T
o look at Fraser McGill now, you would never
guess that this slimline cyclist used to weight
almost 23st. The deli shop owner had always
struggled with his weight, putting it down to
his love of tray bakes and dislike of exercise. Despite
attempting to run on a number of occasions, and even
completing a few 10k events, he didn’t feel inspired.
“I was huge,” said Fraser. “What brought it home to
me was being on a family holiday in Florida and going
on a jet pack experience where they put you in a bright
red suit, attach a et ack to your back and you fly out
over water. Looking at the photographs, I can only
describe myself as looking like a big, red jelly baby. It was
shocking.”
The grandfather from Dumfries hadn’t been on a bicycle
since he was a child, but as soon as he hopped back on
the saddle, he knew he had found something he could
truly en oy. nd as the weight started to fall off of him, he
soon realised that he was burning enough calories that
he could still enjoy his favourite treats.
“The moment I sat on the bike, I just knew it was the
thing for me. I took to it like a duck to water. I love the
freedom of being out on the open road and just switching
off to the oy of cycling. ut cycling is a very social thing,
and the one thing I love about it is the cake stops.
Fraser McGill Before
June 2017| 59
The weight was coming off so uickly that was able to
still enjoy my cake – it was all balancing out. I absolutely
love tray bakes, but my ultimate treat after a cycle is
to go out to a local café and have treacle sponge with
custard.”
In just a few months, Fraser had lost over ten stone,
bringing his total weight to a healthy 12st 7lb. He has
managed to maintain this figure over the ast two years
and has entered a number of cycling events, including
a 24-hour cycle to raise money for the MS Society. His
latest endeavour, however, has been his favourite by far.
On April 23 rd , Fraser joined a record 5,200 riders in the
Etape Loch Ness, a cycling event that saw him ride for
66 miles through Inverness, Fort Augustus and up to the
Glendoe Summit. This event was one he had been looking
forward to for a long time, as the many refreshment
stations had been sponsored by a local bakery, ensuring
cyclists could refuel with a cake or traybake.
Fraser has one other motivation for keeping in shape:
“My aim is to get my wee granddaughter Estee cycling
too. She’s only
months, but will definitely be buying
her her first bike. Thanks to cycling, will be able to kee
fit and healthy and see her grow u .
Fraser McGill After