Turtle, I am about to start riding again after more than ten years off the bike and I too have really been shy about getting back into those shorts. To be blunt, my hindquarters are not going to be pretty but I'll tell you what has given me the strength to get back on the bike: seeing overweight riders. I see them all over and every time I think, "If they can do it, so can I." I really do think we get strength from one another. My bike comes this weekend. I am still nervous about the shorts but I will take the plunge. I miss cycliing too much not to.
I'll tell you if anyone faints from the sight of my extensive butt.