Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Wanted to Say Hi... Just got back in the Saddle after 2 years

I used to ride like a "madman" and then had to give it up due to family issues. Now that was two years ago and during that time I gained a lot of weight. Furthermore, during my hiatus, I sold all my gear; therefore, I had to start from scratch.

My journey back into cycling began today. In order to begin my journey I purchased the following:

1. A Brand New 2006 Trek Madone 5.9 SL - Andromeda (It was a Brand NEW OLD Stock - Just a lucky Find)
2. Garmin Edge 305 - WalMart had a killer deal
3. Giro Atmos Helmet
4. Shimano SPD-SL Pedals
5. Jersey and Bibs from AeroTech
6. Descente Gloves
7. Blackburn Carbon Cages (Two) - Polar Water Bottles
8. Already had my Shimano Carbon shoes
9. Blackburn TP-5 Team Pump - Kept it because it has an awesome TWO Stage pump system
10. Bag with Air-Chuck, 16G CO2, Patches, Tire Iron and some Tubes.

I rode today for the first time in two years and boy was it difficult. I rode about 16 miles and my butt, lungs and legs were hurting the entire time. I felt like I was riding the likes of Vista Ridge in the OC but in actuality I was only riding on a flat course on the Santa Ana River Trail.

I just had to say that it was a very difficult ride and I see a long road ahead of me. I know it is going to take me months to get used to it but it feels great to be a "roadie" once again.

Just wanted to re-introduce myself because I am looking forward to riding again.....

Welcome Back!

Welcome to the herd!

Welcome back, you've got a great bike. You will probably feel more comfortable in about two weeks. Keep us posted on your progress!

Now that's what I call making a come back! Nice ride, although we require pics, lots of pics.

You probably are the proud new owner of one of the worst things ever hung on a bike, a Bontrager seat. It may be the worlds worst torture device ever created. Give it a few miles and see if your some kind of freak of nature in the saddle department and actually like it, but it might be worth talking to your LBS about switching that thing out.

There's a reason the take off/saddle swap box is filled with Bontrager seats at your average Trek dealer.

HA! When you spell check Bontrager, it comes back recommending Bondage.:roflmao2:

Now that's what I call making a come back! Nice ride, although we require pics, lots of pics.

You probably are the proud new owner of one of the worst things ever hung on a bike, a Bontrager seat. It may be the worlds worst torture device ever created. Give it a few miles and see if your some kind of freak of nature in the saddle department and actually like it, but it might be worth talking to your LBS about switching that thing out.

There's a reason the take off/saddle swap box is filled with Bontrager seats at your average Trek dealer.

HA! When you spell check Bontrager, it comes back recommending Bondage.:roflmao2:

I learned after purchasing my Navigator. When I purchased the 7.5, I swapped out the saddle immediately.

HI. Welcome back to the bike.

Now that's what I call making a come back! Nice ride, although we require pics, lots of pics.

You probably are the proud new owner of one of the worst things ever hung on a bike, a Bontrager seat. It may be the worlds worst torture device ever created. Give it a few miles and see if your some kind of freak of nature in the saddle department and actually like it, but it might be worth talking to your LBS about switching that thing out.

There's a reason the take off/saddle swap box is filled with Bontrager seats at your average Trek dealer.

HA! When you spell check Bontrager, it comes back recommending Bondage.:roflmao2:

I think this is typical of most saddles on low to medium level bikes, they use a saddle they can buy cheap. It resembles a saddle only in mechanics and general shape.

Now that's what I call making a come back! Nice ride, although we require pics, lots of pics.

You probably are the proud new owner of one of the worst things ever hung on a bike, a Bontrager seat. It may be the worlds worst torture device ever created. Give it a few miles and see if your some kind of freak of nature in the saddle department and actually like it, but it might be worth talking to your LBS about switching that thing out.

There's a reason the take off/saddle swap box is filled with Bontrager seats at your average Trek dealer.

HA! When you spell check Bontrager, it comes back recommending Bondage.:roflmao2:

Your right on the money about the saddle... I went online yesterday and am ordered a Fizik Arione. This was the saddle I used before and it was a great saddle.