new here

[SpecRider]

hey, my name is jeff, i just got back into riding. i used to ride my bmx bike EVERYWHERE when i was a kid, but ya know got a car and friends and never looked back. but recently me and the girlfriend have been itching for new things to do and try and get in shape.
so i borrowed my brothers trek 3700 and i put about 100miles on it in a month, so i decided im gonna stick with it and get my own bike. my 24th birthday was yesterday and i went out and bought a new specialized hardrock sport
http://img443.imageshack.us/img443/9944/img0610qp1.jpg
i love it and can't wait to take it on a real ride tommorow. right now im 5'9" about 260-265lbs. i would love to lose about 40lbs and just get in better shape. i've been riding 10miles about 3 or 4 times a week so far and im definatly going to keep it up. this forum looks like a ton of motivation and it's cool to see other fat guys on the trail, makes me feel good.
i have one question, do you guys perfer to eat before or after a ride? i've been mostly riding after dinner in the afternoon when it cools down.

[Dr_Robert]

Welcome to the forums!

Funny thing: when I got back into cycling it was right around my 24th birthday (back in July of aught-four)... and my birthday present to myself was a brand new Hardrock Comp. :D You picked a great frame to start off with - 3 years of hard use and mine's still going strong.

Regarding meals - I usually to eat something small before I ride, and something small after a couple hours if it's a long ride. By small, I mean 200-300 good calories - fruit, nuts, smoothies, granola bars, stuff like that. On a really long ride, I'll stop for a light lunch. I don't like to exercise on a full stomach, so I hold off on big meals until I'm done riding for the day.

Everyone is different, but that works best for me.

-DR

[(51)]

Welcome aboard. It seems like the automobile is the root of all evil. Before I was 16 I used to ride or walk everywhere and was in pretty good shape. After 16 everything went to pot...Beer, fast food and girls became the focus.

[KingTermite]

Welcome to the forum. I try to eat something very small before riding. Usually a clif bar or small (half) bowl of cereal. I went once after a big breakfast and nearly chucked after 1 mile.

My rule is not to go on full or empty stomach. Usually empty + small (good calories as suggested) is where I like to ride at.

[SpecRider]

thanks for the tips guys, i went on my regular 10.5-11 mile ride today and averaged 11.2mph, on the trek my average was 10.5mph...cooooool
it is a much more comfortable bike and the seat is lightyear better, no numbness or pain.

[Stujoe]

Welcome!

Sweet ride! I have the same one...color and everything. Bought it a couple weeks ago and I love it! Very comfortable ride for me too.

For my weekend rides that are going to be over 2 hours and start early in the morning, I eat some breakfast about 30 to 45 minutes before I start riding (usually a bowl of Cheerios or similar). I also drink some water. I take a banana with me to eat after about an hour of riding. Other than that, I make sure I drain a bottle of water every hour.

I usually have some more water and a banana when I get home. I am a banana freak. lol Then I eat lunch at normal time.