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11-03-09, 05:52 PM
Nice to meet you. I am a Clydesdale. 6'2" 280 lbs. Cycling is a passion to me. Although I am a big man, I am a climber at heart.
Short long story about me. I got into mountain biking in the 90s during my senior year of high school. Growing up in the Southern California I quickly grew fond of the San Gabriel Mountains. In doing so, I lost about 50 lbs and got into the best shape of my life. I then left to the military and was stationed overseas. I slowly but surely and gained all the weight back. Last year I peaked at 325 lbs. It scared me that I had gone over 300.
There were many factors that went into why I had gotten so heavy (job loss, depression, drinking, etc...). I had sold most of my bikes by then as I was hardly riding them, including a 90s Litespeed with full Campy. While being completely out of shape, I still rode once in a while. I still kept up with the pro peleton every year and wrenched on anyone's bike that needed help. I got dragged on a few mountain bike 40 mile plus rides that I have no idea how I managed to finish. Anyway, some time in 2008, I bought a 1985 Bridgestone that I bought with hopes of turning into a grocery/beer run bike with a basket. I did turn into that and would even use it to get to the bar. One night (after many things started to line up in my life again) I decided to go on a night ride. I went riding, saw a hill and decided to give it the old try. It was not very long or steep but it still hurt. I surprised myself at how well I got up there. My small chain ring was a 42.
So After that, I decided I was going to ride 3 times a week for a couple weeks and see how it goes. I then bumped it to 4 times a week, couple weeks later I was at 5 and then a month after that, bam I was riding 6 times a week! All of a sudden I found myself in love with my bike again. The old bridgestone felt like an old friend. I have modernized it since then with a compact crankset a new wheelset. I have been dropping weight pretty steadily since May, about 1-2 pounds per week. I hit a wall and picked up running. So now, I ride about 3 times a week and run 3 times a week, alternating my days. I have lost a total of 45 pounds so far, going from 325 to 280. My goal is another 55. Funny thing. I see some threads where people say good bye. I will still be a clydesdale by the time I lose 100 lbs, lol. I calorie count and watch my protein intake. The protein has made a huge difference in my strength. My beer intake is also very low now. It is true what everyone says, consistency is the most important part.
Climber at heart. Most of my riding involves going up some kind of hill. I actually dislike just spinning along on the flats. It is nauseating to me. This is my main climb, the same one I used to do when I was 19. Doing it about twice a week right now.
http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/ca/arcadia/115435358120
I have other big goals in mind, but for now it is one step at a time. I have already hit a few "first time in years" moments, like riding in the rain and going for a ride at 5 am.
Short long story about me. I got into mountain biking in the 90s during my senior year of high school. Growing up in the Southern California I quickly grew fond of the San Gabriel Mountains. In doing so, I lost about 50 lbs and got into the best shape of my life. I then left to the military and was stationed overseas. I slowly but surely and gained all the weight back. Last year I peaked at 325 lbs. It scared me that I had gone over 300.
There were many factors that went into why I had gotten so heavy (job loss, depression, drinking, etc...). I had sold most of my bikes by then as I was hardly riding them, including a 90s Litespeed with full Campy. While being completely out of shape, I still rode once in a while. I still kept up with the pro peleton every year and wrenched on anyone's bike that needed help. I got dragged on a few mountain bike 40 mile plus rides that I have no idea how I managed to finish. Anyway, some time in 2008, I bought a 1985 Bridgestone that I bought with hopes of turning into a grocery/beer run bike with a basket. I did turn into that and would even use it to get to the bar. One night (after many things started to line up in my life again) I decided to go on a night ride. I went riding, saw a hill and decided to give it the old try. It was not very long or steep but it still hurt. I surprised myself at how well I got up there. My small chain ring was a 42.
So After that, I decided I was going to ride 3 times a week for a couple weeks and see how it goes. I then bumped it to 4 times a week, couple weeks later I was at 5 and then a month after that, bam I was riding 6 times a week! All of a sudden I found myself in love with my bike again. The old bridgestone felt like an old friend. I have modernized it since then with a compact crankset a new wheelset. I have been dropping weight pretty steadily since May, about 1-2 pounds per week. I hit a wall and picked up running. So now, I ride about 3 times a week and run 3 times a week, alternating my days. I have lost a total of 45 pounds so far, going from 325 to 280. My goal is another 55. Funny thing. I see some threads where people say good bye. I will still be a clydesdale by the time I lose 100 lbs, lol. I calorie count and watch my protein intake. The protein has made a huge difference in my strength. My beer intake is also very low now. It is true what everyone says, consistency is the most important part.
Climber at heart. Most of my riding involves going up some kind of hill. I actually dislike just spinning along on the flats. It is nauseating to me. This is my main climb, the same one I used to do when I was 19. Doing it about twice a week right now.
http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/ca/arcadia/115435358120
I have other big goals in mind, but for now it is one step at a time. I have already hit a few "first time in years" moments, like riding in the rain and going for a ride at 5 am.