bicycling gives me that sense of freedom and that "I can conquer anything if I just try". For a women, I am too over weight, but have lost some weight since I have restarted cycling in 2015 after a two year gap of not doing any exercise at all. SELF MOTIVATION is where a lot of people lack and I am still on the path of desiring to lose more weight :). Running leads a person to lose a lot more weight too. :)
Gosh, what an inspirational video. You've done so incredibly well and what an improvement to your looks. Wow.
What a beautiful story, Thanks for sharing.
Thank you.
Cheers for the story and strength mate from Oregon!
+NME10E Thank you
I am watching this video and amazed at the beautiful scenery. I want to go there from Los Angeles just to ride my bike around. That commute is ridiculously cool looking! You are a lucky man to have that nice of a commute. I have to be up by 4:30 and ride through East Los Angeles by 5:30 am to be at work on time. I am JEALOUS! Congrats! I'm going to go ride my bike right now!
Glad I found this video. I started last week by getting up early to go on a bike ride. just doing 4-5 miles at the moment. Went all the way round without stopping today. I am 49 years old 6ft 4 and 22 stone. My excuse has always been that because I am tall I don't look as heavy which is true but I started feeling tired somedays and because I work at home from a studio in the garden, I realised that some days I was taking only a few hundred steps a day which isn't good. So even though it was raining today i still got out there and did the route. Now I am selling an old Brompton bike I used to use to commute in London and buying a hybrid bike with better gears and tyres as mine is an old mountain bike and not ideal for road cycling. So hopefully i am on the route to get fitter......
Good for you and thanks for sharing.
still out every morning doing around 7 miles, taking about 45 mins. Did my longest ride the weekend at 25 miles, really enjoying the new life routine. always eating breakfast, a smaller dinner and not eating as much for tea. losing 3-4 lbs a week which is ideal and not too extreme. For me its all about exercising more, eating less and better and not dieting because no diet ever really works, its changing your lifestyle......its one of those things that you have to realise yourself as no one likes being told what to do but at some point you wake up and realise that with a bit of effort and a change of mindset, your life could be so much better.....
+David Moody well done you.
I'm 21 stone right now and 42 years old. I am planning to do what you did very soon after Covid-19 dies down. Thanks for sharing your journey. I will use it as motivation and inspiration. Cheers :)
Very inspiring Toby, even over 2 years later. I am on a similar trajectory, going from 110kg in Aug-14 now to 88kg in Jan-15. Still more to go to reach my goal weight by May when I give my daughter away at her wedding. Having got back on my bike after an almost 30 year absence, my life is less stressed, my health is much better, and my fitness greatly improved. I'm not sure about the grand statement, but I feel cycling has also helped saved my life.
That's great to hear. Well done. Your family must be proud of you?
Thanks Toby. Yes they are. More to go before May, but having managed not to have put on weight over Christmas, I think it's going to be relatively easy from here. (Just off for a long ride now which will help!)
Darryl Collins Same here... I was 113 kg Apr 2014. Now [today] I'm 69 kg (and still loosing weight). Today I cycled for 100 km in 4:35. Cycling did motivate me to go in a diet and shed weight
Great video. Congratulations on your success. Thanks for sharing!
Wow! Toby, this is very inspiring to me!!! I'm currently trying to cycle to work myself to loose weight, help the environment and to feel better about myself. I'm currently at 210lbs and my goal is to hopefully get to 170lbs. The toughest part is getting up really early in the morning at 3am; I begin work at 5am. My commute is 15 miles. I have slopes and rough urban riding but It feels rewarding when I get to work. Currently, I take the bus back home but hope to change that later. Thanks man!
Truly inspiring, thank you. Top class video editing and production too.
I am on week 4. I have 7 miles (roughly 11km) each way for my commute. I weigh 230 lbs (16.4 stone). I'm quite glad I came across your video. I think the more difficult thing for me will be the summer months in Texas, but I plan on sticking with this. These past three weeks have been incredible. Your progress is a great thing for me to look forward to! Thanks for making this video.
very inspirational video pal, your farther would be very proud of you I'm hoping to sign up to the scheme next month and get fitter too well done again
+Jonesy Boy Thank you and good luck.
what a great story thanks for sharing! good job on the transformation
Well done mate. Iam starting my life change this week. Same position 20 stone. Funny thing is I love cycling just not had the time with work to use it's benefits fully. Hopefully I can achieve what you have. As I don't want to follow my dad's ending either.