Valley bike rider inspires others through healthier lifestyle – Comox Valley Record – Comox Valley Record
Bike available for someone with the goal of living a healthier life
A Comox Valley resident is gifting a bike to someone who wants to tackle a healthier lifestyle in the new year. Photo submitted
With the start of a new year, a Comox Valley resident is using his own health journey to hopefully inspire someone around him.
A smoker for 25 years, JD Ludlow decided a major life change was needed. In June, he stopped smoking, picked up a 20-year-old bike and went for a ride. With the assistance of a battery pack and motor, Ludlow began tackling hills and working his way to all corners of the Comox Valley, while maximizing his Valley tours by using BC Transit.
With a friend who joined him on rides, Ludlow logged 2,300 km, riding four times a week, averaging between 60 to 70 km each day.
“This past May I was 297 pounds, a smoker with smoker’s cough, horrible flexibility and was told by my doctor that I was pre-diabetic,” he said.
“In September I had all my blood work done. My doctor informed me that I was no longer pre-diabetic, I had reversed this condition through diet and exercise. I was not expecting this, but my flexibility has returned to when I was a young man. Cycling has been my fountain of youth.”
He has been sharing his health journey on social media and recently received a message from Marnie Evans who was inspired by his success. She decided to pass along her bike and new helmet to Ludlow for him to give to someone in the community.
As a driver for BC Transit, he approached the Comox Valley Regional District and collaborated to include a six-month bus pass with the bike, along with a $25 gift certificate for the Comox Bike Company. If an electric assist is needed for the bike, the Comox Valley Therapeutic Riding Society has offered to add one to a different bike and can be removed later if required.
Ludlow is also offering five, three-hour rides to show the winner various cycling routes along the Valley.
He is asking anyone interested in the bike to write about their desire to change and the goal of living a healthier life. Emails can be sent to theflowerman@mymts.net. He is asking for submissions to be sent by Dec. 31.
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