Fifty Plus (50+) - First Century Completed:No Longer A Clydesdale

Thanks to all the members that provided great advice on training, nutrition, and positive reinforcement. I started cycling in July of 2008 and weighed 225. I completed my first century last week in Springville AL.

http://bhambikeclub.org/century2008/century.html

The event was a sponsored by the Birmingham Bicycle Club. It was well organized and the new route was awesome. Lots of climbs, long downhills, switchbacks, and scenic mountain top views.

The first photo was my original forum post at 225 pds. The second photo is me at 197 pds. It was taken at the first Century rest-stop "fire station" at the 22 mile marker. The gentlemen on the right is my friend and golfing buddy. He got interested in cycling when I started getting into shape. He only starting riding five weeks ago. He trained and rode 437 miles before attempting the century. He worked through the pain and successfully completed the ride. The gentlemen in the middle "last photograph" is the Century Ride Event Organizer. He did a fantastic job.

I posted this to show new members and clydesdales that cycling can led to life changing events through better health and self improvement. If your contemplating your first Century, train, prepare, and "Go For It". I think my next goal will be to complete the Assault on Mount Mitchell Century in May of 2009. Wish me Luck :D:D

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It looks good on you. Congratulations (2)

Great job on both the century and the weight loss! How many feet of climbing on the century?

2009 should be your first year to ride double-centuries!

Rick / OCRR

What a difference-You look happy now.

28lbs loss for all that reshaping. It does look as though you should have lost more- but a lot of the extra weight you used to have- has turned to muscle. Muscle is heavier than Fat- but perhaps you ought to confirm that Pie is heavier than Muscle. With the weight loss and reshaping- You have to celebrate somehow.

But Mt Mitchel might require an extra change- Mainly to the jersey so get the 50+ one on and show the rest it can be done.

I remember when you posted that photo; great Felt BTW. Congratulations on completeing your first century and the change toward a healthier lifestyle. Lp

Thanks for the very encouraging update - great photos.

I tried to burn all my "before" photos but then I realized I could go in an photoshop a new, slimmer past for myself...

Great stuff, congrats!

A tremendous, first-class achievement. Have you had people ask whether you're sick? One of the most entertaining things I found about losing significant amounts of weight were the people who are sure you're sick, because people our age just don't lose that much weight unless it's due to illness.

Congrats on the achievement!!

If you need any info on AOMM just holler. I've done it more times than I can recall....I can also steer you towards some nice golf courses down this way. When my brother and I venture off to do rides out of town, often we'll play golf the day before.

Well done, spanky1!

After my return to cycling, I needed quite a bit more time than you to ride my first century. I am duly impressed. Also, congratulations on your loss of weight. Feels good don't it?:D

That is GREAT, and really inspirational for me. Just weighed in at 227 pds. this a.m., just purchased my bike, and have plans to reach 195-200 pds. Looking forward to hearing about your next summit.
Bob

Truely inspirational. Congrats. are deffinately in order. :thumb:

Happy Trails

Congratulations on your first & hopefully not your last century!!!!:thumb:
It is fun to look back when you started to train & rode that first 25 miles & think to yourself; wow I have to do this three more times, then you hit 50 miles & think; that is only half way to my century, but NOW when you go out for a ride & do 50-60-70 it is no big deal, just a weekend ride.
You have come a long ways so be proud of yourself & what you have done.

Congratulations on the weight loss as well, been there did that myself & it makes you feel SO MUCH BETTER. It makes living life so much more fun, opens doors to things you would never think you would do.

Wow. Way to go! It goes to show we are never too old to accomplish our goals whatever they may be. :thumb:

That's just fantastic!! Congratulations on your first century and, more important, your new healthier self. Keep it up. Thanks for the pics.

Congratulations. Job well done.

Great inspiration for me to stay focused.

PW