I have a question. It has been years since I have ridden, but when we use to ride the highest milage I ever did was some of the organized rides we went on we always did the 25 miles. We rode 15 miles or more as often as we could which was usually 4 or 5 times a week and all the organized rides we could attend. My DH and I did that for a year and I never lost any weight. I toned up and looked better but never lost. Well, maybe a little but not nearly as much as I would have thought for a year of riding. Now this was back when I worked outside the home and had a small child and home along with it to run. Now I am 42, have an 11 year old and still haven't lost any weight in fact have gained, ecspecially since I quit smoking.
I have arthritis in my hips, a problem with my ankle and I think my arches are falling. I am sure that the weight I have on me is not helping anything with my feet or ankle, and the hips although I have the arthritis, I am sure would feel much better if I can get this weight off. Riding the bike is one of the easiest things for me to do for weight loss since it is my lower extremities that are in pain and riding is the least entrusive on them.
Did I do something wrong years ago when I rode that caused me not to lose, or did I just not give it enough time, or ride enough? Do I need to be doing more exercise other than biking?
I am a SAHM and have more time now to be able to dedicate to exercise ecspecially since school will be starting soon.
I have been on here reading post and going through everything on the forums I can think of, and you all inspire me so much, and now I want to do more than just lose weight I want to be able to post a 50 or 100 miles ride eventually. However I think before I can ever do that, I have got to get quite a bit of this weight off. I don't expect to be some skinny little thing, I would just like to be comfortable with my weight again. I'm 42 and not looking to try to look like I am 20 again, but would love to feel good in my skin again before I die. LOL
Sorry this is so long, but am feeling really crappy about myself today and guess I need some suggestions and help.

I wish it was as easy to take off as it is to put on, and once you get past about 30, it only gets harder and harder to lose.

I have the desire, but seem to lack in dedication and let my discouragement get me down. I just keep telling myself that "I refuse to give up this time"
I figure if I can quit smoking which is suppose to be one of the hardest things to do, then I should be able to lose weight and look better too. Right?

Well, anyway, thanks for letting me go on.