Graham did. A retired firefighter from Hampshire, he wasn’t looking for a fitness revolution. He just wanted a way to get around without pain, get a bit of fresh air, and maybe feel a little more like his younger self.
Now? He’s smashing hills, clocking up 50-mile days, and planning long-distance rides with his mates.
This is Graham’s e-bike journey. It’s not about racing – it’s about reclaiming freedom.
“I was spending too much time indoors, getting heavier, and getting slower,” Graham says. “I’d always loved cycling, but after 25 years off the saddle, I didn’t know if I’d manage it again.”
He saw a friend post about their new e-bike and decided to test ride one of our fat-tyre models. “Within 10 minutes I knew – this was it. This was my way back.”
Graham’s first test ride wasn’t exactly gentle.
“We rode up Portsdown Hill – the steep side. There’s no way I’d have made it on a normal bike. But with pedal assist, I was flying up. I honestly felt like a kid again.”
Without even noticing, Graham started riding 3–4 days a week. Commutes into town, pub rides with his neighbour, exploring old trails he used to walk.
“I dropped 4 stone in 7 months. No diets. No gym. Just riding and enjoying myself. I stopped snacking, started drinking more water, and I sleep better now too.”
Beyond the physical, Graham says the mental benefits have been huge.
“I’d been a bit lost. Retirement hit me harder than I expected. This gave me purpose. It gave me my confidence back.”
He now tracks rides using Komoot and sets monthly challenges for himself.
“It has improved my fitness, opened up new areas to me, and made me feel young again.”
— Graham, 71
These days, Graham rides up to 50 miles in a day, usually broken into two scenic chunks with a coffee stop.
“My favourite ride is the New Forest circular – it’s peaceful, flat in parts, but with a few cheeky hills to keep it spicy. I’ve even planned a three-day ride from Winchester to Cornwall.”
He rides a mid-range fat-tyre hybrid from Electric Bicycle Company with:
“The staff explained everything – battery care, how to lock it up, servicing schedules. It’s been stress-free.”
He’s had one puncture in a year. That’s it.
“Don’t wait until you’re desperate. If you’ve ever loved the feeling of riding, just try one. Book a test ride and go somewhere quiet. You’ll know instantly.”
You don’t need to be young, fit, or even confident. You just need to try. The rest takes care of itself.
