Fat Girl on a Bike

[zoom-zoom]

Everything's really hard when you first start...keep going, it will get easier. This is coming from the 30-something chubby mom who decided to give running a try almost 4 years ago and has now completed 3 marathons. You won't get fit overnight, but it will happen if you keep it up. Getting that bike is an awesome first step!

[ny biker]

You do not belong on the couch! And yes it will get easier.

My sister was in her early 40s when she went for her nursing degree at community college. She found it pretty entertaining to be in class with a bunch of teenagers whose perspective on life was just a bit different from hers.

Have fun!

[schnitzle]

Thanks for the encouraging words Zoom-Zoom and NY Biker! I am pretty darn stoked about this whole cycling adventure It helps to hear that it gets better!
I was so lucky to find a LBS that made me feel comfortable. I was really prepared to encounter someone like in this craigslist rant http://www.craigslist.org/about/best...192150038.html but was so pleasantly surprised to find a total opposite experience!

NY Biker, I know exactly what your sister means! A teen in my math class was complaining that she had lost her phone and had no idea where to look because she lost it while drunk. I suggested she call the bar just in case someone turned it in. She said that wouldn't help since she couldn't even remember what bar she was at!!

[tulip]

You are worth the effort!

[zoom-zoom]

I was so lucky to find a LBS that made me feel comfortable. I was really prepared to encounter someone like in this craigslist rant http://www.craigslist.org/about/best...192150038.html but was so pleasantly surprised to find a total opposite experience!

That guy didn't even spell douchebag correctly...kinda kills his whole rant!

[pfunk12]

Good for you, schnitzle! It will get easier. Enjoy!

[KnottedYet]

Yay! Ride bikes, be fabulous!

Yes, today was a great day to be riding. I looked out my office windows longingly all day. Sigh. Clear and sunny and warm. I looked out the bus windows all the way home. Sigh. Sigh. Heeeeeavy sigh.

If you have the chance, take a Kona Dew and a Kona Smoke out for a test ride or two as well. One of my LBSs: www.recycledcycles.com Funky and relaxed, though pretty popular and busy. They assume you know what you are doing and stay out of your hair; unless you let them know you want a lot of help, then they will give you great huge piles of help.

They love my bikes (even brought one up in pieces from the workshop for me so I could pat her because I missed her so much) and I give them beer.

[schnitzle]

I didn't notice the misspelling, that's hilarious!

Thanks for the recommendations KnottedYet, those Kona bikes look interesting and definitely worth a test ride It's good to hear that you like recycledcycles! I've read so many bad things on yelp about them that I kind of crossed them off my list, even though they have bikes I wanted to try. It's probably all in the timing (first sunny weekend since August, probably not a good time!) and the knowledge level of the shopper huh?

[moderncyclista]

That guy didn't even spell douchebag correctly...kinda kills his whole rant!

He also mispelled peugeot as poo-zhow. (although I think this wasn't bad spelling as much as scathing sarcasm)

and said this....

So yes, you've noticed the sun is out, and hey!- maybe it would be cool to to some bike riding. Let's keep in mind that the sun came out of all 600,000 of us, so for the most part, you're not the only one who noticed.

My question is how does the sun come out of all 600,00 of us????? Do I really want to know?

[schnitzle]

That was an interesting kerfuffle (love that word!). I of course had to go check it out. It was a very interesting read. I didn't make it over to Bothell today but now I'm kind of interested in checking that shop out just to see for myself.

Wow Marni, I am so impressed and encouraged by your post! The fact that you started at 60 makes it even more awesome I'm all for breaking stereotypes of what we can and can't do. I'd be happy to be able to do half of what you have accomplished! I really appreciate your support. I'm feeling cautiously optimistic, even though I don't think I could ride a mile at this point.
When you started out, were you able to ride around home or did you have to take your bike somewhere to ride? I've suddenly become aware of how hilly it is in my area. I think I'll need to find a flatter place to practice for a while...

Moderncyclista, wow good eye! I had to read your comment a few times before I saw the mistake hehehe. I love sunny days and all, but I really don't want to witness that!

[darling]

Wow, I'm learning so much already. i've been riding daily for a few years now...but only on snowless days and then i ride boringly inside...and of course don't put as much into it. I am so impressed with all of your diligence, ladies! You truly are an inspiration!
I'm new to this forum and very excited to gain insight into this cycle/fitness/community thing...Since my current bike is 40 years old and very well made, i'm not springing for a new one until I know exactly what i want...it'll be so fun to learn!
darling

[marni]

sweetie, I live in Houston- around here the only hills are railroad crossings and freeway overpasses- mind you we do have headwinds which are good for resistance but don't do much for hill training. The biggest obstacle around here is texas drivers, the heat and humidity. But I ride way out in the country where there isn't quite as much traffic which takes care of the drivers. As for the heat and humidity, I in the summer I ride out at the butt crack of dawn so that I am off the road by 11:00 and I cut my distances a bit but frankly once your wet and sweaty, it doesn't really get much worse. The hardest part is mopping up the sweat pools off the kitchen floor.

marni

[TriMom217]

47 and attending community college, again. Also 5'4" but not 250 pounds. But I was at one time! Down to about 175 now and I just can't seem to get much lower and stay there.

Anyhow, good luck in school and on your bike. Can you ride to class?

[Cherie]

Thank you so much for sharing your story!! I am 5'8" and 225 lbs and it is nice to see other ladies getting back into riding and sharing some of the same concerns/obstacles.

Keep up the good work!!!
Cherie

[abejita]

Yeah for you!! I was in your exact position at the beginning of last summer, 5'4" and about 220. I bought a jamis ventura race, it was the beginning of an addiction. I started out riding 5 miles or so. Today, I weigh 80lbs less and I completed my longest ride to date this past weekend...50miles in howling 40+mph wind. I am so stoked. Hubs and I are training for hotter'n hell this August.

Let us know how your cycling journey goes!

mary