Originally Posted by
ucfdad
Just starting to get into riding for fun and fitness. I am 58, 6'1 and 240 and a smoker with high blood pressure. So far in July I have ridden 60 miles in 7 rides. Somedays I can do 12 and some days I am struggling to do 8. When I tell a non cyclist I did 8 miles they are like "wow that is great". When I say I rode 8 to a cyclist, I get a much less positive reaction.
So, when first starting what should be considered a good ride? How much did you ride at the beginning?
Also, would love to hear from anyone who has a success story about lowering blood pressure through riding, need the inspiration.
Please no "quit smoking" comments, I have heard them all and agree with them. Thanks
Update 7/31/19: I have finished July with 21 rides for a total of 216.50 miles. Thanks for all the inspirational messages as well as your stories. More important than the miles is the fact that I enjoyed each ride whether is was the shortest 5.07 miles or the longest 15.2 mile twice.
Blood pressure has been steady around 124/65 which should make my cardiologist happy when I see him in September, maybe he will reduce my meds a little.
My wife says if I ride comparable miles in August and September, she will buy me a new bike for my October 1 birthday. I currently have a Trek Verve 3 and am looking at the Trek FX Sport 4 and the Specialized Sirrus Elite Alloy so if anyone has experience with these bikes or recommendations I would love to hear them.
Thanks again for the support!