Bicycle Riding?

[WDWRocksMySocks]

Does anyone else ride bikes as a form of exercise? DH and I just got new bikes and went for our first ride yesterday. WOW...I felt SOOO out of shape, it was beyond ridiculous. But, I really enjoyed it and can't wait for the weather to be nice enough to do it again.

 

[mikamah]

I used to ride a ton before i had my son, and last summer I pulled my bike out, cleaned it up and filled the tires and when I got on it the first time, I was amazed at how out of shape I was. I used to ride 12-25 miles route several times a week, and i barely made about 5 miles. I'm hoping to get into it again this spring, and make it a routine. It is such great exercise, and I always liked that you get so much further and see more than when you walk.

I bought a trailer bike for my son to go on the back of my bike, and we did that occassionally, but not as much as I would like to.

Congratulations on your new bikes. It is so fun.

 

[WDWRocksMySocks]

Wow, 15-25 miles several times a week...very awesome! I wish I could do that. I thought I was going to die with just about 5 miles.

 

[mikamah]

Wow, 15-25 miles several times a week...very awesome! I wish I could do that. I thought I was going to die with just about 5 miles.

Too bad I can't turn back time, and never lose the shape I was in. When I get on my bike now, I wonder if it will ever be nearly as easy as it was when I was 30. I think 5 miles is a great start. I would love to get into it again. It's so warm here today, it would be a great day to get out, but I have to go to work now.

Good luck.

 

[stego]

ever hear those words? Yup, thought so! In March 2004 I weighed close to 300 lbs. and that month joined WW. My wife and son bought me a comfort bike the next month for my 40th birthday and I rode the weight off; dieting as well; and re-discovered my love for distance running. All taking baby steps, of course. Sure, it's cold outside...or hot...or windy. Maybe a little rainy too. The images of how very miserable I was huffing and puffing up to the 2nd story at the office are still very vivid and fresh 4 years later. I am motivated...and I do it a moment at a time. I love the way I feel...but always got the comment...you look great. Today it is more about how I feel and what I can do. It didn't happen overnight...I had to stick with it. I had different goals and ideas and 4 years later that has all changed. I commute by bike to work on Fridays (20 mile roundtrip)...yes, even in the winter too when it is cold, windy and 30 degrees. I don't ever, ever take for granted my ability...and realize so many millions of people will never, ever dream of what I have accomplished. I am a nationally ranked cyclist (mountain biking) and I can bludgeon collegiate athletes at 44yo. I had to do the work...and still pay the price when I don't.

 

[Geekerbell]

ever hear those words? Yup, thought so! In March 2004 I weighed close to 300 lbs. and that month joined WW. My wife and son bought me a comfort bike the next month for my 40th birthday and I rode the weight off; dieting as well; and re-discovered my love for distance running. All taking baby steps, of course. Sure, it's cold outside...or hot...or windy. Maybe a little rainy too. The images of how very miserable I was huffing and puffing up to the 2nd story at the office are still very vivid and fresh 4 years later. I am motivated...and I do it a moment at a time. I love the way I feel...but always got the comment...you look great. Today it is more about how I feel and what I can do. It didn't happen overnight...I had to stick with it. I had different goals and ideas and 4 years later that has all changed. I commute by bike to work on Fridays (20 mile roundtrip)...yes, even in the winter too when it is cold, windy and 30 degrees. I don't ever, ever take for granted my ability...and realize so many millions of people will never, ever dream of what I have accomplished. I am a nationally ranked cyclist (mountain biking) and I can bludgeon collegiate athletes at 44yo. I had to do the work...and still pay the price when I don't.

Very inspiring! May I ask exactly what type of bike you began on four years ago and where you got it? (I'm in Round Rock as well.) I've never heard the term "comfort bike" - of course I'm somewhat clueless in most things fitness related. But I am trying to change that.

Thanks!

 

[SamSam]

Wow, 15-25 miles several times a week...very awesome! I wish I could do that. I thought I was going to die with just about 5 miles.

If you keep at it, you will be amazed how quickly 5 miles becomes an easy ride. Dh and I cycle for many years and had some amazing times doing it.
Your bike is very important, as is seat and handlebar adjustment. A good bike shop should be able to help teach you the correct positioning. As you ride more, you will find that tweaking an adjustment just a fraction of an inch can make a huge difference in comfort when you are biking long distances. Another thing is to invest in some good biking shorts, an absolute must for long distances. And just give yourselves time to build up and get over the initial soreness of starting a new exercise.

 

[twoWDWfools]

I love biking and it is such a great form of exercise. We're still waiting for it to warm up a bit to be able to ride outside instead of the exerbike. Soon, soon....

Very important to make sure the seat and handlebars are set for you or you can find your back and shoulders hurting more than your legs. And agree on good bike shorts for distances. We are doing a two day 30 mile/45 mile ride in May and I just bought a new pair this weekend.

Have fun!

 

[WDWRocksMySocks]

ever hear those words? Yup, thought so! In March 2004 I weighed close to 300 lbs. and that month joined WW. My wife and son bought me a comfort bike the next month for my 40th birthday and I rode the weight off; dieting as well; and re-discovered my love for distance running. All taking baby steps, of course. Sure, it's cold outside...or hot...or windy. Maybe a little rainy too. The images of how very miserable I was huffing and puffing up to the 2nd story at the office are still very vivid and fresh 4 years later. I am motivated...and I do it a moment at a time. I love the way I feel...but always got the comment...you look great. Today it is more about how I feel and what I can do. It didn't happen overnight...I had to stick with it. I had different goals and ideas and 4 years later that has all changed. I commute by bike to work on Fridays (20 mile roundtrip)...yes, even in the winter too when it is cold, windy and 30 degrees. I don't ever, ever take for granted my ability...and realize so many millions of people will never, ever dream of what I have accomplished. I am a nationally ranked cyclist (mountain biking) and I can bludgeon collegiate athletes at 44yo. I had to do the work...and still pay the price when I don't.

Wow, first off...congratulations! Your words are very inspiring. Thanks for sharing your story. It really helps encourages me to push myself more.

If you keep at it, you will be amazed how quickly 5 miles becomes an easy ride. Dh and I cycle for many years and had some amazing times doing it.
Your bike is very important, as is seat and handlebar adjustment. A good bike shop should be able to help teach you the correct positioning. As you ride more, you will find that tweaking an adjustment just a fraction of an inch can make a huge difference in comfort when you are biking long distances. Another thing is to invest in some good biking shorts, an absolute must for long distances. And just give yourselves time to build up and get over the initial soreness of starting a new exercise.

Thanks for the tips. I'll have to go in and ask about the correct positioning. To be honest, I never really thought about it. I'm glad you mentioned it!

 

[Dr Pepsi]

I do an exercise bike, and it's OK. I'm sure I'd enjoy a real bike a lot but the drivers around her are insane. I'm too much of a chicken to share the road.

 

[DznyDreams]

I'm another one who has biked the weight off, and I'm still in the process of doing it.

Before purchasing my bicycle, I started indoors on a stationary recumbent bike. I am still very heavy, with 89 MORE pounds to lose - BUT I've already lost 90 lbs! Anyway...

After I lost the first 40 pounds, I treated myself to a regular bicycle. It was VERY DIFFICULT for me to ride at first, but I stuck with it. DH eventually bought one too. We both LOVE our bikes. I too cannot wait for some better weather for enjoyable rides, but at least I still have my indoor recumbent bike for those days. I plan to continue biking all the way to my goal and beyond because it's a blast!

Good luck to you!

 

[Launchpad11B]

I'm another one who has biked the weight off, and I'm still in the process of doing it.

Before purchasing my bicycle, I started indoors on a stationary recumbent bike. I am still very heavy, with 89 MORE pounds to lose - BUT I've already lost 90 lbs! Anyway...

After I lost the first 40 pounds, I treated myself to a regular bicycle. It was VERY DIFFICULT for me to ride at first, but I stuck with it. DH eventually bought one too. We both LOVE our bikes. I too cannot wait for some better weather for enjoyable rides, but at least I still have my indoor recumbent bike for those days. I plan to continue biking all the way to my goal and beyond because it's a blast!

Good luck to you!

WOW! Congratulations on being more than half way to your goal. That's awesome. Biking is great. Has anyone here tried an elliptical trainer? It's a bit different, but it's a great calorie burner.

 

[WDWRocksMySocks]

I'm another one who has biked the weight off, and I'm still in the process of doing it.

Before purchasing my bicycle, I started indoors on a stationary recumbent bike. I am still very heavy, with 89 MORE pounds to lose - BUT I've already lost 90 lbs! Anyway...

After I lost the first 40 pounds, I treated myself to a regular bicycle. It was VERY DIFFICULT for me to ride at first, but I stuck with it. DH eventually bought one too. We both LOVE our bikes. I too cannot wait for some better weather for enjoyable rides, but at least I still have my indoor recumbent bike for those days. I plan to continue biking all the way to my goal and beyond because it's a blast!

Good luck to you!

Wow, that is so great. Congratulations!!!! Good luck to you too! You'll have to keep us posted on your progress.

 

[WDWRocksMySocks]

WOW! Congratulations on being more than half way to your goal. That's awesome. Biking is great. Has anyone here tried an elliptical trainer? It's a bit different, but it's a great calorie burner.

I forgot to mention, I've done some work on an elliptical. I really liked using it. My only problem was getting motivated to actually go to the gym to use it. I struggled at first when I was building up resistance, but once I got acclimated I really noticed I could go awhile and started seeing results. I guess my problem is motivation, which is rather sad if you think about it. I'm getting better though!

 

[stego]

Very inspiring! May I ask exactly what type of bike you began on four years ago and where you got it? (I'm in Round Rock as well.)
Many, many cycling resources in the greater Austin area. There are many different kind of bicycles: but I found that the comfort bike was the easiest to stick with. I only recently parted ways with it as I made the switch to a commuter bike with a rear internal gear (shimano nexus-no chain stretch!) The comfort bike is similar to a mountain bike as it has the rider sit upright and might include a front shock (but not knobby tires). I literally rode the tires of it that first year! I don't measure by mileage (because I run as well, commute, ride with my wife and son, train on the mountain bike, and ride the road bike for intervals and endurance) so it is more about how many hours per week-usually anywhere from 8-12. I would rough guesstimate about 4000+ miles a year???!!! As I have stated it's not the amount of weight I lost (it was a lot) but where I am today and how I am keeping track and doing the work. Rest is more of something I have to incororpate now even though I am training 7 days a week...usually the monday after a race I am a zombie and realize that feeling is normal. Waco is this weekend and the spring brings out the top dogs...6 races to go and I hope to God I am ready!

 

[perfectmatch300]

Stego, you really are an inspiration!

Good luck in Waco this weekend! From the way you sound, I'm sure you'll do great!



WDWRocksMySocks, keep at it! I hadn't ridden a bike in years, although I rode a lot as a child. When we moved to FL in 2004, DH & I decided to get bikes after , oh, maybe 35 years of me not riding! We went to Wal-Mart and got what are comfort mountain bikes, 7 speeds, mt. bike tires, shocks, ride fairly upright. Needless to say, I was very slow and lacking in confidence at first. I would get really discouraged because DH would ride circles around me. I've been riding off and on for the past 4 years now and not only can I keep up with my rather speedy and much more fit DH, but lately it's me that's pushing him on the bikes! As previous posters have said, bike fit and adjustment are very important to your success and comfort on the bike. If you're not sure, take your bike to a local bike shop and they will help you get properly set up. I hope you'll find you have as much fun on your bike as I'm having on mine!

 

[WDWRocksMySocks]

Stego - good luck this weekend in Waco!!!

Perfectmatch - Thanks so much for sharing. I feel the same way you felt at the beginning. DH literally rides circles around me and I found myself stopping (what seemed like) every twenty feet or so. I was slightly discouraged b/c I knew I was out of shape, but WOW...I'm REALLY out of shape! DH has been really encouraging as well and I know one day I'll be able to keep up w/ him - as long as I stay w/ it.