Can someone explain...

[Waverly]

I have been told in the past never to weigh on a daily basis. That you should only weigh once a week, especially for women, due to the retaining water issue. It could be you drank so much water to maintain hydration on your ride that the extra poundage is water weight. I don't think you have to always feel bloated when you’re retaining water but everyone is different. That's an awesome ride though!

Jessica

[Blueberry]

I highly suspect that either 1) it's muscle or 2) you're better hydrated than you usually are (not that you're retaining water, but that you're normally on the dehydrated side of normal...)

I certainly wouldn't worry about it - I frequently gain weight on the day after a longish ride. It does go away. To add insult to injury, my jeans are usually *tighter* around the stomach - something about the position on the bike or ??? Who knows - it too goes away. It sounds like your intake was about right for a ride of that length - I certainly don't think you over did the food side of things.

Keep pedaling - that's a heck of an inaugaral ride!!!

[caligurl]

here's an article that was posted on one of my fitness boards: why the scale lies

[Grog]

Never mind the scale, put it away, and go by pants size.

And, in any way, it's not abnormal to have your weight vary about 3 lbs from day to day. Don't sweat it. And you want to remain really hydrated. Which is another reason to kick out the scale. I mean, of course you could loose five pounds if you stopped drinking immediately. But so what??

Furthermore, at what you call "25 lbs overweight", you may actually not loose weight, but just convert some wiggly sections into nicely firm ones, and feel (and look!) fabulous! Muscle is much heavier than fat. I can't say it enough: leave the scale. And jump on that bike!!!!

Enjoy!

[Nanci]

I usually notice weight loss, when I am riding tons, especially on weekends, _and_ restricting calories, a few days after the big ride- like Wednesday or even Thursday. Don't know why, but that has been pretty consistant for me for months.

Nanci

[mainerider]

I also go to WW and asked my leader about this. I do a 2 day 192-mi ride in August and every year the week after the ride I'm up. She's explained it to me that my body is in kind of "shock" from all the miles and it is in "protection" mode storing fat and water. The second week after the ride I'm back down and continuing on a downward path for the Fall.

I did ok losing weight after I first started riding for about 4 years, then couldn't seem to budge the weight. I then joined WW and did well the first year plus feel I am eating a lot better. I have been in a holding pattern now for about 2 years. I haven't reached goal but have been within 1-2 lbs several times but am most of the time about 4-6 lbs from goal.

Maureen

[bikerchick68]

yup.... pretty normal! I am a lifetime WW and also GAIN weight for a couple days after every century... I know it's all related to water retention... don't worry, it'll come back off! How was the new bike? you did 83 miles so I'm assuming it must've been great!