leeinmemphis

Hey everyone,

Well I have recently decided that it's time to get myself under control. At New Years I was near 300lbs and am just tired of being so big and out of shape. In recent years I've ridden recumbent bikes but decided it's time to get back on a regular diamond frame bike and for me to get serious about riding. This week I started Keto and weighed 279 lbs.so I will periodically update this post when things are worth updating. I work good when I have a goal so I have signed up to do RAGBRAI this year. Thankfully the route is a southern route with lots of rolling hills so hopefully the route won't be too difficult for me. Ideally I want to lose 40-50lbs between now and the end of July and need to log some serious miles.

Last week I purchased a Giant Revolt Gravel bike that I plan to use as a road bike for now. I liked the relaxed riding position opposed to a traditional road bike. (I know some people will question my choice but I really like the bike). I've had 3 back surgeries so the set up on a bike is pretty important to my comfort level on the bike. My LBS did a full fitting of me on the bike and I think I'm in a good place to start with. I started riding it last week and the weather will allow for some more riding this weekend. I'm going to have to be flexible on when/where I can ride until March and the weather breaks.

So in a nutshell I'm a bit of a mess but am now on track to get a handle on everything again and I honestly can't wait until this summer when RAGBRAI comes around. I have lots of riding to do between now and then.

youcoming

Bmach

leeinmemphis

Thanks guys. Today I rode 25 miles and felt great until about mile 20. The last 5 miles were tough but I made it back home. I am going to put on a slightly shorter stem to help with my reach a little.

Mmassey338

YankeeRider

Congratulations on committing to your journey to a healthier you. I am on a similar one. The thing that I like to tell myself is that I may have some ups and downs but I am never defeated unless I quit.

leeinmemphis

Thanks Yankee....Today I went out for a short mountain bike ride on some singletrack. I only went 5 miles today. My legs were shot from yesterday. Tomorrow even though the weather is going to be perfect will be a rest day. Weather looks good for Tuesday.

scotton

Before changing stems, you can try to shorten the reach a bit by angling the bars down a little (rotating the bar end to point more towards the saddle rather than the rear hub) and moving the levers back. Depending on the starting point and the bars, you can shorten the reach a good inch and a half.

leeinmemphis

weighed in this morning at 278lbs. I rode my bike 25 miles Saturday, road the mountain bike Sunday, ate clean all week and I lost a pound lol not what I had hoped for.

RubeRad

Hey, 'starting' at 20+mi is a way better starting place than a lot of us around here started at!

Set some intermediate goals between today and RAGBRAI, so you can keep your eye on the prize

HerrKaLeun

Remember the last 5 hard miles stimulate the body to grow muscles. No pain no gain.

Milton Keynes

Sometimes that happens. I often got frustrated with not being able to lose any weight for a while but then all of a sudden it would drop dramatically.

fietsbob

I had a high tech scale, (VA Program) issued, it has a memory so graphs the daily up and down .. surprised how much it fluctuates ..

leeinmemphis

I rode 14.2 miles today after work before the rain came in. Suppose to rain the next couple of days. It will probably be Saturday until I ride again.

HerrKaLeun

Sounds like you get to ride more than many of us. Jealous.

leeinmemphis

yeah I work odd hours so most afternoons are free. Hoping to take real advantage of it this spring!

leeinmemphis

no riding this weekend. I think I have the flu. A trip to the doc tomorrow is in order.

rayooo

Congrats on your decision! Over many years of ups and downs with fitness and weight, nothing has proved consistently better for me than cycling!
Just over the last few years of increasing miles, my overall fitness continues to improve!

Get well asap!! ...and keep piling those miles on!!

leeinmemphis

well no riding for the past week. Between it being rainy and me being sick I have not been able to get out. Looks like there may be a chance I get to ride this afternoon. On a good note I did stick to the meal plan and lost another 4lbs. weighed in at 274lbs.

leeinmemphis

Rode 11.11 miles today. I really struggled breathing because I'm still coughing/congested from being sick. Going to see how I feel tomorrow whether I'll ride or not. I'm not going to ride if I don't feel any better. I just hate to miss a 55* day because they seldom come around this time of year.

leeinmemphis

well today was less than ideal conditions. winds gusting 30-40mph today. I really didn't want to go but I made myself do it and I'm glad I did. After a rough day at work I needed to release some of my frustrations. I rode 19.25 miles today. I'm starting to get use to my saddle and think I have the fit just about perfect.