After the pandemic period, related to the compulsory work from home, and to a reduced physical activity, we decided to encourage Torus folks to do a daily dose of exercise. Therefore, we organized two campaigns – ‘Rowerowe love’ (incentivising bike-riding commutes to and from work), and ‘Toruszamy na schody’ (in here the goal was to give up the elevator). Three years upon implementation, it turned out that the first initiative not only helped live healthier but … find a passion as well! That was the case of Adrian, our site manager (he took part in investment realizations such as Neon or II stage of Officyna). Learn about his story!
‘I have never been a huge fan of bike riding. The most fascinating respective memory from my childhood was probably a moment, when in the crazy 1990s, somebody stole my ‘highlander’ from under the staircase’ – laughs Adrian.
How did he get caught up in bicycle passion? Let’s get back to the holidays of 2021.
It is our first edition of the biking campaign. The objective (150km) seemed unattainable to Adrian. However, a family vacation in Sicily, where his younger brother lives, an avid biker, marked a fantastic opportunity to assume the challenge. Having at his disposal a road bike, amazing bike tracks, and a seasoned guide, our site manager decided to take a chance on the two-wheeler, and begin the adventure. The training conditions were challenging because there was a truly tropical climate on the Italian island, with the temperature record broken – 48,8 Celsius degrees just a day before the first bike ride.
What impressed me the most was how easily a road bike picks up speed, but also how hard the uphill sections are (then 1.9km long, with 4% incline) – recalls our biker.
In total, during the Italian holidays, the distance gauge recorded a bit over four hundred kilometres, so the objective was handsomely achieved. And it was just the beginning!
Another year, another edition. The Italian cycling sessions (exceptional not only due to the climate, but to the uphill rides going from the sea level 1,300 metres further up) were supplemented by Polish biking routes. Not only roads, but cross as well. Ever-stronger legs, and more and more kilometres. To be precise, more than five times more – 2,137 kilometres.
The year of 2023 was filled with more and more fun, and also marked a particular goal! Focus placed on consistency, heart rate zones, limiting unnecessary breaks, or ride smoothness, and the support of Strava application. Objective? An ambitious one! 300km weekly (to and from work, as well as during weekend outings). Results? From mid-May to the end of September – 6,918 km, and 57,525 elevation gains. To picture it all, it is a distance from Zurich to Mount Everest. Collectively, the bike ride totalled 247 hours, during which Adrian burnt c.a. 180,000 calories. 😊
Joy and pride! We are more the happy that our company challenge helped awaken the passion and spirit of sportsmanship. Adrian, we are your loyal fans! We keep our fingers crossed for the next biking season.
