Okay, after reading this thread earlier (and coming back to read more!), I decided that I needed to post my "biking story" to maybe put another slant on the subject.

Three years ago, at age 44, I had a health scare which pretty much meant that I had to lose weight and move; I was over 260 pounds, sedentary, and was pretty much told that I would be dead in 5 years or less at the rate I was going. I was one of those people that HATED to sweat and was so much happier to sit and, well, EAT.

As a result, I lost some weight but just couldn't get that "exercise" thing. My dear husband, however, has always been active and is a dedicated bike commuter. His sister, also a cyclist, visits often and he decided to buy a used bike for her to use when she's here. It needed to be easy for her to get on (due to arthritis) and to have wider tires for our gravel roads. Of course, "I" had to test ride it. $75 poorer, we had a HUGE, HEAVY Schwinn lady's bike. I rode a few times with him and really enjoyed biking and spending that time with him(he has the patience of a SAINT and would wait for me.....no matter how many times I had to stop!!). 3 months later I bought a new Trek hybrid (my first brand new bike EVER).

Fast forward to now. I have a Trek 1000 road bike, do triathlons, bike a MINIMUM of 100 miles a week, went from my first "exciting high" average speed of 9 miles an hour to 18 miles an hour, and I've lost the equivalant of a person. My closet has been overtaken by workout clothes and bike jerseys. I may be teaching my courses in them this year!

My husband, knowing my personality, NEVER pushed, NEVER gave advice, and just came along to make sure I was safe and to give encouragement. I will forever be thankful he did that, because I wouldn't be here, with my "sexy biker babe tan" (which he LOVES), without him.

I realize that every person is different, but.....that's my story and I'm sticking to it!

Good luck with your Mom and Dad. Be as encouraging and loving as you can. That is really the only thing you can do.

Lorie