Rasmik goes from 0 to 60 as he racks up the miles on his bike

By Lucy Watherston
Rasmik with Bradford Cycling Club
Thanks to Bradford Bikery who took part in Cycling UK’s Big Bike Revival event, Rasmik Parmar was able to fix up his bike and discover long cycle rides.

Two years ago Rasmik Parmar gave up his long-standing career to take some time out. Determined not to jump straight back into a job, he decided to spend a while re-thinking and reflecting on what he wanted to do next. 

With his spare time he took up cycling again and started exploring his local cycle paths in Bradford. He enjoyed his rides so much, a close friend gave him a better bike to use. But it needed getting back into shape. It was then, when he started looking into places where he could get his bike fixed, that he discovered Bradford Bikery. 

At the time Rasmik enquired, local bike centre Bradford Bikery were offering free bike checks and maintenance sessions as part of Cycling UK’s Big Bike Revival. The course inspired him so much that he took the tips that he had learnt and started reviving his brother’s bikes, saying: "My brother has bicycles in his garage for himself and his wife and children, that all need attention. As I was becoming more confident with bike maintenance I offered to take his bike to Bradford Bikery. This way I would learn a new skill and be able to help others."

My brilliant experience of ‘The Big Bike Revival’ and Bradford Bikery has given the confidence not only to cycle more, but in how I can care for my bike.

Rasmik

After then he built up the distances he cycled to around 15 miles and then on 11 June he joined Bradford CC, his local cycling group, and went on an impressive 60-mile ride towards the east coast of Yorkshire. Now he loves taking on the big distances. 

He said: “They were very friendly bunch and I was very much welcome.

“Since then, I have learned about gear ratios and have been to a cycle shop and got a quote for a 11 to 32 cassette. They offered to fix the parts for free since I was a member of Bradford Cycling Club. I confidently said that that I will buy the parts and fix them myself.

"My brilliant experience of ‘The Big Bike Revival’ and Bradford Bikery has given the confidence not only to cycle more, but in how I can care for my bike."

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