The Fat Lady is Still Riding

[cinderly]

I feel a little funny when a car goes by, or I pass someone in their yard, because I wonder how bad I look perched on the bike as big as I am.

I can't wait 'til you get to the point where you smile and wave at the looky-loos. I'm heavier than you, but I figure if the neighbors want to stop and stare, the least I can do is wave ...

Congratulations on getting back on the bike. Addicting, isn't it?

~ Cindy, very recent biking convert

[greenmachine]

Way to go Bamakathy!

This is what happens... you start riding again and you start really liking it and remembering what it was like when you were riding before. Then you start riding more because it starts getting easier and you start loving it even more. Then you start seeing even more benefits like more energy on and off the bike, losing weight, eating healthier and before you know it you're completely addicted!

It's really great that you are riding again and enjoying it so much!

[Geonz]

ONe way to take away the negativity of a term is to overuse it without it being negative. Creative terminology can be fun, though!
I"m with latelatebloomer: ah, yea, there might be a 20 year old who thinks you don't have a right to *exist*, much less be a blot on his/her otherwise unblemished visual field ... but the rest of the imperfect souls are smiling and saying, "SHE ROCKS!!!"

[Tater]

Way to go! Keep up the awesome work!

[CorsairMac]

Heckie dern Bama - my thighs burn every day too! ROFL.....I just treat that as a sign that I've ridden today! Keep up the good work ma'am - it just gets better and better!!


and tyvm for buying a helmet....good thing we didn't know you were riding without one!

[Tuckervill]

But...ya know...here and in other threads...I can't help wondering if us plus-size gals are doing ourselves a disservice by always referring to ourselves as "fat ladies" and so on? I'm a total Amazon myself, but maybe we should start referring to ourselves as Queen-Size, Generously-Proportioned, or even Aerodynamically-Reubenesque? I guess I'm just sensitive, but I can't help thinking we're not doing our self-image any favours by calling ourselves "fat" all the time, even if it's tongue-in-cheek.

I think the most common term is "Athena", and male riders of the king-size genre are called Clydesdales. I love being an Athena, but hate the term Clydesdales. Although it does imply a certain strength and endurance that thoroughbreds are not known for.

Karen

[Eagle-Eye]

You are doing great! I just wanted to echo what everyone else is saying. Oh, and I like the term "Athena" too. Nothing like referring to yourself as a Goddess to lift your spirits

[HipGnosis6]

I think the most common term is "Athena", and male riders of the king-size genre are called Clydesdales. I love being an Athena, but hate the term Clydesdales. Although it does imply a certain strength and endurance that thoroughbreds are not known for.

Karen

I'm not a big fan of the Athena OR the Clydesdale appelation. Where did they get Athena from? I mean, in mythology she was a virginal goddess but always resolutely fit - so why would her name be used for large-size female athletes?

You can fairly call me an amazon, though - but not because I'm a fat girl (which I am), but because I'm 6' or taller.

When I was boxing, I was "that d**ned valkyrie" to some of the other girls

[GreyJ.J.]

What do tou care? You're riding,doing something for yourself AND having FUN doing it. Oh, and those stares may just be stares of admiration for what you are doing!! Ride on !!

[Tuckervill]

I'll settle for Athena, at a mere 5'4". I'm resolutely fit, too, but no longer virginal.

Karen

[PAP103]

I'll settle for Athena, at a mere 5'4". I'm resolutely fit, too, but no longer virginal.

Karen

I'll take any of the non negative terms listed here: Queen sized, Generously proportioned, etc.

Here are a couple of pet names my dad had for me:

Crisco Kid - fat in the can
Five by Five (referring to height by width)
Fat Pat (my name is Patty)

I'm 5'2" and generously proportioned. Call it what you want. Anyone with extra weight has heard all the hurtful names. I think we're all beautiful and special in our own ways.

Patty

[CorsairMac]

whereas I'm still virginal and fitter than I was!

as for the Clydesdale: my first thought when I read that was: they're sleek, they're gorgeous, Everyone Loves them and they pull a beer wagon!! How can I be a Clydes?? ;-)

[AutumnBreez]

Good for you! When I see a larger person riding, I usually think - they're not going to be that size for long!

I really think you are doing well and say to you to keep on riding!

[Geonz]

Yea... when I toss those slabs of amber into my bags... I can be a Clydesdale, too! Wait, let me check my ankles for hair...

[DirtDiva]

as for the Clydesdale: my first thought when I read that was: they're sleek, they're gorgeous, Everyone Loves them and they pull a beer wagon!! How can I be a Clydes?? ;-)

My thoughts exactly, except for all the words that aren't "beer."