Originally Posted by Yankeetowner

Agree with this completely. In my late 30's to mid-40's I was riding 150+ miles a week, was able to keep up with most (not all) 20-30 year old riders, and my weight was a steady 205 (6' 3" tall). I stopped riding and kept eating and my weight shot up to 250. About 6-7 years ago I changed my eating habits "permanently" by reducing my calories through eliminating all sweets, breads, and most fats. I eat mostly salads and fish for dinner, and yogurt, oats, and fresh fruit for breakfast. My weight went back to 200-205, but I wasn't riding, and was not in good shape (although my cholesterol, blood pressure, etc. were all great). A couple of months ago I got my old road bike fixed up, and bought a mountain bike. I am riding about 20 miles per day on the mountain bike during the week (11 in the morning and 11 after work), and I do one 20+ mile ride on weekends, and one shorter ride. I've dropped to 195 lbs. and feel much much better. I anticipate losing another 10-15 pounds, but I am not concerned about it. I'll never be able to ride like I did 20-25 years ago, but I can still enjoy cycling without being over competitive. I made the decision years ago to change my view of food, and I will stick with it for life. I have watched my Mother, and some other older folks, become so sedentary that they are virtually "self-confined" to a wheel chair. We all have choices in life, and I am choosing mobility over excessive food. Biking is not an excuse for eating more, but my motivation for eating better.