Sunrise in Roundhay Park – you don’t get that in the car: Meet Adrian Cromwell, Procurement Specialist at npower

Adrian, a Procurement Specialist at npower, decided to take up cycling after a series of injuries stopped him playing squash and now he cycles to work five miles each way whatever the weather.

npower employees Lee Ashworth and Adrian Cromwell

Adrian, a Procurement Specialist at npower, decided to take up cycling after a series of injuries stopped him playing squash. 

Now he cycles to work five miles each way whatever the weather and guess what?  He even enjoys the days when it’s raining.

We caught up with Adrian to find out more.

I bought my first commuter bike through our Cycle to Work scheme and at first I went all out and would cycle to work religiously, every day, bar none. 

As my working patterns have changed – I travel elsewhere in the UK and work from home once or twice a week – I now cycle in a couple of days each week. 

My commute takes me through Roundhay Park.  This morning I was cycling by the lake just as the sun was rising and it was beautiful, you don’t get that in the car.

Adrian Cromwell Procurement Specialist at npower

Cycling to work is a mindful start to the day and a great way to unwind at the end of the day.

Once you’ve covered the initial outlay on a bike and various other bits of kit you’re saving on travel costs, as well as time – cycling to work takes me about 25 minutes and I’m not wasting hours sitting in traffic. 

Whatever the weather

I cycle into work come rain or shine and what I have found surprising is even if it’s not a nice, sunny day I enjoy it. 

I don’t take it easy on the bike, I try to push myself because I look at it as a bit of fitness as well as a way of getting from A to B. 

I wouldn’t be able to do that without the facilities here – access to showers, a drying cabinet and locker space. 

npower has removed many of the barriers to cycling to work.  I already carry my laptop and my lunch, if I had to bring my whole kit every day - a pair of trousers, shoes and a towel - it would be too difficult. 

I arrive feeling refreshed, ready to start work and pleased I have already achieved something in the day.

I enjoy it so much I now also spend some of weekend out on the bike with my wife and some friends who live at the end of our street. 

Adrian's advice to others?

Often the biggest hurdle is in your own mind.  Once you start cycling to work you’ll struggle to understand what took you so long.