Matthew Coupe, Head of Technology at the Centre for Pharmacy Postgraduate Education, cycles from Burnage

What inspired you to give cycling a go? I bought a bike on the cycle to work scheme 7 years ago and started commuting by bike more and more frequently until it became something I just did every day. I initially just rode to work and back before a couple of years ago when the penny dropped that I could ditch the lunchtime gym routine and ride my bike for fitness instead. I really got into cycling when I joined my local club The Manchester Wheelers and now I can be found racing the boards at the Velodrome, against the clock in time trials or out on the roads.

What do you enjoy about cycling to work? I know exactly how long it is going to take me to get to work each day, no hanging around waiting for buses or cursing in traffic jams. Other than that I love the fact that my commute is burning fat and not petrol, it costs me nothing and I can eat more cake as a result. Win win! Although I did have to buy lots of smaller clothes as a result of all the weight loss… a small price to pay I’d say.

What would you say to other people thinking of giving cycling a go? There is no such thing as inappropriate weather for cycling, just inappropriate clothes! Layer up with some decent waterproofs and get out there regardless of a bit of rain. If you are feeling fit, confident and want to get some more substantial exercise then set off with no real route in mind and use your bike to explore somewhere new. Get one of the apps for your smartphone like Strava and you can log your miles, the amount of calories burnt and it’ll even help you if you get lost!

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