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07-06-04, 09:33 AM
I started reading "Heft on Wheels" by Mike Magnuson. While only about 1/2 through the book in 3 days, it is a fast read, I will give my thoughts so far.
Mike was a drunk, a chain smoker and 255 lbs (5'10" or something) two years ago. The book describes his decision to quit drinking, quit smoking and go on a diet and become a great cyclist. His self describing fat guy on a bike is sometimes quite humorous.
I picked up the book because I am in a similar situation to him. I am 6'1" and was 275 last summer when I started riding my mtb religiously weekly to loose weight. I had been diagnosed with type 2 diabities two years prior and lived in a state of denial. The medicine wasn't working well and the doc wanted to put me on more pills and said I would have a heart attack by the time I was 40 (I was 36 last summer). My son was sitting in the room with me and the doctor and he told my wife. I guess the concern in my son helped wake me up. Eating and watching TV are my two vices.
So today I am down to 250 - I've lost more fat than that but have really built up some muscle in the legs - they are like rock hard. I bought a cyclocross / touring bike last fall because I have to travel on dirt roads to get to the paved roads and trails. Best investment I've ever made. I just did my first 50 mile ride yesterday and feel great. Like Mike, my goal is to do a century this fall - I haven't picked one yet but have started looking.
Mike's book, in my opinion so far, is a publish or perish work - he is a professor and I assume must publish books - he has several others. However, it is funny and seeing what he went through helps me understand what I am going though too. I am now watching the Tour on OLN and find it interesting, I am becomming a biking fanatic.
The price of the book is steep - see if you can get it from the library. I reserve judgement on purchasing it until I finish it - at this point I don't know if it was worth it. However, it did motivate me to do my first 50 mile ride and suffer.
Mark
Mike was a drunk, a chain smoker and 255 lbs (5'10" or something) two years ago. The book describes his decision to quit drinking, quit smoking and go on a diet and become a great cyclist. His self describing fat guy on a bike is sometimes quite humorous.
I picked up the book because I am in a similar situation to him. I am 6'1" and was 275 last summer when I started riding my mtb religiously weekly to loose weight. I had been diagnosed with type 2 diabities two years prior and lived in a state of denial. The medicine wasn't working well and the doc wanted to put me on more pills and said I would have a heart attack by the time I was 40 (I was 36 last summer). My son was sitting in the room with me and the doctor and he told my wife. I guess the concern in my son helped wake me up. Eating and watching TV are my two vices.
So today I am down to 250 - I've lost more fat than that but have really built up some muscle in the legs - they are like rock hard. I bought a cyclocross / touring bike last fall because I have to travel on dirt roads to get to the paved roads and trails. Best investment I've ever made. I just did my first 50 mile ride yesterday and feel great. Like Mike, my goal is to do a century this fall - I haven't picked one yet but have started looking.
Mike's book, in my opinion so far, is a publish or perish work - he is a professor and I assume must publish books - he has several others. However, it is funny and seeing what he went through helps me understand what I am going though too. I am now watching the Tour on OLN and find it interesting, I am becomming a biking fanatic.
The price of the book is steep - see if you can get it from the library. I reserve judgement on purchasing it until I finish it - at this point I don't know if it was worth it. However, it did motivate me to do my first 50 mile ride and suffer.
Mark