Introduce Yourselves!
#2601
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Milpitas, CA
Posts: 981
Bikes: 2007 Specialized Rockhopper Disc; Trek 7.5 FX
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Don't ride until you're completely exhausted. Don't even ride until you start to feel tired. For me, the first 5-10 minutes are the toughest. Leg muscles are sore during the warm-up. After that, it gets easier and easier. Once you get comfortable riding around for several miles on flat land, throw a small hill into the mix - even a freeway overpass or the like. Adding hills to your routine will help tremendously with endurance. It'll hurt the first few times. Don't feel bad if you stall and have to walk. Make it a point to go a little further each time. Just don't overdo it.
Remember - keep it enjoyable. Keep progressing. Don't burn yourself out.
Some supplements that I've found helpful:
Electrolytes (without all the added sugar of most sports drinks):
https://www.amazon.com/Hammer-Endurol...7897663&sr=1-2
Add a scoop to the water bottle(s) you bring on your ride.
Whey Protein - great for helping you build muscle, and very good for overall health.
https://www.amazon.com/Body-Fortress-...7897696&sr=1-7
(found it at Grocery Outlet for $14.99)
Drink a shake within 2 hours of your workout for best results.
If you get leg cramps, these can be a real life-saver.
https://www.amazon.com/Hylands-Leg-Cr...7897516&sr=8-1
I don't cramp often, but I carry these in my pack, just in case I (or anyone with me) needs them.
Remember - keep it enjoyable. Keep progressing. Don't burn yourself out.
Some supplements that I've found helpful:
Electrolytes (without all the added sugar of most sports drinks):
https://www.amazon.com/Hammer-Endurol...7897663&sr=1-2
Add a scoop to the water bottle(s) you bring on your ride.
Whey Protein - great for helping you build muscle, and very good for overall health.
https://www.amazon.com/Body-Fortress-...7897696&sr=1-7
(found it at Grocery Outlet for $14.99)
Drink a shake within 2 hours of your workout for best results.
If you get leg cramps, these can be a real life-saver.
https://www.amazon.com/Hylands-Leg-Cr...7897516&sr=8-1
I don't cramp often, but I carry these in my pack, just in case I (or anyone with me) needs them.
#2602
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: 19057
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ahh ok (this is why I love forums you learn what you were about to do could be a mistake!). I was planning once I get better fit in a few weeks to just ride till I could not ride anymore. this is bad?
Understood about burning out. if you chase your self out of the activity you gain nothing.
Understood about burning out. if you chase your self out of the activity you gain nothing.
#2603
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Milpitas, CA
Posts: 981
Bikes: 2007 Specialized Rockhopper Disc; Trek 7.5 FX
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ahh ok (this is why I love forums you learn what you were about to do could be a mistake!). I was planning once I get better fit in a few weeks to just ride till I could not ride anymore. this is bad?
Understood about burning out. if you chase your self out of the activity you gain nothing.
Understood about burning out. if you chase your self out of the activity you gain nothing.
I highly recommend that you learn early on, how to work on your own bike. You may not need to buy a bunch of specialized tools (though they certainly do make the job easier), but at least have a set of screwdrivers, a set of metric allen wrenches, a couple of tire levers, and an adjustable wrench. Learn to clean and maintain your bike - especially the brakes and drivetrain. Search youtube for how to true a wheel...this is especially important for 'clydesdales'.
I've ridden quite a bit in the past year or so, have have had to do quite a bit of maintenance on my bikes to get them working the way I like, and have had to repair things 'in the field'. I've spent several hundred dollars on tools and parts, but I justify it by the fact that I haven't had to pay a local bike shop to do any of the work for me...except for that one time I couldn't get a stubborn, tight, new tire on my rear wheel...I've since then learned a couple tricks, including this, and wearing leather gloves to keep from tearing up your hands.
#2604
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: 19057
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Oh no worries their Chris (hey I am chris too my ninja's will visit you soon)
I am VERY MUCH a DIY kind of guy. do all my own car work build my own rockets etc.. so bike work is cake compared to that.
I REALLY need to learn to weld. bad.
I am VERY MUCH a DIY kind of guy. do all my own car work build my own rockets etc.. so bike work is cake compared to that.
I REALLY need to learn to weld. bad.
#2605
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I guess I fit this category. I'm 28 years old 6' -3" 285lbs. I'm beginning to think that my Cannondale's is suffering from it, I've already snapped four spokes on the back tire, and have only had this bike since this spring (2012).
#2606
That guy from the Chi
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Chicago
Posts: 1,000
Bikes: 88 Trek 800 - gone to new cheeks; '14 Trek 1.2 - aka The X1 Advanced; '13 Trek 3500 Disc
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I never noticed this thread, and best I post!
Name is Mike from Chicago; bred, born and raised!
I am 6' 0" and current float between 240-245 and at 28 years old I have been this way since I was sent home from the Marines for asthma almost 10 years ago. I lost about 40 lbs since last year, not cycling but hoping to lose another 20-30 because of it.
I rode a lot as a kid (as I sure we all did) and now that I am older and have a finicky knee, I need something that I will enjoy, can be versatile and that I will continue to do and bikes fell back into my lap....errr....under it.
My long term goal going into 2013 is to complete a century ride in 5 hours while still qualifying as a Clyde.
Name is Mike from Chicago; bred, born and raised!
I am 6' 0" and current float between 240-245 and at 28 years old I have been this way since I was sent home from the Marines for asthma almost 10 years ago. I lost about 40 lbs since last year, not cycling but hoping to lose another 20-30 because of it.
I rode a lot as a kid (as I sure we all did) and now that I am older and have a finicky knee, I need something that I will enjoy, can be versatile and that I will continue to do and bikes fell back into my lap....errr....under it.
My long term goal going into 2013 is to complete a century ride in 5 hours while still qualifying as a Clyde.
#2607
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Milpitas, CA
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When I weighed over 300lb (last year), I had broken a couple spokes. I'm the kind of person that doesn't like to pay people to do things that I can learn how to do, so I learned how to build wheels. If you have the time and resources ($$ for tools, space for work table, etc), i highly recommend you learn about wheelbuilding.
None of my clydesdale friends have to deal with broken spokes anymore either.
#2608
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Milpitas, CA
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5 Hours on a bike while averaging over 20 mph is pretty ambitious for any clyde. I know I couldn't do it. A 5-hour metric century is more my speed - but then again, I'm about 20lb heavier, and only ride about 150-200 miles a month.
#2609
That guy from the Chi
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Chicago
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Betting I would turn some heads on a 30+ year old steel bicycle going at 20+ for 5 hours
Last edited by Chitown_Mike; 09-20-12 at 12:15 PM. Reason: fingers speed > brain speed
#2610
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: 19057
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wow I would need a different bike to do 20mph :-) I max out the gears around 16mph and my legs are pumping like mad :-) I have the torque for 20mph (if the bike can take it with higher gears I am over 400 pounds) but no where near the stamina for 5 hours. wow.
that is am impressive goal. I will always be a clyde. I don't think its physically possible for me to be under 200 pounds. I think its going to be genuinely hard for me to get to my goal of 225 and fear I will end up around 250. (there are some activities where you need to be 225 or less to do)
good luck dude and keep us informed !!
that is am impressive goal. I will always be a clyde. I don't think its physically possible for me to be under 200 pounds. I think its going to be genuinely hard for me to get to my goal of 225 and fear I will end up around 250. (there are some activities where you need to be 225 or less to do)
good luck dude and keep us informed !!
#2611
Junior Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Pleasant Hill CA
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Keep the faith
405 pound 6'4"
I LOVE cycling. there are so many reasons its hard to pin them all down. your more "connected" on a bike. its good for you and good for your environment and your health.
it fun. you can go place a car can never really go (ok my jeep can go almost anywhere a bike can but you get my point)
I was always a big boy. but college pushed me over the edge.
in school I ate emmense quantities of food. enough for 2-3 people sometimes (in hind sight) but I was also insanely active I NEEDED that much food.
if I came home from school at 3pm SOMETHING was wrong :-) I was usually out to 7-9pm every day doing activities.
Civil Air Patrol - NJROTC - Scouts - Debate - TSA (no not that TSA the other one) - Football - Wrestling - Rocketry - Hiking - Camping - Repelling. you name it I was into it. I am an activity junky.
Well college ended all that. 2 things happened. First for the first time my mind was "stressed" with learning (regular school was easy for me too easy) second I discovered my next passion. Computers. I ran a BBS and I had a Gopher page before their was a "WWW"
and that always on 19.2k connection was AMAZING for the time. I was STOKED and I mean STOKED when I got my 4mb ram upgrade for the low low price of $38 PER 1mb chip !! :-)
but I continued to eat like I "always" have and my mass exploded. I went from 200 pounds to 350 pounds in less than 2 years.
I have been fighting tooth and nail since them to lose it. its not easy. I have a much deeper respect for people who HAVE managed to lose the weight.
Cycling became hard. kills my butt kills my back and I kill bikes. I murder them. most just can't hold my mass (around 400 pounds)
I have been stalking recumbents (back and butt) trikes (mass distribution for the wheels) I almost got an HD SUN but it was gone before I could get it.
I found another one. I bought it. Should have it tomorrow or monday when I pay it off. I got a Day 6 Dream 21 for $400
I THOUGHT it was a steel bike and had a more traditional "frame" layout ie tougher. later I found out it was AL and that concerns me. IE how long will it last. I noticed they make a 400 pound version called the samson. so I am thinking of looking into having an al welder "beef up" the frame for me.
Cycling is not only a love of mine but its one of the few higher calorie burning activities I think I can safely do. Swimming is not an option since #1 its boring to me and #2 there is no place I can afford anywhere practically close to me that has a pool.
I can run. I am a physics geek too. All I had to do was rough out the "g loads" on my ankles and knees for running and I nixed that REAL fast. I would end up a cripple by 45
has to be cycling. but I am also "short on money" I can't afford $1500-$2000 bikes. I just don't have it.
I WOULD LOVE to just plunk down and buy a samson or a EZ3-HD but I don't have the $1300-$1400 plus tax/shipping that those bikes cost. I can't even afford HALF what they cost.
I only got this $400 Dream 21 because he was willing to take $100 down and let me make payments. or I could not have afforded that either.
I DESPERATELY need to lose weight. its quite literally DESTROYING my life and I can't take it anymore. I am tired of being inactive because I "can't" do something or am too heavy to be allowed to do something.
it really hit me when I had to watch my brother do alone what I had been DREAMING of doing since forever. Go Skydiving. they won't take anyone up over 225 pounds.
225 pounds is going to be tough for me. I am 6'4" and built like a brick $$#$ house. I have insane calves with zero fat in them (all my fat is in my donut or should I say earth mover tire and my thunder thighs)
I explained it to my sisters bfriend best when he asked whats the big deal with walking and running. I said go downstairs grab my backpack and fill it with 180 pounds of weights)
now go hump that for a day. I am not even sure if he could "LIFT" the pack. I said THAT is what I am doing every day. 24 hours. I am afterall 170-180 pounds over weight. well the result was GIANT calves that can leg press "max" any machine I have sat on.
so I have the legs for cycling. I just need a bike that can hold me in my price range and some way of combatting the butt/back/hand pain.
I have a trek mountain bike 26" I had to put TWO extensions on the handle bars AND those little curve extensions just so I could "sit upright" the lean forward put so much stress on my hands I would literally shred the skin off the palms of my hands.
and the seat. Don't even get me starts on the god *@#*$#)@ seats they design for these things.
and there is no "right" position. either I am sliding off the front of that point is ripping up my crotch something fierce. I never found an inbetween.
well when I went to go look at this dream 21 he let me take it for a ride. I told him upfront if I broke it I bought it so he said ok.
I only road it for 2 minutes but I can tell you those 2 minutes were a DREAM literally. ZERO butt or back issues. I think I could ride that bike ALLLLLLL day long and I Plan too.
I wanted to do the MS150 this year but I was not able to get a bike in time. I WILL do it next year.
hey iceberg. I beat you by almost 100 pounds so now I am the new "tub" :-) hehe
I accept that I am fat. it does not bother me "that way" but I also accept that its my fault and that I DO NOT LIKE IT and by jolly I am going to do something about it if it kills me.
I was reading an outside issue about straight lining DAMMIT I want to do that so badly.
I want to go downhill racing. I want to do a 200mile ride. I want to do some repelling and skydiving.
I WANT TO ENJOY HIKING AND CAMPING again
so the weight has to go. NOW. if this bike don't fold in half on me I plan to ride the living hell out of this thing. I WISH I could ride to work but 54 miles one way just takes too long for a work day.
Here is the actual bike I am getting.
and what is going to let me do it without the butt and back pain that keeps me off the bike
one problem I had was I literally SQUASH the rear tire on my trek. to the point where it gets dangerous. the tire wants to "roll out" in turns.
shop suggested kevlar tire and HD tube.
what do you guys think? that the way to go? its expensive so I want to get it right the 1st time. solid tires won't work I will just roll them off the rims.
I see people using the term Clydes I assume that is what you call "our" weight class?
if so I will always be a clyde. realistically my frame won't permit below 200 pounds. at 5'11" in grade school with no fat on my body I was 185 its going to be tough to get to 225 but I MUST since I want so badly to skydive and mountain bike again.
any help I can get from this forum will be so greatly appreciated. I SO hope this bike holds up because I am ready to go all in.
I LOVE cycling. there are so many reasons its hard to pin them all down. your more "connected" on a bike. its good for you and good for your environment and your health.
it fun. you can go place a car can never really go (ok my jeep can go almost anywhere a bike can but you get my point)
I was always a big boy. but college pushed me over the edge.
in school I ate emmense quantities of food. enough for 2-3 people sometimes (in hind sight) but I was also insanely active I NEEDED that much food.
if I came home from school at 3pm SOMETHING was wrong :-) I was usually out to 7-9pm every day doing activities.
Civil Air Patrol - NJROTC - Scouts - Debate - TSA (no not that TSA the other one) - Football - Wrestling - Rocketry - Hiking - Camping - Repelling. you name it I was into it. I am an activity junky.
Well college ended all that. 2 things happened. First for the first time my mind was "stressed" with learning (regular school was easy for me too easy) second I discovered my next passion. Computers. I ran a BBS and I had a Gopher page before their was a "WWW"
and that always on 19.2k connection was AMAZING for the time. I was STOKED and I mean STOKED when I got my 4mb ram upgrade for the low low price of $38 PER 1mb chip !! :-)
but I continued to eat like I "always" have and my mass exploded. I went from 200 pounds to 350 pounds in less than 2 years.
I have been fighting tooth and nail since them to lose it. its not easy. I have a much deeper respect for people who HAVE managed to lose the weight.
Cycling became hard. kills my butt kills my back and I kill bikes. I murder them. most just can't hold my mass (around 400 pounds)
I have been stalking recumbents (back and butt) trikes (mass distribution for the wheels) I almost got an HD SUN but it was gone before I could get it.
I found another one. I bought it. Should have it tomorrow or monday when I pay it off. I got a Day 6 Dream 21 for $400
I THOUGHT it was a steel bike and had a more traditional "frame" layout ie tougher. later I found out it was AL and that concerns me. IE how long will it last. I noticed they make a 400 pound version called the samson. so I am thinking of looking into having an al welder "beef up" the frame for me.
Cycling is not only a love of mine but its one of the few higher calorie burning activities I think I can safely do. Swimming is not an option since #1 its boring to me and #2 there is no place I can afford anywhere practically close to me that has a pool.
I can run. I am a physics geek too. All I had to do was rough out the "g loads" on my ankles and knees for running and I nixed that REAL fast. I would end up a cripple by 45
has to be cycling. but I am also "short on money" I can't afford $1500-$2000 bikes. I just don't have it.
I WOULD LOVE to just plunk down and buy a samson or a EZ3-HD but I don't have the $1300-$1400 plus tax/shipping that those bikes cost. I can't even afford HALF what they cost.
I only got this $400 Dream 21 because he was willing to take $100 down and let me make payments. or I could not have afforded that either.
I DESPERATELY need to lose weight. its quite literally DESTROYING my life and I can't take it anymore. I am tired of being inactive because I "can't" do something or am too heavy to be allowed to do something.
it really hit me when I had to watch my brother do alone what I had been DREAMING of doing since forever. Go Skydiving. they won't take anyone up over 225 pounds.
225 pounds is going to be tough for me. I am 6'4" and built like a brick $$#$ house. I have insane calves with zero fat in them (all my fat is in my donut or should I say earth mover tire and my thunder thighs)
I explained it to my sisters bfriend best when he asked whats the big deal with walking and running. I said go downstairs grab my backpack and fill it with 180 pounds of weights)
now go hump that for a day. I am not even sure if he could "LIFT" the pack. I said THAT is what I am doing every day. 24 hours. I am afterall 170-180 pounds over weight. well the result was GIANT calves that can leg press "max" any machine I have sat on.
so I have the legs for cycling. I just need a bike that can hold me in my price range and some way of combatting the butt/back/hand pain.
I have a trek mountain bike 26" I had to put TWO extensions on the handle bars AND those little curve extensions just so I could "sit upright" the lean forward put so much stress on my hands I would literally shred the skin off the palms of my hands.
and the seat. Don't even get me starts on the god *@#*$#)@ seats they design for these things.
and there is no "right" position. either I am sliding off the front of that point is ripping up my crotch something fierce. I never found an inbetween.
well when I went to go look at this dream 21 he let me take it for a ride. I told him upfront if I broke it I bought it so he said ok.
I only road it for 2 minutes but I can tell you those 2 minutes were a DREAM literally. ZERO butt or back issues. I think I could ride that bike ALLLLLLL day long and I Plan too.
I wanted to do the MS150 this year but I was not able to get a bike in time. I WILL do it next year.
hey iceberg. I beat you by almost 100 pounds so now I am the new "tub" :-) hehe
I accept that I am fat. it does not bother me "that way" but I also accept that its my fault and that I DO NOT LIKE IT and by jolly I am going to do something about it if it kills me.
I was reading an outside issue about straight lining DAMMIT I want to do that so badly.
I want to go downhill racing. I want to do a 200mile ride. I want to do some repelling and skydiving.
I WANT TO ENJOY HIKING AND CAMPING again
so the weight has to go. NOW. if this bike don't fold in half on me I plan to ride the living hell out of this thing. I WISH I could ride to work but 54 miles one way just takes too long for a work day.
Here is the actual bike I am getting.
and what is going to let me do it without the butt and back pain that keeps me off the bike
one problem I had was I literally SQUASH the rear tire on my trek. to the point where it gets dangerous. the tire wants to "roll out" in turns.
shop suggested kevlar tire and HD tube.
what do you guys think? that the way to go? its expensive so I want to get it right the 1st time. solid tires won't work I will just roll them off the rims.
I see people using the term Clydes I assume that is what you call "our" weight class?
if so I will always be a clyde. realistically my frame won't permit below 200 pounds. at 5'11" in grade school with no fat on my body I was 185 its going to be tough to get to 225 but I MUST since I want so badly to skydive and mountain bike again.
any help I can get from this forum will be so greatly appreciated. I SO hope this bike holds up because I am ready to go all in.
Keep up the good work
Greg
#2612
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: East L.A.
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I haven't a clue what happened! Back in the day i was 210 and the doc told me to get to 190, in HS i think i hit 220 at one point and figured i was still there until recently. My family was weighing some luggage for a trip and i stepped on the scale....240!! WHATTT?? This thing can't be right! I think i know why i can't get comfortable on a road bike, my gut is in the way!
#2613
Member
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Oregon
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I haven't a clue what happened! Back in the day i was 210 and the doc told me to get to 190, in HS i think i hit 220 at one point and figured i was still there until recently. My family was weighing some luggage for a trip and i stepped on the scale....240!! WHATTT?? This thing can't be right! I think i know why i can't get comfortable on a road bike, my gut is in the way!
Completely bummed that the first place to decrease is my upper body...not my waist. That's just not right.
Oh well, love this thread...I'm down about 15 lbs from 245 to 230 since I started riding (after not riding for 30 years) this spring. From spring until now, my riding has been sort of anecdotal...I would ride anywhere from 1-3 times a week, often with my kids, easy rides mostly about just getting comfortable with routes and (in my case) my bike...
I started out on an ancient Schwinn women's 7 speed with a huge seat. Now I'm using a Schwinn High Timber trail bike and I'm starting to want to upgrade, but I'm not going to yet. I think if I can I'll stick with this one through the winter...I think it will make a good winter bike, and there's this trail that I want to master on my route.
Then I need to upgrade my kids' bikes, then get a bike rack for the exploder...then I hope that the kids and I will be able to kind of get into trail biking. EASY trail biking. Flat, shady, quiet trail biking.
We'll see how that goes.
#2614
West Coast Weenie
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Sunnyvale, CA.
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I'm so with you here.
Completely bummed that the first place to decrease is my upper body...not my waist. That's just not right.
Oh well, love this thread...I'm down about 15 lbs from 245 to 230 since I started riding (after not riding for 30 years) this spring. From spring until now, my riding has been sort of anecdotal...I would ride anywhere from 1-3 times a week, often with my kids, easy rides mostly about just getting comfortable with routes and (in my case) my bike...
I started out on an ancient Schwinn women's 7 speed with a huge seat. Now I'm using a Schwinn High Timber trail bike and I'm starting to want to upgrade, but I'm not going to yet. I think if I can I'll stick with this one through the winter...I think it will make a good winter bike, and there's this trail that I want to master on my route.
Then I need to upgrade my kids' bikes, then get a bike rack for the exploder...then I hope that the kids and I will be able to kind of get into trail biking. EASY trail biking. Flat, shady, quiet trail biking.
We'll see how that goes.
Completely bummed that the first place to decrease is my upper body...not my waist. That's just not right.
Oh well, love this thread...I'm down about 15 lbs from 245 to 230 since I started riding (after not riding for 30 years) this spring. From spring until now, my riding has been sort of anecdotal...I would ride anywhere from 1-3 times a week, often with my kids, easy rides mostly about just getting comfortable with routes and (in my case) my bike...
I started out on an ancient Schwinn women's 7 speed with a huge seat. Now I'm using a Schwinn High Timber trail bike and I'm starting to want to upgrade, but I'm not going to yet. I think if I can I'll stick with this one through the winter...I think it will make a good winter bike, and there's this trail that I want to master on my route.
Then I need to upgrade my kids' bikes, then get a bike rack for the exploder...then I hope that the kids and I will be able to kind of get into trail biking. EASY trail biking. Flat, shady, quiet trail biking.
We'll see how that goes.
#2615
Member
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Location: Oregon
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Oh well, I find I'm concentrating less on myself as I get more comfortable with cycling, and more on my bike anyway. I haven't noticed my belly so much but hey I can pick stuff up off the floor a lot more easily!!!!
I breezed to work this morning, but on the way home at lunch tackled the trail...it's already getting easier. It's much tougher coming from the other direction (I have to get off and walk in a few spots) but I think this weekend I'm tackling it a few times...I'll take the kids with me.
I breezed to work this morning, but on the way home at lunch tackled the trail...it's already getting easier. It's much tougher coming from the other direction (I have to get off and walk in a few spots) but I think this weekend I'm tackling it a few times...I'll take the kids with me.
#2617
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Southern Virginia
Posts: 56
Bikes: 1985 Raliegh Touring 18 - 1990 somethingl Cadex - I own another bike, but it has a motor --> 2007 Harley Ultra Classic
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Keep the posts coming. They are so inspiring. I started about 6 months ago at 259 and made it down to 218. I'm now at 224. I'm going to reward myself at 210 with a new bike. I'm curently riding Rosetta, my 1984 Raleigh Touring 18. I recently bought a 1994 CADEX (carbon) for my 13 year old son. After riding that a few times I now know what a difference a better bike makes. I'm looking at a Cannondale Synapse Carbon 5 105. Hopefully the goal of 210 will be reached in the next two months - or less .
The words and experience in this forum have made the difference.
Thank you all for the inspiration.
The words and experience in this forum have made the difference.
Thank you all for the inspiration.
#2618
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Cincy Ohio
Posts: 223
Bikes: Scott CR1 Elite
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Noob here and I certainly qualify as a Clyde.
First a little background I'm an RN and work in the cath lab (where the emergency heart attacks come for help) at a busy hospital in an urban area. You would think in my profession and dealing in cardiac issues it would keep me mindful of my health, but since becoming an RN I've packed on the pounds. 242 to be exact, and at 5' 8" I'm not exactly at a healthy weight. I guess the combination of high stress and boredom on my days off lead to very poor eating habits. Last month I decided that for the better of myself as well as my wife and children I decided I needed to make a change. Along with smaller portions and healthier eating came the thought to buy a bike. My wife and I bought a couple Trek 7.2's and after the first ride I was absolutely hooked. So after a month and a mere 223 miles here I am at 226.5lbs. I'm riding further each week (71 miles last week and 35 so far this week), and am feeling much better. I have a looooonnnng ways to go, but the stories here are keeping me going. Thanks!!
First a little background I'm an RN and work in the cath lab (where the emergency heart attacks come for help) at a busy hospital in an urban area. You would think in my profession and dealing in cardiac issues it would keep me mindful of my health, but since becoming an RN I've packed on the pounds. 242 to be exact, and at 5' 8" I'm not exactly at a healthy weight. I guess the combination of high stress and boredom on my days off lead to very poor eating habits. Last month I decided that for the better of myself as well as my wife and children I decided I needed to make a change. Along with smaller portions and healthier eating came the thought to buy a bike. My wife and I bought a couple Trek 7.2's and after the first ride I was absolutely hooked. So after a month and a mere 223 miles here I am at 226.5lbs. I'm riding further each week (71 miles last week and 35 so far this week), and am feeling much better. I have a looooonnnng ways to go, but the stories here are keeping me going. Thanks!!
Update: Since my high weight of 242 at the end of May, I'm riding further, longer and faster than I ever thought possible. My Trek 7.2 FX has just over 1600 miles on it since buying it on May 27. This past Sunday I took a short 22 mile test ride on a full carbon road bike (Scott CR1 Elite with SRAM Rival group) and I was completely sold. Monday I put in an order and the LBS is expecting it to arrive tomorrow. I should be able to pick it up on Sat, or Monday. I weighed myself tonight after my ride and I have officially broken the clyde barrier at 199.6 lbs. Granted it was a post ride weight, but I'm super excited that in only 4 1/2 months I was able to lose 42 pounds!! I did not count calories and I didn't diet. My problem was portion control! I would fill my plate which would equal 2-3 portions, and if there was any left overs, I would go back for seconds which in reality was actually 4ths or 5ths. I also started eating breakfast, which was another problem of mine. I would get to lunch and be famished, so I would over eat. My metabolism was out of whack though due to not eating breakfast. Another problem which I have yet to totally kick is my tendency to eat when I'm bored. I could easily down a family sized bag of Doritos and a 2 liter of soda while watching a football game. Now what I do when I'm bored is drink a 24oz bottle or two of water, or go for a short ride. I still drink a soda every blue moon, and do snack on crackers every once in a while, but I'm doing much better. I'm not done by a long shot and I know the remaining 25 lbs that I want to lose will be the toughest.
At any rate, just wanted to post back here to let you all know that if I can do it, you can too!
#2619
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: 19057
Posts: 484
Bikes: Day 6 Dream 21
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dude that rocks ! i know your gonna do it ! lets see some pics of that shiny stealthy new toy!
#2620
Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: New Castle, IN
Posts: 8
Bikes: Fisher Marlin, Giant Sedona DX, Schwinn World Sport
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So I've been lurking around here for a while now and decided it was time to post up! I'm 38, 5'6", and 305 pounds. I definitely have the spare tire going, but my legs are strong. I have tried riding my hybrid as consistantly as possible this summer but can't ever get over 25 miles without being sore and fatigued. I've made that type of ride 3 or 4 times and some shorter rides.
Well today I decided to make the plunge and purchased an old Schwinn World Sport. It needs tires, a good cleaning, and of course a tune up which will start tomorrow. My goal is to try and drop 2 pounds per week, which will put me at 200 pounds by this time next year.
Here's to the progress that will be made!
Well today I decided to make the plunge and purchased an old Schwinn World Sport. It needs tires, a good cleaning, and of course a tune up which will start tomorrow. My goal is to try and drop 2 pounds per week, which will put me at 200 pounds by this time next year.
Here's to the progress that will be made!
#2621
Old and in the way.
Well I have been gone from this thread awhile. I always thought I would never be this out of shape again... Now I am more out of shape than ever! Dammit! I hit 305 lbs for the first time in my life a few months ago, and my dr gave me the straight dope: lose weight, go on meds get in shape or else face a drastically reduced life expectancy. So first week was all about getting out of the bad diet hole I had dug myself into, taking some walks. Next week I got back on the bike and started doing some miles... Got about 80 before I got a rear flat, new tire and tube ( the tire was pretty shot) and another 80 miles and another flat. The tire is Kevlar but the tube is just standard... Should I be using something else? It's frustrating because now I have lost a week of cycling due to the issue as I only have time to visit bike shops and such on my day off ( I go to work before they open, get off after they close) and momentum is key when you weigh this much
for clarity I am 6' 6" and was pretty happy at 245. I carry a lot of muscle mass under the lard, though dr says may be time to build down after I lose the blubber (she didn't quite say it that way, but she is ex navy so it was pretty close)
for clarity I am 6' 6" and was pretty happy at 245. I carry a lot of muscle mass under the lard, though dr says may be time to build down after I lose the blubber (she didn't quite say it that way, but she is ex navy so it was pretty close)
Last edited by starkmojo; 10-15-12 at 09:53 AM.
#2622
Old and in the way.
My cannon dale rear wheel blew out on me 1 yr after I bought my bike when I weighed 245. Lbs built me a wheel rather than get another too light wheel from mfgr. 28 spoke ultra mavick been hauling my ass around for years with only routine MTC.
#2623
got the climbing bug
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: San Diego
Posts: 10,210
Bikes: one for everything
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WThe tire is Kevlar but the tube is just standard... Should I be using something else? It's frustrating because now I have lost a week of cycling due to the issue as I only have time to visit bike shops and such on my day off ( I go to work before they open, get off after they close) and momentum is key when you weigh this much
for clarity I am 6' 6" and was pretty happy at 245. I carry a lot of muscle mass under the lard, though dr says may be time to build down after I lose the blubber (she didn't quite say it that way, but she is ex navy so it was pretty close)
for clarity I am 6' 6" and was pretty happy at 245. I carry a lot of muscle mass under the lard, though dr says may be time to build down after I lose the blubber (she didn't quite say it that way, but she is ex navy so it was pretty close)
https://www.bikebling.com/Slime-Tire-...-tireliner.htm
__________________
Rule #10 // It never gets easier, you just go faster.
Rule #10 // It never gets easier, you just go faster.
#2624
Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 9
Bikes: 2011 CAAD 10-5
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I guess I should check-in here. New the forum Clyde here. 38y.o., 6ft and I fluctuate around 215lbs right now. I got back into cycling after a long hiatus of 20years when I decided to follow my wife into doing triathlons (she's a fantastic athlete, btw). I was sick of watching from the sidelines and having two young kids and wanting to be able to play with them without getting tired was more than enough motivation. So two years ago I picked up a new road bike, started swim lessons, and started running. At the time I peaked at about 235lbs, so i'm about 20lbs lighter. This year I podiumed as a Clyde in a couple of sprint tris and finished my first Olympic distance. Sadly I won't be a Clyde next year as USAT has raised the weight limit to 220lbs for Clydes. I would rather have dropped out of the category on my own USAT, thankyouverymuch. Goals for 2013 include a 1/2 marathon in March and dropping my run times in the sprint tris. I may start training for a 1/2 ironman if time allows. I also want to lose this belly! >:-(
I guess the important stuff. I ride a 2011 Cannondale CAAD10-5 that I've re-configured for triathlons and a 2003 Jamis Dakar for commuting but will try to finally take on the trails.
The CAAD:
The Jamis Dakar:
I guess the important stuff. I ride a 2011 Cannondale CAAD10-5 that I've re-configured for triathlons and a 2003 Jamis Dakar for commuting but will try to finally take on the trails.
The CAAD:
The Jamis Dakar:
#2625
Old and in the way.
The problem isn't rolling over stuff, problem is my fat ass over compresses the rear wheel. I try and keep that in mind at all times but some potholes cannot be avoided. I guess I just need to keep a spare tube w me till I lose the next 60 lbs, which at the current rate will be in about 15 months....