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Meet Denis, exercising on the Kennet & Avon Canal

Cycling near Bradford Lock

I've already lost about two and a half stone since I've been slimming and exercising. I've cycled off and on throughout my life, but nothing like the long distances I do now. By the time I get back home, I'll have cycled around 50 miles today.

Canals are a very pleasant place to cycle because you haven't got hills so it's not such hard work. As you get older of course the hills get steeper.

The cycle route I use follows the canal most of the way. It's a superb facility, I'm so lucky to live only three miles from the cycle paths. I live just north of Bristol which is about 25 miles from here. I cycle as far as this, have my lunch and then head back.

I suppose what started me off slimming and cycling was my health issues. I was overweight and had the start of Type 2 diabetes, and then I got blood pressure problems and internal fat causing liver cirrhosis. I got there in the nick of time to lose weight. I don't like to think what might have happened if I hadn't started cycling canals and slimming.

Bradford Lock, Kennet & Avon Canal

Eating is a habit and I know I wasn't always hungry when I ate. For example, I know they have gorgeous fruitcake in the café by the lock, and I used to have one every time I went past it - but I'm happy with my couscous salad for lunch today.

I'm retired and I don't have to rush anywhere, so I just like to get on my bike, head off and see where I end up. You've got to do something to keep going, haven't you? But this isn't my only bike. I've got a tandem and a 1200cc BMW motorbike which I'm going to Barcelona on this year with my Mrs on the back.

Denis, Bradford Lock, Bradford on Avon, Kennet & Avon Canal

photo of a location on the canals
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