I did not think I would ever find a place on the internet and or forums that supported up big riders. Now, I am even reading about guys over 300 + lbs. This truely inspires me.
I honestly thought I was truely in a small minority of riders who truely enjoyed bike riding.
See, for years being in the fitness circle you are either one of two things
extremely lean (and on steroids)
Extremely big and strong ( strongman)
That is for the guys that is. I have always been it that catogory of being big and strong but I have a tendency to want to be lazy if I let it get to me. This past year changing jobs has really taken a toll on me. The last job I had I constantly walked and rode my bike around a college campus as a police officer, before that I rode my bike all day long in the city where I was an officer. Just this past year I got the opportunity to work for my father in law and also working along with my wife and the rest of the family. Making much more money but there is a price. I am not nearly as active. Hence me being on my forum and now this one, and many more. LOL. I have become much more sedetary. So this last year has been all about getting my home gym set up and this winter was really bad. I did not hardly do any cardio at all. It certainly caught up with me. Along side of a shoulder that I was having major Range of Motion problems with. I gained about 60lbs from last year. I have had this surgery to correct this. I still do not like to walk or jog because just like the rest of you guys it really takes a toll on our joints. I am strong enough to run two miles but in the long run it just kills my joints.
Hence it was a blessing in disguise for me to get a bike along with making my wife get a bike.
This will tell you just how pathetic I am at this point. I am only riding about 7 miles which I reached last night. Granted I live outside Birmingham Alabama and where I live is really in the hills. :eek: I mean major grades. but I pushed out 7 total miles yesterday and I want to expand on that each day.
I even believe that when I am back to 100% at lifting weight I will still try to ride as much as I can on my off days from the weights. Or I might even plan on lifting only three days a week and riding the rest I have not determined this just yet. I have until Mid may until I am released from my Therapist til I can start adding weight to my barbells.
Yes. It is determination and Knowledge will make it through this endevor.
Now I do have another website and we would love other memebers is you would like to come over. Even though we are a supplement website I am not selling anything here just another means of communicating. Perhaps even some of you with your stories will inspire more. I would love to have you come visit us at
http://forum.illpumpyouup.com/index.php
What is more inspirational is reading about you guys and that alone makes me want to go home right now and push out 10 miles just today in which is what I am going to try and do. I just have to map it.
Tom Stormcrowe
03-27-08, 11:26 AM
Well, this is what a Clyde can accomplish.....
http://www.magma.ca/%7Ecagrant/Backstedt.jpg
Magnus Backstedt
bautieri
03-27-08, 12:48 PM
The only distance that is pathetic is 0. Even if all you did was ride a half mile it is still more cardio exercise than many people get in an entire week. There are a lot of Clydes and Athenas who put up some serious miles ie: several thousand a year. Try not to compare your numbers, everyone starts somewhere. When I first got my bike a 3 mile loop to the grocery store and back was all I could muster. Just like power lifting, you don't walk into the gym first day and deadlift 600lbs. You might leg press it but defiantly wont deadlift it without training.
Pedal on!
Bau
Little Darwin
03-27-08, 01:48 PM
Riding 7 miles on hills would be very hard for me right now... Maybe in a month or two it will be easier.
Keep up the good work!!
Also, don't worry about increasing miles every day. It is OK to let your body get used to the activity before increasing. Don't forget to sprinkle in a rest day here and there.
RoaringMad Mac
03-27-08, 02:05 PM
Oh I agree on getting the proper rest. I tell my clients that I am personal trainer for to make damn sure they get ample rest after a hard week of resistance training.
I know this is no different.
Thanks for the reply.
v1k1ng1001
03-27-08, 02:20 PM
lifting and riding is a great combo for getting back in shape
you'll be there in no time
RoaringMad Mac
03-27-08, 02:23 PM
Thanks. I can't wait til I can start lifting again. All I can do is ROM exercises right now since my surgery. But it is coming.
coasting
03-27-08, 03:45 PM
Hey Mac
Don't forget to have fun cycling! Do a variety of routes. Cycling is the only exercise I actually enjoy (except my other obsession golf which I don't count as exercise) which is why I can keep doing it. Everytime I join a gym I go for about a month then waste the one year membership.
Being good at a sport won't motivate you if you don't enjoy it. I used to be a pretty good swimmer and did competitions but it was more of a chore so even though I got back into it earlier in the year when it was too cold to ride I just couldn't keep it going as soon the weather warmed up a bit. Sounds like you got bit by the cycling bug which is more important than how many miles you did.
RoaringMad Mac
03-27-08, 03:54 PM
Your right. absolutely hit it on the head.
Last year, well 2006 I did not have to worry so much about not having anything to ride because I did it at work. I was on campus and I could rack up about 15 miles in one night + walking.
Now, I just want to have fun. Some of the places around where I live are not the best to ride not that it is so hilly just that some of the turns and stuff are kinda sharp and hilly at the same time and I worry that the reaction time of driver's would not see me.
I would love to commute to work but here again. LOL, it is about 28 miles to work. LOL. Maybe I will be brace and try it one day. LOL I don't have to be at work until about and around 9 am in the morning. but sometimes we have clients in the office and I have to dress accordingly.
There are places for paved biking here in Alabama not far from me that I would like to try on the week-ends and maybe I can get my wife to ride with me.
The lifting weights is something I will continue to do for a long time. I invested a lot of money into my home gym even using my side of the garage for my gym. I am just glad I like taking up my time for fitness rather than just sitting around the house on the week-ends and after work. We even have a pool now which will be nice right after a nice long ride on saturday mornings.
I promise I will keep it fun. I just don't look forward to some of these hills. LOL.
Trucker_JDub
03-27-08, 08:49 PM
I have always been the 'big strong guy'. At 335lbs I'm the one people call when they move. But when it comes to cardio I'm about useless (this is changing). I made a promise to myself this year that it time to get into shape. As my name says I'm a truck driver by trade but since I joined BF with that name I have stopped doing that and taken a job with a friend of mines dad who is a master cabinet maker (my opinion; he's to humble to say the same). I'm helping with installs and working around the shop. It was a bit of a pay cut but breaking a sweat every day and being on my feet all the time is a welcome change. I'm also pounding out miles on my bike when I don't work or if I have a light day.
RoaringMad Mac, who makes that big yellow weight machine? That thing looks cool.
East Hill
03-27-08, 09:04 PM
Now you know why BikeForums is the best! I don't think there is any other cycling forum out there that even admits that Clydes and Athenas not only exist, but that they can be just as good, or have just as much fun cycling as any one else.
There are a lot of people out there who have yet to find us--but it's so exciting when people find out that Clydes and Athenas are just fellow cyclists here :D .
East Hill
Mr. Beanz
03-27-08, 09:19 PM
I've found riding and power lifting just doesn't go well together. I used to start benching at 220, then pyramid up to 330. Tried to ride the day after and it was not happeneing. I could ride but it was a struggle and I never felt well on the bike. Now that I ride much more, I stay at about 200 and do more reps. Leaves energy for the riding.
I've read that riders should increase the mileage more than 10% a week. So don't worry about trying too much too soon. Maybe I'm a minority but I'm one clyde that believes we have cardio abilities too. Matter of fact, that's how I began cycling. Two skinny minny dudes said I was a big strong guy but prolly had no cardio. They changed their minds after one puked trying to keep up! They turned back early.:D
keithm0
03-27-08, 09:57 PM
I've read that riders should increase the mileage more than 10% a week.
Shouldn't that be "...no more than 10% a week"?
Mr. Beanz
03-27-08, 10:31 PM
Shouldn't that be "...no more than 10% a week"?
D'oh! Well see? You're the only one that passed the test!:D
RoaringMad Mac
03-28-08, 04:31 AM
That system is called the PowerTec multi gym. It is a leverage system alot like the Hammer Strength systems are in most gyms.
It is a good system.It holds up rather well being residential equipment. I have loaded it up rather heavy at times and it had done just as well as commercial equipment.
I have always been the 'big strong guy'. At 335lbs I'm the one people call when they move. But when it comes to cardio I'm about useless (this is changing). I made a promise to myself this year that it time to get into shape. As my name says I'm a truck driver by trade but since I joined BF with that name I have stopped doing that and taken a job with a friend of mines dad who is a master cabinet maker (my opinion; he's to humble to say the same). I'm helping with installs and working around the shop. It was a bit of a pay cut but breaking a sweat every day and being on my feet all the time is a welcome change. I'm also pounding out miles on my bike when I don't work or if I have a light day.
RoaringMad Mac, who makes that big yellow weight machine? That thing looks cool.
The Historian
03-28-08, 04:34 AM
Well, this is what a Clyde can accomplish.....
http://www.magma.ca/%7Ecagrant/Backstedt.jpg
Magnus Backstedt
I think your own photos are more impressive, Tom. ;)
RoaringMad Mac
03-28-08, 04:48 AM
I totally agree Mr. Beanz,
I have found over the years that lifting big means eating big. And being a combination of Endomorph and Mesomorph bodystyle. I can put on plenty of muscle but I will pay for it by holding on to excess bodyfat.
I used to have days when I would have a rather hard workout and then have to ride my bike on duty and it just would not happen. I then just asked my Lt. please on certain days could I just use the car and leg my legs rest. Mainly on back and leg days.
Plus these two activities being totally different on the scales of anarobic and aerobic they could not be any different.
Now, I am a trainee of a system called the STS or Sling Shot Training System Devised by a Man named Ronnie Rowland.
The bases of the program is in three cycles Prime/Blast/Cruise.
Prime is primarily a low volume 2 week doing two primarily exercises per body part with only 1 to 2 sets at about 15 reps or as close to good failure as possible. It is mainly a week of prep.
Blast is a High volume 4 week program doing two primary exercises per body part with each body part doing in the range of 10 total sets spread between the two exercises. This is a killer 4 weeks. Most people look at it at first and say it is not that tough looking but the reps schemes after doing it make a big difference.
Cruise is moderate volume 2 week program doing 2 primarily exercises focused on just maintaining strength. Kind of just maintaince.
The system is great for putting on some good muscle in any sport. I focuses on not overloading the CNS (Central Nervous System). Something that most high volume and Low Volume high intesity programs do not consider which leads to major over training.
Now with that said and since I am mainly in a forum here with clydes like myself the program does not allow cardio in that 4 week range because it is so much volume but for instances of loosing bodyfat the extra cardio from riding the bike if done at different ends of the day will not effect insulin levels while training.
If anyone is interested in looking at the STS program here is a link.
Again I apologize if this is inapropriate. If someone will tell me who the moderators or admins are I will specifically ask permissions to put up links. Since my site is a supplement site and just fitness in general I don't think I will take anything away from this site in the first place.
Thanks.
I've found riding and power lifting just doesn't go well together. I used to start benching at 220, then pyramid up to 330. Tried to ride the day after and it was not happeneing. I could ride but it was a struggle and I never felt well on the bike. Now that I ride much more, I stay at about 200 and do more reps. Leaves energy for the riding.
I've read that riders should increase the mileage more than 10% a week. So don't worry about trying too much too soon. Maybe I'm a minority but I'm one clyde that believes we have cardio abilities too. Matter of fact, that's how I began cycling. Two skinny minny dudes said I was a big strong guy but prolly had no cardio. They changed their minds after one puked trying to keep up! They turned back early.:D
Trucker_JDub
03-28-08, 09:18 AM
I think your own photos are more impressive, Tom. ;)
+1 I can think of a couple pics that would go better there. Like one of famous touring pics for example.
WhaleOil
03-28-08, 10:11 AM
I've never posted a picture before as I'm not a very good picture taker. However after reading your post and reading about your measly 7 mi., I thought about the first time I took a ride on a new Specialized 'comfort bike' last year after about 8 yrs of not riding. I grabbed my camera and went to the bottom of the hill to take a picture just now just for you :) First time out I made it about 1/2 mile and I was 5'8 and 235, but my lungs are shot. It took me about 6 wks to complete a 10 mi. ride and it was a huge accomplishment for me. I'll include a pic, I hope it uploads, of kinda where I live. Look at the ridgeline and add about 1/2 the distance again. It took me a long time to be able just to make it up the hill to home. Of course all of my neighbors would drive by me walking my bike up the hill. I was so embarrased imagining what they must be thinking.
Now I can make it up the hill.
Keep posting, the other fellows in the forum have great info and are provide amazing support.
100kb upload limit, this can't be.....I've got to get around this....no pic....hang on.
-eric
RoaringMad Mac
03-28-08, 10:49 AM
You can resize you pics at http://www.photobucket.com
WhaleOil
03-28-08, 11:49 AM
I've got photoshop for the pc and the gimp for the linux box and GraphicConverter for the mac. I just didn't want to crunch the pic to lousy quality. Yes, I've been a geek since around '68 with the old 'Wang' binary terminals.......Oh.....the shame!
I did the deed and upgraded my subscription for $25 so I can have a larger ul primarily AND I get the little red kremlin star, or chinese depending on how you look at it. Give it a little bit and I'll be able to post large pics too :)
-eric
Tom Stormcrowe
03-28-08, 12:03 PM
You can post larger pics with or without the star....just use an offsite image host. :eek: Photobucket is the easiest and it's free, and it even has a good editing program as well! Paste in the "Fourum Code that starts out with alongside the pic. Photobucket is free, too. ;)
I've got photoshop for the pc and the gimp for the linux box and GraphicConverter for the mac. I just didn't want to crunch the pic to lousy quality. Yes, I've been a geek since around '68 with the old 'Wang' binary terminals.......Oh.....the shame!
I did the deed and upgraded my subscription for $25 so I can have a larger ul primarily AND I get the little red kremlin star, or chinese depending on how you look at it. Give it a little bit and I'll be able to post large pics too :)
-eric
WhaleOil
03-28-08, 12:16 PM
Now you tell me! Oh well, I've spent $25 much more foolishly :)
Thanks for the links and coaching guys! I 'THINK' you should see my lovely ride. LOL
-eric
East Hill
03-28-08, 12:45 PM
Now you tell me! Oh well, I've spent $25 much more foolishly :)
You will enjoy not seeing the ads.
Trust us :D .
Worth every penny of the $25 bucks, and remember, it's for a virtual lifetime so it amortises over the years.
By the way, Brian sometimes gets busy, so if your star doesn't show up by tomorrow or so, send Brian an e-mail with a cut and paste copy of your PayPal receipt...he's usually pretty efficient though.
East Hill
WhaleOil
03-28-08, 12:51 PM
I have no problem with that. Tell Brian to take his time, we all work too much lol.
Love the Forum guys, and always when I order form Nashbar or Precision click the link to give you the stipen you get from it.
Money well spent! Thank You!
-eric
Tom Stormcrowe
03-28-08, 01:04 PM
Loooks like some great scenery :D Too much winter dandruff, though. ;)
It's pretty darn discouraging now.... But when I put fenders on the 4300 I won't care. I'm not taking the 7.5 out in it though. That's all black ice and I had a hell of a time getting up and down it. Next fall I'll take pics of the whole road to the house, even though I'm moving I'll come back down and photo it because it's just so beautiful in the fall. This pic doesn't do it justice but it is a very pretty place.
RoaringMad Mac
03-30-08, 06:29 PM
that is an awesome home gym by the way
Thank you. I like it. It is better than going to a gym because I can listen to what I want to.
I am now, since I have been released from my physical therapist, trying to decide which I want to do now.
I can't lift really heavy for a couple more months but she wants me doing ROM exercises. I will continue my normal program in the afternoon and just go through the motions.
I think I have decided to ride my bike in the early morning hours at around 5:30 am and on Wenesdays, Saturday's and Sunday's I will try to make a ride as well for longer periods of time. My early morning rides will have to be only about an hour at the most.