Hi all, I am about as new as a newbie can get. I'm MJ, I'm 31, 3 kids. I need to lose about 140lbs or so more. I have lost about 30lbs already. I purchased my bike, just a Schwinn from Target, about 3 days ago. I did 10 minutes last night, and thought I was going to die. Face bright red, sweaty, heart pounding in my ears! I am not giving up, I am just starting out. I have a LONG way to go, and nothing stopping me. I am really glad I found this forum. I noticed a few other large women posting, so I felt comfortable enough to join in. I used to weigh about 330, and I am now 296, ultimate goal is about 160ish or so. I'm about 5ft 8in tall, and wear a size 26.

My husband bought a bike a few months ago. He is training so he can join his mom for 2 days on RAGBRAI (it's a tour ride across Iowa, she does the whole trip). He is doing wonderfully, he rode 30 miles yesterday. I am so proud of him. He has encouraged me to give it a try, so I am. I haven't been on a bike since I was a teenager. It's so much fun, but I am not good at it...of course! I'm a little wobbley and very unsure of myself. I rode a few days, just in front of the house, yesterday decided I was going to actually go for a ride around the neighborhood. Nope, not going to happen again for a while. I need more practice. We have too many hills around here...I walk the bike up, and I clench every muscle in my body on the way down...not used to the speed (haha, my max was only 12mph!). I think I will stick to riding in front of the house for a while longer, get a little more confidence in myself.

Anyway, I guess that is a little about me. I tend to ramble..so forgive me. I am glad to be here and I am finding the tips on this board quite usefull.

MJ