I was prompted to start riding again 4 years ago when my doctor weighed me in at 206 and wrote "obese" on my chart during my anual physical. I was way out of shape and losing my ability to hike and climb mountains. That doctor visit pushed me over the edge. I started snowshoeing and walking (It was November in Maine) and then in the Spring I got out my old Nishiki Olympic. I pretty much rode it into the ground so my wife was nice enough to okay the purchase of my new Trek 1000. I began riding for fitness, but quickly graduated to adventure and exploration and the pure love of being on my bike going places as fast as I can. Now I weigh around 184. I'd like to get down a little more too.