New to this!

[qcuthbert]

Hello fellow riders. I am a beginner rider with 2 rides in. One was 6 miles, the other 7 miles. I just purchased a trek 7.2 wsd because I have short arms. I started this journey to get healthy. I need to lose about 40 lbs. I want to tell you I originally went to walmart and bought a bike and it was the worse ride ever. So that's how I made it to the trek and that ride was beautiful. I finally saw my neighborhood. Just wanted to say hello and thanks for having me.

[Helene2013]

Welcome!

It seems you are on the right track.

I lost 10 pounds in the last 3 months and boy it feels great on the bike. That and tons of training (on bike trainer) this past winter.

So hang in there. Not always easy, but so rewarding.

Good luck in achieving your goal to a healthier you.

[ny biker]

I hope you liked what you saw in your neighborhood. Enjoy your new bike!

[qcuthbert]

I did like what I saw. I want to go on the trails in va next to the Reagan Airport

[ny biker]

That would be the Mount Vernon Trail, a very scenic route along the river. It does get a bit crowded in nice weather.

There's lots of good info here on trails in the DC area.

http://bikewashington.org/trails/index.htm

[Lelani Carver]

Welcome qcuthbert! Hope you enjoy your rides.

I've lost about 25-30 pounds so far, and it seems to be steady progress with at least 2 or more rides a week. With perseverance and good fuel, hope you see (and feel) positive results.

Local friendly rides found via Meetup.com are a great way to try social rides, and local bike shops organize beginner-friendly rides too.

[ny biker]

Oh I meant to add to this and then forgot -- if you're not far from the Mount Vernon Trail then you might be able to ride in southern Maryland, too. The Oxon Hill Bike club is chock full of friendly people who ride at all levels, including beginner rides. A fair number of members actually live in Virginia. www.ohbike.org

[qcuthbert]

Thank you Lelani Carver I've lost some inches I feel it in my jeans. NY Biker I live in Waldorf so that will be awesome.

[Sharon N.]

Welcome! I'm new too. I bought a TREK FX 7.3 in early May after riding a cheap bike for quite a while. It's a bit like going from a Pinto to a Cadilac isn't it? LOL

A suggestion, you should take your measurements now as you are starting then intermittently over time. It really helps to see the improvements, especially if the numbers on the scale aren't cooperating as hoped. I know it has helped me at least.

[qcuthbert]

Awesome I'm down 6 lbs!