wannabeclyde

Well, I really had planned to post a "I'm gonna be a clyde one day!" with a picture of the new bike and current 'before' pictures... but I got caught lurking when I decided to order a jersey

I didn't see anything against introduction posts, but I didn't see a stickied one either. If a mod wants to berate and call me names, have at it. I'll just go with the tried and true 'sticks and stones' response.

Keeping the story short(er): - Had gotten up to 360~ (I can't exactly say how bad it got, didn't have scales that read more then 350, and I didn't exactly wanna know anyway) about two years ago, and started running. Hit 299lbs, and bought a used MTB. It became my hobby and my exercise, even through thanksgiving/christmas I enjoyed a feast or two, but went to ride that afternoon to at least stay steady. Down to about 275lb, realizing I'd almost lost 100lbs and everyone I knew noticed it and complimented me. I felt like I had finally DONE IT and was on my way...

then that bastard cancer showed it's face, and I had an excuse. I could now lie to myself about my lack of exercise or diet control, and it was a good enough excuse that I could justify it to myself. I gain a pound or two a week for about 5-6 months... felt defeated and down, and kept making more excuses. As I am in that 'funk' (don't act like you don't know what I mean... you're human too), I start having some complications with vision. A few months later and I'm having to have my eye removed. I had another excuse I could use to keep gaining weight... instead, this time, I've decided I'm going to make that my motivation. Have an AMAZING AMAZING LBS that worked within my budget to find me a closeout of exactly what I wanted in a road bike. Ordered it last week, and hoping it will come in any day now. Doctor cleared me yesterday morning, and here I am getting excited.

I remember the first time I road my mtb and that excitement. I also remember the first time I got frustrated and wanted to throw that same bike off a bridge. Here's hoping I'll remember the feeling of accomplishment a few rides later. That's the feeling I need to focus on the most.

I realize everyone has different opinions/views/goals, but mine is just being a clyde and not a super/uber/whatever-clyde. Still a wannabe who's gotta put in the work and earn it. So here I am... right at 330lbs, and excited to do it again, and do it for life this time.

TLR version - One eyed big guy cancer survivor looking forward to giving and receiving some accountability and encouragement soon, bike's on order.

PhotoJoe 

Hey Wannabe,

First, welcome to the forum. Glad to have you.

As far as the mod thing goes, if you're used to being insulted by mods who call you names, you've been hanging out in the wrong forums! I've had the pleasure of being part of both of your first posts, am a mod, and haven't called you any names yet...and don't plan on it....unless you think me calling you "motivating" or "encouraging" a bad name!

Also, welcome to the club - the club you never want to join. Glad to hear you beat the cancer. In March of this year, I wrapped up 14 cycles of chemo myself. 70+ days in the hospital and surgery to remove my right hamstring, but I'm done, and prognosis is good. Hope yours is, too.

Sorry to hear about the eye. I'm glad you can still ride. I imagine it takes some getting used to, but once you do, I suspect you'll do great.

And I agree, isn't it an amazing feeling when you take a bad situation and use it to motivate you to do what you gotta do?! I love it.

And congrats on the bike. What did you order? Pix when you get it...or it didn't happen! We all like bike porn! And once you get it, ride it like you stole it!

Beachgrad05

Welcome to the forum! I am humbled and inspired by your story truly. Can't wait to see a pic of the new bike and read your ride reports and of your experiences as I learn so much from everyone on this forum as I follow their journey.

Dad 2 3

Not sure I could carry on a battle with cancer and a battle with weight at the same time like you and Photojoe have done. Kudo's to you both!

If you are looking for a good berating I hear the Road Cycling forum (AKA "41") is a good place to go.

tergal

wait what.. you are riding with one eye ? please tell me you have a parrot .

In all seriousness wow , that is amazing i don't know if i could even begin to function that well after a setback like that . keep it up and let us know how you go.

... what about a wooden leg .. ok i'll stop sorry

Shellyrides

I did the cancer thing earlier this year, not fun. Now like you getting the weight off!

RichardGlover

Don't you know that once you get cancer, you can never ride a bicycle again? Well, you CAN... but expect to be hounded by government thugs trying to take your accomplishments away by drumming up evidence and coercing testimony from drug-users.

PhotoJoe 

I knew I missed a memo!

islandseas

Welcome...I look forward to hearing about your bike and your adventures with it.

Karen

wannabeclyde

I can't even imagine 70 days in a hospital with chemo... My wife and sister get upset when I downplay what I've been through, but being able to do a few weeks of proton beam radiation instead of chemo isn't even close. Glad to know you're cleared, that's the important part. I've got the all clear from almost everyone... one more pathologist report before I can claim NED.

I've got a 2012 Cannondale Synapse 105 coming... Fedex says "out for delivery", but it's going to the LBS to do what they do, hoping to ride this weekend. I'm leery of the wheels, but I've been convinced to ride the stock ones and if they break upgrade then. (well convinced, and used the $ for all those other things you need with a bike).


Eye can't quite see what you mean? Eye feel like I'm only seeing half of the story.

They never gave me a patch to wear, but I've since asked for one from my last few appointments. I now have 3 different eye patch options for my pirate halloween costume.


As long as they don't strip me of my 1LB hamburger picture on the wall at cheeburger-cheeburger... that would just be too much for me to handle. I'd probably just quit fighting it at that point.



Thanks for all the kind words. I'll add a picture in the parking lot of the LBS... probably showing off my first wreck at the same time.

jsigone

congrats on the Synapse!! The wheels (RS10s) are the same that came on my super6, like you I was leery about them but they actually ride nice, just a bit porky for my taste and the front has a bit of flex on the curvy decents. They are a wide profile so the road contact is really nice change up to standard 19mm wide rims. Makes me want to build up some custom A23's or HED C2's. I have about 300 miles on those RS10 wheel in the past 2 weeks and they are holding up to my abuse so I'd recommend replacing them when U have the extra cash but no rush is needed.

prxmid

just gotta root hard for you

phread59

good luck my man. I've not faced cancer,,,,YET. I've done the heart attack thing though. I hope all will be well with you. The Synapse is totally sweet. You'll love it. I just regretably put my Fuji up for the winter. Best of luck to you.

Mark Shuman

tergal

HA,

Always look on the bright side of life.... that way you can see where you are going

Just_Nigel

Congratulations and welcome! Great choice on the bike. I have a Synapse 6 Apex and love it! The only thing I didn't like were the tires that came on it. I see the same ones are on your bike. In my opinion, they are way too soft. I only got about 150-200 miles out of them before the sides were starting to come apart.

I replaced them with Continental Gatorskin.. So far I've got about 400 miles on them and they're doing well.

Best of luck and keep us updated!