Yrs. on bike & what keeps you there

[nonsmoker3]

Years on bike - 1 year and 2 months. Bought my first bike at a yard sale for $15. Rode it to death, literally. I named it Barney because it was big and purple. Everyone laughed at me but I loved that bike. I still have parts of him for sentimental reasons.......

I am 46.

My DH got tired of being left at home when I rode and took it up. He is now a bigger bike geek than me! We have a blast riding together.

I ride because I can. I may not be the fastest or the strongest, but I am able to get out there and ride. For that I am grateful. A couple of years ago there was question because of health. Look at me now!

I haven't lost an ounce because of riding but you should see my riding thighs!!

[ChickWithBrains]

Like a lot of folks, I had a bike as a kid, and tooled around my college campus on a bike because I liked a few extra minutes of sleep despite early morning courses on the other side of the campus. I took up cycling more seriously 2 years ago because my husband, a former high-end cycling tour guide, and his friend, began to train for triathlons. I found a sprint length that didn't sound like it would kill me... and was hooked. I'm 31.

I weigh 5 lbs less than when I started but my body has changed considerably. My calves have definition like I have never seen before. I have muscles in my legs which I notice most when in the tub shaving -- in funny places, like over my bent knee and the back of my thigh. My abs are sleeker and my endurance is far better. I do triathlon to add weight-bearing exercise to keep my bones healthy, but I exercise to keep my heart healthy. I want to see my kid's kids, and I don't even have kids yet!

My mental health is far better when I ride than when I don't. I don't snap at people, hard problems get solved with less frustration, hard conversations are less biting and hurtful. I love to watch the world go by and when it's a great day I love seeing how high I can make the numbers on my wattmeter go up. And my husband, who never dreamed I'd pick up anything like this and run with it, thinks it's really sexy.

[RoadRaven]

My mental health is far better when I ride than when I don't. I don't snap at people, hard problems get solved with less frustration, hard conversations are less biting and hurtful. I love to watch the world go by and when it's a great day I love seeing how high I can make the numbers on my wattmeter go up. And my husband, who never dreamed I'd pick up anything like this and run with it, thinks it's really sexy.

Can I add this bit to my reasons "why" as well?

[Ninabike]

Over 60 here (63). My brother and I were serious cyclists in the early '60's, and rode with a club when road bikes were not a common sight. College and other things got in the way, and didn't ride again until the mid '70's. At that time I got my DH interested in cycling. Other things got in the way and I didn't cycle again until about 4 years ago when a friend of mine told me her spinning class was going on a charity ride of 50 miles. I said, "Oh, I could do that!" - not having ridden in about 25 years; never been spinning and didn't even have a bike!! Got a road bike and rode the charity ride 2 days later: result -sore butt but I got hooked again (DH too).

Anyway, I have been on the bike ever since. I am no longer as strong a rider as I once was, but give me a bike and I'll ride it. As far as weight goes, I have lost a few lbs.; am 5'2'' and 125. Could still lose a few more.

I think what has always drawn me back to the bike is the following: I have found as I have grown older, that I love exactly the same things now as when I was younger, i.e, I loved road cycling, loved to play the guitar (which I still do in several music groups and also play bass), and I loved art (started college as an art major) and plan to go back to that when I retire. There is something about the technology and beauty of a road bike that draws me to it. That along with the sense of accomplishment when riding - especially distance riding. Cycling also makes me feel younger and healthier. Most people don't even believe my age. That's my story.

[mimitabby]

Number of consecutive years you have been regularly cycling.

I guess this is the 4th year

Your age

56

What keeps you on the bike
staying alive!! I need the exercise, and those new muscles feel/look good

If you have lost weight, what was it and kept it off?
nope. Gained weight, that's right, 5 pounds of muscle..... maybe more because
I lost some abdominal fat (gut) too. I weigh about 120 lbs right now at 5'3"
I wasn't worried about my weight.

[IFjane]

Number of consecutive years of cycling:

12 or 13 - I started with a mountain bike when my DS was in college. I would ride with him and his friends. Finally got tired of leaving body parts on trees and rocks and switched to a road bike.

My age:

54

What keeps me on the bike:

I absolutely love it! I have always been active but never excelled at anything. Cycling is something I can do all day every day and never get tired of it. I might be slow, but I can usually keep pushing the pedals.

How much weight have I lost?

It depends - if I work out really hard I can lose 10 - 15 lb. but somehow manage to put it back on every time there is a health crisis that keeps me off the bike for a bit. Very, very frustrating! However, I am fit and feel good about that - just wish the clothes were a little more loose.