Cyclist gets in shape for charity bike ride (From Harwich and Manningtree Standard)

Dovercourt Cyclist gets in shape for Harwich RNLI charity bike ride

4:00pm Monday 21st January 2013 in News

A CYCLIST is half the man he used to be after shedding the pounds in preparation for a 305 mile charity bike ride.

Glenn Merchant, 40, of Ashley Road, Dovercourt, is the biggest loser after shedding an eye-watering 91lbs to drop from 17.5st to 11st.

The father of two, who has volunteered on the Harwich RNLI lifeboats for seven years, also lost eight inches off his waist to shape up for a charity bike ride in May.

Glenn, a freight train driver, has been preparing the journey by cycling between 50 and 70 miles a day since March.

He said: “I always put the time in no matter what the weather but I’m enjoying it.

“Sometimes it is hard my fitness levels have increased and I’m getting faster - you end up racing yourself trying to beat your own record.”

Glenn added that he hopes to raise double the £1450 needed to enter the trip.

To sponsor Glenn, call 01255 502258 or 07580131507.