Introductions - Hello from Iowa!

I took about 14 years off from my bike and finally traded in the old for a Trek 7300 today. Before I bought it, I spent many hours with you all reading your ideas, opinions, and thoughts. Thank you all for the inspiration and help! After years of virtually no consistant exercise, my ride home from the LBS was a challenge, but one I conquered. I plan to ride again in the morning. I can't thank you enough for the motivation and inspiration!

I have found that when a body has exercised in the past even as long ago as fourteen years; it seems to remember what it was like, and you get into shape fairly quickly. It is easier than for a person who has never exercised.

I am not a medical person or even a fitness professional, but base this observation on my own experience after long periods of little or no exercise. It would be good to hear from someone who is a professional to know if there is any truth in this.

From my past experience I would advise that you resist the temptation to do too much all at once, and don’t exercise to the point of exhaustion.

Good luck and let us know how you do.

Thank you for the good advice! I did take a nice, but short ride, again this morning. I am starting slowly. All those years ago I was cycling in your part of the country-- enjoying Rainbow Row on East Bay!

It would be interesting to know from a health professional if being in shape before does make it easier to get back into shape. Anyone?

Last year the first two miles on my mountain bike were really tough, but gradually I worked up to 60 miles. This year I have a specialized Allez comp 27 speed road bike and up to 2800 miles since May. It really grows on you. Especially when combined with stereo head phones on the long rides, but don't forget the mirror for safety