jedrek

There are two tricks to beating humidity:
1) Clothing that whisks away moistness/wetness.
2) Not stopping.

raytobe

Check out my post here. https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...fore-it-got-me

danlikes

I keep an extra bike for anybody that has something to say, they can ride with me and most the Healthy people are hoofing and poofing way before I even start to get warmed up.

I have yet to havea fello cyclist, runner or other truely fit person say a word other than encouragement. Kind of amazing it is usually those that feel bad about them self that think it necessary to tease or point fingers at you. Thats my 2¢.

asmac

Ignore them. And maybe carry a baseball bat, metaphorically speaking. And get a nice big bike with nice big tires. I have a Kona Ute: a big fat bike for a big fat man.

dull

Hi,

Just wanted to thank everyone for their posts, which I found quite uplifting . I am going to start cycling soon (just waiting for my bike to come!) and although I am not a clyde I do have some similar concerns to some of those posted about very poor fitness level and lack of riding/technical skill (crapping out on hills, having to walk, "speed of sound" riders, eating pavement, hecklers, etc). It's kind of funny how I spend time worrying about these things, when my own reaction/thoughts on seeing someone else in that position are essentially the opposite of what I'm concerned about.

Anyway, after reading through this thread I'm more determined and feel better than ever to get on my bike and ride--thanks a lot to everyone who posted!

wphamilton

Yes, the clydesdales/athenas forum has some of the best threads in the whole BF doesn't it?

Farmer Dave

+1

beebe

I lift now though I am fairly weak. It's emberassing when stronger people are in the gym. I do notice, however, that when people weaker than I are in the gym, I don't think less of them. Instead, I give them a mental g'donya. My girlfriend has begun biking much more over the last year, and while she was slow at the beginning (and always pretty) she has become a strong cyclist. She keeps up with me now, despite riding a heavier bike with less gears. Watching her struggle through the earlier stages of cycling improvement, I did not think less of her for her lack of proficiency. I thought more of her for her willingness to improve. I have seen accounts of numerous people who have lost weight or improved their fitness in other ways from riding. I don't particularly care what method people use, I just like the idea of people trying to do what's best for themselves. I like the idea of people trying their best to improve at whatever it is that they are doing.

jesse_v77

I am a LARGE man myself, I am still working on getting in a steady habit of riding my bike. I weigh 345, and im only 5'10". All that matters is you are trying! Try to keep it consistent and work up your stamina. Dont worry about what people think, people are going to be critical of any overweight people, no matter what we are doing, so you might as well do something in the right direction to help you get in shape. You might just find that more people will dig that you are trying to do something to better yourself, instead of clowning, or thinking ugly thoughts in their heads.

I know this is a late post, its now August, but its all good. I ride an eighty dollar special from wal mart, it has a steel frame, and I think steel rims. It is a roadmaster. It doesnt properly shift all the way but I can get it from the highest to the lowest gear, I have replaced the front tire because I kept getting flats, I replaced it with a slime tube, so far no more troubles, and I have over 100 miles on the bike. I'm sure many people will tell you to rush out and spend 6 to 7 hundred on a 'sturdy reliable' bike, but until I drop some pounds, the 80 dollar special is working just fine for me.

Keep up the practicing, and it will get easier. I turned an 6 mile trip from one hour down to 35 minutes (On a very good day) but because I havent been consistent, still havent lost any weight. Consistency is the key, and as soon as we get that down, we will be trimming fat daily.

Have fun and God Bless!!

Thalia

I think there is always a crop of new embarrassed riders coming along, so even if the OP is now an old pro, this topic is always helpful!

CraigB

Which, I'm sure, is why the thread was stickied.

Zermatt7

I'm now 6' 195 & getting toned (veins in the arms, flat stomache etc.) and I will only wear bike shorts under my gym shorts. I dont ever see my self wearing bike shorts by themselves, just me. Same reason I dont wear a speedo / "organ suit" when swimming laps, even though I could possibly pull it off. It just aint going to happen.

As far as the bike breaking, thats just a factor of what its rated for. Have you tried riding an indoor bike at the same time...Freezing is no fun no matter how healthy riding is.
Good luck & dont quit !
Just adapt and overcome !

Neil_B

Also, some of us "old pros" get embarrassed from time to time. :-)

asmac

What an inspiring thread!

kreeseis

++1

lol

Bluetrane2028

Or just keep pedaling with the knowledge that their inactivity in relation to your activity will leave them huge and you not as much if you stay dedicated.

nkfrench 

Every time you are out on the bike you are setting an example as well as striving to improve yourself. You may be inspiring people who think they are too old/fat/unfit to ride to dust off their bike and give it a try. You're projecting how much fun being on a bike is to kids who will want to try it. You'll help motorists to get used to bike riders sharing the roads in a legal, safe, and courteous manner.

Wear the functional activity-appropriate attire, and help others get over their initial fears by helping make it "normal".

I typically ride by myself but I enjoy saying "good morning" "howdy" or a little wave and a smile to strangers who are riding their bike, mowing the lawn, walking the dog, jogging, kids on the school bus, garbage collectors, etc. Overwhelmingly, the response is similarly positive. It is good for the soul and helps me feel part of the community.

zencalm

Chief, what bike did you end up getting? I was planning to get a 3 speed Torker beach cruiser (really!) and I ended up with a 2011 men's small Globe Daily 2. My LBS is fantastic! The Daily 2 comes with a rear rack built in and has a place to latch the panniers onto. (I have axiom waterproof typhoons.) It also comes with fenders, perfect for not getting all the road crap all over you. I added a front basket, and a bunch of accessories, and I couldn't be happier. I guess the Globe Daily 2 is a hybrid. It's an upright riding position but narrower tires (I used to ride a used Raleigh MTB.). The tires are 700c x 28 and have Kevlar in them for more puncture resistance (they are Specialized Infinity with a Flak Jacket).

As someone 336 who carries too much stuff in her panniers, this bike will definitely fit you plus stuff. Of course, at 6'4, you're gonna need a larger size than me. I am 5'9 but I have a baby inseam....only 30 inches!

threemonkeys

Feeling awkward at first isn't limited to big people. I've been a workout fanatic for years (weigh 142lb, 11% BMI). I jumped on a bike for the first time in about 30 years just a month ago. It took me several weeks to develop some level of confidence. And the first time I saw a chubby person pass me on a trail, I thought WTF. So don't think experienced big guys can't kick butt on a bike. It just takes time for all of us to develop a sense of confidence.

Long story short - I've gotten over the 'quicker, faster, stronger' comparison and I really don't give a hoot anymore. Here in the Seattle area, the biking community is really diverse. Old, young, overweight, skinny...that's what makes it fun. And as I'm about to buy clipless pedals, I suspect I'm in for another round of over self-awareness. But like everyone else, I'll get over it.

Great comments, everyone. And, yes, a very inspiring thread, indeed.

Craig

AthenaBiker

Definitely. I am brand new to the forums - this is my first post and this is the first thread I have read. This thread has been SO inspiring! As an Athena at 5'2", 255lbs with a bmi of 46 I need to do something. I also have arthritis in my knees but surprisingly enough this appears to hindering walking much more than biking thus far. I had an old beach cruiser bike but because where we live is very hilly I had one heck of a time riding it since going up the hills was impossible and coming down them was just cruising. A few weeks ago I got a Trek Navigator 3.0 WSD and I am LOVING this bike! I can make it up the smaller of the hills around here and am working on it to conquer more. Riding now feels like good hard exercise instead of an extreme sport I am nowhere near able to handle.

I have dealt with the same insecurities that started this thread. Both on the bike and off of it but that's another story. Anyways, thanks all for the inspiration. I hope this thread is a good representation of the whole forum, I like you people

Michelle

goldfinch

Welcome Michelle. I love the t-shirt! Hope you stick around and visit with us here and share stories. We have several short Athenas here so you are in good company. The Navigator seems to be a popular bike for starting out. My husband rides one and he is now up to 12 mile rides.

beebe

The whole forum except for advocacy and safer maybe.

Good luck and welcome.

AthenaBiker

Thanks. I did quite a bit of reading before I got my bike and decided it was the one I wanted (pending fit of course) before I ever saw one in person based on how many people recommended it as a good beginning bike. When I took it for a test ride I knew immediately it was the right one, I REALLY like it!!

dwellman

Was at Blockbuster (yeah, they still exist) exchanging a DVD (yeah, they still exist, too) and this conversation fragment:

Blockbuster employee: "I could never ride like that."
Me (in full riding regalia-- shoes, helmet, jersey, shorts, ect.): "What? You mean you don't know how to ride?"
BB Emp: "I'd look like a dork!"
Me: "So? We all look like dorks."

Yeah. And then proceeded to have another similar conversation outside with two other strangers. . .

nopainnogain

Great forum. new member here. I'm @200lbs I qualify, rite? Riding a 36 yr old Moto..quit counting @ 50K....who needs index anyway?
Very impressed with these new riders. It's Attitude, not Aptitude that counts. Speaking fr lots of experience, Please know that for every jerk you might encounter on your rides, there are Hundreds more that have your back, willing to jump in if things may turn south. Bullies tend to turn meek when confronted with getting their As(&()s kicked. Ride with confidence, knowing that you are making a difference with every pedal stroke, changing your life and health, unlike those who may try to diminish your efforts. You're the future..take it and Make it!