The Fat Lady is Still Riding

[bamakathy]

I've ridden every day. Today I went out and rode the bike twice. I'm not as out of breath, my heart is not pounding, but my thighs are still burning like fire. I'm having a lot of fun doing this. I enjoy the wind in my face and feeling the sun. And it's like I get some much needed time alone to think.
I feel a little funny when a car goes by, or I pass someone in their yard, because I wonder how bad I look perched on the bike as big as I am. But then I tell myself that at least I'm working on doing something about it, and what do I care what they think anyway?
I think riding this single speed is very hard, but I've never ridden a bike with gears. I haven't bought any bike clothes, but did get a helmet. I am excited that I found a kind of exercise that is actually fun. Can a fat lady ride? Well, she's riding!

[Veronica]

That's awesome! And you're right. Who cares what anyone thinks.

V.

[snapdragen]

Good for you! When I see a larger person riding, I usually think - they're not going to be that size for long!

[maillotpois]

That just rocks. Good for you!!! I have a very large friend (he must be well over 350) and I am constantly amazed at what he can do on a bike.

[Duck on Wheels]

You go girl! You are an inspiration. You're making me itchy for my bike to get back from CA ... and for the rain to stop pouring outside.

[stella]

keep going! and you are so right...who cares what anyone else thinks? well...then again...there's a bunch of here that think: 1) you are an inspiration; 2) you are doing the right thing; 3) believe you can continue to do the right thing....

[mtkitchn]

I think you're doing great! Keep up the good work!

[Running Mommy]

GOOD ON YOU!!!!
Keep at it! It gets easier, then the quads stop burning, then you go farther, then you start looking for hills because you miss that burn, then you realize you need new dud's but accidently buy the wrong size cause you didn't realize that all that riding really WAS burning calories, then maybe you start looking for a new shiny bike , and then you buy a computer so that you can count the miles you are logging, then one day you realize that you are a whole new person- and you LOVE it!!
Welcome to your new life!
Enjoy the ride...
Denise

[latelatebloomer]

This is what I decided about what people think when they see me on a bike.
1) They are amazed.
2) They think about a big woman in their lives (most everyone's got an inactive mom, aunt, sister, daughter, or friend that they worry about sometimes.) (could, of course, be themselves.)
3) They go home and say, "Guess who I saw on a bike today, and she was doing just fine?"

One time I rode by a garden party of older ladies who did triple takes and stared as I went by.

Keep it going, you are doing GREAT!

[KSH]

GOOD FOR YOU!

You are doing something... they are doing nothing.

I have a song that says, "How can you sit there watching... someone else". I always think of people who laugh at someone for doing something... they won't even try to do.

KEEP IT UP! Pretty soon, you are going to want to go try a hybrid or rode bike out for size!

[colby]

Woohoo! High fives all around!

[annie]

Ladies,

I gotta tell ya - when I read these posts - I don't SEE any of you. I have no real-time notion of size, weight, etc... I only know you by what you have to say, and you are inspiring, enthusiastic, intelligent, energetic, optimistic, etc. women!! That is who you are. Riding a bike brings us all into a comeraderie that we would not otherwise enjoy. We are truly fortunate. Please keep riding!

annie

[makbike]

You go girl and let the smile that consumes your face be a testament to those who see you on your bike. Keep pedaling and enjoy every minute of your time on your bike.

[Melody]

*\o/* *\o/* *\o/* *\o/* *\o/* *\o/* *\o/* *\o/* *\o/* *\o/* *\o/* *\o/*
GO BAMAKATHY!
*\o/* *\o/* *\o/* *\o/* *\o/* *\o/* *\o/* *\o/* *\o/* *\o/* *\o/* *\o/*

That's me cheering for you bamakathy

Mel

[Popoki_Nui]

Good for you!!
But...ya know...here and in other threads...I can't help wondering if us plus-size gals are doing ourselves a disservice by always referring to ourselves as "fat ladies" and so on? I'm a total Amazon myself, but maybe we should start referring to ourselves as Queen-Size, Generously-Proportioned, or even Aerodynamically-Reubenesque? I guess I'm just sensitive, but I can't help thinking we're not doing our self-image any favours by calling ourselves "fat" all the time, even if it's tongue-in-cheek.
Anyhoo....
~Sherry.