I checked your updated page, looks real nice. Much sleeker, clearer and better lay out. Hmm maybe i should improve my page as well...

I really like your idea of using the bike for utility as well as health benefits and future touring. I'll be following your adventure with interest! Inspiring stuff. As for weight loss, a while ago i wanted to shed some. I did atkins and cycled about 15 Km / day. Ended up dropping 10 Kilo's in as many weeks!! Are you just doing cycling or also changing your eating habits? If you eat meat Atkins is actually not too hard. I never once felt hungry while doing it except once or twice when i hadn't planned my meals/did shopping and realized i didn't have anything in store that i could eat then and there.