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New Embarrassed Rider

Old 02-13-13, 08:56 AM
  #401  
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Originally Posted by goldfinch
Sounds like rationalization of rudeness to me.
Yes, and very strange in a thread about people being embarrassed to be seen riding.
 
Old 02-13-13, 09:41 AM
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Originally Posted by goldfinch
Sounds like rationalization of rudeness to me.
Not at all. I'm just trying to point out that a random person on the street yells something at you, it usually doesn't have anything to do with you, personally, but more with the fact that they're going to yell at anybody who'd happen to be there.

My point is, that one should not take such things personally. It's not as if some group of kids is riding around, listening to their audio Bibles, and looking for people to help, and just happen to see you, and are so overwhelmed with you being fat or nerdy, or whatever, and are just compelled to make a comment. No...instead, they're likely just mischievous people, looking to taunt ANYONE they encounter, who can not pose a threat to them, by reason of the fact that their victim is walking or on a bike, etc.

It's easy to take such comments personally- especially if your sensitive about a given feature.

And conversely, a lot of people who are driving by, are probably thinking "Wow, I envy and applaud that guy for getting out there and exercising" or "Wow, he's so fat, and yet he's out there riding a bike, and I don't even do that!" or "Isn't that the same guy walking his dog that I saw 4 miles up the road when I was going the other way? I really should do that with Fido- we could both use the exercise; and it looks like it'd be relaxing!" -but they never say anything.
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Old 02-13-13, 09:47 AM
  #403  
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Originally Posted by DayGloDago
And conversely, a lot of people who are driving by, are probably thinking "Wow, I envy and applaud that guy for getting out there and exercising" or "Wow, he's so fat, and yet he's out there riding a bike, and I don't even do that!" or "Isn't that the same guy walking his dog that I saw 4 miles up the road when I was going the other way? I really should do that with Fido- we could both use the exercise; and it looks like it'd be relaxing!" -but they never say anything.
Sometimes they do. I've gotten thumbs up from people. And on one ride with Bautieri out in the hills past Harrisburg I had a truck pull up next to me while I was waiting for the light to change. The driver said he'd watched me climb the hill and he was rooting for me that I'd complete it. I did, so he pulled next to me to compliment me.
 
Old 02-13-13, 09:54 AM
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Originally Posted by Neil_B
Yes, and very strange in a thread about people being embarrassed to be seen riding.
See post, above.

You know, though- it was some strangers comments on a picture of myself, which made me realize that I was 50 lbs. overweight at the time. I seriously didn't realize it. I thought maybe I was 10-15 lbs overweight [which is where I am now]. My friends and loved ones never said anything about me being overweight [I really didn't look 50 lbs. over.....] and I have to say, that those strangers, who meant me ill-will, really did me a favor in making me not only realize that I had a weight problem, but in giving me the motivation to work to lose that weight. I turned a negative situation and ill intent into something positive and helpful.

Being originally from NYC, and being a natural non-conformist/independent-thinker and a natural loner, I learned at a rather early age to have very thick skin.....and I consider that a very valuable asset, and am thankful for the lessons I learned, as being free from peer pressure and group mentality is one of the most valuable traits a person can possess, and is truly liberating.
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Old 02-13-13, 10:03 AM
  #405  
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Originally Posted by Neil_B
Sometimes they do. I've gotten thumbs up from people. And on one ride with Bautieri out in the hills past Harrisburg I had a truck pull up next to me while I was waiting for the light to change. The driver said he'd watched me climb the hill and he was rooting for me that I'd complete it. I did, so he pulled next to me to compliment me.
Now THAT is cool! A lot of cowards have the guts to yell a taunt from a moving car...but few people have the guts or courtesy to stop and give someone a compliment! In my case, there was nothing to root for- as I wasn't out of shape back when I'd walk my dog through the streets of Long Island...and even after I was out-of-shape, I didn't look it.....so I was really only a target for taunters.

I often wonder, when climbing the big mile-long climb a mile before getting home, if cars that pass and see me going 5MPH, even realize how difficult such a climb is on a bike....or if they think "That guy must be a weakling or something! What is his problem, going so slow?!". I know that I didn't even realize the impact that most of the local hills would have, until I started riding. (I figured: Well, you just go slow or stand on the pedals and push"- I forgot about the part where you can't breath, and your heart explodes and your leg muscles stop working... )
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Old 02-16-13, 04:48 PM
  #406  
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I've become really conscious of gears. I use my gears, a lot. When I was younger and thinner, it didn't matter as much. When I am coming to a cross, I immediately switch to the largest ring on the cassette or when i am coming to a hill I back off the cassette and slow my cadence down. I feel like it's better to be in too low of a gear than too high since you can always switch to a smaller ring on the cassette. Having a twist shift, I can get through from 7 to 1 in a second or 2.

It also helps to spend the first 10 minutes actively working to keep you cadence around 45RPMs and in a low gear, especially in the winter. You need a good warm-up period if you are going to go on a long journey.

As for the weight, I was 286 when I went back on a nearly 20 year old bike. 310 is only 22 pounds heavier than I was and the bike didn't seem to mind. Also, during the period that I wasn't biking, the city made every single intersection in the city with marble pavement that are wheelchair (and bicycle) friendly. The one area I would be careful with is going off of curbs or potholes. I find my rims go out of true easier than they used to when I was under 200lbs. If you are really worried that it won't hold you, get rims with thicker spokes. It's really the rims that are the weak spot.

Also, realize that it will take longer to stop your bike than a thinner rider at the same speed.

Chris
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Old 02-18-13, 04:38 PM
  #407  
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At 63y/o and 238lbs when i get my bike..Which should be in a few weeks i will look and feel like a fool.I tried to ride a friends bike about 2 blocks and i was totally tired out..But i can use the excercise..
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Old 02-19-13, 12:49 AM
  #408  
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good for you man! its a great low impact way to get a work out. if your back hurts take a look at day 6 bicycles. AMAZING machines. ZERO back pain!
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Old 02-19-13, 10:21 AM
  #409  
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Originally Posted by justdon
At 63y/o and 238lbs when i get my bike..Which should be in a few weeks i will look and feel like a fool.I tried to ride a friends bike about 2 blocks and i was totally tired out..But i can use the excercise..
Hang in there! You'll be surprised, if you keep at it, how fast you'll improve. Before a year is up, you'll be easily riding 25 miles and thinking it's nothing- and whizzing over hills that would practically kill you now. Believe me...been there; done that! You struggle for a while.....sometimes it seems like it'll never get easier...then one day, it just does!
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Old 02-19-13, 10:27 AM
  #410  
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Originally Posted by justdon
At 63y/o and 238lbs when i get my bike..Which should be in a few weeks i will look and feel like a fool.I tried to ride a friends bike about 2 blocks and i was totally tired out..But i can use the excercise..
You will be surprised at how fast you improve. I went from learning to balance to riding a century in ten months.
 
Old 02-19-13, 10:52 AM
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Originally Posted by Neil_B
You will be surprised at how fast you improve. I went from learning to balance to riding a century in ten months.
WoW!! Youse guys give me inspiration! (I've been riding 10 months now...and I've just gotten where I can do my 25 mile route without dreading the hills!)
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Old 02-19-13, 02:22 PM
  #412  
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Originally Posted by DayGloDago
Thing is, to someone who may already be paranoid because of some perceived flaw, they will think that hecklers are picking on them because of whatever they are sensitive about. In reality, they're just looking for any excuse to say something, to anybody. If you happen to be fat, or a four-eyes[like me!]or bear a resemblance to Pee Wee Herman or Larry Fine, of couse, they'll use that.

Heck, ever tried it? It IS fun!
Wise men speak because they have something to say. Fools speak because they have to say something.

Good natured ribbing between friends is one thing, random unkind comments to strangers is rudeness even if you think it's funny.

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Old 02-19-13, 02:53 PM
  #413  
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Originally Posted by Myosmith
Wise men speak because they have something to say. Fools speak because they have to say something.

Good natured ribbing between friends is one thing, random unkind comments to strangers is rudeness even if you think it's funny.
I'm not trying to justify the behavior of such people.....just saying that the reason they do what they do has less to do with "you" than it does with them.
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Old 02-19-13, 05:49 PM
  #414  
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Iam sure at first i will be very embarassed..I found this bike at a yard sale for 45 bucks seems like its in good shape iam going to take it to the lbs for a tuneup.I tried to ride this around the corner and thought i would need a tank of oxygen..I admire most of you guys its going to be a long struggle for me to get into bike riding shape..
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Old 02-19-13, 05:56 PM
  #415  
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Originally Posted by justdon
Iam sure at first i will be very embarassed..I found this bike at a yard sale for 45 bucks seems like its in good shape iam going to take it to the lbs for a tuneup.I tried to ride this around the corner and thought i would need a tank of oxygen..I admire most of you guys its going to be a long struggle for me to get into bike riding shape..

Hey, 45 bucks, you can't go wrong! Congratulations on the bike. I well remember those tough first rides. I remember my first five mile ride after a couple of months of fits and starts. A runner passed me on a hill.
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Old 02-19-13, 06:03 PM
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Looks like a great deal on the bike to me, JustDon!!!

The good thing about being out-of-shape when you start, is that you make fast progress....and when you look back a year from now, you'll laugh at yourself, and really feel that you've accomplished something, when you can ride and ride, better than you did when you were a kid...and laugh at the hills that once tortured you.
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Old 02-20-13, 07:56 AM
  #417  
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Originally Posted by DayGloDago
WoW!! Youse guys give me inspiration! (I've been riding 10 months now...and I've just gotten where I can do my 25 mile route without dreading the hills!)
I didn't ride as a child. December 24, 2006, was my first bike ride. I completed the MS City to Shore century loop send of September 2007. I rode 3K miles that first year.
 
Old 02-21-13, 02:59 PM
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Justdon:

Welcome to the fold. Getting a bike is a great first step (and for $45, it looks to me like you got a steal). Remember, the key is not how far you can go today, it's going that far today, and getting back out tomorrow to do it again. It really is a "one day at a time" proposition. Keep your goals realistic - if you can ride a block today, make your goal riding two blocks, then three, etc. As others have said, it can amazing how soon you will be counting miles, not blocks.

Most important - you are doing this for you. It is simply irrelevent how far or fast anyone else can go. If you are enjoying the rides, and they are making you feel better and healthier, then you are a success story. Congratulations in advance on your success story.
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Old 03-31-13, 10:05 AM
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Originally Posted by Neil_B
Sometimes they do. I've gotten thumbs up from people. And on one ride with Bautieri out in the hills past Harrisburg I had a truck pull up next to me while I was waiting for the light to change. The driver said he'd watched me climb the hill and he was rooting for me that I'd complete it. I did, so he pulled next to me to compliment me.
That's so awesome!! When I was riding back i the early 90s, I use to race Mtb race. I did local and national races. I did things that I didn't think my body or bike would be able to take. But I did it and back then I weighed around 240-250. Now that I'm literally a 100 pounds more, I'm ready to take back my life and get back in the saddle. I discovered this site the other day and am loving it even though i haven't been in the saddle yet( need to tune up and replace tires and get things back inn order). but i can't wait. I'm not a couch potato by any means. I'm a competitive archer and outdoorsman. i really surprise lots of people by my physical. But I surprisingly, I still get the typical, "oh man you're slow". And of course that's coming from the so called close friends of mine. Well no longer friends of mine. But you get the point here.
You have to be your own advocate and cheerleader!! Don't let other people tell you can't do something. If we were all meant to be Greg LeMonds or Lance Armstrongs, then god would have made only one kind of person.
Keep on dreaming and stay discipline bc with dreaming and discipline, you can achieve it. I'm living proof. I've won multiple state championships in archery and am an accomplished instructor. It can be done Happy Easter to all my riders!!!
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Old 03-31-13, 10:25 AM
  #420  
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It is all about putting one pedal in front of the other. I started riding again 6 months ago, my first recorded 5 miles I averaged 7.7 MPH, 2 weeks ago I averaged over 13 on a 50 mile ride. I've dropped 15 pounds, and really enjoy myself out there. Any mile is better than no mile.
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Old 03-31-13, 11:15 AM
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As far as I'm concerned, you've made a positive step in your life by just hopping on the bike in the first place. Kudos to you and just go out there and enjoy the ride.
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Old 03-31-13, 02:08 PM
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So here it goes. I'm 27 years old, 6'2 and 265lbs. Been embarrass of my weight for a few years now. Back in my young teens I was really into mountain biking and was probably around 150lbs. I am looking at a Bianchi Volpe for doing some trails and commuting around town. I am hoping to get into good enough shape to do a century at the end of August. I'm just really looking forward to getting out on the road again and hopefully lose a few pounds in the process. This thread is really inspiring, keep those pedals turning!!

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Old 04-05-13, 09:43 AM
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I am only on page 4 of this thread but have to say its very inspiring.
I used to ride a lot, then as my weight went to over 400# just could not do it. I would try but I would hurt and be so worried about what people would say I just quit.
I have dropped almost 100 lbs by working out at the gym and doing cardio 5 days a week. I got my bike out the other day and it was so much easier to ride.
I want to get riding again, I spend 40 mins a day driving to the Y and would prefer to be spending that time on my bike.

My biggest fear is having a bike fail, I know some say who cares but to some I am sure its a huge concern. Kind of like telling someone who is afraid of snakes not to worry.

This thread is very inspiring, and so is this section of the bikeforum. I will always be in the clyde forum even when I get under 200 lbs.
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Old 04-05-13, 10:47 AM
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Originally Posted by MetalPedaler
And conversely, a lot of people who are driving by, are probably thinking "Wow, I envy and applaud that guy for getting out there and exercising" or "Wow, he's so fat, and yet he's out there riding a bike, and I don't even do that!" or "Isn't that the same guy walking his dog that I saw 4 miles up the road when I was going the other way? I really should do that with Fido- we could both use the exercise; and it looks like it'd be relaxing!" -but they never say anything.

These are the specific reasons when I ride and get stopped at a light, I stand up proud, take a swig of water, and flex.

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Old 04-05-13, 06:33 PM
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No one should be imbarrassed, I wear a helmet , weigh 320 pounds, use Oxygen, wear funny bike shorts and off color shirts, and have long hair and a beard ..people say I look like manson hahaha I dont see it but oh well. I can imagine what goes through their minds, but you know no one has ever said a rude comment to me. ( might be the manson look-a-like) that stops that. But just get out there and ride.
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