Good afternoon everyone!

This past Saturday I bought a bike to start riding.

I have had a very sedentary lifestyle for a number of years. Anyway I thought I would be smart and take it easy on my first ride. Didn't go very far at all and was huffing and puffing and by the time I got home, my legs felt like noodles.

I didn't think my plan was overly aggressive, yet, my body seemed to think otherwise. I had to lay down in the yard until I could muster actually walking again. The sad part is that I don't think I went much over a mile in my ride. Didn't think about using the GPS on my phone to track it.

So I did the ride again yesterday, but shaved off 200 yards, hoping I could at least walk after I dismounted. I was still winded and rubbery in the legs department, but was actually able to walk up the steps into the house(barely).

This evening, I'm changing up the route a little bit, just to keep from getting bored of the same scenery.

My goal is to get rid of a LOT of this fat that is on my body and hopefully get to a point where I can do some distance riding in the future. I'm currently 279 lbs @ 5ft 10in. I got a long ways to go....

For those interested, my bike is a Specialized Sirrus Sport. Kind of a fitness hybrid, and my weight is pretty much at the max weight supported on the bike (300 lbs).

Anyway after all of that, I'm curious if there are others out there that started like me, or if there is a group of pleasantly plumb folks trying to get fit? I would definitely like to meet up w/ some of you just to get/give encouragement.

Thanks a bunch!
Eric

Hi Eric!

I'm not overweight but when I started out riding my bike 4 years ago I huffed and puffed, too! I've since learned I'm over doing it when I breathe that hard...I could get a heart attack! I suggest that you slow down and don't try to do so much at first. You'll get conditioned in time. Also, when I'm by myself I like to ride the Greenway. It's beautiful and there's no traffic...great for beginners!

Have fun on your bike but be safe, too!

Susan B

So I just got back from afternoon ride.

1.85 whopping miles..... Took me 11:44 minutes. Avg Speed 9.48mph. Max speed 16.46 mph (that was downhill in a hurricane I think).

I actually completed the circuit that I started on Sunday but couldn't do.



Susan,

Thanks for the info. The problem I have, is that I'm huffing and puffing as soon as I get this weight in motion. Comes from years of not doing any exercise. I did take it slower today and made sure to coast at times to get my breath back (where I could anyway).

Keep it up Eric, it will get easier.

Thanks Bryan for the encouragement.

I can tell it already is getting easier, I just want it to be easier faster...

I'm an impatient guy that way. Guess I've grown accustomed to an instant gratification society

Eric you are on the right track. Your speed and distance are actually really good for just starting out. When I started I rode a mile around the neighborhood, then did 2 loops for 2 miles after a week increasing it slowly venturing out on different roads in the area until I could ride over to the Greenway and did an out and back there. If I remember correctly from those who mentored me the rule is to increase your ride distance about 10% after 2 weeks. So glad you decided to bike. Keep up the good work and be sure and drink water before, during and after the ride. Good Luck and be sure you wear that helmet...it does save lives.

Dorothy,

Thanks for the information!

Absolutely on the helmet. I've ridden motorcycles for years, so I feel a little weird when I don't have one on and I'm on 2 wheels.

My original goal was to ride from my house to the store a mile down the road from me and back. I changed that because I thought 2 miles was probably a bit long for my level of fitness. And that is on a highway and I didn't want to be out w/ fast moving traffic while I was getting in the saddle.

This afternoon I plan on riding the route I did yesterday in hopes that it will be a little easier today.

My parents bought me a 10speed when I was in 2nd grade for Christmas. I rode that bike all the time. I rode that bike for a number of years (pedaling w/ my toes for a year because it was to big for me).

I haven't ridden a bike in 30 years now, so I'm learning all over again. Although a lot of it comes back fast, it is like a new experience.

I am enjoying it so far, not sure my legs would agree with me though

Hang in there Eric it will HAPPEN. 8 years ago I was out of shape over weight and could barley ride 5 miles. I have lost 55 lbs and did a 863 mile ride in Florida this past Feb. Just ride ride ride and you will see the lbs fall off.Check into the Comfort Zone rides they are a good way to get started and you will not be left behind.