Earlier this year, Future Pathways helped David to get a mountain bike to support him with his mental and physical health. Here, David shares his cycling stories and what the bike means to him.
David has always loved cycling and has done it all his life. He raced when he was younger, and cycled across Europe and America. It was important to him to keep up cycling as he got older.
Future Pathways supported David to get a pedal-assist bike. This type of bike has a motor to help you pedal more easily. This is very helpful when it comes to hills.
David goes to different places in Scotland and sees lots of scenery on his travels.
‘Where I live is ideal – I am surrounded by cycle paths and cycle networks, Edinburgh is great for it. I’m quite fortunate in that way.’
He has cycled in the Pentlands, Aberlady, North Berwick, Longniddrie, Glen Tress and the Cairngorms. He usually goes by train and then cycles back home. He recently went to Falkirk by train and then cycled all the way back. This was a 35-mile route along the canal and took about 4 and a half hours. His longest cycle was 105 miles, to Hawick and back.
‘You don’t think about the distance. you just carry on. I am out in hail or shine, it doesn’t bother me. Usually I am out every day.’
David looks at the cycle networks online to help him choose his routes. If he likes a route, he thinks about when he will go and for how long. He recently spent a weekend up in the Pentlands with his friend.
‘My favourite is up the Pentlands, it’s nice up there. It’s like being in the middle of nowhere even though you’re in a city. Me and my pal camped a couple of nights on Bonaly Hill and it was nice. Having that freedom to go where you want. Me and my pal do quite a few cycle trips. We are both bike mad.’
There are lots of things David enjoys about cycling and he knows a lot about bikes.
‘I like the mechanics, physical exercise and just getting out. It is a mixture of things. I volunteer at the bike station in Edinburgh fixing bikes for people or taking parts for new ones.’
Cycling means a lot to David. A couple of years ago, he had to sell his bike and this was difficult for him. Having a bike again has made a big difference.
‘It has been absolutely massive to my physical and mental health. I go everywhere on the bike. I’ve got a bus pass but I’d rather cycle. I don’t have to worry about anyone else.’
One of David’s most memorable routes was going out to Aberlady and cycling along a path that goes all the way to North Berwick. And for the best scenery, David’s favourite places are further north.
‘It has to be the Cairngorms and the Highlands. They are my favourite places any time of year. It is just so brilliant up there, it is spectacular.’
Having the bike means David can connect with local places too. He often cycles to Fresh Start, a charity that he volunteers with in Edinburgh. Fresh Start helps people who have been homeless.
‘Sometimes I’ll go down to Fresh Start and give them a hand or help with the soup kitchen. I worked for Fresh Start in the past and now I volunteer. It is good for the soul.’
What trips are ahead for David? Next year, he is going to Australia to see some of his family. He will see his sister who he has not seen for 20 years and he will meet his nephews too. David is going to take his bike with him.
‘There is some amazing cycling to do out there in Australia. I’m looking forward to the openness, the wild open country, it’s such a big place.’
In the meantime, David will use his bike to support his physical health, boost his wellbeing and to see more places in Scotland.
‘Cycling helps with my mental health. If I’m feeling under the weather, I’ll go on my bike for an hour and I’ll feel OK after it. The bike is everything to me. I wouldn’t be without it.’
