JumboRider

Well, I finally got my seat post squared away and off we went. I only rode about a mile around the neighborhood. This was my first ride in 10 years or so and the first at this weight.

The good news:
Liberty purrs as I ride her. Shifting is quiet and the tick when coasting brings me back to my 1976 Schwinn 10 speed days. This is the first road bike that I have ridden since that 10 speed and I find it difficult not to over steer. The front seems so light compared to a mountain bike, and the resistance of the wheel against the road in a turn is nothing compared to the mountain bike. I know that the Brooks saddle will be uncomfortable after a long ride, but I was surprised that it was so comfortable just to sit on for the short range. My sit bones seem to be perfectly situated on the saddle.

I felt no undue flex in the frame and the wheels are rock solid.

The bad news:
Man, you might not forget how to ride a bicycle, but you forget how to ride it well. I was semi-out-of-control for my ride. The steering was part of the reason, but there was another reason no so easy to overcome. My weight combined with out of shape back and stomach muscles make for a hard ride. My center of gravity took a lot to get used to, but I found my balance. Even with the balance achieved my mass can cause my bike to swerve if I make sudden movements. It will take time to over come this situation

I thought that I would take to the riding a little more easily than this, and have had to adjust my expectations. This is not a big deal. It will just take a little longer and I will have more fun relearning the fine points of riding my bike.

Tom Stormcrowe

Remember, relax and feather touch the steering!

It'll come back!

It'll be a lot less time than you think too!

Stujoe

It will come back. You may feel a little unbalanced at first but I have found myself, after a 100 or so miles, being very comfortable riding again. It took quite a few miles before I even began to feel like I was in control. It is a lot about relaxing and being smooth, I think. And learning how the bike responds. They are all a bit different, I think.

Relax, get a few miles under the belt in easy conditions and it will come back.

brodie

you know ,jumborider.i just had to say,when i read your post,THAT WAS ME.
Thats what was going thru my head. - the steering does feel so light and,twitchy.
going around corners is scary and,liberating at the same time.
but im gonna slow down and,start enjoying the ride.
i have been busy trying to do 50 mph all of the time. im gonna change my mindset and,enjoy the ride.

JumboRider

Yep, it has been alot of fun. Enjoy the journey for in the end that is all there was.

Neil_B

First, I'm glad you were riding, friend Jumbo.

Now, regarding the balance problem. Core stability is a strong plus in cycling, but cycling doesn't build those muscles. And severely fat people often have underdeveloped core muscles. Ever see a very fat person brace themselves to stand? That's because of their weak core muscles.

Exercises using an exercise ball helped me greatly. Even sitting on the ball maintaining a still body while moving your arms helps.

bdinger

Don't worry, the balance will come back as muscle is built. I "cheated" and had been exercising for a year before I started cycling, so even when I started at around 430lbs, I was doing just fine. Now at 388 (that's what she said yesterday, I like this downward trending.. ), I'm a regular nutjob in the corners. My commute involves several, and I generally whip around them between 15 and 18mph.

As I said, I'm definitely a nutjob .

But really, what I'm getting at is it will come back. Give it time, and follow the advice of The Historian, you'll be ticking off the miles like you never thought possible .

JumboRider

Today was better. I took off work because I can't get enough riding in to satisfy me! My balance was fine, and turning was on line but still feels like a sports car compared to the old MTB. The muscles still need to build though. After only 2 miles with moderate hills my thighs are burning. I ride a couple, watch some tv, ride some more.

JumboRider

Historian,
The ball is a great idea. I will do that.

Tom Stormcrowe

Excellent advice, Neil!

Terrierman

You'll be fine. Good job getting on the bike. It's a dandy.

Neil_B

Braggart. My boss won't let me do that. :-)

Neil_B

Cornering at 388 pounds at 18MPH? Ben, you are the Round Mound of Renown! :-)

bdinger

Hahahah!! I like that better than my other nickname, "freak of nature.." LOL!

One of my cycling buddies said a couple weeks ago how much he enjoys it when new people join on our group rides. They usually see me show up and you can see the "oh crap, he's going to be slow" look, and then as he puts it "you go and kick everyone's ass".

And I can't wait for the rest of you guys to kick MY ass!

Neil_B

How did you do today?

One suggestion to help get you riding regularly is to use the bike for errands, short trips, etc. As an example, I ride to church - 8 miles round trip - and to the local organic foods store - 11 miles round trip.

JumboRider

Yesterday I rode 2 miles with my wife. That was a blast. Today I missed my ride. I plan on riding tomorrow before work and walking at night. I might get to ride before and after work depending on how the day works out.

Terrierman

Dude! It's update time....

JumboRider

Not much to add. Sunday I rode 3 miles, and decided my front breaks were not working as the should. I had a problem with them before and thought I fixed it, but I just made things worse. Took the bike to the shop and should get it back tomorrow.

Terrierman

Good for you. Stay at it. We're all rooting for you. Oh, and brakes are way over rated anyway, they only slow you down!!

Neil_B

I think Jumbo should replace me as 'hero.'

bdinger

I think you both are equally deserving of that status, and wear the title well. Some day I owe you both a nice cold beer/water/gatorade .

Neil_B

Thank you. The title hangs a little loosely on me these days. It better fits Jumbo. But that's up to Terrierman to decide.

When are you coming to the East Coast, Ben?

JumboRider

A hero accomplishes something heroic. When I come as far as Historian, Stormcrowe, and bdinger you can begin to say good things like that about me. Until then I am just a hopeful, a wanna-be, but at least I am not a pouser.

Terrierman

Jumbo is a HIT man. (Hero In Training)!

UtRacerDad

Here is a great article on core muscles.

https://www.bicycling.com/article/1,6...5681-1,00.html