I've read through this thread with great interest!

I also read weight loss threads on other forums where the 'losers' are not athletes...and they aren't having the difficulty in general that there is here. At least the ones that post in their numbers in those other forums ...it's how many full pounds are lost, not in 1/10's, and it comes for them from something like cutting out the soda, or walking after dinner, working up to a mile or two!

I think we've trained our bodies are to be extemely efficient, or: after a few hundred miles of cycling a month, in comparison to 'walks around the block' we'd wither to nothing but tendons and bones if it worked that way with us. We use our fuel well.

I think of weight loss as a curve, and a changing one at that! It changes with age, with weather and season, with your level of fitnes. And the curve is pretty darn shallow at the top, when you're near your ideal weight. I don't believe in the simple calorie count.

..and personally, I don't mind a little cushion. In case I get in a bike accident. I may need that bodily reserve of fat!

Cheers, everyone!