Scott’s story: “I’ve been to dark places – and I rode back”

Back in 2020, life was starting to feel dull. Scott’s health was declining, but repeated GP appointments ended with the same answer: “it’s anxiety”. His mental health began to slide, and by 2022 he was drinking heavily to cope. A life-changing diagnosis then put him on a liquid-only diet, with no mental health support.

I felt like I was just existing

 

One evening, walking home, he spotted a discarded bike frame in a skip. Curious, he took it home, researched it, and rebuilt it into a Fiido D4S e-bike. That first ride felt incredible – even if the dark thoughts were still there.

Soon after, he planned a one-way trip to the Isle of Mull with a very bleak intention. But on the long gravel track to a remote bothy, something shifted.

I broke down. I started thinking about all the positives in my life and how beautiful that valley was. That little bike woke me up – I realised I actually love living

 

Since then, cycling has become his antidepressant. Rides replaced alcohol, helping him quit drinking cold turkey. He now averages around 40 miles a day, has completed a 364-mile bikepacking trip “just because I was bored one day”, and works as a research and development test rider for an e-bike company.

From the outside, you wouldn’t know he can’t swallow and is on a liquid diet for life. 

My fitness has never been so good. It’s about taking a negative situation and finding a way to make it more positive

 

After 15 years of mostly solo riding and fixing bikes for others, Scott recently joined Connecting Communties activity in Aberdeen. From the moment he walked through the door and was greeted by our development officer Fraser and volunteer Peter, he felt at home.

Meeting like-minded people who want to help others into cycling has been a relief. I feel far less isolated, and by the end of each ride I’m already looking forward to the next one

 

With access to loan bikes, helmets and kit, he’s also seeing more people who might have been put off by the cost of cycling give it a try.

Looking ahead, Scott plans to complete his Cycling UK ride leader training and volunteer more with the Aberdeen project.

I’ve been to dark places and I rode back. Now I want to help other people find their way into cycling so they can feel the benefits too

 

This work in Aberdeen is made possible thanks to funding from Nestrans, whose support helps Connecting Communities give more people the chance to discover what cycling can do for their health, confidence and everyday lives.