I've read most of these posts and I don't think anyone has suggested that you should keep your rides slow and aerobic for a good while. Just getting out of breath and driving your HR up at this point really does you no good at all. So use an easier gear and slow down your rides so that you can ride longer. Sorry if you already know this but it isn't clear from the previous posts.

And those walks Benge Boy suggested are a nice idea too!

Very good point----- You have a body that is not used to exercise. Don't push it too hard too soon. For a while just turn the pedals and get slightly out of breath. Take any slopes with a modicum of sense and if you do run out of puff or leg power- stop before you get to that stage.

Mind you- In 2 months time you will be entered in your first 20 miler and we will require pics of you doing this epic ride. So sort out the cafe about 10 miles from home that serves coffee and Pie.

The key to starting out is to concern yourself with time, not speed or distance. Plan to ride 45 mins to an hour, even if it's under 10 mph. With time under your belt, the speed and distance will come.

I lost my job in 07 and after a week I decided I would not sit around and gain weight. I repainted and remodeled several rooms in my home and decided I needed to take care of myself as well. I was in fairly decent shape ,but knew I could do better. I went to my doctor and had my fitness level evaluated. I started to walk then increased from there to jogging, but did not enjoy running again.

My 24 year old son is an avid rider and he convinced me to get a road bike. The first few rides were brutal and he could have dropped me at any time. I kept at it and would ride alone if I couldn't find someone to ride with. In the span of two years I can keep up and on those good days I am faster than him. In addition my wife has purchased a bike. She rode a 30 mile tour last year after just a few 15 mile rides. It was tough for her ,but she set a goal and did it. We ride after work on the week days, and ride longer trips on Saturdays.

I would recommend you go to a doctor and get a check-up first. Start slow ,results will come and you will be amazed at the progress. You also might consider getting a carrier for your car. If you have paths that you can drive to then ride it is more enjoyable, starting in traffic can be a challenge.

Re: Time vs. speed / distance, yeah that's pretty much what I've been trying to do overall: consistency rather than exhaustion. Yesterday was just much harder for some reason. Maybe the 'hills' (bumps to some of you :-) on the ride... ?

I also have learned to remember that same rule when (push/walk-behind) mowing our yard during Louisiana summers. Midday "aerobic mowing" can bring you to your knees pretty quickly as well, when the temp is >90F and the humidity more than 60%! :eek:

Anyway, we have a three-bike Hollywood Sportrider rack for our Odyssey and we (me, wife and daughter) do get out some to a local park. I also can carry just my bike in the back of my truck, so I do that as well. I just want to work out some "starting from the house" routes as alternatives since they're logistically easier, eg., when I have less time to ride.

Far and away yes! :thumb:

Not quite the point I was aiming for. :-(

There are a lotta bikes to choose from just don't forget the Father of all bicycles sold today the "Cruiser" of yesterday. The Cruiser can honestly lay claim to fathering BMX, Dirt, as well as every variety of bike sold today that is not a true road bike.

I ride Cruisers because they are fun, reliable, able to handle heavy loads & don't cost an arm and a leg to buy. A person just getting back into cycling could do much worse than to buy a Crusier with 3 speeds to ride for fun and pure utility while they tone up and learn the in's & outs of cycling today.

Grand old Cruisers to see......
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...ier-quot-forum

Don't get to hung up on goals or statistics. Last summer I started to worry about was I putting in enough hours and miles and pretty soon riding wasn't that much fun anymore. I ended up dumping that and getting back to just riding. I'm probably riding almost as much as before, but now I'm riding because I want to and enjoy it instead of feeling I have to get the work in.

I was going to jump in with my 65lb success story, but I think you've got the proper motivation now. ;)

Just keep pedaling and it will all come in due time.

We should fine a way that those who choose can chip in and buy a 50+ jersey for regular posters who accomplish a significant achievement.

Why don't you start this program?

Lots of us have been there. I was 52 when I started with a stationary bike in 2003. I started very slowly, paranoid because I was almost 40 pounds overweight, my father had died of a heart at 54, and his father at 48.

Now, I'm 59, and I rode 7,555 miles this year, including a 241 mile fleche in April, in spite of losing half a lung to lung cancer along the way. Just keep pedaling, and you'll be surprised at what you can do.

Something apparently was lost in translation. If I offended, my apologies, but I was attempting to be positive about your overall progress, which is very impressive from what I can see. What did I miss, or am I just being dense?

Among the health heroes on this forum are Bluesdawg, Bud Bent, and Historian. What they have accomplished is nothing short of amazing.

...and sometimes I can pedal, then walk - Like this afternoon! ;)

About two miles into a brief ride my rear tire had an intimate encounter with an upholstery tack. Yes, I have a spare tube and all the other necessary stuff, but since I'm awaiting delivering of an order that included a seat bag, it was all at home. No worries - I just got a couple of miles of walking done before I got home with the bike. It was a nice sunny 45F day, anyway.

Thanks!

Sorry, just a misconnect between us. I posted my stats to show that change is possible with hard work. I'm glad that point came across.

I'm now learning lots about bikes but already knew about wheezing as an asthmatic. This past summer was my first time on a bike in many years. I'm slowly, week by week, getting a bit stronger and faster but what passes for hills here in flat southern Rhode Island would kick my butt. After about 5 months I began to see progress on hills also. I came to a hill where I would usually slowly grind over in a very low gear. A breakthrough occurred the first time I was able to stand on the pedals and charge up. It felt great to hardly lose any speed. I began to fantasize about a long climb in the Alps, with the peloton strung out behind, wearing pained facial expressions as they tried to keep up. Wonderful fantasy and no controlled substances involved. I would encourage you to work up your own fantasy and take your time about it.

Well glad to see I am not the only weak rider!! Yesterday rode .2 mi. with a strong head wind 1/2 light up grade
and barely made it back without stopping. Started riding a week or so before these last storms. Before that the dog & I would walk several times a day. Keep them spinning, I am even in the snow. The wind is a killer. I am 66
so am going to take it slow & steady.

To the OP- one thing I haven't seen mentioned here yet- you should get your doc to check you out. Make sure there's no underlying conditions that might be aggravated by a sudden increase in cardio actvitiy- no blockages, etc.

Back when I started again (2004), there was a 15 mile loop I swore I'd conquer. I had to do it in 5 mile chuncks, with a 10-15 minute break after each chunk. Now, a 15 mile ride is just a good warmup.

You're going to amaze yourself... welcome aboard, looking forward to following your progress!

I've already been checked out, without any apparent issues. Plus, it's not like I never get any exercise at all - There's just been nothing of a regular, ongoing (more aerobic) basis.

Thanks.

P.S. - "Dellphinus", as in the constellation Delphinus? :)

Your profile doesn't say where in Louisiana you're located, but bicycle clubs can be very supportive. While I've seen posts claiming their club's "slow" group averaged 18-20 mph, most clubs of any size have a beginner's group and can be very supportive to beginning cyclists. Find cycling activities you really enjoy. Is there a coffee shop 5 miles away (make that a good coffee shop)? Make a goal of cycling there and back for a cup of coffee and maybe even a small piece of pie. At your level of fitness improvement will come very rapidly. For some that means riding a century 18 months into cycling, for others riding 10 miles. Doesn't matter since it's all good.

And you should see his legs now. :thumb:

About 5 years ago I was where you are now. I'm a woman and also taller than average (about 5' 8.5" -- height does have its advantages).

My best piece of advice: Stick with it. I call it the "brick by brick" philosophy. Keep at it for your health and enjoyment. I bet you'll be seeing big gains in a month or two, and it will just keep getting better from there.

I'll bet you say that to all the boys in tights! ;)

True story: I stopped at the grocery store on the way home one day, dressed in full lycra regalia. Little old lady in line behind me (all of 5'-2" in heels, and 90 if she was a day) says to me, "I haven't seen a butt like that in 40 years!"