xxwake4lifexx

Hello everyone! I'm very excited to become involved with this forum. I used to ride bikes with friends all the time when I was younger, but I've gotten more and more lazy over time. Being a college student and working doesn't help either. Well roughly a month ago I went to get an eye exam to get new glasses/contacts and I was told I had a high BP. I went to my doctors and sure enough my BP is really high for my age. Did some blood tests, etc. Its definitely not a fun experience. Anyway before I had gone to the doctors I lived a pretty sedentary lifestyle and ate fast food at LEAST once a day, every day almost, all week.

Since then I've completely dropped fast food except maybe once a month, cut out soda and sweets, and I have been exercising 4-5 days a week. My method of exercise - cycling. I enjoy it so I'm ACTUALLY doing it . I'm 20 years old 6' 1" and weighed 230lbs when I started about a month ago. Now I weigh about 225lbs. I just feel better in general now that I'm working out and eating so much healthier .

I've been doing 12-14 miles during the weekdays in-between school and work and ~14+ on the weekends. This morning I rode with a friend and did 16.5 miles. This is the farthest I've gone so far. I've been using maps to lay out some routes and I'm trying to increase my distance. I've got a trail/road bike from Schwinn. I'm really riding for the cardio aspect and to lose weight and keep fit! Am I doing things right? I've also got a Cateye Strada Wireless that should be here next week. I can't wait to use that .

Any tips from you guys? I'd love to hear some advice.

dobber

Calories in - calories out.

3200 calories make up a pound of weight.

Compute your daily caloric requirement. Now add on the calories needed for your cycling. Undershoot that number by 600 to 700 on a daily basis, you'll shed at least a pound a week.

c_m_shooter

Sounds like your doing it right to me. An hour a day during the week get you a pretty good base. Maybe try for some more miles on your weekend ride, you can ride further than you think if you keep your heart rate under control. Just pick a destination 20 or so miles from home and ride there. Take a break and ride home. Give yourself plenty of time and enjoy the ride, you'll be one of us nuts riding centuries in no time.

socalrider

Keep track of your food intake.. at your height and weight your BMR is 2250 calories per day.. Keep below that number each day and you will see results..

https://www.bmi-calculator.net/bmr-calculator/

El Gigante

Hi - welcome to the forums Wake4Life!! I was in your shoes about a year ago - 230, high blood pressure, and a general feeling of being an out of shape slug. I bought a bike and started riding it part of the way to work, (about 16 miles round trip), at first once a week, then twice, and then three times a week. By the end of the year, I had dropped 20 lbs. and have lost 5 more since then to my current weight of 205. My goal is still to ride to work at least three days a week, but I usually ride in every day and average around 80 miles per week.

You are definitely on the right track. Most important thing is consistency and making goals you can meet. Riding to school every day may not be a realistic goal, but riding two days a week and once on the weekends sounds reasonable, right? You are definitely on the right track with cutting out the processed foods and fast foods. Eat smaller meals until you are "not hungry", rather than full. I'm far from an expert on nutrition, but the other posters have it right - calories in = calories out.

Most importantly, (and it sounds like you've already got this down), have fun!! As you ride more and your fitness improves, biking becomes easier and more enjoyable. Looking to connect with other members of the biking community on group rides, etc. is also a good way to learn new skills and get good advice on biking in general. Welcome to the club!

lutz

Sounds great. You could see, if there is a bike club in your area (one which is catering to non-racers). Joining some club rides helps a lot to keep me on schedule, adds a lot of fun and challenges.

xxwake4lifexx

Thanks a lot for the encouragement guys. There is a local bicycle club in my city, but I think I'm still too novice to really give it a go . I have plans to ride 18.5 miles tomorrow or Monday. I've finally got a weekend day off so I'd really like to enjoy that. Either way that 18.5 mile ride is going to happen . I'm trying to increase a little each week.

The best news for now? My cyclo-computer has shipped and will be here next week!

BTW counting calories suck . Is there a good rule of thumb to the number of calories burned while cycling?

Nighteyez

Welcome to the forums. As stated above, keep it consistant, and watch your food intake, but most of all, have fun!

Spasticteapot

When I was in high school, I dropped 40 pounds - I went from 230 pounds to 190. (Still a little on the big side for 5'10" - but better!) I'm now 5'11" and weigh 193.

Anyone who claims it just comes right back obviously doesn't bike enough.

xxwake4lifexx

I've got some updated news. My friend and I are planning on attempting our first century in February of 2010 (maybe sooner in December if something comes up?). Its going to be the Tour De Palm Springs. I'm excited .

Also did a little shopping today. Picked up a water bottle holder, bottle, hydro pack for longer trips, and a mini air pump.

I'm gettin' there.

Is there anything else you guys think I need? I should probably buy a small repair kit and carry and extra tube?

10 Wheels

Carry two spare tubes.
Get some bike shorts.
Get some chamois creme.
Might get some lights.

Your doing it right.
Ride safe.

10 Wheels

Forgot to add.
Practice removing both wheels and removing the tires and tubes.
Flats are part of riding. I have had 9 this year.