Overweight issues

[faroe78]

when I picked my first "real" bike I went to all the bike shops - though in Richmond VA there were only four or five........I think it comes down to finding the bike shop people who will listen and help.
Had experiences like Pachyderm's, though - I recommended that Virginia shop to somebody, who went out there and got a different person who informed him that no, he did *not* want a hybrid, he wanted... YUK!

I went to another bike shop today. This one is down the street and around the corner from me--a little further than that, but pretty close. Guy was trying to sell me on a Giant Suede--or was it Specialist. It was a doofy looking comfort bike. Now, maybe that would be best for me, I don't know, the store was closing soon, I'd got there late, and didn't have time to take it for a test drive. I know the whole point is not looks, but even so. Some of those "women's" bikes look like they belong to a 12 year old girl. I'm a 46 year old woman. But I now have 2 more catalogs to look at.
I'm going back to REI tomorrow, as they are having a bike class for women. Then I am going to check out some other bike shops. I really want to get a bike in the next month. There are lots of bike shops in this area to scout out. I don't know if I said, but I live in Springfield OR, right next to Eugene, and both are quite bike friendly towns. I see cyclists all the time, and it would be weird not to see them. And there are all kinds of them. Some for the environment, some for their health, and some because they're poor and that's how they get around. I've seen a lot of homeless people with bikes. I've never lived anywhere where I saw so many adults riding bicycles. It's kewl. But I digress......I am going to do some serious bike shopping tomorrow.
Susan

[marys]

I've been wearing Terry bike shorts in plus sizes-I don't like the ultimate chamois-too bulky; but the regular chamois in the T-short is good. I try to get them on sale, which is often easier on this site than at Terry itself. (Also check on REI.com.)

For wicking shirts, I've had great luck with LL Bean's mens wicking t's. I found them in their outdoor gear and apparel catalog, but I'm sure they are in all of them. They sell women's active (wicking) t's as well, but I'm not small enough-yet. The guys really wash well, and dry in a hurry on the line. And they wick beautifully. Another place to find plain wicking ts is online at Sierra Trading Post.com. They often have mens sizes in "Wickers" t shirts, which don't stand up to washing quite as well as the LLBean ones do, but I've had one for over 5 years-a little "pilled," but still does the job. I'd also recommend Mt Borah shorts for plus sizes. And Bike Nashbar used to sell some plus-sized women's shorts, which were great-but I'm not seeing them in the latest catalog.

Ride on!
Mary S.

[GypsyAngel]

Hi Everyone...
I stumbled into this thread and am glad I did!
I am working on losing weight... 35 lbs gone since October. And am getting back into cycling.
I rode a mountain bike for a couple years, a long time ago when I lived in CO. Last year bought my first road bike.
This year I joined Team In Training and am training with them for a century in October to raise money for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. I am scared to death and am hoping I'm not in way over my head!!! I still have 50 lbs to lose and have a hard time riding up hills. Any tips from the experts on that? LOL! Probably just keep trying and pushing I would think.
I wish I had someone in the area to ride with as I find cycling with someone more enjoyable. Even if we're not talking while riding. But I don't know anyone at my level so I guess I'm on my own.
Thanks, everyone for sharing you're inspiring stories. I'm happy to join you as we become healthier!
Take care,
Gypsy

[Pachyderm]

Hey GypsyAngel,

That is fantastic, you are doing so well. Those hills will get easier, just give it time and make sure that you give your body a break sometimes. I have noticed that the hills are easier after a rest day than when I just keep trying to get up them every day. However, that may just be me!

Good luck!