Fifty Plus (50+) - Most Improved

I was recognized as Most Improved Rider at the Bicycle Club of Philadelphia annual meeting and Awards Banquet, held at the Manayunk Brewery. This was a special award the club devised in my honor. The club president cited me as (here comes that word again) "inspirational" and "proof that anyone can ride a bike if they want to." They gave me a water bott-, no, I can't even type that with a straight face. The club gave me a certificate for a $250 bike fitting at Cadence, Philadelphia's 'high end' bike shop:

http://www.cadencecycling.com/traini...biomechanical/

I've had a bike fitting with my local shop that I think turned out well, but I don't think it will hurt to have the folks at Cadence take a break from working with racers and triathletes to look at me. I may hold off on the fitting until after I have my knees looked at - the left knee in particular seems to be getting worse, and if there's a surgical fix, even a partial one, I should investigate it.

I was flattered by the award, and although I suspected there would be something said at the banquet, I never expected the extravagant gift. I mumbled some thanks as the 125 attendees applauded. I returned the thanks by purchasing the club jersey at the end of the night. It's something I'd wanted to wear for a long time, but I always came up with excuses not to own it - I had too many jerseys, I'm not good enough/fast enough/lycra'd enough/carbon-fibered enough to ride with BCP, etc. I don't have that excuse any more.

http://www.phillybikeclub.org/Jersey06.jpg

Congratulations. You deserve it.

Wow, TH! Congratulations!! Thanks for sharing this wonderful acknowledgement with us. Way to go!
:beer:

That is great! Congratulations and keep on inspiring. :)

Congratulations TH.:beer:

That is so cool. Nice club jersey too!
Well done.

Way to go!!! You well deserve the honor. The jersey looks great and you'll love wearing it. :)

Way to go!!! You well deserve the honor. The jersey looks great and you'll love wearing it. :)

Thanks. I also picked up matching arm warmers - bright yellow!

I was recognized as Most Improved Rider at the Bicycle Club of Philadelphia annual meeting and Awards Banquet, held at the Manayunk Brewery.

:beer:

You certainly deserve this award. I can remember when you didn't even ride a bike. I've always been in awe of your determination to learn to ride and the hours you've spent acquiring the skills. Job well done!!

All Hail "The Historian!"

You have made history!

:beer:

You certainly deserve this award. I can remember when you didn't even ride a bike. I've always been in awe of your determination to learn to ride and the hours you've spent acquiring the skills. Job well done!!

Thanks, Beverly. You remember me from my 385 pound days, let alone the 'pre-bike' era. It wasn't that long ago, come to think of it.

From alt.support.diet, January 2006:
The Historian wrote:
> Well, here's another de-lurker emerging. I just turned 40, am at 385
> pounds, 6'1'", and have finally committed to losing weight. I've been
> watching my calories and visiting a gym for the past week. I am
> sticking to a 2000 calorie diet. My exercise routine currently consists
> of recumbant bike for the cardio part daily and weights to build up
> muscle three times a week. Unfortunately, I have knee pain so taking
> long walks is not practical. I'm trying to add in little things as well
> such as parking further away from the entrance to work, taking stairs,
> etc. I am managing 10-12 minutes on the bike for now - I probably could
> do more but I find siting on the bike very uncomfortable. I know I need
> to do more, so I keep trying to stay in the saddle longer.

> My goal weight is 200 pounds, which I haven't weighed since high
> school. I know I can do it. This group seems to inspire a lot of loss,
> and I plan on adding to it. So many of the posts here are inspiring,
> especially Matty, the fellow publishing his monthly updates. If he can
> lose 200 pounds, what's my 185?

> A photo of me is displayed with one of my articles:
> http://correspondencechess.com/campbell/articles/a040422.htm
> We can consider this the "before" photo.

> Neil
> 385/???/200

Welcome Neil. I hope to see you posting often. Matty has been an
inspiration to many of us. I always look forward to his monthly
reports as they're so upbeat and positive even when he's had a
not-so-good month.

I take it you like chess :-)

Beverly

Congrats! Just never forget why you ride!!

A terrific accomplishment, congratulations!

Congrats on an award well-earned! The jersey is great and I look forward to reading the post wherein you report that it's too big. :D We'll have to throw you a virtual party for that.

Relish your accomplishment and keep on riding and reporting. You're an inspiration (yes, that word again!) to many.

Congratulations, TH. Nice jersey!

I look forward to your ride reports. Congratulations on the recognition of your accomplishments and keep on riding and having fun. I cannot wait for your next report. http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w76/cgallagh/yourock.gif

Wow. You're a stud!

Congratulations! Nice jersey, great accomplishment!

After having ridden with you once, this doesn't surprise me. I hope you continue to enjoy the adventure.

That is so wonderful, you are an inspiration to us, also! Wear that beautiful jersey with pride!

Congrats!

Way to go!!! You well deserve the honor. The jersey looks great and you'll love wearing it. :)

I loved wearing it this weekend:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2375/2272681226_cdc394f0d5_b.jpg

The photo was taken along the Delaware Canal towpath on the first day of an overnight tour. We (Neil F. and I) rode 36 miles in the cold to visit a friend of Neil's, and we stayed over. There were twin boys in the house, two years old, and they thought I was a superhero from my colorful jersey and the headlight on my helmet. So I told them I was "BCP Man!"

LOL...

Now you just need a cape...oh wait...might get caught in the rear wheel or chain. Better not.

:D

As Edna Mode said: No capes!

Congratulations!

Good luck with that knee.

Another to say congrats on your accomplichment...both personal and ride-wise. nice jersey.
peace

As Edna Mode said: No capes!

Exactly ;) :D