Whenever I'm feeling a bit lazy or unmotivated, I think about the tenacity of 11-year-old Patrick Kiehlmann from Bishopbriggs.

I first met Patrick two years ago during the freshnlo Pedal For Scotland 110 mile sportive from Glasgow to Edinburgh.

Slurping down an energy gel at the side of the road, I spotted a diminutive figure gliding up a steep hill with the biggest grin on his face. While I would retire at the 60 mile mark, Patrick would go on to complete the tough, grueling course in less than 10 hours.

Patrick has racked up an impressive set of achievements in his life so far including completing the 47 mile Pedal For Scotland route from Glasgow aged just five. He rode the West Highland Way in four stages - one per month - when he was nine.

Earlier this year, he completed the 1,037 mile route from Land's End to John O'Groats to raise money for Yorkhill Children's Charity. The youngster did it as a thank you to the incredible staff that looked after him after he suffered from appendicitis and a constricted bowel two years ago. He raised more than £5,000.

Over the past seven years, Patrick has ridden the one mile to school and back almost every day: that's 10 miles a week, 40 miles a month or roughly 400 miles in the average year. Here Patrick shares why cycling is such an important part of his life.

How old were you when you learned to ride a bike?

I was four when my dad introduced me to bikes. Both my mum and dad cycle to work, so I learned to ride to nursery school. They would drop me off and pick me up by bike.

What are your earliest memories of cycling?

Probably riding down the street where I live with my dad shouting "You're doing it, you're doing it, I'm still here, I'm still here" as I learned to ride a bike. When I started primary school about half a dozen friends and neighbours all cycled together there and back each day with an adult. We called it the School Cycle Train.

What was your first bike?

It was one rescued from a skip. It was very heavy and I struggled to ride it at first, but it did the job. I discovered a passion for riding and after a few more second hand bikes my dad found an Islabike for hire at Glentress. After that, I was hooked.

What kind of bike do you own now?

I'm really lucky and have a couple of great bikes, a Creig 26 for mountain biking and a Luath 700 for the road.

How would you describe your cycling style?

Calm, relaxed and smiling all the way. I like to stand up a lot and ride like the Spanish professional cyclist Alberto Contador, dancing on the pedals.

Who is your favourite cyclist?

When Mark Beaumont heard about my Lands End to John O'Groats charity ride, he supported me and even invited me to take part in a static bike challenge in aid of the STV appeal. He's a really nice guy who's done some amazing big bike trips.

There are so many great professional cyclists: Chris Froome I have always admired as a climber along with Nairo Quintana and Contador, but Sir Chris Hoy is my number one.

What is your motto on the bike?

Overtake. I don't usually get a fast start because most of the other boys are bigger and push me out of the way on the start line. But if I catch them, I know can pass them.

Describe your all-time ultimate cycling moment

Completing the 1,037 miles from Lands End to John O'Groats with my dad in October. It was amazing. I rode to raise money for Yorkhill Children's Charity and with the support of family, friends and social media we made more than £5,000.

What is your favourite route?

My favourite route at the moment is just north of where I live in the Campsie Fells as there are a great bunch of guys who ride it regularly in the summer. Up the Tak Ma Doon road from Kilsyth and over the Crow Road to Lennoxtown on an early summer morning with spectacular views is hard to beat when you are with your friends.

What is top of your cycling bucket list?

My mum did the Coast2Coast ride from Whitehaven to Tynemouth a couple of years ago with her friends and I'd like to do that too. After that, I'd like to head to Europe and ride over there.

How has owning a bike changed your life?

It's everything to me: from the first ride to school in the morning to cycling home, riding my bike to football training or a friend's house. It gets me there faster than walking and allows me more time to play.

At the weekend it gives our family a focus, either riding world class single track mountain bike trails or competing for my local team, Falcons Cycle Club Bishopbriggs, in the Scottish Cross Country Series.

What is your top cycling tip?

When you're wee, get a lightweight bike, it makes all the difference to having fun and firing your passion.