Hello Everyone,
I actually joined Bike Forums a couple of years ago, but never posted until this month. I was considering getting a bike for commuting and exercise, but never pulled the trigger until recently. I'm 6'3" 240#, so I've definitely got a bit of weight to drop. Up until now, exercise primarily consisted of running and hiking, with strength workouts thrown in from time to time. I'm down from a peak of 265# about a year ago. I would love to get into the 190s again. That will definitely leave me very lean, as I have a wide frame. When I was 22 I was at about 205#, and there wasn't much fat on me anywhere, however, I wasn't ripped. I'd love to actually
see my abs again!
Last week I got a 2012 Ridley Excalibur. Took it out for its maiden voyage on Saturday, and absolutely loved it! On flats I could get it up to about 30MPH, which was pretty darn fun! I did notice however, that cycling definitely utilizes muscles differently than running and hiking. My quads (and butt) were a bit sore. I did a hilly 5 mile route that first day (I live close to the top of a hill, so pretty much any route I do will have at least some hills). On Sunday, I was feeling a bit sore still, so I just did a 2.4 mile route. I took yesterday off, but am going to do the 5 mile route again tonight after work.
I want to work my way up to doing 9 miles comfortably, as that's my distance to work. Once I get off the hill I live on, the commute is relatively flat, only a few small hills. Here's the bike:
I know, I took the picture from the wrong side, and the cranks aren't at the right spot, and the valves aren't at 6 o'clock, but it's the only picture I've got right now.
Anyway, just wanted to introduce myself. I've learned a lot from this group already just by lurking the last couple of years, and look forward to learning much more, and hopefully being able to intelligently contribute!
John