WELLBEING: THE BENEFITS OF CYCLING
We want more people to ride bikes, to experience the unique pleasure cycling brings. We believe sincerely that cycling is as beneficial for the mind and spirit as it is for the body. At Pearson, we want to provide fuel for your soul. Cycling is about so much more than burning calories or obsessing about Strava segments. It's about more, too, than slogging through a rainstorm, or into a headwind, or shedding a few pounds. The net effect of these feats is to calm the mind, to allow time for thoughts to wander. Even the commute can provide a release, fuelling the soul. The capacity of cycling to boost your state of mind is, of course, supported by science. We know the release of endorphins triggered by physical exercise can improve the health of your mood as much as your muscles - but we think it's more than that. At Pearson, we've been observing riders for more than 160 years and we see these benefits wherever we look; in the friendships forged out on the road, or else the solo artists who ride to alleviate stress. So, zip up, saddle up and, chances are, things will brighten up too.
A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE 160 YEAR OLD CYCLIST
After over a century and a half in business, it still comes back to the same things - be kind and look after your customers. We've had one friend longer than any other, Fraser has been with us since the beginning, at the spritely young age of 160 there's not much he hasn't seen. A brief resume of the life of one of the world's greatest cyclists:
Name: Fraser 'On The Rivet' Fothergill
Born: Aberfeldy, Scotland.
Date of birth: 20.2.(18)59
Currently residing: Sutton, England.
Married: Betty Turner 1879, died 1933
Married: Carol Dindle 1936, absconded 1968
Partnered: Collette 'Cod Face' Peck 1973 to date.
TEAMS
Professional Debut: Pearson High wheelers 1878-1887
Pearson/Dunlop 1889-1896
Pearson/ChaterLea 1896-1914
GREAT WAR
Pearson/British Army 1918-1939
WORLD WAR TWO
Pearson/Courage Best 1945-1951
Pearson/Ovaltine 1951-1959
Pearson/Old Mutual 1960-1971
Mills/Pearson - 1971-1985
RETIRED FROM COMPETITION
FAVOURITE BIKES
Pearson - The Dandy Penny Farthing
Pearson - Big Rimmer Penny Farthing
Pearson - Safety First Safety Bike
Pearson - Endeavour Road Rally
Pearson - One on One Road Bike
Pearson - Hammertime #1 Road Bike
Pearson - A Cunning Plan Touring Bike
Pearson - Wet as an Otters Pocket Commuter
Pearson - I Will Survive Utility Bike
Pearson - Hammertime #7 Road Bike
Pearson - Off Grid Gravel Bike
Pearson - Minegoestoeleven Aero Road
ACHIEVEMENTS
Around the world ride 1888 - 330 DAYS
President of the fixed wheel association 1895 - 1917
To the Bar Gentleman's Cycling Club - Founder 1920
Three Peak Unicycle Challenge - 1946
USA 'Mission to the Moon' cycle to Florida - 1969
Brighton and Back x 5 in 24 hours - 1972
Silver Jubilee Ride Windsor to Balmoral to Buckingham Palace - 1977
'Miles to Mars' award in recognition of miles spent on a bike - 1995
Golden Jubilee Ride Botswana to Buck House single-handed (one hand on the bar) - 2002
Brighton and Back blindfolded on 'The Dandy' for 150 year anniversary of Pearson - 2010
Fraser is fitter than ever and continues to ride most days. He recently turned down the presidency of 'The Over the Hill' club for the fourth time in the last decade, citing inappropriate selection for a person of such youth.