Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Help me persuade an uber-clyde coworker

I'm trying to persuade an uber-clyde coworker to start riding regularly. He's 6' 3" or so, 380, and has a wal-mart bike in his garage. Help me come up with a way to lure him onto two wheels. He's asked me about my bikes, and my weight loss, and I'd like to see him build on that without my pressuring him. As we all know, subtlety isn't my strong suit. :)

just tell him about the benefits. take him on a couple of short rides with you

If he's 6'03'' he could probably fit on your navigator, why not go on a little ride with him on the SRT? It would be a nice and flat ride, plus he may be more inclined to get into cycling once he has a chance to ride a quality bicycle.

Heck show him some of your before and afters, let him read your bike blog, show him pictures of the surrounding areas that he might be unaware even exist.

Send him a link to these forums and have him read some of the inspiring stories

Send him a link to for forums like eraven says, and that's about all you can do. Sticking with any kind of exercise or weight-program requires dedication, not nagging.

I'm trying to persuade an uber-clyde coworker to start riding regularly. He's 6' 3" or so, 380, and has a wal-mart bike in his garage. Help me come up with a way to lure him onto two wheels. He's asked me about my bikes, and my weight loss, and I'd like to see him build on that without my pressuring him. As we all know, subtlety isn't my strong suit. :)

Voila! At least for me. I had a Toys R Us MTB that was quite literally a pain to ride. I even had a bike shop upgrade a few things, but I could never get painfree riding it. So it sat.... and rusted.... so I sat.... and I got fatter. :cry: But even a test ride on the Trek I eventually bought told me that it was possible to bike ride without pain.

So I +1 on the thought of letting him try a quality bike that is fitted better to his height/size.

Take a ride with him. It would be more enjoyable if the ride had an objective, like a steak house. Tell him he wouldnt have to worry about his weight if he rode to these places. The walmart bike would probably be an adequate starter bike if you checked the spoke tension in the rear wheel.

I'm trying to persuade an uber-clyde coworker to start riding regularly. He's 6' 3" or so, 380, and has a wal-mart bike in his garage. Help me come up with a way to lure him onto two wheels. He's asked me about my bikes, and my weight loss, and I'd like to see him build on that without my pressuring him. As we all know, subtlety isn't my strong suit. :)

Anymore, my response to such folks is "do you want to die, or do you want to live?" Depending on their reaction, I steer the conversation in different directions. Unfortunately, not many want to live, apparently.

I'd just tell him, in all honesty, how much better you feel when you are healthy. Mentally, physically, everything.

And if you need tough love, send him my way. I'm feelin' the need to dish some out, for some reason. :D

just tell him about the benefits. take him on a couple of short rides with you

Just when you lost your enthusiasm to ride historian a new opportunity presents itself :thumb:

You would know best but if they are the type who might take an invitation inviting him for a short ride might be a good start, some people shut off when invited or are expected to do something though. You could even ride to his place and take a little ride around his neighborhood with him.

The next few weeks could be the perfect opportunity since it'll allow an escape from political bombardment.

Yea, that's Ben for you. Mean as the day is long.....NOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:roflmao2:

Neil, next time he asks about bikes, or you're just talking bikes, invite him on short ride. Keep it slow, enjoyable, and easy.

Bet he will have a grin on his face afterwards.

Invite him on a really short ride, mention you are just doing like 2-3 miles to tune up your bike and see if he wants to come along.

take him on a ride to a bar that is like 5 miles away and buy him a beer

Anymore, my response to such folks is "do you want to die, or do you want to live?" Depending on their reaction, I steer the conversation in different directions. Unfortunately, not many want to live, apparently.

I'd just tell him, in all honesty, how much better you feel when you are healthy. Mentally, physically, everything.

And if you need tough love, send him my way. I'm feelin' the need to dish some out, for some reason. :D

I'd be taking the long walk to HR if I followed your advice, Ben. All I need is one PC person to take offense. At the risk of offending people HERE, let me state that many fat people live in denial, and the sort of tough love you advocate will only build resentment. I was one bitter fat guy, so I have some insight.

That said, I've extended the offer of a ride to my co-worker. It's up to him to accept. Let's cross our fingers. I'll dust off the Navigator as the 'guest bike.'

Just when you lost your enthusiasm to ride historian a new opportunity presents itself :thumb:



Yes, collaring newbies is the only way I can find folks to ride with. :cry:

take him on a ride to a bar that is like 5 miles away and buy him a beer

I would second that. Some light urban biking. It is important not to compare the bike to a car but to compare it to walking. I mean from a car it is a step down - time wise at least - but if you look at the bike from position of a walker (Johnny Walker for instance:)) the bike is a huge gain in speed time and comfort.

OK, off my soap box now:)

+1 on getting him on a bike that fits him. I bored the hell out of anyone that would listen on how good it felt to ride a bike that was fitted to you.

Jerry

Yeah, if the dude is sincere about riding why not let him ride your extra bike? Heck, you may even be able to sell him the extra one as an intro bike until he drops more weight and decides to get a different bike.

Have fun,

V

Its that old saying: "those convinced against their will, are of the same opinion still." Your coworker needs some defining moment to decide to make a change: perhaps a physical, loss of a friend/loved one (hopefully not), medical scare, or whatever. Certainly you should use the "I" word detailing what it has done for you (without suggesting he do the same). Hopefully he can connect the dots.

Its that old saying: "those convinced against their will, are of the same opinion still." Your coworker needs some defining moment to decide to make a change: perhaps a physical, loss of a friend/loved one (hopefully not), medical scare, or whatever. Certainly you should use the "I" word detailing what it has done for you (without suggesting he do the same). Hopefully he can connect the dots.

Yes, I was the same way when I was 400 pounds. I hope he's not as stubborn as I was.... or am. :(

I'm trying to persuade an uber-clyde coworker to start riding regularly. He's 6' 3" or so, 380, and has a wal-mart bike in his garage. Help me come up with a way to lure him onto two wheels. He's asked me about my bikes, and my weight loss, and I'd like to see him build on that without my pressuring him. As we all know, subtlety isn't my strong suit. :)

I've stayed quiet on this thread because I wanted to see where it was going, before saying anything.

I say don't try to persuade him, you can't persuade someone to change their life style, it has to be their own choice. The best you can do is tell him the benefits, not only for weight loss, but other things, the ability to go for long rides in the country, where you have only the gentle song of the chain and the hum of the tires, to keep you company. The ability to zip in and out of traffic, and the fact you can find a place to park, go into a store, get what you want, come back out, unlock and be gone while drivers are still trying to find a parking place (one of my favourites):D The fact that the trip can be almost as much fun as the destination. The ability to do yourself good with some exercise, while being environmentally friendly at the same time. The fact it's one of the best photography platforms ever invented.

There are lots of reasons to ride, just tell him a few. Maybe offer to ride together a few times, IIRC you still have two bikes, so maybe let him ride your spare rather then the Walmart one he has, or even loan it to him, if he rides at least twice a week, he can keep using it, if he finds riding not for him, he can return it. If he really likes riding, then he can buy himself the right bike (for him), and return the loaner.

Well, that went well. :(

My co-worker has decided he doesn't want to ride with me because "I'd need to be on a motorcycle to keep up with you." I tried to explain it would be a short ride for me because I wanted to test some new components, and I was looking for someone to ride with, not race against, but he quickly changed the subject. My reputation once again has undone me - casual cyclists won't ride with me because I'm allegedly 'too good.' As opposed to serious cyclists who won't ride with me because I'm too slow and a "wussy wagon rider" as well.

Well, that went well. :(

My co-worker has decided he doesn't want to ride with me because "I'd need to be on a motorcycle to keep up with you." I tried to explain it would be a short ride for me because I wanted to test some new components, and I was looking for someone to ride with, not race against, but he quickly changed the subject. My reputation once again has undone me - casual cyclists won't ride with me because I'm allegedly 'too good.' As opposed to serious cyclists who won't ride with me because I'm too slow and a "wussy wagon rider" as well.

Move your historical butt down to Texas.
Hell...I'd ride with you any ol' day!
:thumb:

Sounds like the same lame excuses my friends give me when I ask them to ride with me.

Move your historical butt down to Texas.
Hell...I'd ride with you any ol' day!
:thumb:

What is that old joke about the Devil living in hell and renting out Texas? :)

Sounds like the same lame excuses my friends give me when I ask them to ride with me.

I've twice gotten the same excuses here on the Clyde forum, believe it or not.

Sounds like the same lame excuses my friends give me when I ask them to ride with me.

+1

I get the same thing all the time, even though I point out I have no problem riding with my kids - who max out at a whopping 5mph :). People, simply, don't want to make the effort. I have one friend I regularly ride with, and it works out very well as we keep about the same pace on long rides. He can definitely out-sprint me, and kills me on the hills, but beyond that we're about even. I hear that's pretty difficult to find.

Anyway Neil, it's things like that which jade me. I'm all about people getting healthy, they just need to make the effort to finally do so!

Move your historical butt down to Texas.
Hell...I'd ride with you any ol' day!
:thumb:

Yep. Although currently I'm on reduced biking rations......


What is that old joke about the Devil living in hell and renting out Texas? :)

Hey, hey, hey! We have a sub lease on Oklahoma for that, sheesh.

take him on a short ride that is down hill both ways, just so he gets a taste for the fresh air.

Hey what a cool thing to do!

I've learned that you can't force someone to do what they aren't interested in doing and I've learned exercise is relative.

Chatting with a good friend last weekend he told me about he first time he tried to ride a bike. His plan was to go 4 miles, around the neighborhood. He made it down the the block and almost passed out. He was embarassed but had to accept his limitations.

Best thing to do is make the ride fun. Plan a coffee stop somewhere and then loop a route to the stop. I say loop instead of out and back just in case he needs to bail out early. I wouldn't get more than a 1/4 mile from the final destination.

Small steps. He needs to realize he can suceed and that it will be fun. Bless you for your concern, time and effort.

I've stayed quiet on this thread because I wanted to see where it was going, before saying anything.

I say don't try to persuade him, you can't persuade someone to change their life style, it has to be their own choice. The best you can do is tell him the benefits, not only for weight loss, but other things, the ability to go for long rides in the country, where you have only the gentle song of the chain and the hum of the tires, to keep you company. The ability to zip in and out of traffic, and the fact you can find a place to park, go into a store, get what you want, come back out, unlock and be gone while drivers are still trying to find a parking place (one of my favourites):D The fact that the trip can be almost as much fun as the destination. The ability to do yourself good with some exercise, while being environmentally friendly at the same time. The fact it's one of the best photography platforms ever invented.

There are lots of reasons to ride, just tell him a few. Maybe offer to ride together a few times, IIRC you still have two bikes, so maybe let him ride your spare rather then the Walmart one he has, or even loan it to him, if he rides at least twice a week, he can keep using it, if he finds riding not for him, he can return it. If he really likes riding, then he can buy himself the right bike (for him), and return the loaner.


I agree here - advice to fat people - it's really all about planting the seed. Someone tells me about something when I am fat and I 'd like to slug them -but when I am ready - I may remember what they told me.... So ya planted the seed, Historian.... Just plant the seed and be an example of a friendly happy former fat biker.

I know when i first started riding i prefered to do it alone, because i was embarassed at my skill level. Maybe you planting the seed will get him to try it out on his own and when he feels comfortable he will want to ride with you. I rode by myself for the first couple months, and now I am not afraid to ride the same routes as roadies because i feel comfortable being along side more skilled riders.

The ride has to be for a reason. I got some coworkers of mine to go on a short bike ride to a microbrewery in Fort worth awhile back and we all had a great time. It was about 12 miles of MUP to down town, then go to the brewery and get your 4 free beers. My wife was with us and she doesn't drink, so that means more for us. Hang out awhile, ride back through downtown and stop for lunch then back to the parking lot where we started. I've got them asking me when the next beer run is! I just haven't had any Saturdays free to do another.

I would think it doesn't take many beers to cancel out a few miles of riding if that's all you do.

"If I owned Hell and Texas, I would live in Hell and rent out Texas." That's the quote as I remember it, don't think it involved the Devil. I remember that from an old Texas Brags book, and seems like it was a famous newspaper quote from way back.

I didn't say all the rides had to involve beer. If we were going to drink anyway, why not ride at least a little? The first few rides aren't going to be very fast and give much of a workout anyway, but it at least got them started.

After a little bit of creativity on my part, I got my coworker to agree to meet me for a ride. Since he's currently taking college classes in addition to working, it's after he's out of school, in December.

The key, I felt, was to casually drop into conversation some of my many faults on the bike. Once he realized I'm not a good rider, but in fact am a pretty horrible example of a cyclist, he was a lot more agreeable to ride with me. So you see I've applied in the real world what I've previously restricted to this forum. :)

I agree here - advice to fat people - it's really all about planting the seed. Someone tells me about something when I am fat and I 'd like to slug them -but when I am ready - I may remember what they told me.... So ya planted the seed, Historian.... Just plant the seed and be an example of a friendly happy former fat biker.

I'm not a "former" fat biker. :(

I agree with you about many fat people carrying anger at thin folks. When I was a young adult, Richard Simmons was the man you loved to hate. Now it seems it's Jared Fogle, spokeman for Subway.

I know when i first started riding i prefered to do it alone, because i was embarassed at my skill level.

No one should be embarrassed at their skill level when they ride with me. I make anyone look good. :(

After a little bit of creativity on my part, I got my coworker to agree to meet me for a ride. Since he's currently taking college classes in addition to working, it's after he's out of school, in December.

The key, I felt, was to casually drop into conversation some of my many faults on the bike. Once he realized I'm not a good rider, but in fact am a pretty horrible example of a cyclist, he was a lot more agreeable to ride with me. So you see I've applied in the real world what I've previously restricted to this forum. :)

I got a bonus, so to speak. Another coworker, a thin guy, wants to ride with me. Now to persuade him that a Huffy isn't a top of the line bike, despite the fact they are advertised on TV.

Don't worry about the Huffy bike. Just get him out there.

Some people, when starting a hobby, have this philosophy of starting out with the best equipment they can possibly get. Others sneak in at the bottom. I'm one of the latter type. When my kids were in Scouts, I camped with the troop- in a $20 tent. It served its purpose for a while, and when it was time to move up, I knew something about tents.

The same thing with a Huffy. It will serve the purpose for a while, maybe for a long time if the guy doesn't beat on the bike too much. If so, more power to him. But if the thing starts to let go, at least he will understand why a quality bike is worth it. I think of it as "organic learning".

Don't worry about the Huffy bike. Just get him out there.

Some people, when starting a hobby, have this philosophy of starting out with the best equipment they can possibly get. Others sneak in at the bottom. I'm one of the latter type. When my kids were in Scouts, I camped with the troop- in a $20 tent. It served its purpose for a while, and when it was time to move up, I knew something about tents.

The same thing with a Huffy. It will serve the purpose for a while, maybe for a long time if the guy doesn't beat on the bike too much. If so, more power to him. But if the thing starts to let go, at least he will understand why a quality bike is worth it. I think of it as "organic learning".

Oh, I'm not worried about the Huffy. That's his problem. I just wish he didn't brag about it. It's like bragging about McDonalds cuisine being the best because they advertise on TV more than other eateries.

Ah, yeah....

tell him, "exercise or you're going to die.

find an exercise routine that you won't feel like a "slave" to.

to determine if cycling could be that activity, commit to a 30+ minute ride every day for 2 weeks. at the end of the 2 weeks, you'll know if cycling is for you because you'll love to do it...the health bene's of it just become a plus."

fwiw, i started on a $150 huffy. wore it out. bought a $250 db wildwood. wore it out. bought a $400 trek 7300. now i have the trek, a weather road bike i built up and a full cf roadbike.

Move your historical butt down to Texas.
Hell...I'd ride with you any ol' day!
:thumb:

I just got a third invitation to move to Texas. Before I consider doing something like that, I have some questions:

1. I suppose I'd have to get a pair of western boots. Can they be fitted with cleats, and what clipless system works best with them? Aren't you afraid of damaging a carbon frame with your spurs?

2. I don't remember the Alamo, and I've never rented a car from them. Is that OK?

3. Is it true Texas is the only place in the US the black widow spider lives outdoors? Will it stay outdoors, and as far away from me as possible?

I just got a third invitation to move to Texas. Before I consider doing something like that, I have some questions:

1. I suppose I'd have to get a pair of western boots. Can they be fitted with cleats, and what clipless system works best with them? Aren't you afraid of damaging a carbon frame with your spurs?

2. I don't remember the Alamo, and I've never rented a car from them. Is that OK?

3. Is it true Texas is the only place in the US the black widow spider lives outdoors? Will it stay outdoors, and as far away from me as possible?

1) Boots...Never had them....never will. Did Iron Horse have Stirrup pedals? Spurs tend to cause heelstrikes with panniers. Knew a guy named Cleatus once (but he didn't ride a bike).

2) I go months at a time not remembering things like the Alamo. I think you're safe as far as that goes. Hertz and Budget seem to get most of my business.

3) Don't know. I haven't seen on in 25 years. Last one I saw was in Colorado.

As an added bonus:

*Your wife is not required to have "big hair". (OK...maybe in Fort Worth)

*It is not mandatory that you carry a handgun at all times.

*Y'all is never used to address only one person. (That would be: "Yew")

*Back and Bike are sometimes pronounced the same (led to some confusiion my first day in a book store here)

*Yes...Bob Wills is still the King.

I'd be taking the long walk to HR if I followed your advice, Ben. All I need is one PC person to take offense. At the risk of offending people HERE, let me state that many fat people live in denial, and the sort of tough love you advocate will only build resentment. I was one bitter fat guy, so I have some insight.

That said, I've extended the offer of a ride to my co-worker. It's up to him to accept. Let's cross our fingers. I'll dust off the Navigator as the 'guest bike.'

I haven't really shared this here, so I guess this is as good a place to do it.

Some clydes live not in denial, but rather in a sort of oblivious state to their issue. I grew up thin. at 19 I was a large framed 6'1" 170# if i weighed that much. Over the next 11 years I gained over 130 lbs, and it wasn't until a weight loss competition at work did I realize what had happened to me. I know it sounds weird, but I honestly never thought of it. I guess I knew I was heavier than I should be, but my lifestyle never made living a challenge and I wasnt overly lazy, I walked places and did things, I played sports and swam. I just ate, A LOT, and never exercised the appropriate amount to make up for it.

I won that weight loss competition losing 46 lbs and bringing home the prize 2 days before my 30th birthday, but the separation and divorce that summer let me put back on the 50 lbs lost and another 58 to boot. Finally realizing I couldnt stay where I was, I had to seriously face the fact that at 32 years old I weighed 388 lbs. It's funny but the weight still didn't let me stop doing things. I still played hockey, etc. But I wasn't what I should be. So, I went to a nutritionist, learned about food, and through daily walking
and watching what I ate, I lost 20 lbs. I kept that 20 off for about 6 months and realizing I could do more, at the end of the summer I started walking daily, to train for a single walking race.

I joined weightwatchers, and between that and the races that followed the first walking race, I lost 40 pounds over the next few months. I went on and off the weightwatchers plan, but kept my exercise consistent and over the past few months have lost another 10 pounds to the current 315# that I am now.

Whats different about biking is that in less than a month with no real consistency to my food intake, and as of yet not riding on a daily basis, I can still feel and see changes in my body. My weight hasn't come down much yet, but it's shifting for sure. My thighs are stronger, and my pants are loser at the waist no doubt. I can't wait to see what a few more weeks of riding looks like.

?

3. Is it true Texas is the only place in the US the black widow spider lives outdoors? Will it stay outdoors, and as far away from me as possible?

I killed a few black widows growing up in Mississippi. I also have killed about half a dozen in my backyard in the last year here in Alabama. They like to nest in stuff laying on the ground. We pile some swing set parts in the backyard when we moved in a year ago. Through the spring, as I got stuff reassembled, I kept finding them. You normally would never see them. They are not aggressive. The tarantulas in Texas wold freak me out a lot more than the black widows.

I killed a few black widows growing up in Mississippi. I also have killed about half a dozen in my backyard in the last year here in Alabama. They like to nest in stuff laying on the ground. We pile some swing set parts in the backyard when we moved in a year ago. Through the spring, as I got stuff reassembled, I kept finding them. You normally would never see them. They are not aggressive. The tarantulas in Texas wold freak me out a lot more than the black widows.

I fear the brown recluse (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brown_recluse_spider)! I hear as much about them down here as I did about people getting Lyme up in Connecticut. Oh and those snakes. In texas you can find every venomous snake in the US goooo TX!

I fear the brown recluse (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brown_recluse_spider)! I hear as much about them down here as I did about people getting Lyme up in Connecticut. Oh and those snakes. In texas you can find every venomous snake in the US goooo TX!

Oh yeah! Way to go!
Now we'll never get him down here!:notamused:
:D

So Neil, I finally got a buddy of mine (been nagging him for almost a year) to ride last week.
Now I've created a monster and have had to bike shop with him (he now has a nicer bike than me...curse him) and am teaching him to ride safely. So It can be done!

Hopefully I'll be able to get his speed and mileage up soon on our weekend rides so I can go back to training harder.

Visit our state house, it used to have lot's of brown recluses:eek:

I bet all it would take is for that fellow to take one good short ride and he would be sold on the idea of continuing even without encouragement. Heck, he does have some interest.:)

Historian... you don't fear a little black widow spider do you? Here in So Cal they are everywhere! If something is outside, it most likely has a widow in or on it. They are basically harmless, stick to themselves, don't want to bother any one. I have seldom seen one inside. Since I garden alot, I have routinely had them crawling on me. So far, no bites! [knock wood]

Now thank goodness we don't have brown recluses. I hear they are nasty and the bite life changing!!!