SJX426 

I set a goal of 2500 miles commuting. I questioned if I would get there with a 22 mile round trip and having weather keep me from starting until mid March. Today on the way to work I exceeded 2800 miles. My new goal is 3000.

In order to get there, which will be a stretch, I have added miles to the route. I do 15+ coming in and either 15 going back or 22 or 25. So there have been some 40 mile round trips, 15/25.

I typically ride two extreme bikes. For bad weather, I ride my RockHopper. It weights nearly 50 lbs fully loaded without me. However, since I tend to be a fair weather rider, no rain in the morning limitation, I have ridden the Pinarello Montello for over 1800 of those miles.

I have lost nearly 30 lbs in the process. My thighs don't hit my belly anymore when in the drops! I started doing 100 sit ups after each morning ride to help strengthen my core. I think it has helped a lot. I have lost nearly 2 inches in my waist. Don't have any pants that fit anymore! Funny, my Mom gave me a Coach belt last Xmas and it was too small, now I wear it all the time! I haven't been at this weight in over 30 years and the best part is how enjoyable riding a bike is now.

In march my average speed was around 13 to 14 MPH depending on traffic, wind direction, attitude, etc. On one of my 25 mile routes home on a Friday, I averaged 18.3 MPH.

My assessment is that I am doing really well for having returned to biking in 2008 after 30 years, taking a year off from a bike accident in 2009, changed jobs, moved across the country, etc. and being 65. My new goal is to loose another 5-10 lbs. and be able to do a century next summer. I think I am nearly in good enough shape. Weather this winter will determine where I pick up next year.