Fat Girl on a Bike

[LizzyBee]

Schnitzle,
Guuurrrlllll you got the bug!! Woo hoo! I rode a mountain bike twenty some years ago when I was in college and then stopped riding. I asked my husband to buy me a bike last January for my birthday, only wanted something inexpensive as I didn't know if I would continue riding. Oh wow, I got the biking bug soon after! My starting weight was about the same as yours now, but have lost 25 lbs since last October. I have cleaned up my diet and have been riding consistently since the fall.

I rode that poor mtb to death almost! Realizing I like racking up the miles, I upgraded to my first road bike last month. It's been awesome! Now I'm training for my first century ride this summer (I posted a separate thread about the training, questions, etc....)!

It has been fun and challenging so far and I love adding a few extra miles to my long ride each week! Last Sunday I rode for almost 5 hours straight. I remember my first ride last year being 45 minutes and I was excited about that! So, enjoy each step you make, progress at your own pace and enjoy. We can't wait to see what you discover about yourself!

Have a blast!
Liz

[repto]

As a plus size, year round cyclist, here are my tips/tricks:

1. Get a saddle that is comfortable. For me, it was the Easy seat.
<<http://www.amazon.com/Hobson-Easyseat-Ergonomical-Saddle-Black/dp/B000GBK4Z4>>. It's a cheap saddle but it has made a WORLD of difference for me. Before I got this seat (now 4 years ago), a long ride found my nether regions numb and/or in pain. I *never* suffer now--even if I do 30 miles in the saddle in one day. This seat took about a week of futzing with until I got it adjusted 'just so', but once I found the sweet spot, there has been no looking back.

2. Get fenders. They keep the mud, water and schmootz off your butt/legs and make cycling just so much more enjoyable.

3. Get a rack and panniers. I hate having stuff hanging off my body (purse, extra coat, etc). Plus, I generate a lot of heat once I get going, so while I like having a windbreaker or coat on early in the ride, once I warm up I want to divest myself of layers. Having a pannier or grocery bag shopper pannier makes that easy and convenient. You can store you lock, your purse, your extra coat or rain jacket, etc. in the pannier and be on your merry way without having to carry it in a backpack (ewww, sweat magnet!). Another benefit to panniers is that you can go shopping and bring things home with you easily.

4. Dress in layers. Being able to thermoregulate makes a huge difference in being happy when you ride. I *hate* getting drippy sweaty and having to show up someplace looking good. UGGH.

On that note, good quality (non itchy) wool is a beautiful thing--esp. in socks. Wool is antimicrobial, so it fights stink and it is comfortable in both cool and hot weather (weird but true). It also retains it's ability to stay warm when it gets wet--something very handy when riding in the winter or rainy months.

5. Think about using the bike to make multi-modal trips. Many municipalities allow you to bring bikes on the train or bus. Don't let a longish route intimidate you... esp. if you could take mass transit to get home if you get too tired.

6. Use your gears, if you have them. Whenever I stop, I downshift. Get in the habit. Your knees will thank you.

Jane <---year round cycling mommy in Chicago