RFannin

After a bunch of attempts to loose weight and get in shape I finally decided to do something I hadn't done before. I went last week on Tuesday and bought a bike, trek shift 2, and rode for the first time since I was 12. My first ride was,
Wednesday for 3.69 miles
Day 2 6.07 miles
Day 3 7.01 miles
I took off Saturday and done a bunch of work so I got my exercise that day, Sunday I worked with a group of kids at our church that we are teaching archery while we share the the Bible with them. So that equals a whole lot of walking and chasing.
I plan to put in a good ride today. As I ride I feel better and better about going farther away from home.
My starting weight is at 380 lb I am 6"2". My main concern is hydration as I live in South Georgia and ride at about 4:30 in the evening everyday.

10 Wheels

Hello RFannin,

Welcome to Bike Forums.

Congratulations on the new bike.

Keep your rides short until your body adjusts to the bike.

Problems will be, sore hands, butt, hot foot and knees.

Get a Good Floor Pump and air up your tires before each ride.

Be sure to ask for help when you need it.

Keep it fun, and you will ride many miles.

IBOHUNT

Welcome. I'd echo what 10 Wheels said. It will take your body a while to get used to the different activity.
In no time you'll be riding what you would had considered 'stupid far' 2 weeks ago. When you tell someone "I'll be back after 50 miles." and they have a 'you lost it' look on their face you know you're addicted.
I stopped at the archery shop that was my sponsor yesterday and he asked "You rode from the house?". Retort was - "Sure, it's only 45 miles, why not?"

Good on you for teaching kids archery WHILE sharing the Bible. Rewarding on multiple levels.

Rootman

Welcome, and I too echo the above. Before you know it you'll be riding all around looking for new routes and good roads to travel on. I restarted in the Spring of 2012 after fitful on again off again starts for a few decades. I was so proud when I hit 5 miles, then 10 miles then 20 mile and I find that 30 miles for me encompasses a good route and seems to be my comfort spot, although I've gone multiple 30+ on a few days after a meal and breif rest, and done a few 50+s.

I find that pushing myself any harder will change what I view as a comfortable fun exercise into something else - an excessive workout. But that's just me. You too will find your comfort spot and be able to keep a pace and distance you feel right for you. Be sure to watch your diet too and don't let the calories you burn be added to your diet because you get hungry from exertion.

Wish you luck! And keep ridin'!

Ursa Minor

Welcome. I was 352 when I started today im 230. I mention it to tell u it is possible to find a new life without the fat. Charlie

Notgrownup

I did 26 miles Sunday from like 8:30to 10:00 am ...i feel your heat and humidity pain... same here in Eastern NC... i have 4 water bottle cages on my bike with 2 regular and 2 insulated bottles and all were gone by the time i got back home...Only been back on the bike for 2 months...

bbeck

Welcome!

bgraham111

When I got back into riding, 3 years ago, I was huffing and puffing after 0.5 miles around the block.
In two weeks I'm going to bike from Pittsburgh PA to Washington DC.
You'll be amazed at what you'll be able to work up to. I'd never would have believed it.

IAMAMRA

Howdy! Keep on rolling

Null66

Gave myself "the gout" twice this year now dehydrating..

Both times I left my camelback home when I had no excuse to...

Erwin8r

Welcome! Great story--keep it up and have fun with it!

baron von trail 

Welcome aboard. Good luck. Be sure to drink plenty of water.