He leaves home in Totton at the crack of dawn to make the most of his surroundings, on the edge of the stunning New Forest.

"I have always kept myself healthy and running was my choice of exercise," said Sam. Unfortunately, I broke my knee and can no longer run. Once I was back on my feet I took up swimming with the occasional bike ride but since the lockdown I mainly ride.

"I go out every day and I love riding early in the mornings, at approximately 6.30am. It’s great for my mental health and sets me up for the day.

"My kids love it, during the warmer weather I will go riding with them. My wife likes me going out, because it makes me happy, although she thinks I’m a little bonkers because of the time I get up and I will go out in any weather.

"My wife has also had to rescue me a couple of times due to punctures, three times in one week once! I have also been rescued by a complete stranger."

Sam has found some great bike routes nearby, particularly around the national park.

He adds: "My favourite place to ride is Yew Tree Heath along the B3056 (the Lymington to Beaulieu road). I ride the route most days and stop to take in nature and beautiful sun rises. It is so quiet there too.

"Another favourite is Furzley Lane. You never know what animal you’re going to meet, pigs, cows, sheep, donkeys and of course ponies.

"I will go riding most days, rain, wind or shine. My daily ride is approximately 20 miles with my longest ride approximately 45 miles."

Sam does most of his riding on his trusty Python Duke Fixie.

"I love this bike because it’s simple wth no gears. It goes up most inclines and is more than capable of 40 miles in one journey. I also love it because my brother gave it to me after my hybrid bike was stolen at the beginning of the first lockdown. I also have a GT Aggressor 2020, which I complete my longest rides on because there are some big hills I wouldn’t want to push my Fixie bike up."

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