Fat Girl on a Bike

[schnitzle]

Yes, I stole the name of a defunct blog for my first post. Go me! :rolleyes:

I decided that going to community college at 40 is not embarrassing enough. I need to up the ante and get my big 'ol butt on a bike! It seems like it would be a great way to get outdoors and I'd eventually like to be able to take my dog with me so he can run as fast as he needs to and work out his yayas. Plus I reaaally need to start exercising. I'm 5'4" and 250lbs, things gotta change :p

So I went to a bike store a friend recommended looking for a hybrid-commuter kind of bike. Tried a Jamis commuter and a Giant cypress. Wow, what a good work out! Maybe going the day that I had very little sleep and after 3 hours of math class wasn't a great idea, but I wanted to try and beat the weekend rush (it's supposed to be nice in Seattle this weekend, so you know all the bike people will be active!). I gotta say, I am exhausted just from test riding the two bikes! It went better than expected though :D I want to go back and try out their Jamis citizen 1.0. I ran out of steam today and couldn't do it.

It gets easier right? The only way to improve is practice and build strength right? haha I am trying to psyche myself up because I have to admit that at one point during the test rides I thought "Maybe I have lost my mind. I really belong on the couch". But it's so lovely to ride a bike on a nice day!!

[zoom-zoom]

Everything's really hard when you first start...keep going, it will get easier. This is coming from the 30-something chubby mom who decided to give running a try almost 4 years ago and has now completed 3 marathons. You won't get fit overnight, but it will happen if you keep it up. Getting that bike is an awesome first step! :D

[ny biker]

You do not belong on the couch! And yes it will get easier.

My sister was in her early 40s when she went for her nursing degree at community college. She found it pretty entertaining to be in class with a bunch of teenagers whose perspective on life was just a bit different from hers.

Have fun!

[schnitzle]

Thanks for the encouraging words Zoom-Zoom and NY Biker! I am pretty darn stoked about this whole cycling adventure :) It helps to hear that it gets better!
I was so lucky to find a LBS that made me feel comfortable. I was really prepared to encounter someone like in this craigslist rant http://www.craigslist.org/about/best/sea/1192150038.html but was so pleasantly surprised to find a total opposite experience!

NY Biker, I know exactly what your sister means! A teen in my math class was complaining that she had lost her phone and had no idea where to look because she lost it while drunk. I suggested she call the bar just in case someone turned it in. She said that wouldn't help since she couldn't even remember what bar she was at!! :rolleyes:

[tulip]

You are worth the effort!

[zoom-zoom]

I was so lucky to find a LBS that made me feel comfortable. I was really prepared to encounter someone like in this craigslist rant http://www.craigslist.org/about/best/sea/1192150038.html but was so pleasantly surprised to find a total opposite experience!

That guy didn't even spell douchebag correctly...kinda kills his whole rant! :p

[pfunk12]

Good for you, schnitzle! It will get easier. Enjoy!

[KnottedYet]

Yay! Ride bikes, be fabulous!

Yes, today was a great day to be riding. I looked out my office windows longingly all day. Sigh. Clear and sunny and warm. I looked out the bus windows all the way home. Sigh. Sigh. Heeeeeavy sigh.

If you have the chance, take a Kona Dew and a Kona Smoke out for a test ride or two as well. One of my LBSs: www.recycledcycles.com Funky and relaxed, though pretty popular and busy. They assume you know what you are doing and stay out of your hair; unless you let them know you want a lot of help, then they will give you great huge piles of help.

They love my bikes (even brought one up in pieces from the workshop for me so I could pat her because I missed her so much) and I give them beer.

[schnitzle]

I didn't notice the misspelling, that's hilarious! :cool:

Thanks for the recommendations KnottedYet, those Kona bikes look interesting and definitely worth a test ride :) It's good to hear that you like recycledcycles! I've read so many bad things on yelp about them that I kind of crossed them off my list, even though they have bikes I wanted to try. It's probably all in the timing (first sunny weekend since August, probably not a good time!) and the knowledge level of the shopper huh?

[KnottedYet]

It's that, and that they don't cater to the racers, they are far more focussed on the independent cusses who are utility riders, the odd ducks, the passionate tinkerers, the middle-aged heavy ladies in love with bicycles (that one would be ME!). They are an independent shop, so they don't pledge allegiance to any particular Large Bicycle Corporation. Which means they legally can't sell some brands that are well known. (unless it's a used one)

I've seen some grumpy customers looking for a particular model of Brand X, adamantly refusing to consider a better quality bike at lower cost made by someone else.

And it is their modus operandi to assume customers know what they are doing. I love that they never NEVER talk down to me, or instantly peg me as a dumb blonde, or tell me that the bike I'm looking at is too sexy for me. But when I need something explained, they will do it. I didn't understand something about my V-brakes once. Andy took me around the shop to show me bikes with various styles of brakes and explained how they were different and how they worked.

Recycled Cycles is extremely popular and often very crowded. Sometimes it's hard to get elbow room at the used parts bins, sometimes you have to wait what feels like forever to pay for your goodies. It wouldn't hurt to call them if you want a good hour or so of attention, and ask them when the best time is to come in.

I've been there at opening on a summery Saturday morning, standing outside their doors with 5 or 6 other people. Within 10 minutes the place was packed. Not a good day for an intense and involved conversation with one of the clerks or wrenches!

ETA: my other LBS is Freerange Cycles. They are a couple miles west of Recycled Cycles. TINY independent shop (so small they can't keep repair bikes overnight). If more than 3 customers are in there, it's crowded. Usually there are only 2 wrenches there, and they do the counter work, too. Owned by a very cool gray-haired woman who loves bikes and will talk to you as she's working on one. www.freerangecycles.com They also never talk down to me, and also cater to odd ducks suffused with velo love.

[schnitzle]

Tulip, I think what you wrote to me is such a good way to think of it! I am worth the effort :D

Thanks Pfunk12, my butt is already hoping it will get easier! hehehe

KnottedYet, thanks again for all the insight into RecycledCycles and the info on Freerange Cycles! You should really write a review for Yelp to help balance out some of the existing reviews. I'm also thinking of checking out Bothell Ski and Bike since they have Kona and are also close to me. I'll let you know how it goes if you're interested. I'm not much of a gear head though, so I don't know how insightful I'll be ;)

Enjoy the weekend everyone!!

[KnottedYet]

Hey, if you go to Recycled Cycles, be sure to check out their bike museum. They have a display case of cool stuff, and scores of antique or unusual bikes hanging from the ceiling. Lots of folks miss that, because they never look UP.

There was an interesting little kerfluffle here on TE over a TEer's experience with Bothell Ski and Bike.

[marni]

Good for you for leaping into the world of biking. May you be safe and enjoy the jouney. Remember to always wear your helmet and carrry a cell phone.

I started biking 5 years ago to get in shape and lose weight. I could barely do a mile a day but when I could do a mile without dying, I added a mile, when I could do 2 I went to 4, 4 to 6, 6 to 8 etc. and when I could 35-40 miles in a resonable time I signed up for some local charity rides.

Since then I have started doing serious gym time on my own and with a trainer, usually 2 hours a day 2 to 3 days a week and my routine training rides vary between 40 and 75 miles 3-4 times a week at about 16 mph. Granted it's not speedy but it is consisten.

Last spring I did a cross country ride with 19 other women. We went from San Diego CA to St. Augustine Fl.

Since I have started riding I have lost 125 pounds, dropped dress sizes from a 22xl to 10 petite and gone from a body fat of 49% to 22%. My blood pressure which was referred to text book normal at 60/120 has dropped to 55/110 and I get really grouchy grouchy if I can't ride a couple of days a week.

All this is to say that yes, it does get easier and more enjoyable. If I can do at 60 plus, so can you. Please keep us posted on your progress, I personally am rooting for you, especially since you are also in school and have demands on your time.

marni

[moderncyclista]

That guy didn't even spell douchebag correctly...kinda kills his whole rant! :p

He also mispelled peugeot as poo-zhow. (although I think this wasn't bad spelling as much as scathing sarcasm)

and said this....

So yes, you've noticed the sun is out, and hey!- maybe it would be cool to to some bike riding. Let's keep in mind that the sun came out of all 600,000 of us, so for the most part, you're not the only one who noticed.

My question is how does the sun come out of all 600,00 of us????? Do I really want to know?

[schnitzle]

That was an interesting kerfuffle (love that word!). I of course had to go check it out. It was a very interesting read. I didn't make it over to Bothell today but now I'm kind of interested in checking that shop out just to see for myself.

Wow Marni, I am so impressed and encouraged by your post! The fact that you started at 60 makes it even more awesome :D I'm all for breaking stereotypes of what we can and can't do. I'd be happy to be able to do half of what you have accomplished! I really appreciate your support. I'm feeling cautiously optimistic, even though I don't think I could ride a mile at this point.
When you started out, were you able to ride around home or did you have to take your bike somewhere to ride? I've suddenly become aware of how hilly it is in my area. I think I'll need to find a flatter place to practice for a while...

Moderncyclista, wow good eye! I had to read your comment a few times before I saw the mistake hehehe. I love sunny days and all, but I really don't want to witness that! :p

[darling]

Wow, I'm learning so much already. i've been riding daily for a few years now...but only on snowless days and then i ride boringly inside...and of course don't put as much into it. I am so impressed with all of your diligence, ladies! You truly are an inspiration!
I'm new to this forum and very excited to gain insight into this cycle/fitness/community thing...Since my current bike is 40 years old and very well made, i'm not springing for a new one until I know exactly what i want...it'll be so fun to learn!
darling

[ACiveE]

I just wanted to cheer you on a bit!! I was almost your exact height and weight about two years ago...5'5" and 256lbs. I'm down nearly 90lbs now. Size 24 to a size 10/12. It's a constant battle but it is something that you CAN do and cycling is a great way to get started. Finding a great LBS is a good thing, but TE has been the best resource I've found. I'm not a big poster, but I'm a big reader and searcher. It's quite inspirational. Goooood luck with riding!!

[Eden]

I think the craigslist thing is one of those little internet versions of an urban legend. Someone wrote it to be funny and it gets copied and spread around. It's probably been posted to every city's CL site and dozens of message boards by now....... (kind of like the bikini waxing story - which even if total fiction is still hilarious)

For kicks I went and read the Yelp reviews on RecycledCycles. The dissatisfied people were not racer types (and many of the guys who work there race themselves so they don't have an anti-racer attitude) - they tended to be newbies, largely women, who wanted a whole lot more customer service than you get there. They do tend to leave you alone if you don't ask for things. Someone complained about not being greeted when she walked into the shop and attributed it to them being racist, sexist and classist...... Sorry, nope everyone gets the same treatment. It's a busy shop and they prefer to let you do your own thing until you ask and yes there often is a wait for someone who is free.

Of course some folks were also disgruntled about the very thing the rant talked about - they walked in wanting an impossible bike and were peeved when it couldn't be provided.... (I want a classic steel road bike, it has to fit like a glove and I only want to spend $200.....)

I like Recycled and I shop there relatively often. They built my winter wheels too. I personally prefer to be left alone until I ask for assistance. Really I've probably been to most Seattle area shops at least once.... Depends on what I need.

[KnottedYet]

Let's do a "Schnitzles' New Bike" slow cruise ride!

If you're not sure you could ride a mile, how about driving your bike to Log Boom Park and meeting up with a few of us for a 1 or 2 mile ride on the Burke Gilman?

We can putt-putt on the trail, ooh and ahhh over your new bike (whatever you get), and if something problematic pops up as you ride someone among us could probably address it.

Of course, this means you'd have to let us know once you've bought the bike and tell us some times and days that work for you.

The BG is pretty flat and wide near Log Boom, and there is a really good long straight bit just south of Log Boom which is good for putt-putting. People can see riders from a good distance off and avoid them. (blind corners suck when you are just cruising!)

[Bike Chick]

Good for you, schnitzle! I started riding at 46. Began with a $200 mountain bike (thought I'd spent a fortune--little did I know) then followed the normal progression to a hybrid and road bike. My first ride was 6 miles and I thought I would die. The next year I did my first century and the following year my first triathlon. You will get the bug. It's a wonderful addiction and, no, you don't belong on the couch! Welcome to TE!


Wow, I'm learning so much already. i've been riding daily for a few years now...but only on snowless days and then i ride boringly inside...and of course don't put as much into it. I am so impressed with all of your diligence, ladies! You truly are an inspiration!
I'm new to this forum and very excited to gain insight into this cycle/fitness/community thing...Since my current bike is 40 years old and very well made, i'm not springing for a new one until I know exactly what i want...it'll be so fun to learn!
darling

Darling, welcome to TE. You will learn a lot here and make a lot of new friends. Maybe we can get a group of St Louis area gals together for a ride.

[marni]

sweetie, I live in Houston- around here the only hills are railroad crossings and freeway overpasses- mind you we do have headwinds which are good for resistance but don't do much for hill training. The biggest obstacle around here is texas drivers, the heat and humidity. But I ride way out in the country where there isn't quite as much traffic which takes care of the drivers. As for the heat and humidity, I in the summer I ride out at the butt crack of dawn so that I am off the road by 11:00 and I cut my distances a bit but frankly once your wet and sweaty, it doesn't really get much worse. The hardest part is mopping up the sweat pools off the kitchen floor.

marni

[schnitzle]

Hey I finally got my bike!!! I went to Bikesport in Ballard and picked out a Jamis Citizen 1. Of the bikes I tried it fit me the best, and I like those straight handlebars. Krista at Bikesport is awesome and really helped me chose the right bike. I had fenders, a rack, lock and a water bottle holder put on. I just got a couple little lights since I won't be riding at night for a while, and a pack so that I can (eventually) carry a few things. Oh yes and a helmet! All those things sure add to the price! haha Of course directly after the purchase it started raining :P

Today (my B-day!) we put the bike in the car, grabbed the dogs and went out to a deserted park. SO FUN!! I actually found exercise that is fun!! Plus I could check out what kind of things were peeking up through the dirt (baby stinging nettles waiting to be cooked up! Kept an eye out for any morels.) and of course look at all the birds out and about. I rode around a bit, then taught the dog how to run along side the bike with a leash (going slow of course!) after a while he was able to run along side like he'd been doing it his whole life! Probably the most exercise either of us have had in 5 years! LOL I want to see about getting one of those dog out-rigger things so I could take him with on leash. Plus it's just safer. My partner rode the bike too and really enjoyed herself. I think she's getting interested in getting her own, YAY!!

Thanks for all the comments and support, I love this place!

KnottedYet, I would love to try riding with you guys :D I am about to hit finals at school so it probably won't be for a couple of weeks. Hey maybe that would give the weather some time to shape up?

Marni, I should have known that about Texas shouldn't I? haha Geez. I was born there (Corpus Christi) but left when I was 2 so I don't remember it. The heat and humidity sounds just as daunting as hills!

[lovesunflowers]

I also am pretty new to cycling and am a 6' tall (which gets me enough attention as it is) and I'm also over 250 pounds. I've struggled with my weight all my life and did get up to 90 pounds lost at one point and then starting going backwards to my current spot right now. I love cycling! Its hard sometimes to get up that hill, but, each time it really does get easier and easier and then you have that fabulous ride back down which is thrilling; a reward for all that hard work. I have been looking for proper cycling gear in PLUS sizes and finally discovered this wonderful site and then this awesome group here! I actually was crying after my 5th stop in a bike shop to try to find clothes in my size!! Its easy to feel like they don't believe big girls can ride too and be serious about it!! I have my first 36 mile bike ride coming up for a fund raiser and I'm scared but will do my best. I hope you love riding as much as I have. As my best friend said: just keep peddling, just keep peddling.... :D

[KnottedYet]

KnottedYet, I would love to try riding with you guys :D I am about to hit finals at school so it probably won't be for a couple of weeks. Hey maybe that would give the weather some time to shape up?


Excellent! You have a bike! Now just get your wife on one, too!
One of my friends loves Krista at BikeSport. I've only been to that shop once, but I liked it (too far from me to go there regularly).

Check the "Northwest" forum for the Redhook Ride. We will probably do it in May or so this year. Very fun, very easy-going.

Meanwhile, put up a notice in the Northwest forum when you are done with finals, and set a couple times and days you'd like to do a putt-putt or cruise. Folks will chime in, and before you know it there will be a TE cruise in the works!:D

[Zen]

I decided that going to community college at 40 is not embarrassing enough.

Piker.
I'm 52 and not the least bit embarrassed.

Finals? In March?

[channlluv]

Hey, Schnitzle,

Welcome! A year and a half ago, give or take, I got on a bike for the first time in years, and like you, I am 5' 4.5", and at the time, I weighed 250 pounds. Now, I'm not really the typical TEr in that I don't ride miles and miles every week. In fact, because of injuries and family stuff, I haven't even ridden outside since October, and I've only been on the trainer a few times, but I love riding my bike, and I'm making up the road time in the pool, but thanks to the love, support, and education I've received here, I'm down 20 pounds and I'm so much healthier and in such a better place emotionally and psychologically than I was two years ago.

Look for the just-started March-April Weight Loss Thread (possegal will be posting it later this week since it's the first week of March). Add your current weight and set a goal and keep track along with the rest of us. It's awesome to watch your progress.

You can ask anything here. Anything at all. You'll get a supportive and informative answer. There is no flaming, no ridicule, no judging. This is the most supportive online community you'll find anywhere. I'm so glad I found it, and I'm sure you will be, too.

Congrats on the new bike, too. Post a photo!

Roxy

[KnottedYet]

There is no flaming, no ridicule, no judging.

'Cept me. I'm judged as flamingly ridiculous. ;)

[gr33nt3a]

You can do it!

1 1/2 ago I couldn't job for 2 minutes at a time when I decided to join the Navy. I went from 198 pounds to 170 to get into bootcamp so I know you can do it, all it takes it little changes!

My biggest suggestion is when you start riding for longer distances to make sure you have a nice seat. I had a man's style seat when I first started riding and they're not made wide enough for my butt.

Good luck girl and keep it up.

[schnitzle]

Piker.
I'm 52 and not the least bit embarrassed.

Finals? In March?

I didn't mean to offend! I'm embarrassed because I've never gone to college and am in classes like Math 75 and English 101 with kids who ask me if I'm the teachers aid ;)

We have quarters not semesters, so, yep, finals at the end of March. This is my first quarter so I'm probably more stressy than I need to be about that.

[schnitzle]

You can do it!

1 1/2 ago I couldn't job for 2 minutes at a time when I decided to join the Navy. I went from 198 pounds to 170 to get into bootcamp so I know you can do it, all it takes it little changes!

My biggest suggestion is when you start riding for longer distances to make sure you have a nice seat. I had a man's style seat when I first started riding and they're not made wide enough for my butt.

Good luck girl and keep it up.

Wow the Navy! Talk about your get fit quick plan!! I think I would probably die.

I think the seat my bike came with is pretty nice, but we'll see what happens when I start going on longer rides. At the moment I am just trying to get up the small hills to and from my house. By the time I do that (15 minutes?) I'm gasping for breath! LOL I think I need a bike rack for my car so I can easily take it somewhere flatter. I'm also going to drag the recumbant stationary bike out of the garage so I can train. Funny how this place works on you. I used to think "Oh it will be a nice thing to have a bike for summer", now I'm thinking "Must train so I can get up the hills without dying, want to ride with the Seattle TE people, how long until I can do the STP?" hahaha

[bikerHen]

You go girl! Bike riding has completely changed my life for the better. If you ever come for a visit to the dryside, bring your bike. I would love to show you Spokane's Cenntennial Trail. It's a great place to ride. :D bikerHen

[schnitzle]

Thanks BikerHen (Love your screenname!) I might just take you up on that offer :D My partner is from the Tri-cities so we do go over the mountains every once in a while.

[tc1]

North Seattle, that is. If you want someone slow to ride with, give a holler. I like dogs too, but I won't be bringing crazyboy.

[LizzyBee]

Schnitzle,
Guuurrrlllll you got the bug!! Woo hoo! I rode a mountain bike twenty some years ago when I was in college and then stopped riding. I asked my husband to buy me a bike last January for my birthday, only wanted something inexpensive as I didn't know if I would continue riding. Oh wow, I got the biking bug soon after! My starting weight was about the same as yours now, but have lost 25 lbs since last October. I have cleaned up my diet and have been riding consistently since the fall.

I rode that poor mtb to death almost! Realizing I like racking up the miles, I upgraded to my first road bike last month. It's been awesome! Now I'm training for my first century ride this summer (I posted a separate thread about the training, questions, etc....)!

It has been fun and challenging so far and I love adding a few extra miles to my long ride each week! Last Sunday I rode for almost 5 hours straight. I remember my first ride last year being 45 minutes and I was excited about that! So, enjoy each step you make, progress at your own pace and enjoy. We can't wait to see what you discover about yourself!

Have a blast!
Liz

[repto]

As a plus size, year round cyclist, here are my tips/tricks:

1. Get a saddle that is comfortable. For me, it was the Easy seat.
<<http://www.amazon.com/Hobson-Easyseat-Ergonomical-Saddle-Black/dp/B000GBK4Z4>>. It's a cheap saddle but it has made a WORLD of difference for me. Before I got this seat (now 4 years ago), a long ride found my nether regions numb and/or in pain. I *never* suffer now--even if I do 30 miles in the saddle in one day. This seat took about a week of futzing with until I got it adjusted 'just so', but once I found the sweet spot, there has been no looking back.

2. Get fenders. They keep the mud, water and schmootz off your butt/legs and make cycling just so much more enjoyable.

3. Get a rack and panniers. I hate having stuff hanging off my body (purse, extra coat, etc). Plus, I generate a lot of heat once I get going, so while I like having a windbreaker or coat on early in the ride, once I warm up I want to divest myself of layers. Having a pannier or grocery bag shopper pannier makes that easy and convenient. You can store you lock, your purse, your extra coat or rain jacket, etc. in the pannier and be on your merry way without having to carry it in a backpack (ewww, sweat magnet!). Another benefit to panniers is that you can go shopping and bring things home with you easily.

4. Dress in layers. Being able to thermoregulate makes a huge difference in being happy when you ride. I *hate* getting drippy sweaty and having to show up someplace looking good. UGGH.

On that note, good quality (non itchy) wool is a beautiful thing--esp. in socks. Wool is antimicrobial, so it fights stink and it is comfortable in both cool and hot weather (weird but true). It also retains it's ability to stay warm when it gets wet--something very handy when riding in the winter or rainy months.

5. Think about using the bike to make multi-modal trips. Many municipalities allow you to bring bikes on the train or bus. Don't let a longish route intimidate you... esp. if you could take mass transit to get home if you get too tired.

6. Use your gears, if you have them. Whenever I stop, I downshift. Get in the habit. Your knees will thank you.

Jane <---year round cycling mommy in Chicago

[TriMom217]

47 and attending community college, again. Also 5'4" but not 250 pounds. But I was at one time! Down to about 175 now and I just can't seem to get much lower and stay there.

Anyhow, good luck in school and on your bike. Can you ride to class? :D

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Hey Schnitzle,
You sound pretty cool to me. You also sound pretty darned young to me. I'm riding my bike at 56, and some might think I look goofy doing it. But what I think about myself is way more important than what others think.

So think of it this way- you can either be a heavy 40 year old woman riding a bike and going to school....or you can be a heavy 40 year old woman who doesn't ride a bike or go to school. Tough choice, huh? ;)

You go, girl! :D

[Cherie]

Thank you so much for sharing your story!! I am 5'8" and 225 lbs and it is nice to see other ladies getting back into riding and sharing some of the same concerns/obstacles.

Keep up the good work!!!
Cherie

[Tri Girl]

I'm so excited for you!!! Congrats on your new bike- woo hoo!! Do you have a picture of it (we all love bike pictures, you know).

I think it's great that you are not only going to CC to get your education, but that you're biking there as well!! I feel kinda dorky at times because I ride my bike to work (I work with elementary and middle school students). The middle schoolers will say things like "nice bike" and laugh. I know they think I'm a dork, but even if I drove a Lamborghini they'd think I was dorky. :rolleyes: No matter to me- I LOVE my bike, and it sounds like you love yours, too. Bring it on!!

I can't wait to hear all about your adventures!!!

[marni]

well I didn't start riding until I was 56 and weighed 248.
now in 2010 I have been riding and commuting around the neighborhood for 5 years and keep myself off of the street by working out in the gym when I'm not biking and I am only half the woman I used to be. Hang in there, you can do it and to heck with them all.

marni

[Crankin]

Who cares what people think?
I am 56, like Bleeker, and I am back in school, preparing for a new career. The younger grad students ask meadvice about riding, buying a bike.

Some of my friends really don't understand 1)why I ride my bike and 2) why I am working my azz off in school so i can go back to work, when I could be doing nothing. They are the same ones who complain about how much they "can't do" anymore.

[abejita]

Yeah for you!! I was in your exact position at the beginning of last summer, 5'4" and about 220. I bought a jamis ventura race, it was the beginning of an addiction. I started out riding 5 miles or so. Today, I weigh 80lbs less and I completed my longest ride to date this past weekend...50miles in howling 40+mph wind. I am so stoked. Hubs and I are training for hotter'n hell this August.

Let us know how your cycling journey goes!

mary

[violetpurl]

Scottie!
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3510/3295674289_ba68544bd8_m.jpg
/threadjack

[abejita]

LOL! Close...but he is a Giant Schnauzer!

[violetpurl]

lol - oops... Hi big boy!

[abejita]

I can't tell you how many times people have asked if he is a scottie...even when they are standing there looking at all 100 lbs of him!

mary

(and their heads look the same, especially when there is no reference point)

[theresar2004]

I am 43, loved to ride bikes as a kid and would ride off and on...very short trips...a few blocks on a 20 year old beach cruiser.....do you know how heavy those things are? OMG, so i got a newer beach cruiser and would tak my son, much easier then i started having trouble with blowouts when anyone rode it...cheap crappy tubes and tires!....the whole bike ending up being junk...never went back to that bike store again...two years later they were out of business, guess i wasnt the only unsatisfied person.

Anyway, i decided that i would like a new bike for my anniversary, i had never ridden a bike with gears, except for a 10 speed from the 70's that we ripped the gears just riding round the block....i was clueless and it didnt seem fun....anyway, i talked to the bike shop that i had trusted for years but didnt live near it any more and got a new 21 speed, HOLY MOLY, had i known what a difference and pleasure that it made riding that bike, i dont think i would be this heavy, 226 and 5'7". I have tried swimming, jogging adn walking...each to a small success but i dont have the knees for jogging or long distance walking and swimming just isnt available in my town without heafty fees to use an indoor pool and long commute...isnt worth it even though it is my fav. Well, I did weigh more when i started, then got sick and was off the bike for 3 months and have gained a little back but I am ready to ride like the wind now! Best of luck to you.


Can anyone suggest a great forum to find a female riding partner? I am in a small town outside of Jacksonville Florida and just havent seen anyone from there and as many bike riders as we have I am sure I am just missing something.

Theresa




Yes, I stole the name of a defunct blog for my first post. Go me! :rolleyes:

I decided that going to community college at 40 is not embarrassing enough. I need to up the ante and get my big 'ol butt on a bike! It seems like it would be a great way to get outdoors and I'd eventually like to be able to take my dog with me so he can run as fast as he needs to and work out his yayas. Plus I reaaally need to start exercising. I'm 5'4" and 250lbs, things gotta change :p

So I went to a bike store a friend recommended looking for a hybrid-commuter kind of bike. Tried a Jamis commuter and a Giant cypress. Wow, what a good work out! Maybe going the day that I had very little sleep and after 3 hours of math class wasn't a great idea, but I wanted to try and beat the weekend rush (it's supposed to be nice in Seattle this weekend, so you know all the bike people will be active!). I gotta say, I am exhausted just from test riding the two bikes! It went better than expected though :D I want to go back and try out their Jamis citizen 1.0. I ran out of steam today and couldn't do it.

It gets easier right? The only way to improve is practice and build strength right? haha I am trying to psyche myself up because I have to admit that at one point during the test rides I thought "Maybe I have lost my mind. I really belong on the couch". But it's so lovely to ride a bike on a nice day!!

[marni]

congratulations on your new bike. It's too bad that you live in

florida and not near houston texas because I would ride with you. When I started biking 5 years ago I was 10 pounds heavier aI do manage to find another woman to ride with occasionally I mostly ride solo and spend a lot of time doing distance and endurance.

Hang in there and keep riding.

marni