Originally Posted by
chasm54
If I were 100lbs overweight I'd be proud to be able to get up any hills at all, let alone average more than 15mph for a two-hour ride.
Another good point. Last year I was on a ride with 4 other guys. They were all at least 10 yrs. younger than me. I was fine until we hit any inclines. Then I would gradually fall behind. The guy who was closest to me in age is around 55 and an ex track racer. I've known this guy for years and he's a very nice guy who is not out to crush anyone on a ride. I started asking his advice about riding hills and he was giving me all the advice you read in books and on the internet. I kept thinking "...but I do all that stuff." Then I asked him how much he weighed. I was stunned when he said "150 lbs." He just doesn't look that lean. And there I was riding at close to 195 lbs and staying relatively close to him. I felt better about myself and determined to get my weight down to see just how good I can be.