Fifty Plus (50+) - Choices in Lifestyle

This little story may be of interest to someone.
I am sitting next to a nice gentlemen on a flight from Chicago to Detroit. We find out that we serve the same customers and suffer the same stresses. He is an advertising executive and I do automation.
We both are dismayed by the trend of the USA automotive industry.
I told him that I will hit the park upon arrival for a three hour bike ride or hike depending on temperature on arrival. He was scheduling a non-business dinner upon arrival. It was an mid afternoon flight. He had several glasses of wine (more than two, lost count). I had water. He golfs occasionally, no other exercise. He just survived a triple bypass operation and is on medication. He is obese. (at least 50 lbs overweight)
He has a very pleasant personality but professes to be stressed out. I assume that he internalizes stress.
His immediate dream is to retire this year in Palm Springs, CA. He is juggling resources to do that.
I mean to say that he is stretching his finances. (more stress)
I will retire in Rockford, IL and Snowbird to FL in order NOT to have financial stress.
He agrees he should cut his food intake and exercise but has no idea how to get going. He said that the medication prevents him from starting now.
I am dreaming and preparing for another XC bike tour ASAP. He looked at me (we are same age) and he shook his head.
I know a number of people like that. IMHO, the doctors will be busy.

people are what they are...count your blessings that you are what you are.

It takes work, will, and sacrifice to NOT be the gentleman you sat next to, Will. Be proud-- with humility. Be relieved-- with gratitude. Be dedicated to a higher ideal.

I share your observations everyday and can greatly appreciate your perspective. I've been in the fellow's shoes that sat next to you (except for the bypass stuff) and am now much, much happier with myself with 50 pounds "less of me". I sure as heck feel a lot better, sleep a lot better and am more relaxed overall. I'm sure there are many, many others here that share the same story.

I don't observe others with contempt, but it is amazing how many of our fellow citizens are carrying a lot more of themselves around than they need to be......and are not doing a lot about it. It is particularly alarming to see kids in school that are way, way heavier than they need to be-especially knowing it's just going to get worse for them as they get older. I see it in my family-but fortunately not in my wife and kids. I see it in coworkers and the public in general.

I'm encouraged as a few of my friends have picked up riding and exercise but it is a very small minority. Probably a good reminder that we should all continue to carry the message to those folks we really care about......

BTW-I still have a XC trip on my list of things to do but have to get these kids out of college first!! I really enjoy following your trip(s) and hope to be out there one day as well.

Willpower will power those who want to be healthy...and it is not easy, but possible.

Why do most people consider "exercise" something deadly?

From where in our society does this emanate?

My neighbor across the street lost a lot of weight, but he proudly told me he did it without any "exercise." And he drives his car to the mailbox, .2 miles up the street.

Is it our school system? Our harried life? That many folks don't have a decent place to exercise?

I really don't understand this.

I don't know what it is exactly, but it is amazing how fat and lazy our culture has become. I'm sure I notice it more because I'm trying to resist those tendencies in myself. I've always been pretty active, but I've always been a big eater too. I used to get away with that, but it finally started catching up with me and the weight was getting out of control.
For the past couple of years I've been much more aware of what I eat and increasing my activity level. As I've done this I have really noticed how many people around me are eating junk all day and totally avoiding any strenuous activity. And I notice what it is doing to them. They are getting larger every year and they are having health problems. It really scares me to think what this is doing to health care costs. Especially when I see the kids at my son's middle school, or look around at a restaurant or shopping mall. Makes me want to eat some vegetables and go for a ride on my bike!

I was at a dog trial over the weekend. There was a woman there so obese her husband had to wheel her around in a wheel chair to show her dogs. There are a LOT of other people so obese I wonder how they are able to support their own body weight. And a lot younger than me at that. That behavior is stupid and unnecessary, I think it's time for society to be a lot less accepting of that form of self destruction, which is what it is, no differentm really than smoking or drug abuse or alcoholism. I'm a big guy (6'1" 250) and could stand to lose some weight too, but I exercise and watch what I eat or I'd be huge too. I'll be damned if I will ever allow myself to deteriorate to the point that I can't do the things that I love. Thank God for cycling and some semblance of self discipline.

people are what they are...count your blessings that you are what you are.

I understand your point.
Yours is the prevailing attitude.
OTOH, I am happy to report that my wife has become a exercise addict and at 65 is in excellent condition says her doctor. She comes from a family of 5 sisters, 3 out of 5 smoked, never exercised, drink to excess and are death. I take partial credit for being a good influence.
My son smokes. He does exercise. I think I got him interested in more serious biking and HOPE and his mother PRAYS that he will drop the smoking.
I mean to say with all this: I think that we should use our positive influence where we can. Passively standing by, may be unethical. JMHO.

It takes work, will, and sacrifice to NOT be the gentleman you sat next to, Will. Be proud-- with humility. Be relieved-- with gratitude. Be dedicated to a higher ideal.

CC:
I am not overly religious but on this subject I do thank the Providence whomever that may be and pray that the folks searching see that there is a better way.
I receive so much happiness out of this that I cannot stop broadcasting it.

I share your observations everyday and can greatly appreciate your perspective. I've been in the fellow's shoes that sat next to you (except for the bypass stuff) and am now much, much happier with myself with 50 pounds "less of me". I sure as heck feel a lot better, sleep a lot better and am more relaxed overall. I'm sure there are many, many others here that share the same story.

I don't observe others with contempt, but it is amazing how many of our fellow citizens are carrying a lot more of themselves around than they need to be......and are not doing a lot about it. It is particularly alarming to see kids in school that are way, way heavier than they need to be-especially knowing it's just going to get worse for them as they get older. I see it in my family-but fortunately not in my wife and kids. I see it in coworkers and the public in general.

I'm encouraged as a few of my friends have picked up riding and exercise but it is a very small minority. Probably a good reminder that we should all continue to carry the message to those folks we really care about......

BTW-I still have a XC trip on my list of things to do but have to get these kids out of college first!! I really enjoy following your trip(s) and hope to be out there one day as well.

I am a happy and grateful Immigrant to the USA. As such, I have much to be humble about. OTOH, I have observed an increase in obesity and a lack of CV type exercise in the USA. I wish that I could help stem that tide.
I have a theory on the cause: We are pursuing the American dream of material goods. In the pursuit of that happiness, we are giving up family (see divorce rate and children), friends and quality time for a balanced lifestyle. JMHO.

Why do most people consider "exercise" something deadly?

From where in our society does this emanate?

My neighbor across the street lost a lot of weight, but he proudly told me he did it without any "exercise." And he drives his car to the mailbox, .2 miles up the street.

Is it our school system? Our harried life? That many folks don't have a decent place to exercise?

I really don't understand this.

DnvrFOX:
I do see you as a role model for how things should be. I do now that you have your cross to carry but take time to do this forum. Thanks.

My guess is the guy you met spends a lot of time "living" in the future. Worrying about what will happen with his job, finances, retirement, etc. That in itself becomes a way of "living." If he ever makes it to retirement he will find something to worry about because that is just what he does. His stress will end when it kills him. Change your attitude, change your life. (Not you, him).

I don't know what it is exactly, but it is amazing how fat and lazy our culture has become. I'm sure I notice it more because I'm trying to resist those tendencies in myself. I've always been pretty active, but I've always been a big eater too. I used to get away with that, but it finally started catching up with me and the weight was getting out of control.
For the past couple of years I've been much more aware of what I eat and increasing my activity level. As I've done this I have really noticed how many people around me are eating junk all day and totally avoiding any strenuous activity. And I notice what it is doing to them. They are getting larger every year and they are having health problems. It really scares me to think what this is doing to health care costs. Especially when I see the kids at my son's middle school, or look around at a restaurant or shopping mall. Makes me want to eat some vegetables and go for a ride on my bike!

I study my own problems and find this: I have an excessive stressful job (I need to get out but there are consequences such as protegees). That job affects how I deal with people. Alcohol masks that problem. Combine that with snacks and you have a road to disaster.
I accept that I am too weak to cut it out. I now drink only very expensive wine and expensive snacks. That limits what I can do. I am not independently wealthy.
Next, I add 1.5-3.0 hours exercise/day. With all that I am not loosing but also not gaining weight and I feel great. Controlling drinking is never out of my mind.:eek:

I have found the fountain of youth, as have most of you:

1) exercise, both weight-bearing and aerobic;
2) eat sensibly;
3) find a career you actually enjoy;
4) live within your financial means;
5) invest wisely;
6) seek and pursue your passions (for me, these include: family; bicycling; "classical" music; physics & philosophy; career; home, auto, appliance, bicycle repair; lifelong learning and teaching; politics).

No magic bullet, just good, clean living. John Wesley said, "Earn all you can. Save all you can. Give all you can."

I was at a dog trial over the weekend. There was a woman there so obese her husband had to wheel her around in a wheel chair to show her dogs. There are a LOT of other people so obese I wonder how they are able to support their own body weight. And a lot younger than me at that. That behavior is stupid and unnecessary, I think it's time for society to be a lot less accepting of that form of self destruction, which is what it is, no differentm really than smoking or drug abuse or alcoholism. I'm a big guy (6'1" 250) and could stand to lose some weight too, but I exercise and watch what I eat or I'd be huge too. I'll be damned if I will ever allow myself to deteriorate to the point that I can't do the things that I love. Thank God for cycling and some semblance of self discipline.

+1, my sentiments exactly.

Willpower will power those who want to be healthy...and it is not easy, but possible.


I applaud the efforts people make to stay healthy, active and involved in life. Yet I know that willpower is not enough. There are many people who are more fit than I am, but not healthy, and it has nothing to do with effort on their part. They are victims of disease or have a genetic make-up that puts them at high risk for life threatening events (heart attack, stroke, etc.) One thing that concerns me is that we run the risk of blaming the victims of disease for having the disease. Granted, there are things I can do to reduce my risk and things that will most likely increase my risk, but willpower is often not enough. Two examples to illustrate my point (I'm sure most of us can give our own examples). I guy I went to high school with used to run one or two marathons each year. You could see him out running in the morning five or six days a week. He was slim and fit, and died of a massive heart attack during one of his morning runs at age 52. Turns out almost all of the males in his family died of heart attacks before reaching age 60. Second example: I know a man in his 70s who smokes almost two packs of cigarettes a day, drinks excessively, has never exercised, eats bacon and eggs every morning and continues to get remarkably good results from his physical check-ups (good blood pressure, low cholesterol readings, lungs clear, etc.) He does no exercises and has no willpower at all in terms of health.

With all of that said, I appreciate the OP's sentiments. Lifestyle choices are important. Those of us who ride have made an important one, and we should be grateful for every mile we are blessed with.

for many of us, life is a matter of getting into ruts and then hopefully, finding our way out. Maybe, you helped this guy to find a way out of his.

My guess is the guy you met spends a lot of time "living" in the future. Worrying about what will happen with his job, finances, retirement, etc. That in itself becomes a way of "living." If he ever makes it to retirement he will find something to worry about because that is just what he does. His stress will end when it kills him. Change your attitude, change your life. (Not you, him).

I agree. This guy was/is a stranger. Unfortunately I have friends who are that way too. The only time they get exited is if they get off the chair to cheer their sports team.
These are my friends. I care for them. I asked if they do not know what they are doing.
Answer: This is their escape from the reality we are in. It works to shield them from the pressures of living in our pressure cooker world. Unfortunately it will not strengthen their CV system and it puts on weight.

...I've always been pretty active, but I've always been a big eater too. I used to get away with that, but it finally started catching up with me and the weight was getting out of control...

Boy, I bet that applies to a lot of us! Sure does for me. I do love my good food. Especially pasta, good Italian boy that I am. I just try (note "try") to apply some portion control.

And I have to admit too that I'm not the most self-motivated guy when it comes to exercise. I have put a lot less time on the trainer than I had intended this winter. (OK, so I have a partial if shabby excuse: I've been neck deep in my DIY basement remodeling project.) Part of the reason that I do group rides is the social motivation. I'd probably ride less on my own. Hey, it works.

Same goes for going to the gym. I slack on that more than I should. Even though I enjoy it when I'm there. You'd think I'd learn...

Anyway, I have been hitting the gym lately, but today is a "recovery and work in the basement" day. Back to the gym tomorrow. Really. Riding season is fast approaching and I know I'm way out of shape.

And with a nice weekend forecast, maybe it's time to take the road bike off the trainer. Or at least take the fixie out on the MUP (gasp, wheeze....!) so I don't get dropped on those first few club rides.

I have found the fountain of youth, as have most of you:

1) exercise, both weight-bearing and aerobic;
2) eat sensibly;
3) find a career you actually enjoy;
4) live within your financial means;
5) invest wisely;
6) seek and pursue your passions (for me, these include: family; bicycling; "classical" music; physics & philosophy; career; home, auto, appliance, bicycle repair; lifelong learning and teaching; politics).

No magic bullet, just good, clean living. John Wesley said, "Earn all you can. Save all you can. Give all you can."

Sounds good to me. Now, how do I get my significant others to buy into that? (By this I mean Friends and Family)

for many of us, life is a matter of getting into ruts and then hopefully, finding our way out. Maybe, you helped this guy to find a way out of his.

I was riding on a dirt road Monday - a portion of a trail that is mostly cement. The road is QUITE rutty, and I was thinking (rule 1: never think) "These 700x25's are doing really well."

So, I said to myself (rule 2: never talk to self) "Hey, you can get out of this rut and get to that better surface off to the side of the road."

Yeah, right (rule 3: Never try to get a 700x25 tire out of a deep rut). Soon I was splashed all over the side of the road, torn jacket and tights, and just a bit of a road rash as a reminder. At least my clipins released correctly and easily.

Moral: Exercise CAN be harmful.:D And getting out of ruts may be harder than we think!

I applaud the efforts people make to stay healthy, active and involved in life. Yet I know that willpower is not enough. There are many people who are more fit than I am, but not healthy, and it has nothing to do with effort on their part. They are victims of disease or have a genetic make-up that puts them at high risk for life threatening events (heart attack, stroke, etc.) One thing that concerns me is that we run the risk of blaming the victims of disease for having the disease. Granted, there are things I can do to reduce my risk and things that will most likely increase my risk, but willpower is often not enough. Two examples to illustrate my point (I'm sure most of us can give our own examples). I guy I went to high school with used to run one or two marathons each year. You could see him out running in the morning five or six days a week. He was slim and fit, and died of a massive heart attack during one of his morning runs at age 52. Turns out almost all of the males in his family died of heart attacks before reaching age 60. Second example: I know a man in his 70s who smokes almost two packs of cigarettes a day, drinks excessively, has never exercised, eats bacon and eggs every morning and continues to get remarkably good results from his physical check-ups (good blood pressure, low cholesterol readings, lungs clear, etc.) He exercises no willpower at all in terms of health.

With all of that said, I appreciate the OP's sentiments. Lifestyle choices are important. Those of us who ride have made an important one, and we should be grateful for every mile we are blessed with.

I agree with your post 100%
Exercise will NOT guarantee a long life. However!, it will increase quality of the short life we have and saves money on medical bills.

for many of us, life is a matter of getting into ruts and then hopefully, finding our way out. Maybe, you helped this guy to find a way out of his.

I tried like hell for two hours. I will keep him in mind.

Lot of good thoughts here.

I feel very fortunate in so many ways--including the fact that I never thought of eating sensibly and exercising as a sacrifice. Rather they are part of what makes life worth living. On the other hand, working at a university, I see people (including healthy 19-year-olds) who wouldn't dream of taking the stairs when an elevator is available. I didn't even know our building had an elevator til I'd been working here a few weeks.

Lot of good thoughts here.

I feel very fortunate in so many ways--including the fact that I never thought of eating sensibly and exercising as a sacrifice. Rather they are part of what makes life worth living. On the other hand, working at a university, I see people (including healthy 19-year-olds) who wouldn't dream of taking the stairs when an elevator is available. I didn't even know our building had an elevator til I'd been working here a few weeks.

Working at a university gives you much contact with young people needing role models. We can be a positive or negative role model. Somewhere I heard that what we do matters more than what we say.
You think that is true?

I tried like hell for two hours. I will keep him in mind.
Quite often , I find bar stools and airliner seats to be unfriendly places. Even an exchange about why many of us are miserable is a positive first step. He did seem interested in how you handled your life. Maybe you planted a fresh idea. For so many Americans we work hard, can or don't plan for our futures; retire and die.

I was riding on a dirt road Monday - a portion of a trail that is mostly cement. The road is QUITE rutty, and I was thinking (rule 1: never think) "These 700x25's are doing really well."

So, I said to myself (rule 2: never talk to self) "Hey, you can get out of this rut and get to that better surface off to the side of the road."

Yeah, right (rule 3: Never try to get a 700x25 tire out of a deep rut). Soon I was splashed all over the side of the road, torn jacket and tights, and just a bit of a road rash as a reminder. At least my clipins released correctly and easily.

Moral: Exercise CAN be harmful.:D And getting out of ruts may be harder than we think!

Dnvr......I think a measure of fitness is that a guy in his mid60's had a fairly serious crash (enough to rip clothing and abraid skin) and at least appears to have bounced back. Bouncing back may not have happened so readily to Will's seatmate on the plane. Fitness is no perfect shield in life, but it helps.

I agree with much of what I see here.

I spent 20 years teaching exercise & fitness as a living...for me it's a lifestyle; never could understand people who don't get that. I despaired of ever getting people to learn to take better care of themselves.

A career change gave me new perspective. Like peace, change happens within...and when people change what's on their insides, their outsides reflect that change.

Now I go about my business and do what I want/need to do to stay healthy. I find that the people around me are following my lead (eat less, move more). Several women in my office have asked me to help them get in shape so they can ride their bikes again. So I'm organizing a girls-only ride for us. One of them is worried that she'll become "obsessed" with cycling, "like you are, riding hundreds of miles." I told her, "Only if you let yourself become obsessed."

I can think of much worse alternatives.

Who was it that said (apologies for the misquote) "you must be the change you want to see in others"? It's truer now than it ever was.

"you must be the change you want to see in others"? It's truer now than it ever was.

I think this quote deserves repeating and I will go by it.:)

I have noticed a lot of information going around lately pointing out how the makeup of typical diets has changed over time and what a detrimental impact that is having on people's health and weight. The mass-produced food that is so readily available is chock full of stuff that makes us fatter, lazier and sicker. Not just the amount of fat and carbs in the food, but the kind of fats and carbs. Partially hydrogenated oils and high fructose corn syrup are in almost everything marketed to mass consumption. This stuff was invented for ease and convenience of mass production and it is really taking its toll on the people who gobble it up. The more I hear and read about this stuff, the more I notice how prevalent it is and the more I can see what it is doing to people.
So along with personal choices and genetic predisposition, we now have all these artificial and excessively abundant, easily accessible harmful factors all around us. It is really scary when you think about it.

I think this quote deserves repeating and I will go by it.:)

I usually see this attributed to Ghandi. "You must be the change you wish to see in the world."

I see this every day.

My mother had a stroke.
Doctors explained that her health needed to get better.
Comes home and continues with her normal diet of junk food and no exercise.
Has mild heart attack 1 year later.
Doctors explain that her health needs to get better. No junk food, exercise and quit smoking.
Today she hasn't done any.

If this was a normal person, I wouldn't give a sh*t, but I have to see this every day. And the worst of it is, I will have to take care of her again after her next stroke or possible heart attack.

I have noticed a lot of information going around lately pointing out how the makeup of typical diets has changed over time and what a detrimental impact that is having on people's health and weight. The mass-produced food that is so readily available is chock full of stuff that makes us fatter, lazier and sicker. Not just the amount of fat and carbs in the food, but the kind of fats and carbs. Partially hydrogenated oils and high fructose corn syrup are in almost everything marketed to mass consumption. This stuff was invented for ease and convenience of mass production and it is really taking its toll on the people who gobble it up. The more I hear and read about this stuff, the more I notice how prevalent it is and the more I can see what it is doing to people.
So along with personal choices and genetic predisposition, we now have all these artificial and excessively abundant, easily accessible harmful factors all around us. It is really scary when you think about it.

I am not well informed about that what you list above. I suspect you are right.
The USA food supply tends to be more loaded with sodium to survive the longer distances and shelve life.
That did make the news in Europa and some USA processed foods are not welcome there.
I hope that someone watches this stuff. The obesity problem in the USA is going to cost us all dearly.
I feel helpless on that. The current administration does not strike me as being thoughtful on subjects such as this. I think this should be directed from the top down. I do not think it is.

I usually see this attributed to Ghandi. "You must be the change you wish to see in the world."

Thanks, never too old to learn. This is a good one to know.:)

I see this every day.

My mother had a stroke.
Doctors explained that her health needed to get better.
Comes home and continues with her normal diet of junk food and no exercise.
Has mild heart attack 1 year later.
Doctors explain that her health needs to get better. No junk food, exercise and quit smoking.
Today she hasn't done any.

If this was a normal person, I wouldn't give a sh*t, but I have to see this every day. And the worst of it is, I will have to take care of her again after her next stroke or possible heart attack.

I can feel for you. My wife's sister and our sponsor to the USA was a smoker, alcoholic, never exercises and has a horrible diet. She lived the last two years in my house as a form of payback. (her son would not take her)
She developed chronic pain in all joints. Next, heavy doses of pain killer. Next, kidney failure. Next, dialysis. Next, heart failure and death.
That is the future of many folks who do not take care of the machine, our body and mind.

I was riding on a dirt road Monday - a portion of a trail that is mostly cement. The road is QUITE rutty, and I was thinking (rule 1: never think) "These 700x25's are doing really well."

So, I said to myself (rule 2: never talk to self) "Hey, you can get out of this rut and get to that better surface off to the side of the road."

Yeah, right (rule 3: Never try to get a 700x25 tire out of a deep rut). Soon I was splashed all over the side of the road, torn jacket and tights, and just a bit of a road rash as a reminder. At least my clipins released correctly and easily.

Two words of advice: "Bunny Hop". It's actually the safest way to exit a rut.

Two words of advice: "Bunny Hop". It's actually the safest way to exit a rut.

I've never done a bunny hop on a road bike. That must be fun. I don't think I have that level of expertise. Next time I will just follow the rut until it ends, which it did.

That life style starts early. In my Close there are around 10 youngsters who are always out playing- running- riding their bikes and having fun playing games. There were also around 8 that have flown the nest but come back to visit parents- but they were doing the same activity 10 to 15 years ago. All of these are still slim- Still active and as far as I know- in good health. Then we have 2 other families. One of which had 2 daughters that went to different schools- never mixed with the kids in the road- and both are on the Large side. Then the other family that never plays anywhere- The diet seems to
consist of junk food and the whole family are well and truly Obese.

Life style is something that is started young.

From the Red Green Show : Possum Lodge Man's Prayer: "I'm a man?But I can change?If I have to?I guess."

Once it hits you that your lifestyle is going to kill you, it is change or die time.

Ole Red's got a lot of things right, including the Man's Prayer. He taught me a lot about how to use duct tape.

The mass-produced food that is so readily available is chock full of stuff that makes us fatter, lazier and sicker. Not just the amount of fat and carbs in the food, but the kind of fats and carbs. Partially hydrogenated oils and high fructose corn syrup are in almost everything marketed to mass consumption. This stuff was invented for ease and convenience of mass production and it is really taking its toll on the people who gobble it up.

My wife was commenting this morning about walking past the canned goods aisle and past the frozen dinner section in the grocery store and thinking how much easier it would be to feed us (me, 2 or 3 older adolescents) with prepared foods. I pointed out to her that she had completely spoiled us to freshly-prepared food and that it was just too late now. I'm particularly proud that our kids are not overweight, eat (mostly) healthy snacks and simply have no self-concept of themselves being obese or letting themselves get that way.

I sometimes find myself resenting the fatties because they are:

a) costing us all money in terms of increased health costs, and

b) making the USA look like the Land of Lazy Porkers, when it used to be known as a land of strong, energetic people.


I try not to feel this way too often, but when I see a morbidly obese woman in the grocery store riding in one of those electric carts, and she's holding a 64 oz mug of soda, I just have no sympathy whatsoever.

A couple of hours ago a friend and I stopped by a gas station/mini-mini mart. 3 aisles of goods. 1/2 of 1 aisle was car stuff (oil, etc.) the rest of the 2.5 aisles was nothing but junk food. Candy, chips, processed food, sodas - crap for the most part. Some of it did look tempting tho. :rolleyes:

'Zealot observed and asked. . .

>>> Somewhere I heard that what we do matters more than what we say. You think that is true?

It's a good and valid sentiment with respect to one's self and to those very close. I'll add that it's a good model for the way to live.

[CYNICISM=ON]
Don't expect the general run of humanity to notice or give a cube root of a fat hoot.
[CYNICISM=OFF]

I sometimes find myself resenting the fatties because they are:

a) costing us all money in terms of increased health costs, and

b) making the USA look like the Land of Lazy Porkers, when it used to be known as a land of strong, energetic people.


I try not to feel this way too often, but when I see a morbidly obese woman in the grocery store riding in one of those electric carts, and she's holding a 64 oz mug of soda, I just have no sympathy whatsoever.

Don't feel bad about it- We have our share of Lardies and obese over here aswell. Difference is we have a National Health Service that will pay for the illnesses that Obesity can bring. Only problem is that "I", and all other taxpayers, pay for it. In other words- I pay the insurance through taxes for those that cannot be bothered to help themselves as thanks to their obesity they cannot work.

I've never done a bunny hop on a road bike. That must be fun. I don't think I have that level of expertise. Next time I will just follow the rut until it ends, which it did.
You could stop, move the bike, and start from a different place.:)

You could stop, move the bike, and start from a different place.:)

I was trying to make a funny and all I get is advice from humorless souls!

Think I will take my bike and go play somewhere else!:D

I was trying to make a funny and all I get is advice from humorless souls!

Think I will take my bike and go play somewhere else!:D

Bunny hops on the road bike are not fun!!!!!

Now if you really want to enjoy them-Get in a Rut, offroad, uphill, and the sides are getting higher and all you can see is a 10" step at the end- And you are Kna&$ered. I Followed your advice- reached the end- Tried to bunny hop over the Step- Pulled out of my cleats with the force I put into the attempted jump and Was awarded 3x 6's and a 4.5 for the backward somersault- I nearly pulled off. It would have been perfect if the bike hadn't followed me as I had kept hold of the bars.

I was trying to make a funny and all I get is advice from humorless souls!

Think I will take my bike and go play somewhere else!:D
Funny doesn't always work - but don't stop trying!

Actually I have a funny bunny hop story. I was riding a road that had been closed to autos by the park police because of a recent snow storm. I couldn't figure out why, it had been sunny and the road was pretty clear. Anyhow the road had a nice up hill with a bridge going across a gully. Now that is a well known bridge - not exactly in the best of shape. In particular as you approach there a ridge about an inch and a half high that if you hit at speed can cause a flat real quick.

So anyhow I'm approaching the bridge, ready to bunny hop the ridge when I notice a couple of women walking their bikes on the bridge. Well, I figure, I'm a male, I'll impress those lasses with my prowess by blasting by them. As I bunny hop the ridge, one of the girls turns and yells ICE! As it turns out the bridge was completely ice covered, they were walking it because their keen sense of observation had not been distracted. Unfortunately I was distracted and when I was in mid air visions of me crashing flashed through my head. I hit the ice and for some unknown reason, I didn't wipe. But I started cussing and saying things not suitable for the fairer sex, not intentionally but I was just plain scared and terrified of a wipe out (doesn't take much ice for me to fall). During my tirade I kept pedaling and somehow made it to the other side without falling, something that I probably couldn't duplicate in 100 times.

Now if I had kept my cool (or held my tongue) I would have stopped and marveled with the young ladies about my bike handling skills. However I was so embarrassed about what I had said I had to keep pedaling before they discovered I was a member of the 50+ club and a fouled mouthed member at that.