Hello. I'm a big guy (late 40's, 6'3", 410 lbs when I started riding 3 weeks ago) and I'd been trying to walk 3-4 times a week for the past few months. That has been good, but I wanted some variety and I wanted to up the intensity of my exercise while minimizing joint stress. Getting back on a bike was the ticket for me.
I found this forum and was able to get a lot of great information about what I needed to consider as I set out to purchase a new bike. I also found many of the personal stories very motivating! I ended up getting a new Surly Ogre, changing out the stock wheels for 40 spoke Velocity Cliffhanger rims and Big Apple tires. So far, I LOVE IT! Working with my LBS - an acronym I learned here 
- was a positive experience that was enhanced by the information I gleaned from this forum ahead of time.
I've been riding 3-4 times a week and go between 5-8 miles a ride (gotta start somewhere). I've stayed with paved bike trails for now, mostly flat, but some hills. I still try to get a good brisk walk in one day a week, but getting on the bike is definitely much more fun!
I look forward to continuing to learn, be inspired, and occasionally share as I check-in with this forum (gonna hang out in the Clydesdale section mostly - another term I learned here ). Thanks to those here for sharing their knowledge, experiences, and stories. You have played a part in helping me get back on a bike. Best wishes to everyone here!
Last edited by como13; 08-20-15 at 09:54 PM.