Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Oy... first ride in almost 30 years

I'm beat... and it was only a short one! (Just under 2 miles) But it's a start!

I think the trick is going to be to find a fixed route so I can compare my progress and start extending as I get into better shape.

Ooohf.

Way to go! The first ride is by far the hardest. My first ride in June (1.5 miles) wiped me out too, I could barely imagine what I thought was an ambitious goal of 10 mile rides by summer's end. Now my typical ride is 10-12 miles, and I'm going for 20 soon! You'll get to the distances you want, and quicker than you think.

Absolutely outstanding! For the record, MY first ride in many years was 1/4 of a mile and I was on the verge of physical collapse at the end of it. Ya done good! Now all we need is a pic of ya riding!

In a year you'll be smiling and feeling good about your progress. First step into a better lifestyle! Congrats!

Two miles is great! I don't think my first ride was that far.

My first ride was not that far either. I tooled around the neighborhood, came home crying like a baby and slathered my knees in Flexall 454. A few months later I was going 25 miles with no problems. You'll get there, just be consistent!

Way to go! I'm 3 months past my first ride (in more than 30 years) and like BeckyW, I can now handle 10-12 miles easily and I'm thinking about 20.

Enjoy the rides!

That is just outstanding Ken, you have taken a huge first step, we are all pulling for you to stick with it. Soon you will be breezing around the neighborhood and thinking "Sheesh! time to get back home already? I wish I had more time..."

Yeah, my first couple rides were only about 1-2 miles, a little over a month ago-- but my last ride was 4.5 miles, and I could've gone a little farther if I'd pushed it. Getting on the bike is hardest part, and you did that! You'll be racking up more miles faster than you think . . .

Good form you too, Tabby! Excellent job!:D:beer:

Thanks for the encouragement, gang!

Well, Ken, we've all been there!

Soon you will be in a bad mood on the days you can't go ride. ;)

I'm beat... and it was only a short one! (Just under 2 miles) But it's a start!

I think the trick is going to be to find a fixed route so I can compare my progress and start extending as I get into better shape.

Great start. Getting out and spinning is a great feeling.

One "trick" is to find places you enjoy. It could be a park with lots of pretty landscaping, a ride in the country with fields, ponds, and livestock, or perhaps on a beach with lots of ... ;) If you enjoy being there, you will want to ride more.

Yeah, been there myself... just a shade over a year ago.
Started riding April of last year after a 20 year hiatus.
I could go around the block with stopping 3 times.
There's a 1/3 mile false flat... I was in a pretty low gear and could barely get over about 6 or 7 miles an hour. Well, I just kept at it and the miles -and my gear ratios- started increasing pretty quickly. Now I do 20-25 mile rides without much thought.

I also might point out that a year ago I weighed 225lbs -a lot for my 5'10" frame- and now I'm holding pretty steady at the mid-190s looking to drop at least another 10.

You've taken a good first step -starting- now keep on keeping on.
You'll find a tremendous amount of support here.

as you can see,almost all of us have been there.just keep on pedaling.

Just add distance/speed as your comfort level increases, which WILL be a lot faster than one expects. Just don't push too much, too soon! Sore muscles ruin the fun:)!
I think you want to feel it in your muscles JUST BARELY ENOUGH to know you did something positive.
Ride every day, even if it's just around the block. Seriously! It helps to keep one from "regressing".
Good job "climbing on that horse"!

Ahhh. Another two.

I need to do this in the morning - it's too freaking hot during the evening!

Congrats and a job well done. I typically do my rides after 9:30 pm due to the heat, if you plan to ride in the dark, make sure you get good lighting front and back. You want to be seen.