SecondChildhood

First ever post here, gotta start somewhere, right? This seems like the logical place to do it!

I'm 56, out of shape, and getting back to biking after a 30 year absence. I never had the time or money to get a decent ride until lately. My DW (dear wife) recently began a vigorous program of swimming to lose weight and has dropped about seventy pounds and challenged me to follow suit. I tried swimming, got bored quickly just doing laps. Tried the stationary bikes at the gym, but were uncomfortable and I hate doing all that work and going nowhere.

So it's back to the open road! I'm fortunate enough to live less than a half-hour from The Hostel Shoppe in Stevens Point, Wisconsin-- heck, I work just a few blocks away-- so they've been able to give me some great advice in selecting a recumbent trike, a TerraTrike Tour II, to get back into the biking life. Since the last time I rode a tricycle was when I was five years old, I've been telling everyone that I've officially entered my second childhood, thus the screen name. I've been riding ever since the snow disappeared from the driveway (I have a really long driveway), and have determined to start slowly and work my way up to at least 10 miles a day, later 20. Right now, I'm at a whopping 4 miles a day! My eventual goal, which I've tentatively set for 2017, is a coast-to-coast ride to raise money for our charity. It's a scholarship fund honoring my late son, who passed away in 2011 as a result of a car accident. Small steps first, though.

I've lurked here for a couple of weeks, trying to glean the information I need, but I decided I need to jump in and ask questions directly. So far, it certainly looks like everyone on the forum is friendly and helpful, so I'm looking forward to becoming part of the community!

qcpmsame 

Hi, welcome from another 56 year old cyclist. We have many members here that have returned to cycling after long layoffs, it is a fairly common theme actually. A couple of forums here might interest you, The Recumbent and Trike Forum has members that use and love that type if bike, check them out. Also, the 50+ Forum, where I usually hang out, has a great group of people, stop by and introduce your self. Best of luck on the weight loss, I'm using my cycling for weight loss and to overcome health issues, too.

Bill

SecondChildhood

Thanks, Bill. I'm Steve, by the way. I've been over to the Recumbent forum, haven't checked out the 50+ forum yet. I shall do so.