New here, from Bakersfield, CA
 

Hello all! Andrew here. Within the last 4 years I've gotten really into riding, mostly commuting to work, though I do enjoy the occasional longer rides. Some back issues that I began experiencing a couple of years ago has at times kept me off the saddle, but after going through PT I seem to have that under control and am able to ride on most days. I'm a big guy, 6'2" and 322lbs (the weight has been up and down drastically since I started riding; my lowest point being about 260). In the latest issue of Bicycling magazine there is an article about incentive based weight loss. Reading it has inspired me to really make an attempt to get my weight down and keep it in check. My goal is to lose 100lbs, at which point I will reward myself with a new road bike (as of yet, undecided which). I will be using these forums as a tool to help keep me motivated to ride, and stick to a healthier life style. Just general discussion about cycling tends to make me want to get out on the bike.

Welcome aboard :)

Feel free to check in with your local riders in the SoCal Regional and be sure to check out the Clydes and Athenas section as well.

Welcome to BF! One nice thread on the Clydes and Athena forum is one where you make a mileage goal for the month and report on it. It is motivating. Here is the current thread: http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...-do-SOME-MILES!!! A new one is started by someone each month.

Welcome to BF and good luck with the weight loss effort!

Thank you all for the welcome. There is some very extensive/useful content on this forum this might be just what I need to help keep myself motivated to ride.

Welcome to Bike Forums!