fat, female, fifty, getting fitter...
 

I hope my subject line does not attract trouble, I just wanted to comment on the fact that not all riders are male racer-types. I commute 16 miles one way, most of the way with a light rail boost, but I ride all the way home at least once a week. I talked my spouse into a bike, and we have made trips to grocery shop successfully!! I was just hoping for a spare bike for when I get a flat and don't have time, but instead I got a companion rider!! I live in the Sacramento, CA area, and work downtown. I ride a cheap Walmart special mountain bike with added fenders, rack, and computer (love to see those miles add up!). Rain don't stop me! We eliminated a car, and half our gasoline usage!

Good for you! Welcome aboard.

Super! I'm almost 50, and getting fitter too! I live not too far in Davis, CA. Welcome.

Hi, Jessica. Welcome to BF. I'm also from Sactown and work downtown. Time can be short in the mornings but with our September weather you may want to think about riding all the way into work and taking RT in the afternoon.

Stay cool!

I forgot to mention: make sure to check out the Commuting forum. Many good tips/tricks/ideas/commiserations there.

yay! me too. 50 too. I lost 20 pounds in 20 days and am still bragging about it!

Well done!

Welcome to the forums. Keep at it and pretty soon you will be looking at new bikes. I'm a one way commuter too. Ride home from work in the afternoons. The new route is 17.7 miles. Have fun!

'bent Brian

But for me, getting to work means getting up at 5am. and on the way home I have time. I rode all the way on the day it was 101 degrees, and I was surprized how well acclimatized I am... I drink a lot of water, and take my time, and if i want, i stop and buy something cold (still cheaper than gasoline...).

Ah. A True Sacramentan! I tell my wife the same thing (I grew up north of here where it gets really hot) and she still thinks I'm crazy.

I think it's great that you are riding at 50.
I've told myself I want to commute but haven't done it.
I'm feeling more inspired after reading the posts here on bikeforums.net

This place is great!

Welcome to the forums Jessica! Back toward the last part of May we were exiting California in our motor home after a six week stay on the coast. We stopped for the night there in Sacramento at the Expo RV park. There was quite a long paved bike trail along the river that we rode on for 10 miles or so (to go get some groceries). I can't remember the trail, but it was nice, do you ride on it as part of your commute?

Also female, fat, and OVER 50. Just getting going at cycling now for the first time in my whole life, and having lots of fun. My husband can't keep up with me, even after just a few weeks, but, in fairness, I have a lovely new Greenspeed trike, and he has an older Raleigh bike. I don't think I could do a commute like you, but that's OK.

Put your hubby on a recumbent. You will be more evenly matched. Recumbents can be faster than a traditional bike under most circumstances. He will probably ride farther and longer too, making your ride more enjoyable.

'bent brian

congrats on getting fitter,I am not quite 50 yet but trying to get fitter also, just moved up from my dept store bike to a Trek7200 after saving up. I do love how it feels on the road without the steel box of my car. The wind in my face is glorious especially after a long day at work.

I had to chime in about the commute. I just retired, but my commute was 3/4 of a mile, so I had to ride after work and on weekends. Now, I ride any time I want! I'm 57+ and doing centuries and climbing some big hills. If you just keep riding, you can, too! good bikes help.

I had a size 38 waist line 4 month ago , Now Im have a size 32 ! :) make sure you post a picture of your butt when you reach your goal :)
Peace
Jar

I'd love to be in commuting in San Francisco. It's so fun and exciting riding downtown.

YES! I love stories of the not exactly Armstrong types that take up riding because I think alot of people are intimidated by the race guy sterotype of biking- (not that I don't just love those race guys, expecially in the shirtless summer- pass me on your left any time you like..) Everyone can bike! Good for you and keep on bikin'

I like the number of responses to your thread! I am just about 51 and I live in Auburn (Lake of the Pines, which is getting close to Grass Valley) and ride my bike to work every day, rain or shine. I have done this now for 4.5 years and my wife and I also got rid of our second car like you did. It feels good, doesn't it, to help the environment and your health at the same time. I look forward to my ride every time! It is a good pace to travel, huh?
Peace,
Steve

I love posts like that... I'm also fat, though I have been losing weight, and been building up some muscles. As long as you keep at it, you WILL find yourself getting fitter... Don't weigh yourself, or look @ yourself in the mirror. Just notice how much easier things get for you. How much faster you're going... It feels so good to know your'e out there, getting better.

Then when you notice yourself in the mirror one day, you'll be very pleasantly surprised.

I have lost enough weight now tha tI sometimes don't recognize myself in pictures. there was a picture from last summer where I my back was turned so you couldn't see my face. I had to look at the shirt to tell it was me. Very cool.

Yay! We always need other girlies to pipe up and weigh in with their interests! Some of my best experiences have been on 2 wheels .. especially when I've not felt strong or beautiful, cycling is such an elixir. I wish you all the best.

My grandfather is 86 years old and still rides his road bike 3 days a week. 100 kms a week in the winter and up 150 kms a week in the summer. He says he wants to celebrate his 100 years old on his Colnago carbon bike.

Do come back and let us know how you're doing :) .

[Does anyone realise that this is from 2004?]

East Hill