Not long ago Steve Sofranko couldn’t walk to his car in his driveway. He couldn’t walk along the boardwalk. He couldn’t do much of anything, physically. He was woefully out of shape. He’d had two spinal surgeries, diabetes, sleep apnea, arthritic knees, subluxation of the cervical spine and neck, and was suffering from heart failure. Steve is married with two kids. This wasn’t how he envisioned his life going. “A few health scares made me want to change my lifestyle for my wife and kids. I not only wanted to just grow old together but I wanted to change enough to physically enjoy life and activities right now.”
Steve was told biking was easier on the body than many other activities so in April of 2021 he went to his local bike shop, Cutters in Bethlehem, PA, and they helped him pick a Lava Dome. “Within the first few rides I was hooked,” Steve said. “Being outside in the fresh air was invigorating. After biking, my legs and body are tighter. I have less back pain and I feel twenty years younger. I have better balance and feel a strength I haven’t felt in years. My Kona is part of my daily routine.” Steve made riding a regular part of his daily routine and has lost 153 lbs.
The journey to becoming fitter and happier was a long and emotional one for Steve. “I was depressed and felt sort of helpless,” he said. “I had a spinal stimulator implanted in my back while also having gastric sleeve surgery just to get myself in good enough shape to try. Once I got started biking it was easier because I saw the weight dropping off with the exercise and every day I have something to enjoy, something to look forward to.”
Steve said choosing his Lava Dome was a critical part of his successful journey. “I wanted something well made as I was well over 300lbs. It had to be easy to manage and enough to handle dirt trails and some light off-the-beaten-path riding. I wanted a starter bike to make sure I was all in and it could later be modified as needed. My bike is a cool color and bike in general. I researched my butt off and I think you’d be hard-pressed to find a better bike at that price point,” he said.
While Steve’s journey is an inspirational one, it’s not an entirely unique story. We often hear from people who’ve been through similar journeys. If you’re someone who’s struggled with health issues and has considered biking a source for helping improve your overall health, Steve has some advice for you. “Take it one step at a time. Spend a little money and get the best bike for you. Don’t half-ass it. Research. Ask friends. Find a good bike shop that doesn’t up sell and shares your new enthusiasm to get started. Then all you have left to do is ride, ride, ride.”
Steve’s newfound fitness has taken him to new heights, literally. “When my wife and I went to Colorado this year, we went to the summit of Fall River Pass, 12,005 ft. It looked daunting but after riding my Kona bike, I was ready to walk to the summit. I had no intention of stopping walking up those stairs in the mountains,” he said. “The last two years of my life have been insanely positive and I’m happier and feel more accomplished on the days I ride. I’m a middle-aged, former athlete who recently lost 150lbs, is no longer diabetic, heart meds reduced, and stronger, and happier. I just needed to find something like my Kona bike to help make that all happen. I want to use my story to inspire others because I have never been happier in my life, and I want others to feel the same.”
Steve, we thank you for sharing your story with us, and we have no doubt you’ll continue to inspire people far beyond this post. Here’s to a life of riding, adventure, and health!
