Tom Stormcrowe

I sometimes wonder how many bikes my before and after pics have sold

East Hill

I would not doubt that seeing your story has inspired many a Clyde or Athena. We've seen a lot of those successes retold here...there's probably dozens more who are still lurking until the time is right.

East Hill

Tom Stormcrowe

I couldn't agree more. I'm just happy to see them and would love to see more delurk!!

East Hill

Seeing people stop being lurkers and turn into posters is the best part of reading my favourite forums (C/A, C & V).

East Hill

Conveyor Belt

More than you'd know. You should make a deal with your local LBS to have a poster with your before and after picture and your story for a discount in the store. You're the Jarrod of the biking world, so to speak.

I know when I'm feeling crappy, and I remember to click the bookmark to Bike Forums, I find myself looking at your before and afters and wonder why I can't find the motivation to do the same... but at the same time, it usually gets a workout out of me in some fashion, even if it's not on a bike.

You are an inspiration.

fuish

I show just about all of my clyde/athena would be friends your picture! It's inspired more than you know.

East Hill

That's a good analogy!

There's lessons to be learned here!

East Hill

fuish

Had a great first day at the bike shop, everyone was really nice, but everyone was really thin...hehe, they were all talking about how this one girl had gotten out of shape, I'd seen her, she's like 180 pounds TOPS I wonder how they talk about me behind my back... Oh well, I'm doing my best to change my size and went out for a nice 7.7 mile ride today.

East Hill

Not to put too much pressure on you, but that's why it's great to have an Athena in a LBS. EVERYONE can ride a bicycle, and EVERYONE can enjoy* riding a bike, regardless of his or her size.

East Hill

jaxgtr

Excellent Statement EH.

fuish

Yeah, I just am self conscious around all thin peoples

Tom Stormcrowe

fuish,

I wouldn't sweat it at all. You're getting out there and being active and thats what counts You have absolutely no reason to feel self conscious around the skinnies. (I know, easier said than done )

EDIT: I submit that if they have a problem with you, then it's THEIR problem and not yours None of us are junk. As you change your lifestyle, you will have that reflect in more than just your appearance, by the way. Your whole outlook changes. Suddenly, you come to the realization that you're doing it for you and no one else

East Hill

That's where change begins...don't do it for someone else, or some mystical foggy notion that suddenly you will become rich and famous. Do it because it's a benefit to YOU.

As our therapists say: You can control the way you think, but you can't control the way other people think. So don't try, and don't worry.

East Hill

CliftonGK1

The LBS I go to has a bunch of tall skinny 20 to 30-something staffers, and Rick. Distance cyclist, former racer, randonneur, bike fitting master, and Clydesdale. The great thing is that nobody there looks any differently at a customer based on their shape.
What was funny last week is how much laughter I generated with one statement. A very petite tri racer was there and she was complaining how size XS (that's Extra Small) is too big depending on the manufacturer. I looked at the guy behind the counter and said "You know. I have exactly the same problem."
I think everyone in the store was laughing at that.