Is it just me or are others embarrassed?
#201
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Making fun of an overweight person out exercising makes about as much sense as making fun of a homeless person at a job fair. Who cares what those idiots think? You're doing good for you, and anyone making fun of your for doing so is probably just sitting at home on the couch every day.
I admit I'm a bit self-conscious of my gut when I'm wearing a bike jersey, but hopefully I'll get it shrunk down to where it was before.
I admit I'm a bit self-conscious of my gut when I'm wearing a bike jersey, but hopefully I'll get it shrunk down to where it was before.
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Trikeman
Trikeman
#202
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When I was real heavy I felt the same way, but always found regular side bike riders gave me support for getting out there and trying to improve my fitness. Get out there and ride.
#203
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I'm not so much embarrassed to ride a bike. I'm more embarrassed that I let myself get out of shape and overweight. I think this is one of those struggles that is different for everyone and the worst battle is the one going on in our heads. It was fairly easy for me to get to the point where I just don't care what other people think of me. I've been able to drop some weight but my reality is that I will probably always be a little porky. At this point I'm happy knowing that I've made some changes and that I'm doing my best.
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#204
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Not a Clyde, but not far from it either. Don't ever worry about what others think or say. For every 1 negative comment you might hear there are 10 others that know you're doing something positive.
In my area, marathon training started last week for the fall marathons. There are teams organized that you can sign up for. Last year we had a big young man in his 30s sign up for the training team I'm on. He's a big guy. That team runs close to 600 miles in total training up to the marathon in November. During the course of the training, He revealed to me that he had lost around 100lbs before the training started. He still weighed 300+ when training started. He was a warrior! Never cut it short on any of the runs even when we were doing the 15-20 mile weekend runs. He'd go out early with a coach so that he'd finish with the rest of the group. On marathon day he went out way early to beat the heat. Most of the team/coaches sat around and waited for him to finish. Then, we went out and walked in to the finish with him. He had family that crossed the line with him as well. He made it in. It was pretty inspirational! Everyone that crosses that line knows the struggle.
Now that's a great story, but here's the best part. This past Saturday when we had our first run of this year, there he was ready to do it all over again! Getting cheers and fist pumps from everyone. Now, he's just another veteran team member doing his thing and helping the first timers along.
Don't worry about what other might think. You are doing something positive for you life. That's all that matters. You only have 1 life to live. Get out there and live it!
In my area, marathon training started last week for the fall marathons. There are teams organized that you can sign up for. Last year we had a big young man in his 30s sign up for the training team I'm on. He's a big guy. That team runs close to 600 miles in total training up to the marathon in November. During the course of the training, He revealed to me that he had lost around 100lbs before the training started. He still weighed 300+ when training started. He was a warrior! Never cut it short on any of the runs even when we were doing the 15-20 mile weekend runs. He'd go out early with a coach so that he'd finish with the rest of the group. On marathon day he went out way early to beat the heat. Most of the team/coaches sat around and waited for him to finish. Then, we went out and walked in to the finish with him. He had family that crossed the line with him as well. He made it in. It was pretty inspirational! Everyone that crosses that line knows the struggle.
Now that's a great story, but here's the best part. This past Saturday when we had our first run of this year, there he was ready to do it all over again! Getting cheers and fist pumps from everyone. Now, he's just another veteran team member doing his thing and helping the first timers along.
Don't worry about what other might think. You are doing something positive for you life. That's all that matters. You only have 1 life to live. Get out there and live it!
#205
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I'm 5'10 and hovering around 200 lbs. I'm "sometimes a Clyde".
This week I was having a late lunch outside with my wife, and a bigger dude pedaled by with his young son(?) riding behind him. Here's what I thought seeing him.
1) This is an awesome example to set for his kid, just getting out and riding with him. A lot of parents don't do that, and it's a shame.
2) That's sweet, purpose built, set up he has. Hybrid with wideish tires and a sprung saddle. The saddle is perfect for upright riding with less weight on the bars. It looked like someone who "knows bikes" put it together.
Then, as if he was making a point, he hit a pothole in the road, and he just glided over it. The tires and saddle did their job, he didn't stand on the peddles and unweight the way I need to when hitting a rough patch. Made me think I should find a mountain frame or a hybrid, it looked like a real fun set up!
This week I was having a late lunch outside with my wife, and a bigger dude pedaled by with his young son(?) riding behind him. Here's what I thought seeing him.
1) This is an awesome example to set for his kid, just getting out and riding with him. A lot of parents don't do that, and it's a shame.
2) That's sweet, purpose built, set up he has. Hybrid with wideish tires and a sprung saddle. The saddle is perfect for upright riding with less weight on the bars. It looked like someone who "knows bikes" put it together.
Then, as if he was making a point, he hit a pothole in the road, and he just glided over it. The tires and saddle did their job, he didn't stand on the peddles and unweight the way I need to when hitting a rough patch. Made me think I should find a mountain frame or a hybrid, it looked like a real fun set up!
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#206
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Today, I was on my (all-steel) Sutra and loaded with panniers, a trunk bag, and handlebar bag (I'm training for a tour so I have to ride loaded). On one of the flat sections, a guy about my age calls 'on your left' and passes me. Not super fast, but I wasn't going to be able to maintain his pace for the 8 miles back to the car. Anyway, we get to one of the short incline sections and he's about 75ft ahead of me at this point. I sense that he's slowing down, and I haven't even geared down yet. Before I know it, I'm calling 'on your left' and overtaking him in the gear I was riding on the flat section.
It spurred a bit of conversation, and he made mention of the extra weight I was carrying on the bike. Of course, I made sure to point out that not all of that extra weight was luggage... And then, back on the flats, he was gone again. But for a few minutes, this Clyde showed that we can move alright!
It spurred a bit of conversation, and he made mention of the extra weight I was carrying on the bike. Of course, I made sure to point out that not all of that extra weight was luggage... And then, back on the flats, he was gone again. But for a few minutes, this Clyde showed that we can move alright!
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#207
Senior Member
I still feel outa place in a bike shop (hmm ok a bicycle shop).
Been riding again off and on since 2009 (long hiatus since injury in 2012) Started at 350lbs and presently around the 230lbs mark. But truth be told despite the time and the journey I’m still not much of a cyclist. Longest ride I have accomplished since being injured has been 15kms. Last two days I have managed around 12km rides and am pretty proud to say I’m feeling ok (Going to give the leg a rest tomorrow I think).
But at a bike shop I feel almost like an imposter, like I don’t belong. Because I not really pushing the envelope here. My fitness is not on par with “true cyclists”.
I just get on the bike because despite the slightly elevated pain and lack of ability. I still enjoy it. I enjoy my mini victories. And I absolutely love seeing how my daughter reacts to me being able to do just a wee bit more with her as a result building strength in my weakend legs. I can play games with her a bit longer. Run a bit more. Walk a bit further. Carry her that much further.
So yeah I’m still embarrassed and uncomfortable in a bike shop. But damn if I not glad I have them around when I need em.
Been riding again off and on since 2009 (long hiatus since injury in 2012) Started at 350lbs and presently around the 230lbs mark. But truth be told despite the time and the journey I’m still not much of a cyclist. Longest ride I have accomplished since being injured has been 15kms. Last two days I have managed around 12km rides and am pretty proud to say I’m feeling ok (Going to give the leg a rest tomorrow I think).
But at a bike shop I feel almost like an imposter, like I don’t belong. Because I not really pushing the envelope here. My fitness is not on par with “true cyclists”.
I just get on the bike because despite the slightly elevated pain and lack of ability. I still enjoy it. I enjoy my mini victories. And I absolutely love seeing how my daughter reacts to me being able to do just a wee bit more with her as a result building strength in my weakend legs. I can play games with her a bit longer. Run a bit more. Walk a bit further. Carry her that much further.
So yeah I’m still embarrassed and uncomfortable in a bike shop. But damn if I not glad I have them around when I need em.
#208
What, again?
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I'm 6', 216 lbs,, almost 66 years old. Started riding a bike at 7, got my first big scar (left knee, into neighbors' wire fence) while learning. Graduated to a Raleigh 3-speed & Fuji 10-speed into adulthood. Gave up riding bicycles for motorcycles while in the Army (yay, adrenaline rushes!) and have gotten back into it for weight loss, conditioning, and helping my neighbor recover from his chemo & surgeries. Riding 3x a week in suburban streets & bike/walking trails, gradually increasing the lengths.
Current bike is an ancient (mid-90's) REI Corsa Novara, weighs a lot especially with all the gear slapped onto it. I figure the extra weight of the lights, horns (yeah, there's two, a ding-ding and a squawk), cable, etc. will make my body work harder to move it along.
It's going to take a while, but the effort is worth it. My improved conditioning and helping my neighbor get his back helps us both.
My advice, as cheap as it is, is find a group or a friend who wants to get some fresh air and get out of the abode for a little on a regular basis. If you've got a dog that could use some exercise, maybe that could be worked into the routine.
Self-improvement may take a while, it's taken decades in my case. ;-)
And other people's opinions of you are completely ignorable. They can think what they want, I just don't care. I'm doing this because I want to. What they think is their problem, not mine. Ride on!!
Current bike is an ancient (mid-90's) REI Corsa Novara, weighs a lot especially with all the gear slapped onto it. I figure the extra weight of the lights, horns (yeah, there's two, a ding-ding and a squawk), cable, etc. will make my body work harder to move it along.
It's going to take a while, but the effort is worth it. My improved conditioning and helping my neighbor get his back helps us both.
My advice, as cheap as it is, is find a group or a friend who wants to get some fresh air and get out of the abode for a little on a regular basis. If you've got a dog that could use some exercise, maybe that could be worked into the routine.
Self-improvement may take a while, it's taken decades in my case. ;-)
And other people's opinions of you are completely ignorable. They can think what they want, I just don't care. I'm doing this because I want to. What they think is their problem, not mine. Ride on!!
Last edited by Cincinnatus; 07-14-21 at 04:43 PM.
#209
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I still feel outa place in a bike shop (hmm ok a bicycle shop).
Been riding again off and on since 2009 (long hiatus since injury in 2012) Started at 350lbs and presently around the 230lbs mark. But truth be told despite the time and the journey I’m still not much of a cyclist. Longest ride I have accomplished since being injured has been 15kms. Last two days I have managed around 12km rides and am pretty proud to say I’m feeling ok (Going to give the leg a rest tomorrow I think).
But at a bike shop I feel almost like an imposter, like I don’t belong. Because I not really pushing the envelope here. My fitness is not on par with “true cyclists”.
I just get on the bike because despite the slightly elevated pain and lack of ability. I still enjoy it. I enjoy my mini victories. And I absolutely love seeing how my daughter reacts to me being able to do just a wee bit more with her as a result building strength in my weakend legs. I can play games with her a bit longer. Run a bit more. Walk a bit further. Carry her that much further.
So yeah I’m still embarrassed and uncomfortable in a bike shop. But damn if I not glad I have them around when I need em.
Been riding again off and on since 2009 (long hiatus since injury in 2012) Started at 350lbs and presently around the 230lbs mark. But truth be told despite the time and the journey I’m still not much of a cyclist. Longest ride I have accomplished since being injured has been 15kms. Last two days I have managed around 12km rides and am pretty proud to say I’m feeling ok (Going to give the leg a rest tomorrow I think).
But at a bike shop I feel almost like an imposter, like I don’t belong. Because I not really pushing the envelope here. My fitness is not on par with “true cyclists”.
I just get on the bike because despite the slightly elevated pain and lack of ability. I still enjoy it. I enjoy my mini victories. And I absolutely love seeing how my daughter reacts to me being able to do just a wee bit more with her as a result building strength in my weakend legs. I can play games with her a bit longer. Run a bit more. Walk a bit further. Carry her that much further.
So yeah I’m still embarrassed and uncomfortable in a bike shop. But damn if I not glad I have them around when I need em.
#210
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Indeed, any bike shop owner should, in theory, be exuberant in welcoming all customers, especially those getting into it for the first time or coming back to it. Bikes need tune-ups, new/better gear, tires, tubes, tools, and the riders need their own bodies taken care of.
Money doesn't grow on trees, it grows in customer's wallets, and the bike shop owners would love to harvest some of that folding green.
Money doesn't grow on trees, it grows in customer's wallets, and the bike shop owners would love to harvest some of that folding green.
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I'm not embarrassed after losing a lot of weight. I used to be, however, and I'm sometimes surprised how quickly the old thoughts come back. A couple of weeks ago I was getting ready to head out on a trail and saw a group of teens approaching, being loud and acting like teens. I felt myself steel up in anticipation of jeers and laughs, then remembered, no, I'm not that big anymore. I was a bit surprised how quickly and easily that expectation and sour feeling re-emerged.
By the way, do you ever talk to or encourage larger people you see on the trails? For the last week I've regularly seen a very heavy couple walking the rail trail I often ride. While I've not said more than "hi," I'm glad to see them out and am rooting for them. I've been tempted to tell them that, three years ago, I was at least as large as they are, but I don't want them to feel any more self-conscious than they likely already do.
By the way, do you ever talk to or encourage larger people you see on the trails? For the last week I've regularly seen a very heavy couple walking the rail trail I often ride. While I've not said more than "hi," I'm glad to see them out and am rooting for them. I've been tempted to tell them that, three years ago, I was at least as large as they are, but I don't want them to feel any more self-conscious than they likely already do.
#213
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Have you tried just talking to them? Maybe they'd appreciate your advice about nice trails to try or get some advice on good local bike stores that could tune up their old dusty bikes that they've got stashed in the garage or shed so they could do some biking...
#214
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Definateely a clyde here. We ride for our enjoyment and shouldn’t care what others think. There’s always some bonehead that will take cheap shots but think of it this way, you lapped everyone who didn't ride today. Have fun and good luck
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#216
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I remember the first time I work spandex shorts, it was 1983, I worked part time at a bike shop and my mechanic buddy said how I look like a Wimmer sausage when I first tried them on. I was riding in cut off jeans back then so it was a great improvement. I've worn road cycling clothes ever since. I've never had anyone make fun of my riding kit, that I can remember. I wear the kit because it makes it comfortable to ride long distances.
Don't be embarrassed, enjoy what you do. Wear what you want. If the clothes are comfortable and you like them, you will want to ride more.
Don't be embarrassed, enjoy what you do. Wear what you want. If the clothes are comfortable and you like them, you will want to ride more.
#217
Junior Member
I'm 6' 1" and tip the scales at somewhere between 295-305, depending on that day's donut intake. I have to pass a full length mirror on my way out of the house when I go out for a ride, so I know what i look like in cycling clothes. I look like a poorly-drawn cartoon character. But I don't care. Once I'm out rolling, I'm pretty much "in the zone". Depending on where I'm riding, I'm either just enjoying the ride and being outside, or I'm concentrating on keeping the wheels rolling, and don't really pay attention to others' reactions. I will say that it's pretty rare (if ever, I honestly don't remember it ever happening) that anyone says anything negative to me for being a fat guy on a bike, most people are really pretty cool about it.
Sometimes in the beginning, walking past that mirror made me think "I should probably dress a little differently, I look ridiculous", but I got over that pretty quick. In the end, the benefits of riding and the euphoric feeling that sticks with me for hours after a ride far outweighs (see what I did there?) the risk of someone laughing at me.
Do what's good for you. Enjoy the ride!
Sometimes in the beginning, walking past that mirror made me think "I should probably dress a little differently, I look ridiculous", but I got over that pretty quick. In the end, the benefits of riding and the euphoric feeling that sticks with me for hours after a ride far outweighs (see what I did there?) the risk of someone laughing at me.
Do what's good for you. Enjoy the ride!
Last edited by scubadad; 02-10-22 at 07:54 AM.
#218
Junior Member
If not, maybe someone else that is hesitant about suiting up in the odd clothing that we all wear will see it and decide to get on a bike and go for a ride.
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#219
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Hard to think what new could be added to this. Maybe it can be locked or consolidated with the sticky. https://www.bikeforums.net/clydesdal...sed-rider.html
#220
Senior Member
Laughing at someone riding a bicycle to lose weight is like laughing at a fat guy walking on a treadmill inside a gym. No one should care at least you are out exercising and enjoying your day on the bike.
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#221
Old and in the way.
I am just starting back to bicycling after about 15 years of complete inactivity. I am 5'5" and 236. Kind of a round little person! My problem is that I am very embarrassed to go out on my bike. I really love riding but I am afraid some creep will yell something at me or someone will laugh. And wearing bike shorts---FORGET THAT! Does anybody else feel that way or is it just me?
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#222
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I do ride in the dark a bit but it's not because I'm embarrassed, it's to avoid people and traffic.
Although around here especially around this time of year early evening darkness brings out the damn bats, and in the morning it's the rabbits..
So far I do way more embarrassing things walking and sitting than I do riding
Although around here especially around this time of year early evening darkness brings out the damn bats, and in the morning it's the rabbits..
So far I do way more embarrassing things walking and sitting than I do riding
#223
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I honestly just throw on my music and just jam out whenever im riding my bike. If someone waves I wave back but I was feeling anxious myself being 6'5 and 400 pounds but now I enjoy the ride so much I couldnt care less.Neither should you
#224
Newbie
I am just starting back to bicycling after about 15 years of complete inactivity. I am 5'5" and 236. Kind of a round little person! My problem is that I am very embarrassed to go out on my bike. I really love riding but I am afraid some creep will yell something at me or someone will laugh. And wearing bike shorts---FORGET THAT! Does anybody else feel that way or is it just me?
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#225
Newbie
I am just starting back to bicycling after about 15 years of complete inactivity. I am 5'5" and 236. Kind of a round little person! My problem is that I am very embarrassed to go out on my bike. I really love riding but I am afraid some creep will yell something at me or someone will laugh. And wearing bike shorts---FORGET THAT! Does anybody else feel that way or is it just me?
Consider the source and enjoy your ride. Miserable people live to drag others down with them.
I wear bibs and jerseys because it’s what’s best for me to sweat in while riding, Figure out what you like and to hell with anyone else.
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