First day commuting!
03-08-12, 10:31 AM
#1
"I'm the Man in Black"
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First day commuting!
Outstanding ride! Here in Alabama the weather is getting really nice. I decided to take the Surly CrossCheck into work today. 7.5 miles one way paralleling a US Hwy. Not much traffic, a few short steeps. The Ortliebs on the back with a change of clothes, baby wipes, and other assorted necessities. It was a good ride and I have a goal of three times a week to start. People at work think I am a nut! 13 years ago I weighed 431lbs and smoked three packs a day. Over the years I have lost down to 260lbs by riding bikes. I quit smoking and while I was diagnosed as a diabetic those many years ago, today I do not even have to take any meds for it. I started my commuting to get my legs prepared for long distance touring. I read this forum a lot for inspiration and hopefully, at some point I can inspire someone to do what I am doing.
03-08-12, 11:43 AM
#2
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Congratulations on your first commute and all of your health accomplishments!
03-08-12, 11:45 AM
#3
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Wow. Good job. A part of me is so lazy that I just assume people can't change: if they are overweight, they will stay that way, if they smoke they will keep doing so, and stuff like that. I don't have any expectations of change. Then I hear about somebody like you who went out and improved himself like you have.
Have you rewarded yourself with any tours? You may have mentioned that without me seeing, sorry if so.
Have you rewarded yourself with any tours? You may have mentioned that without me seeing, sorry if so.
03-08-12, 11:49 AM
#4
"I'm the Man in Black"
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Wow. Good job. A part of me is so lazy that I just assume people can't change: if they are overweight, they will stay that way, if they smoke they will keep doing so, and stuff like that. I don't have any expectations of change. Then I hear about somebody like you who went out and improved himself like you have.
Have you rewarded yourself with any tours? You may have mentioned that without me seeing, sorry if so.
Have you rewarded yourself with any tours? You may have mentioned that without me seeing, sorry if so.
03-08-12, 12:09 PM
#5
Will ride for food!
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Awesome. I did my first commute of the year today as well. It feels great to get back into it after the winter.
03-08-12, 12:15 PM
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Hello there Mr. Lincoln,
I'd just like to congratulate you on one of your most tremendous accomplishments in life. Few people can say with conviction that they've experience such a triumph in any of life's affairs.
The affair with your personal health is a most important one, indeed!
Most Respectfully,
- Slim
I'd just like to congratulate you on one of your most tremendous accomplishments in life. Few people can say with conviction that they've experience such a triumph in any of life's affairs.
The affair with your personal health is a most important one, indeed!
Most Respectfully,
- Slim
03-08-12, 12:21 PM
#7
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Hello there Mr. Lincoln,
I'd just like to congratulate you on one of your most tremendous accomplishments in life. Few people can say with conviction that they've experience such a triumph in any of life's affairs.
The affair with your personal health is a most important one, indeed!
Most Respectfully,
- Slim
I'd just like to congratulate you on one of your most tremendous accomplishments in life. Few people can say with conviction that they've experience such a triumph in any of life's affairs.
The affair with your personal health is a most important one, indeed!
Most Respectfully,
- Slim
03-08-12, 12:29 PM
#8
"I'm the Man in Black"
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Hello there Mr. Lincoln,
I'd just like to congratulate you on one of your most tremendous accomplishments in life. Few people can say with conviction that they've experience such a triumph in any of life's affairs.
The affair with your personal health is a most important one, indeed!
Most Respectfully,
- Slim
I'd just like to congratulate you on one of your most tremendous accomplishments in life. Few people can say with conviction that they've experience such a triumph in any of life's affairs.
The affair with your personal health is a most important one, indeed!
Most Respectfully,
- Slim
03-08-12, 12:44 PM
#9
----
These are my favorite kinds of posts. I never tire of one's like this. They serve as the best kind of inspiration. Thank you HRL.
03-08-12, 01:27 PM
#11
ride for a change
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Alright! Good on you man! Very inspiring story. Sounds like you've got all the gear sorted and you are well on your way to 5 days a week. Great to hear, and thanks for posting!
03-08-12, 01:33 PM
#12
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Thanks, I did get to see some wildlife that I did not even know existed in Alabama. A coyote which was running away from me and a porcupine that was watering itself as I passed. It was awesome! Can you tell I am just a wee bit stoked?
03-08-12, 01:39 PM
#13
----
Kinda makes you wonder why everybody isn't doing it. Like being on vacation every time you go to work or head home.
03-08-12, 01:49 PM
#14
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Too many people can't even wrap their mind around it. One of my co-workers could not fathom how I could ride 7.5 miles without having a heart-attack. I told him that riding would actually stop me from having a heart attack. He thinks I am a nut
03-08-12, 05:15 PM
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Outstanding ride! Here in Alabama the weather is getting really nice. I decided to take the Surly CrossCheck into work today. 7.5 miles one way paralleling a US Hwy. Not much traffic, a few short steeps. The Ortliebs on the back with a change of clothes, baby wipes, and other assorted necessities. It was a good ride and I have a goal of three times a week to start. People at work think I am a nut! 13 years ago I weighed 431lbs and smoked three packs a day. Over the years I have lost down to 260lbs by riding bikes. I quit smoking and while I was diagnosed as a diabetic those many years ago, today I do not even have to take any meds for it. I started my commuting to get my legs prepared for long distance touring. I read this forum a lot for inspiration and hopefully, at some point I can inspire someone to do what I am doing.
I see a fair amount of animals as well, especially riding home after dark. I've seen lots of possum, raccoons, fox, and even a black bear. That is one of the reasons it is a lot more enjoyable than driving.
03-08-12, 05:26 PM
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__________________
"When I hear another express an opinion, which is not mine, I say to myself, He has a right to his opinion, as I to mine; why should I question it. His error does me no injury, and shall I become a Don Quixot to bring all men by force of argument, to one opinion? If a fact be misstated, it is probable he is gratified by a belief of it, and I have no right to deprive him of the gratification."
T. Jefferson
"When I hear another express an opinion, which is not mine, I say to myself, He has a right to his opinion, as I to mine; why should I question it. His error does me no injury, and shall I become a Don Quixot to bring all men by force of argument, to one opinion? If a fact be misstated, it is probable he is gratified by a belief of it, and I have no right to deprive him of the gratification."
T. Jefferson
03-08-12, 05:26 PM
#17
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You are already inspiring all of us (I'll be bold & speak for the group!). I have a Cross Check as well that I use as my commuting bike. I love it.
I see a fair amount of animals as well, especially riding home after dark. I've seen lots of possum, raccoons, fox, and even a black bear. That is one of the reasons it is a lot more enjoyable than driving.
I see a fair amount of animals as well, especially riding home after dark. I've seen lots of possum, raccoons, fox, and even a black bear. That is one of the reasons it is a lot more enjoyable than driving.
03-09-12, 07:04 AM
#19
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03-09-12, 07:33 AM
#21
Senior Member
Hooked another one. I don't have to commute any longer but I do ride every day.
Touring is really a great way to spend a few summer days.
Touring is really a great way to spend a few summer days.
Last edited by capejohn; 03-09-12 at 07:37 AM.
03-09-12, 07:41 AM
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Great story. It's great that bicycles help with your health and they are just fun at the same time.
03-09-12, 09:45 AM
#24
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Well wouldn't you know it. On the way home it started pissing rain in torrents. But, I held up as did my equipment. It took a little longer but that was okay. It was still fun
03-09-12, 10:02 AM
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