Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - What bike should I buy?

First off I am brand new to this site, and I have to say all of you with a weight loss story are an inspiration to me.
I'll be 33 in a week and I weigh somewhere near 475 but I am looking to change that. I used to be a bmx hooligan (back in the late 80's before I got my drivers license) but I have not touched a bike sence I started driving. I am fully committed to losing a vast majority of my excess tonnage and I think getting back on a bke can be a big part of that goal.
So now I will ask the question that has been asked 1000 times before. What bike would be best for me? I would prefer something more mountain bikeish rather than street bike like. (I.E. fat tires, very rugged ect. )and I have a budget of $500. Oh yes I currently reside in the area of Portland Oregon which thankfully, as I understand is very bicycle friendly.
Any help you can all give me would be wonderful and once again you are all an inspiration.
Thanks for your time,
Godzilla33

Welcome and good luck. Just deciding to do something about your health is a positive step. Since I am not a MTB rider, I will leave to others to suggest, but I would think a hardtail with a rigid fork will probably be the best option. Might also check your local craig's list as well.

Welcome to bikeforums, Godzilla! For you, thankfully, there's an option. Find yourself a 2007 (not 2008) Specialized Hardrock SPORT. The "Sport" model comes with tough-as-nails 36 spoke wheels, and plenty of other big-dude friendly components. The 2008, for some reason, now has 32 spoke wheels, which aren't as big guy friendly as the previous years. Only one thing I'd change - get some big Wellgo BMX pedals - big ole platforms that are going to be friendly for your likely wide feet.

I started riding my Hardrock Sport when I was north of 400lbs, probably about 410 or so - and it held me. Hell, it held me at 370-ish doing some pretty crazy MTBing last year. I paid ~$350 for mine, and I still have it, held up for nearly 2,000 miles before I needed to do anything to it. I'll keep it forever, great great bike.

Other than that, just ride! :)

Or try Giant Yukon. That bike is about $500 new and you can pick up used version to get started for about half.

Good luck!

Thanks for the advice everyone I'll be checking out my Local bike shops this week looking for one that's not full of snobby bicycle elitist.

Thanks for the advice everyone I'll be checking out my Local bike shops this week looking for one that's not full of snobby bicycle elitist.

Good luck, and welcome aboard! :)

Welcome to the forum neighbor. I am a couple hours north of Portland! Just remember, don't get discouraged, getting back on a bike and building up tolerance (especially the saddle, my butt still aches) just takes time!