Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - The Over 200 Pounds Thread: Clydesdale-O-Rama

Well since Im getting back into riding I guess I'll post in here. I am probably 290ish right now and 6 foot tall. I loved riding as a kid and continue to love riding a bike. I bought a Diamondback Outlook in 2002 and was 230 at the time, rode a few times a week. Over the winter I floated up to 240, then started training for an MS 170 (my mom has MS) and got down to about 220. Got a KHS 300 and rode all summer, rode 2 centuries. Then winter came, packed in it, gained a bunch of weight. Spring comes, plan a big come back start to lose weight, never lose all the weight Ive put on, fall comes college starts and gain more weight. Ive repeated this cycle every year in some form. I was working during the day and attending school at night, a 3 hour round trip commute to school mind you, so time was sparse. Now I am out of college and in a job and will have time to ride. My plan is to ride in the mornings, I get up at 5:45 anyway so why not get up at 5AM and ride the trainer with my Flite 300 in it till 6, still leaving me plenty of time to get to work. I would ride after school but I coach wrestling and will be there till 630 at night most of the time. Then on weekends ride my bike on the road, short rides Saturday due to matches, long rides Sundays. Once the season is over I'll take my bike to school with me and ride after school since the school I teach at is near some great low traffic roads for riding. My food plan is to do a meal replacement shake after my morning ride, Kashi cereal and skim milk 2 hours later during homeroom. A turkey sandwhich on oat bran bread for lunch, then a half a peanut butter sandwhich on wholewheat before I go to wrestling practice. When I get home I'll have some grilled chicken or fish with steamed veggies for dinner. Ive put a lot of thought into my food and that seems to be a plan that works for weekdays. I might also start keeping some protein powder at school and drinking it as a mid morning snack. I plan to start this on Monday and see how it goes. I taped a picture of myself with no shirt on to my bars to motivate myself. The stories I see on here have me fired up too!

Oh and I just got a left over Flite 320 from the bike shop I work at, someone had purchased the aero bars and this special seat adjuster thing it had on it so I got it below cost! I won't use it on the road until I get down at least 30 pounds.

Welcome!!

Hi all,
I am a clyde: 6'2" 220; although, I was 270 8 months ago when I discovered I had type 2 diabetes. My doctor recommended biking and I haven't looked back. I 2 bikes: Felt F1x that I use to commute each morning (12-30 miles, depending how I feel) and a F80 that I use on the weekends. I am lucky because I live in Arizona and can commute and bike each day of the year. I joined a local club GABA and I go on Saturday rides. Hope to lose more.
Ride Safe!

Awesome fprest. Any news on the diabetes?

Hi Davis,
Going well; in fact, I am off medication and I just monitor myself every 2 days. Weight loss and exercise helps you manage the disease. Biking and eating right are my keys to success.

Hi Davis,
Going well; in fact, I am off medication and I just monitor myself every 2 days. Weight loss and exercise helps you manage the disease. Biking and eating right are my keys to success.

That's great. I have improved my cholesterol and high blood pressure and do not need medication. The greatest part of all? It's fun!

Howdy all. New guy here. I tend to hang out with the 50+ gang mostly but I guess I qualify as a hoss, too. A shade over 5'10" and started riding again this past April at 220+ lbs. Down to about 204 now.
At home anyway. Mostly at this point I'm trading fat for muscle. And loving it.

Sweet - you're almost outta here :) Welcome aboard!

6 foot 4 and 95kg... started off biking with an old giant boulder and never broke anything. then i got a giant ocr3 and after a complete rebuild of the rear wheel am still breaking spokes. gonna buy some nice strong (and heavy) replacement wheels soon. Though I normally live in Australia, I'm currently in Paris and getting ready for some winter riding through the forest on the way to where I am working. Just ordered a Trek 3500 to get me through the next 10 months here - we'll see how that goes. I'm not light so I don't go for light bikes...

I dont know If I will ever get down to 220 ever again. I am 6'3" and weigh in at 257. But I guess the good thing is that I am at 25% body fat. so I think I am just going to be a tank the rest of my life unless I want to start breaking down muscle.

Nothing wrong with that - my ultimate target is 220 but am shooting for 240 first. You're a little taller than I am (6-1) and a few pounds lighter (262 this morning - w00t!).

Clydes, Here's wishing y'all a most wonderful Holiday Season. Hope Santa is good to you and that 2007 will be an awesome year in which you'll log many happy miles and meet whatever goals you have set for yourselves. Ride proud my brethren!!! JB

I may have posted in this forum already a few times in the past couple months but though I would formally introduce myself.

I have been commuting on a Trek 7100 since August and have gone from around 260 to 230. Mr ride is about 12 miles per day and I usually commute 5 days a week. Sometimes I'll ride around just for fun but that doesn't happen too much due to 3 kids under 5 y.o. While I'm not on any official diet I have certainly changed my eating patterns. I always get my 5 servings (or more) or veggies and fruits a day. This helps becuase I am now less likely to eat chips, sugary snacks, etc. Basically I try to avoid foods that have zero nutrients. I still eat between 2000-2500 calories a day and seem to still be dropping pounds. I'm not looking for quick results and the slow weight loss is better for you anyway.

Well thought I would just say hi!

Let's see, this is something new to do on these great forums.

I'm 6', 230lbs, 18%-20% body fat (respectively). I am (for right now) strictly a mountain biker. Haven't gotten myself to drop the dough for a road bike. I used to play football, still wish I did.

Nice to meet you

Hey bikedaddy and Blazinall91! Good to have you aboard!

I'm 5'10" and in September when I started Weight Watchers, was 235. Currently down to 213 with goal of 180 by June. I like to do 30-40 milers and am shooting for my first century in June. Hope that the weight loss will help the hill climbing.

It sorta does :) Hills are defeated by doing a lot of them. There's a 30 mile loop I try to do once or twice a week and one really long good sized hill. One time I brought my friend who was on roller blades. The hill was a little tough so she grabbed onto my seat and I towed her up - now that's training! :D

Congrats and welcome!

It sorta does :) Hills are defeated by doing a lot of them. There's a 30 mile loop I try to do once or twice a week and one really long good sized hill. One time I brought my friend who was on roller blades. The hill was a little tough so she grabbed onto my seat and I towed her up - now that's training! :D

Congrats and welcome!my kids in the trailor are a great hill workout.

Well,
Started cycling when I was 16 on a Huffy 10 speed(21 years ago). After riding it into the ground, I saved up and bought a Shogun 12 speed hybrid. Rode it into the gorund and ended up in Germany on a Peugot 14 speed. Gradually worked my way into mountain biking. I have been idle for about 6 years (no cycling) but keep a pretty steady workout schedule of boxing, running and elliptical(Thank You basement gym). I recently relocated to Kentucky from Southern California and I've been bit by the bug again. I broke my Diamonback WCF 2.0 out of mothballs and my wife (God love her) bought me a Iron Mountain Excelsior Race from Nashbar fro Christmas.
I top the charts at 245 on a 6-1 frame. I have 20 years of wight training so I guess my goals are ot lose the fat and hit the scales at around 220.
Nice forum, Been creeping around for awhile.
Peace.

6'-0"/215/38 yo. Been as heavy as 240.

Family obligations have limited my execise time until just this year. My kids are getting into teenage years, so I'm starting to find time to be a little more physically active. I do martial arts 2-3x a week, but it's not as cardio heavy as I need for weight loss. My joints don't allow me to run on consecutive days (plus, I hate running). I have a family history of heart disease and diabetes, so I need to do something *now* to get under the "Mendoza Line" and to an eventual goal of 185.

I had my 20 high school reunion this past summer and I talked with an old buddy of mine who does a couple of triathlons each year and does RAGBRAI with his family. He invited me to do RAGBRAI (or at least a few days of it) next summer. I always loved cycling in high school and I rode my bike everywhere, even eschewing the car more often than not. I commuted 5 miles each way to campus while in college. I'm now in the market for a road bike.

I'm hitting the LBS's to see if there are some good closeouts that fit me. I'm also perusing the board for ideas in the $600-$800 range.

well guys (and gals), am relatively new to riding, started last August with a raleigh venture 4.0 at a weight of 265, 6'2", since then i have obtained a 2006 giant ocr2 carbon and am down 10 pounds. want to get ready for the seattle to portland ride in july. kind of hit and miss with this weather out here in eastern oregon, but luckily have a good gym on base, and the local lbs has a spin class i take my giant to. i ride the raleigh on base. put a couple of pix on flikr. thanks for having me.

cole

You're very welcome! :)

Hey ya'll!

I'm new to road biking. Just bought my first road bike which you can read about in this thread (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=255777). A Novarra Randonee....

I'm an uber-clyde weighing in at around 330 lbs. and 5'11". So a touring bike seemed to make sense for a roadie. I used to mountain bike all the time during college and for a short time thereafter. I've been a clyde as long as I can remember, but have gained 90+ lbs. in the 10 years that I've neglected biking.

I tried converting my 95 Specialized Stumpjumper into a road bike this summer, but it just didn't seem to fit right and wasn't a comfortable ride. I still have some fit adjustments to work through on the Randonee, but it's already better on the road.

I've only ridden the Randonee once since I got in on Christmas morning. I did a few miles Christmas night on it, and my "taint" is still pretty raw. I've never found a saddle that I didn't have to build up a tolerance too. Oh well, guess I'll just have to pedal through this too. Think I'll take another spin today....

Hey ya'll!

I'm new to road biking. Just bought my first road bike which you can read about in this thread (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=255777). A Novarra Randonee....

I'm an uber-clyde weighing in at around 330 lbs. and 5'11". So a touring bike seemed to make sense for a roadie. I used to mountain bike all the time during college and for a short time thereafter. I've been a clyde as long as I can remember, but have gained 90+ lbs. in the 10 years that I've neglected biking.

I tried converting my 95 Specialized Stumpjumper into a road bike this summer, but it just didn't seem to fit right and wasn't a comfortable ride. I still have some fit adjustments to work through on the Randonee, but it's already better on the road.

I've only ridden the Randonee once since I got in on Christmas morning. I did a few miles Christmas night on it, and my "taint" is still pretty raw. I've never found a saddle that I didn't have to build up a tolerance too. Oh well, guess I'll just have to pedal through this too. Think I'll take another spin today....
Welcome to the road, it's addictive! Sounds like you have a nice ride! Be sure to post a picture of it on the Clyde's Rides Thread!

If you want a mileage log, I have one on my Wiki in form of a downloadable Excel Spreadsheet at
http://cycling4bariatricpatients.wiki.com/index.php?title=Home&bc=1

Welcome to the road, it's addictive! Sounds like you have a nice ride! Be sure to post a picture of it on the Clyde's Rides Thread!

If you want a mileage log, I have one on my Wiki in form of a downloadable Excel Spreadsheet at
http://cycling4bariatricpatients.wiki.com/index.php?title=Home&bc=1

Thanks, Tom. Just grabbed it.

Well dont I just feel like a portly little Christmas ham! 5'11" at 225 lbs. I have been riding since February last year (albeit a gentle commute) and have hovered right there at the duece and a quarter mark. I suspect I'm stuck there till I start to ride harder or drop the evil soda.

No worries - there's quite a few of us who'd be happy with that weight (myself included :D ). Welcome!

Hey all!

I've read quite a few of the posts here and it's always heartening to know you’re not alone. I’ve always been heavy. I was a “chubby” baby; in grade school I wore “husky” clothes. My parents were overweight, as are my siblings now. I’m 53, 5’8” and 240 pounds. The weight comes off very slow at this age! I biked up until 2003 and I was around 200 back then. I’ve stayed in the 235 – 250 range ever since. I started biking in May 2006 and even did a century ride in October. But I didn’t lose a whole lot of weight this summer; read “none”. I’m hoping to lose some gut between now and riding season so I don’t have to lug the load around. I do have a trainer that I’m trying to ride 30 minutes a day, six days a week.

I hope to be hanging around more and I’m already on the weight database thread.

Ah, my bikes - last summer I used a RANS Cruz but I recently bought a RANS Dynamik that I really like a lot…


http://home.comcast.net/~dbhmgb/DS1.JPG
http://home.comcast.net/~dbhmgb/CS1.JPG

Thanks!
Dan

Hey all!

I've read quite a few of the posts here and it's always heartening to know you’re not alone. I’ve always been heavy. I was a “chubby” baby; in grade school I wore “husky” clothes. My parents were overweight, as are my siblings now. I’m 53, 5’8” and 240 pounds. The weight comes off very slow at this age! I biked up until 2003 and I was around 200 back then. I’ve stayed in the 235 – 250 range ever since. I started biking in May 2006 and even did a century ride in October. But I didn’t lose a whole lot of weight this summer; read “none”. I’m hoping to lose some gut between now and riding season so I don’t have to lug the load around. I do have a trainer that I’m trying to ride 30 minutes a day, six days a week.

I hope to be hanging around more and I’m already on the weight database thread.

Ah, my bikes - last summer I used a RANS Cruz but I recently bought a RANS Dynamik that I really like a lot…


http://home.comcast.net/~dbhmgb/DS1.JPG
http://home.comcast.net/~dbhmgb/CS1.JPG

Thanks!
Dan
Hey, Dan, did anyone tell you your bike has been run over?:D

Kidding, of course, I just never could get comfortable on a semirecumbent or full recumbent.

The Dynamik is probably the most comfortable bike I've ever ridden. Have you tried the RANS - it's nothing like the other Crank Forwards out there - most of them I do not like. I had a recumbent for a while and I really never cared for it. I have arthritis in my back and bone spurs in my neck, so it takes a bit to get comfortable on any bike. I have to ride what I can ride and the CF bikes do it for me.

Adjust the database to read 242 for me. A week of exercise and eating less and I gain 4 pounds? With my metabolism, it’s probably true. It could also be our scale – but I have to go with what’s on the readout. Sucks…

The Dynamik is probably the most comfortable bike I've ever ridden. Have you tried the RANS - it's nothing like the other Crank Forwards out there - most of them I do not like. I had a recumbent for a while and I really never cared for it. I have arthritis in my back and bone spurs in my neck, so it takes a bit to get comfortable on any bike. I have to ride what I can ride and the CF bikes do it for me.

Adjust the database to read 242 for me. A week of exercise and eating less and I gain 4 pounds? With my metabolism, it’s probably true. It could also be our scale – but I have to go with what’s on the readout. Sucks…
Actually, that can happen.....muscle = 7X the density of fat!

You flatter me! ;)

here is a link to my bikes, mostly 1970-1980's vintage lugged steel and my one recumbent.

http://www.myspace.com/eccentriccyclistcharlie

6'3" was 250, in 04, now 217 and got too big of a gut and so on, I just read an article on page 74 of Bicycling Magazine March 07, it says I ride my butt off and my big gut is still there, it's because I eat too much junk.
I think the magazine is right, I need to get a handle on the food.

Junk food is a problem. If I could diet, I might actually lose weight. I'm really thinking about Nutrisystems. Anyone have any real life experience with it?

Junk food is a problem. If I could diet, I might actually lose weight. I'm really thinking about Nutrisystems. Anyone have any real life experience with it?
You can do exactly the same thing without the marketing and namebrand markup following a sensible nutritional plan....

Nothing special about Nutrisystems other than being prepackaged and expensive. If you consult a dietician, you can set up a plan that will get the same effect. What you need to do is not concentrate on dieting. Diet has the connotations of punishing yourself by depriving yourself of calories. Instead, concentrate on the concept of more thoughtful and saner nutritional choices.

In a hunter/gatherer society, the occasional shot of high fat power food was correct, unfortunately, we lead a lot more sedentary life now, intrinsic to a high tech civilization. The fact of the matter is, if you are burning 16000 calories a day, you can eat 16000 calories without significant weight gain.

Our average for maintenance is +/- 1800 calories a day and this varies due to factors like differing basal metabolic rates. Eating at McDonald's, for example, is not the right choice for those needs. Keep a food journal of everything that crosses your lips, even chewing gum and I think you'll be shocked as to the number of calories you actually consume.:eek:

Howdy everyone...I just joined today, great to find y'all out here. I'm a SERIOUS Clydesdale, at 6'4" and weighing in at a svelt(sp?) 379lbs, that's down from my sprinting weight of 406lbs. Don't need any pats on the back, it's a dubious honor dropping those pounds. But, believe it or not, I'm an ex-semi pro triathlete from the early 90's but that was 1 back, 3 knee surgeries, two kids and roughly 87,326 Bean Burritos w/ sour cremes ago...
These are exciting times considering I haven't straddled a bicycle in five years (used to commute five days a week and ride all weekend just five years and one day ago) BUT it's all changing now in 2007. I'm building my BOMBPROOF rig (Surly Crosscheck) and should be on the road by early February, been dieting, stretching and just getting my body prepped for it's return to a healthy lifestyle and again, I'm just really excited to have found you all out here in Cyberland.
Please don't be offended if I chime in on just about everything, while I'm a nice guy, I have to admit to being one of those a-holes that thinks they know EVERYTHING about cycling...but my only agenda is to help out any novices, premote the wonderful world of cycling and maybe make some pals along the way. May all your rides be flat and the wind at your back (somehow going out and coming back home?)

Clydesdale is a look not necessarily a weight. A stocky muscular guy could definitly be one. A 6'5" 200 pound guy doesn't qualify as Clydesdale in my book. There are some 190 pounders out there who could be honorary Clydesdales. I'm 5'10" and 205. Clydesdale is something I associate more with running than cycling. For running people call me a Clydesdale. For riding people say I look like a mountain biker. If you are carrying that much weight, you should be very careful about some of the space age and sky high priced lightweight components out there especially the wheels. My first road bike has a set of Bontrager Race Lites that have held up for over 5000 miles with no problems. I put Mavic Aksiums on my second road bike right after I bought it and I like the feel of them so far. I like the ride on my Reynolds 853 steel frame. My carbon frame bike rides nice, but is too new for me to comment on how well it will hold up for many "Clydesdale" miles.

Glen
Pa.
2003 LeMond Zurich
2006 Fuji Team
Specialized FS Comp

Hello all, I'm new to these forums and happy to see this thread. I ride a 1985ish cannondale with campy athena/chorus components, Im just back into cycling and considering a old 1970s steel frame. There are no competitions in my future and I have always heard that the ride is smoother than aluminum. And hell I always lusted for one of those pretty italian bikes, the ride thing is just a good excuse. I just dropped 25lbs in the last 6 mos. Here's how: no soda, no fast food, plenty of water and only one plate of food per meal. I used to eat according to how much food was available. Meaning if there was more left I kept going till It was gone or till I could not move. now I put the food on my plate, say to myself "there's enough food for a normal human being" and that's it no more. In the beginning I was hungry all the time, thought I was going to starve to death but have gotten used to it,,,, kind of. Oh my god I love donuts. well thanks for listening. great to know I'm not alone.

Hello all, I'm new to these forums and happy to see this thread. I ride a 1985ish cannondale with campy athena/chorus components, Im just back into cycling and considering a old 1970s steel frame. There are no competitions in my future and I have always heard that the ride is smoother than aluminum. And hell I always lusted for one of those pretty italian bikes, the ride thing is just a good excuse. I just dropped 25lbs in the last 6 mos. Here's how: no soda, no fast food, plenty of water and only one plate of food per meal. I used to eat according to how much food was available. Meaning if there was more left I kept going till It was gone or till I could not move. now I put the food on my plate, say to myself "there's enough food for a normal human being" and that's it no more. In the beginning I was hungry all the time, thought I was going to starve to death but have gotten used to it,,,, kind of. Oh my god I love donuts. well thanks for listening. great to know I'm not alone.
Welcome aboard, d! Yep, we're pretty friendly bunch in here.....

Just watch out for that Tom Stormcrowe, he's a mean ol' slavedriver!:eek: ;)

I finally got off the couch and into the fray today. I'm 5'10" 225, so definitely feel like a Clydesdale. Had an ACL allograft (transplant) 9 weeks ago, after years of reduced activity (chronic knee problems) and 6 months of zero activity (complete ACL separation, torn MCL, ripped meniscus). So, I've been planning, researching and anticpating getting my fat ass into motion ever since the surgery. Got permission from my orthopedic surgeon to trade in the stationary bike for the real thing a couple days ago.

Hybrid between $300 - $500 seemed the best way to start, can always upgrade if I can stay as dedicated and interested as I hope to be. Had 5 bikes in mind when I left the house this morning, spent 7 hours at 3 bike shops, rode them all, came home with a Trek 7200. (Specialized Crossroad felt cheap, Giant Sedona was more mountain than road, Gary Fisher Tiburan had lesser components for the same price, Giant Cypress was a very close second)

The goal is 180 pounds - what I weighed when I was discharged from the Army 25 years ago (how the hell can it 25 years?!?!?). I almost got there a few years ago courtesy of Dr. Atkins, but diet without sustained physical activity is doomed....for me anyway. So, I'm off the couch, the goal is to be in the saddle for at least an hour several nights a week, and progressivly longer excursions on the weekend. Wish me luck...and motivation.

best regards to all,

fThrud
(the f is silent)

I finally got off the couch and into the fray today. I'm 5'10" 225, so definitely feel like a Clydesdale. Had an ACL allograft (transplant) 9 weeks ago, after years of reduced activity (chronic knee problems) and 6 months of zero activity (complete ACL separation, torn MCL, ripped meniscus). So, I've been planning, researching and anticpating getting my fat ass into motion ever since the surgery. Got permission from my orthopedic surgeon to trade in the stationary bike for the real thing a couple days ago.

Hybrid between $300 - $500 seemed the best way to start, can always upgrade if I can stay as dedicated and interested as I hope to be. Had 5 bikes in mind when I left the house this morning, spent 7 hours at 3 bike shops, rode them all, came home with a Trek 7200. (Specialized Crossroad felt cheap, Giant Sedona was more mountain than road, Gary Fisher Tiburan had lesser components for the same price, Giant Cypress was a very close second)

The goal is 180 pounds - what I weighed when I was discharged from the Army 25 years ago (how the hell can it 25 years?!?!?). I almost got there a few years ago courtesy of Dr. Atkins, but diet without sustained physical activity is doomed....for me anyway. So, I'm off the couch, the goal is to be in the saddle for at least an hour several nights a week, and progressivly longer excursions on the weekend. Wish me luck...and motivation.

best regards to all,

fThrud
(the f is silent)
Welcome to Clydes, SilentF;)

You can do exactly the same thing without the marketing and namebrand markup following a sensible nutritional plan....

Nothing special about Nutrisystems other than being prepackaged and expensive. If you consult a dietician, you can set up a plan that will get the same effect. What you need to do is not concentrate on dieting. Diet has the connotations of punishing yourself by depriving yourself of calories. Instead, concentrate on the concept of more thoughtful and saner nutritional choices.

In a hunter/gatherer society, the occasional shot of high fat power food was correct, unfortunately, we lead a lot more sedentary life now, intrinsic to a high tech civilization. The fact of the matter is, if you are burning 16000 calories a day, you can eat 16000 calories without significant weight gain.

Our average for maintenance is +/- 1800 calories a day and this varies due to factors like differing basal metabolic rates. Eating at McDonald's, for example, is not the right choice for those needs. Keep a food journal of everything that crosses your lips, even chewing gum and I think you'll be shocked as to the number of calories you actually consume.:eek:

hey Tom,

I did that it worked, but worked best in the summer when I'm riding. Once I hit fall it fell apart. The think about Nutrisystem for me is the meals are pre-packaged. I open it up, eat what is in front of me, and move on. Decisions on what to eat are removed.

I'd really like to find someone who's done it with Nutrisystems, but that's sounding like a decent option. It would probably be cheaper than my usual daily intake.

hey Tom,

I did that it worked, but worked best in the summer when I'm riding. Once I hit fall it fell apart. The think about Nutrisystem for me is the meals are pre-packaged. I open it up, eat what is in front of me, and move on. Decisions on what to eat are removed.

I'd really like to find someone who's done it with Nutrisystems, but that's sounding like a decent option. It would probably be cheaper than my usual daily intake.
Fair enough! Just thought I'd mention it. Now, Nutrisystem, expense aside....is effective from what I've seen. of people here in Lafayette that I know that use it.:D

Thanks. Good know that real people actually use it and its effective. Sure Marino, Golic and company, but real peoples trials is good to know.

I am a Clydesdale at 6'6" and 336 lbs. I ride a 2006 Specialized Roubaix and a 1989 Miyata Sportrunner ATB.



http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i283/PATH_photos/489252083109_0_ALB.jpg

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i283/PATH_photos/mybike3-1.jpg

I'll weigh in here... 5'6" and 275 pounds. Yeppers, an obese Clydesdale. Two total knee replacements, other medical problems (not heart related). I started bicycling after the TKR (as part of rehab), and decided to ride to keep my range of motion. I don't go fast, or too far in one day. I started out riding a single speed Schwinn (and didn't ride very often), then bought a Trek Navigator in 2004. Last month I bought a Novara Randonnee, hoping to do a little "road work" in the Spring.

Judy

I'll weigh in here... 5'6" and 275 pounds. Yeppers, an obese Clydesdale. Two total knee replacements, other medical problems (not heart related). I started bicycling after the TKR (as part of rehab), and decided to ride to keep my range of motion. I don't go fast, or too far in one day. I started out riding a single speed Schwinn (and didn't ride very often), then bought a Trek Navigator in 2004. Last month I bought a Novara Randonnee, hoping to do a little "road work" in the Spring.

Judy
Judy, a Clyde is a guy!;) You're an Athena!:D Athena sounds more ladylike, true?;)

Thanks, Tom -- I found the Athena group *just* after I posted here (first post). It just felt so great to find a group of "larger" people I had to jump in.

Found your group. I am also in the track forum. anyway, 50 y/o male, had gastric bypass, lost 165lbs 5 yrs ago.. started riding after 17 years off bikes. got weight down to 180 then tried c/cross racing. loved it, even though always last (but finished)! started gaining again early last year after c/cross over. last summer took up fixed gear and tried track racing. took a free course at t-town velodrome. got my a@@ handed to me! still have hell of a time keeping weight off, but goal is to race again in spring. now i'm about 225 and 5'10". gotta lose alot so i don't die on the track! anyway: bypass will get you down to a fighting weight, then it's up to you to stay there! i hope you all well and i'll be looking for some good advice and tips.