Piggy on wheels?

[mmelindas]

Hi guys! I am so new to this forum I still am in diapers!

I am an old fart bicycle lover who needs a new bike and haven't ridden in three years. I don't know what to do about my lardy 300 lb butt but do have a nice LARGE seat and handlebars that rise up a bit, on my $15 Goodwill bike I got about three years back. It is a road bike, narrow tires but two years out in the weather and it's toast.

Now what? I plan to ride the Jordan River Parkway and bike friendly streets of downtown Salt Lake city. How do I know what bike to buy? I am 5'4" and short legged and am afraid a WalMart bike will kill me or else I'll kill/break it. I plan to keep the wonderful "elephant" seat and upright handlebars from my trashed bike, but I am afraid of banging my you-know-what:D on the stem of any new bike when dismounting. Any advice?
I'm afraid if I go into a bike show I will come out with a $300 bike I'll never like riding and my hubby will kill me.

[Surlygirl]

How about an electra townie. www.electrabike.com. They have low seats and upright handlebars and you can put your feet down. Check out the ladies models.
There are also other bikes that have step through frames. I'd stay away from Wal-mart type bikes. In my opinion its throwing money away and you want to test ride any bike and get fitted properly at an LBS. Good luck on your search and have fun.

[Lifesgreat]

Hey there!

I am down the road in Orem. There are a few of us Utahns here on the board.

I have a terrific road bike, an beloved rigid MTB but W A N T an Electra Townie (can I have too many bikes?? NO). It is by far the most comfortable bike I have ever ridden. My neighbor has one and he lets me ride it.

Bingham Cyclery has them and I am not sure who else in the area does.

[mmelindas]

Hi Surlygirl and Lifesgreat

I found a cruiser that has a heavy wide frame and is aluminum so light I can pick it up all by myself to load. It has a deep stepthrough frame and was so affordable. Now, if the weather would get back to warmer temps, I can ride it. Decided not to invest too much initially and to get something simple that I don't have to worry about shifting. Thanks so much for the advice. Sure are a bunch of neat gals in this forum!

[DeniseGoldberg]

Hey - congrats on your new bike! I'm adding my hopes to yours that biking becomes (or continues to be) an enjoyable part of your life.

Welcome to the forums!

--- Denise

[Trek420]

mmelindas, welcome to TE. Yep, there are a great group o' gals here. Enjoy your new ride. We look forward to watching your tagline gradualy change to "fast old fart on two wheels" :D

Oh, whenever you feel up to it surf on over to the "getting to know you" thread so you can meet all of us and we get to meet you and....

the cruiser sounds beeyoooteeeful...you gotta helmet with that baby right?

[Jo-n-NY]

mmelindas, I also want to wish you much luck with your new bike and may you have many happy, enjoyable riding miles beginning very soon :)

[CorsairMac]

Congrats on your new bike!! I hope the both of you have a long and lasting relationship!! and: like Trek said - cruise on over to the getting to know you thread is you have some time.

[bikerchick68]

hi and welcome from me too!

I have to say... I also used to be a slow old fart... notice the term "used to be"! :D Enjoy your ride... and I agree... be SURE to wear a helmet! :)

[mmelindas]

Hey you wonderful friendly people!

Wow such supportive comments, I really appreciate them. Yes, helmet and me are inseparable of course.

I don't need ANOTHER concussion to reduce my peanut brain to peanut butter. (fall was NOT bike related - I tried to make a left turn in Denver traffic where there was NO left turn and got creamed by a land rover and a minivan head on. Don't even remember it, but am fine now, that was 2001.)

Hubby transferred my cushy "elephant butt seat" over to the new Lajolla cruiser and it has the new quick release basket in front for me to haul all my stuff (bee antivenom, water bottle, pump, munchies, etc) and we can't get the handgrips off, so are working on switching them out for the cushy foam ones on the old 18 speed. But....I haven't even taken my first ride!

The weather here is a bit cold, unusual snowy weather for this time of year, so my beloved and brand spanking new, metal flake blue LaJolla stays under the tarp still.

I can't wait to try to ride it. Am not used to the one speeds and foot brake so I have to retrain my brain not to look for the now-nonexistant hand brakes and to use the foot one ---EEEK!! I loved to ride bikes as a youngster and did ride my 18speed a little the year we got it, but then hubby went into trucking and I was on the road with him, so no biking then.

Now, he's out of trucking and available to ride with me or jog beside me, is the way he plans it. My son comes home on March 30th from a two year mission in Brazil and he will probably use my hubby's bike and join me on rides.

I NEED TO LOSE WEIGHT! There's another whole person inside this fat body trying to get out - a desperate athletic me! I know riding will help strengthen my legs so I can walk more and help me to lose weight, so that's what I'm trying to do. Keep cheering me on!!

Love to all you biker gals out there, Melinda

[bikerchick68]

melinda... I'm cheering you on!!! several people here have lost substantial weight thru cycling... mary is one... she is just doing amazing... my brother also lost 1/2 (yes half) his body weight thru changing his diet and cycling...

I'm a lifetime weight watcher too... 11 yrs ago I was about 70lbs heavier... have kept it off all these years and can't believe I can now say I'm an athlete!

you go!!! I know you can do it... I'm excited to hear about your first ride... :)

[trailrunnner]

Hi there!
I say get two bikes---
road bike for sweet weather
mountain bike for any weather. Double your fun

[Selkie]

You go girl! I've heard cycling in Utah is excellent, especially mountain biking.
Warning---cycling is addictive (but in a good way).
ENJOY

[mmelindas]

Hey guys (gals I mean) THANKS THANKS THANKS for the info and support. I am so looking forward to talking to all of you. I looked at the "getting to know you" and have bookmarked a ton of sites from those posts. I hope to get photos up soon!

Yes, if I lose half my weight my hubby would lose his mind!! I do hope to do it, healthily of course. I lost 90 lbs in 2001 (pre accident) and went from 321 lbs and couldn't walk a block nor climb stairs more than once a day to being able to power walk three miles and feeling terrific!

I know I want to become addicted to biking!! I know there's a skinny athletic 62 year old beauty inside this aging, overweight body. I don't want to hurt anymore, fibromyalgia is killing my life and if I can drop 150 lbs in the next two years, I'd be amazing again.

Thanks for all the supportive comments!

Loving you and eager to ride, Melinda:D

[Dianyla]

Melinda, I look forward to watching your journey. You're going to do amazing things. Thank you for sharing it with us. :)

[bikerHen]

Welcome to the board from another fat old fart. This is the place to be to lose the fat. And you'll have a heck of a lot of fun here too. :D BikerHen

[latelatebloomer]

Hey, Melinda, have fun with your new set of wheels! I've burned enough fat from riding and spinning that sometimes I can't find myself in the gym mirrors or shop windows - I keep looking for a bigger woman!:p
If I may make a comment - I am wincing a little when you call yourself or body names...a big AHA! I had one day during a workout - one that made an enormous shift in my life - was that the whole time I worked out, I was angry at myself for not being able to do better. Beating myself up mentally, treating my body like the enemy when she was working so HARD!

Be sweet to yourself as you embark on your riding adventure!;)

[Brandi]

Welcome!:o I hope you post a piture of your new bike when you get We love to see everyones new bikes, and the old one's too.

[allabouteva]

I'd be amazing again.



Hi MMs

Welcome from me too! I think you're halfway there if you have the right attitude, determination and frame of mind!:)

Take it one day at a time, and remember that the changes you're making are long term. You'll get heaps of support from the wimmenfolk here, so let us know how you're doing.:)

Cycling is EXTREMELY addictive! Before, I used to exercise because I knew it was good for me. Now, I exercise, because I LOVE cycling, it's just plain ol' fun!:D I'm sure you'll love it too.

[mmelindas]

Yes, you are all so wise. Namecalling myself and my body are NOT productive nor inspiring, and I should stop. Luckily I am married to a wonderful man who thinks when I am not wearing makeup I am still beautiful and tells me so often!

And YES, ....."becoming my best me" is a long term journey. I know I didn't get this way overnight so I am trying to take little daily victories to heart and keep looking for ways to praise and recognize my progress towards more becoming slimmer and more healthy.

I am looking forward to becoming a true "biking addict!" When I exercised in the past, I got a real "high" from doing that and loved myself so much more. Can you believe that in Sept of 2004, I had worked my way up to 450 situps in a row without stopping? So I KNOW it's in me and I can do it, but all the encouragement and input from you wonderful WONDERFUL women really boosts my faith in me.

I especially love hearing of other older women's victories over the aging process that drags everything down... (I used to say my "stuff was dragging along behind me" and it really was!!) That was so terrific to hear about weight losses among bikers like you all. That' so encouraging to me!

I love interacting with other women. I am quite alone here in Salt Lake because one of my long time girlfriends works and is so busy socially with church, community and so forth that we seldom can get together. My other long time friend, who is a youthful 88 years old, lives way down south in the lower valley and the unexpected snow storms have kept us apart.

So, this feeds my soul to hear from all of you very different, very unique and very intelligent, fun gals ..... who are really not strangers but "friends in progress." I love to read your comments and input and so appreciate your words and thoughts!

Have a terrific biking day wherever you are!! I am still shoveling snow here and haven't plopped my booty on my new bike yet!! But maybe tomorrow, YEE-HAAAH! I will and I'll get photos!

[Kimmyt]

The great thing about participating in sports is that it helps you realize what your body can do as opposed to what you think it can't.

Enjoy the new ride!

K.

[sydney_b]

The great thing about participating in sports is that it helps you realize what your body can do as opposed to what you think it can't.


This is just the sort of thing I wish I would have thought of when talking to my rather sedentary DH the other day. I was having problems communicating why I work out, which is mainly it just feels so good to have a strong body able to do things. You've captured that in such a succinct way. Thanks!

/s

[yellow]

Melinda--I sent you a PM but in the event it gets overlooked...as soon as spring comes back, let's go out on the Jordan River bike trail!

Good luck on making this addiction (cycling) stay with you!

[Nanci]

450 situps? Holy you-know-what!!! You're an animal!! I could probably do like ten. With my feet under the couch. Can't wait to see pics of the new bike!

Nanci

[mmelindas]

Hi Lovely Ladies!

Weather still crummy here in Salt Lake, so hubby and I went to the gym at the local community center where we bought Senior Golden Passes and could begin to use the fitness equipment there.

I actually worked out conservatively, gingerly and delicately (I have fibromyalgia and a bad knee and haven't done any exercise in over 18 months!) and I didn't die!!

I came away feeling really proud of myself, and promptly after lunch fell asleep in the car while hubby drove us up north to do some shopping. I drooled on myself and talked in my sleep and felt like a ton of bricks had hit me when I woke up!!! Arrrrgh!!!

But I AM STILL GOING BACK ON SATURDAY TO FACE THE GYM ONCE AGAIN!!

Hopefully, by the time tomorrow night rolls around, when hubby gets home from work, he will help me mount and stay upright on my brand new bike for the FIRST TIME!!!!.....:D and not fall and break something, :eek: and maybe actually be able to balance and ride it around the Rv park we're in. (whipeeeeee!):D

I live right next to the Jordan River Parkway here in Salt Lake City so what could be better than that? I am so excited about trying my newbie bike tomorrow. YESSSSSSS!!!

I cycled at the fitness center for about 20 minutes to get myself ready for riding my one speed cruiser (plus an hour of other equipment I christened there) . I sure hope I can do it without making a bigger fool of myself than I already have :( (you should have seen the looks I got at the fitness center, trying not to fall off the situp bench, which I never could fit my lardy butt on properly without teetering sideways....)


BUT NEVER FEAR!!! WONDER GIRL IS HERE! Neither snickering nor astonished and embarassed-for-me-looks will deter this woman from getting back in shape and riding her NEW BIKE!!:D :cool:

So, stay tuned for the results:

.....will I fall over and splat, trying to get it going? Will I run over hubby's toes and make him fall, trying to help me balance till I can get going? Will I crash and burn on the asphalt twenty feet from my doorstep? Or will I fly like a bird on wings down the road???:eek:

Oh, well whatever I do will be alright because once you're over 60 nobody believes you can do anything athletic, so what the heck, do it anyway and let them gawk!:confused: :eek:


HAH!!!!

mmelindas the brave, fat and daring.....

[mmelindas]

Hi Lovely Ladies!

Weather still crummy here in Salt Lake, so hubby and I went to the gym at the local community center where we bought Senior Golden Passes and could begin to use the fitness equipment there.

I actually worked out conservatively, gingerly and delicately (I have fibromyalgia and a bad knee and haven't done any exercise in over 18 months!) and I didn't die!!

I came away feeling really proud of myself, and promptly after lunch fell asleep in the car while hubby drove us up north to do some shopping. I drooled on myself and talked in my sleep and felt like a ton of bricks had hit me when I woke up!!!

But I AM STILL GOING BACK ON SATURDAY TO FACE THE GYM ONCE AGAIN!!

Hopefully, by the time tomorrow night rolls around, when hubby gets home from work, he will help me mount and stay upright on my brand new bike for the FIRST TIME!!!!.....:D and not fall and break something, :eek: and maybe actually be able to balance and ride it around the Rv park we're in.

I live right next to the Jordan River Parkway here in Salt Lake City so what could be better than that? I am so excited about trying my newbie bike tomorrow.

I cycled at the fitness center for about 20 minutes to get myself ready for riding my one speed cruiser. I sure hope I can do it without making a bigger fool of myself than I already have (you should have seen the looks I got at the fitness center, trying not to fall off the situp bench, which I never could fit my lardy butt on properly without teetering sideways....)


BUT NEVER FEAR!!! WONDER GIRL IS HERE! Neither snickering nor astonished and embarassed -for-me-looks will deter this woman from getting back in shape and riding her NEW BIKE!!:D :cool:

So, stay tuned for the results: will I fall over and splat, trying to get it going? Will I run over hubby's toes and make him fall, trying to help me balance till I can get going? Will I crash and burn on the asphalt twenty feet from my doorstep? Or will I fly like a bird on wings down the road???:eek:

Oh, well whatever I do will be alright because once you're over 60 nobody believes you can do anything athletic, so what the heck, do it anyway and let them gawk!:confused: :eek:


HAH!!!!

mmelindas the brave, fat and daring.....

[Nanci]

mmelindas,

I cannot tell you how many times I have had my a$$ kicked by people over 60, or over 70 for that matter. There are a lot of very serious accomplished athletes in that age group, who don't have to work and have all day every day to train.

Nanci

[mmelindas]

Wow, that's such an inspiration!! Hopefully in a couple years or sooner, I can call myself that too!:cool:

Melinda

[CorsairMac]

Melinda: I LOVE your spirit! It literally Jumps through your posts! Good Luck on getting out on your bikes, be sure and let us know when you do! And as some inspiration (coz it's a thankless job but SOMEONE has to do it), it's 63 here right now and gorgeous!.......I'll be bike commuting home just for you my friend! :p

Corsair "48 and in better shape then my 25+ yr old male co-workers" Mac