Le Couch to LEJOG: My Story - Fighting Arthritis & Mental Health Issues with a Bike

[@ctomkins512]

Like you I remember cycling 10 miles and thinking that was a long way but through weaving cycling into my life (in my case through commuting) and then joining a cycling club I have progressed to having done several 100 mile rides and completing LEJOG alongside you. In my eyes you are certainly no ordinary bloke having completed LEJOG and raising as much money as you have for Zoe’s Place - you are a legend and a friend. Here’s to many future miles on your bike and rides together.

[@OrdinaryBlokeOnABike]

Thank You Chris ! Commuting is the ideal intro into cycling when you're working. Unfortunately my job didn't lend itself to that otherwise I may discovered cycling earlier. Looking forward to Somerset, prepare to be caught on camera because that's a little adventure crying out for a KZbin Video !!

[@globalbiketravel]

Well done Bill, a fantasic insight into your evolution, I'm sure you and your family are really seeing the beneifts of your new hobby. Congrats on LEJOG and huge effort. Again a great big well done, inspiring and open hearted. All the best to you

[@OrdinaryBlokeOnABike]

Ray, thank you ! I obviously wish I'd discovered cycling decades ago but now trying to make the most of it, stay fit and of course it has branched out to video making so keeping me busy. Your kind words are much appreciated👍

[@Trevor.Adams640]

I’ve cycled all my life, I was mainly office based so was able to commute by bike and would often do an extended ride on the way home. I also got my son into cycling and for a while we were cycling companions, until he got too fast for me (when he was 14 and I was 43!). But then I got my wife into cycling and we still ride together now, 15 years later. We are both members of our local club too and enjoy the group rides and banter.

[@OrdinaryBlokeOnABike]

All sounds brilliant, I definitely wish I discovered it earlier in life for sure 👍

[@DIY-DaddyO]

Inspirational ✊ Nice 360 work too.

[@OrdinaryBlokeOnABike]

Thank you my friend 👍

[@oddknack]

bravo, you've taken control of your life, inspiring!

[@OrdinaryBlokeOnABike]

Just wish I'd done it decades earlier !

[@cyclingdry]

Just discovered your channel Bill. Thanks for posting this ,really looking forward to watching more of your YT content. Keep up the good work there 👍

[@OrdinaryBlokeOnABike]

Thank you and thanks for subscribing, I hope you enjoy what you find on here and subscriptions help make me want to do more 😀

[@cyclingdry]

@@OrdinaryBlokeOnABike watching your LeJoG cycle now Bill. Keep up the good work as I say, great stuff 👍

[@paulcosway9797]

Amazing story Bill!

[@OrdinaryBlokeOnABike]

Thanks Paul, it makes it more important to stick at it when it has helped physically and mentally, I know there was a story behind your exploits that you referred to at times , I hope your'e well mate

[@seanbradley3759]

Hi ..I've just started road riding and to say the roads are busy is an understatement! I've had 1 close call already and I've only started Monday! My question is where do you carry your tubes etc and do you opt for water bottle or a camelbak?

[@OrdinaryBlokeOnABike]

Hi Sean, I hope you stick with it mate ! Water bottles for me, camelbak will be sweaty & uncomfortable in the Summer I think. I have a small Saddlebag and keep spare tube and stuff in that👍

[@sprog84]

Amazing work! Can I ask what sort of mileage you were doing each week to prepare for LEJOG? I'm one of those people with a job and 2 daughters, but I'm finding that as they're getting older my time is freeing up a little, especially with the smart trainer being available when the wife is out and the kids can entertain themselves for a bit.

[@OrdinaryBlokeOnABike]

Hi there. I'm actually filming a video in the near future about my LEJOG, and recommendations to others but on that question, the people at Pedal Britain suggested around 70-100 miles per week for the 12 weeks leading up - assuming that you are a reasonably fit rider anyway. Many of us did far less than that and still completed. You just need to be able to do 50 plus mile rides and try doing 3 days in a row a couple of times. If you read my blog on my website www.obbcycling.com you'll see I just completed a similar event across France with almost no distance training in the 3 months leading up because of injury and illness and still completed it, soi there is definitely truth in "riding yourself fitter" on a multi day event like LEJOG - Good luck if you give it a go some day 👍🚴‍♂

[@OrdinaryBlokeOnABike]

And wow ! A huge thank you for donating to my Baby Hospice fund, that was an unexpected surprise and I hope you find enough of interest on the channel 😁

[@deputyVH]

I think the obvious question is how does the arthritis affect your riding? I had a neighbour who suffered with arthritis but it came and went at different times.

[@OrdinaryBlokeOnABike]

The fitter and more mobile I became as a result of cycling a lot , the less I was bothered by it. These days it's mainly my wrists that hurt on a long ride but I'm thankful it's just that now