damocles1

https://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/17/he...erland&emc=rss

If it's true, this guy is the new Rasmussen...

Mouserue

And ugly is the new sexy: https://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/13997800/

merlinextraligh

^^^^^
That's way more disturbing than your previous pictures.

aballas

that's news to my 6'2" 145lb frame....

slim_77

Kind of a pointless article...could be to encourage our hefty compatriots to get on a bike. I remember one person posting a race report here suggesting to "keep an eye on the tubby guy..."

As far as body type goes he is correct. Body types can make running painful and therefore discouraging. Cycling is not as harsh or difficult...after all, it's [like] riding a bike.

Ritterview

The article is pointless. Wow, fat cyclists have an advantage going downhill.

ke422azn83

Wow, strong ignorance.

The article isnt saying "the elitest cyclers in the world are the fattest", its saying since in cycling, you dont move your center of gravity up and down like running, being somewhat overweight has less consequence on performance, as long as you are still fit and have muscle.

How about less cycling, and more english comprehension?

dynodan22

At least the guys exercising. I'd say hello to a obese guy or gal any time of the day
who is enjoying a good ride no matter how their dressed. Its all about enjoying the ride
big, small, ocp or fredding it, a good ride and makes for a another fine day.

Dynodan

Bantam

Is it mean for me to laugh?

lvleph

Which is why I started cycling in the first place. It had the least impact (I have an ankle injury that wouldn't go away since I kept trying to run) and I could still lose the 25 pound cooler I have around my six pack.

bitterken

Dudes, chill. The article is not pointless. It's just saying that the overweight can still ride well, just not as well as someone who is more fit. Stop the hate

damocles1

No, because you and I know the guy.

Miller2

Bingo...at least the guy is trying.

VT Biker

A couple of things here:

(a) The article really failed to differentiate the recreational cyclist versus the competitive cyclist. It almost seemed to be comparing the competitive runner versus the recreational cyclist. I mean, I live on a major route for lunch-time runners here in Denver and let me tell you, there are plenty of gravity challenged joggers. I think this was a poorly written, poorly reviewed article by the editors of the New York Times. Cycling and swimming are the two best activities in terms of reducing stress on one’s joints, so obviously someone can get on a bike and ride. Unless you are literally John Goodman on a good day, if you pace yourself, you can clearly ride. And, if you use the correct gearing, you can pretty much ride on any ride you want. Maybe not competitively, but you will reach your goal.

(b) Secondly – I am completely supportive anytime I see someone trying to lose weight ride. The fact is, we as cyclists (especially thin cyclists [I am 5’10, 149 pounds]) need to encourage this. When there are more overweight cyclists riding, it means more Americans are cycling.

AGGRO

But why do fat folks gotta wear kit gear? COMEONNOW. Scares the bejesus outta me sometimes.

Bantam

solveg

Because maybe they don't like chafing or sweat sticking to them?

Glad you're all so happy with yourselves, although you are sounding disgruntled, kinda like you've been dropped by a fat guy one too many times. Get used to it.

Mouton

I generally keep quiet because, as another thin cyclist, I don't want to come off as condescending. Even well intentioned, its too easy for the statement to be misinterpreted.

(I am from San Francisco, where the highest complement is faint praise, and don't doubt people are friendlier other places

Tom Stormcrowe

You mean this scares you?



Try it from this end of the equation, this was me 2 1/2 years ago, then September last year, and the top pic was this Spring!

VT Biker

F'ng amazing. Keep it up. In another 2 1/2 years imagine what you will look like. Also - that is the great thing about cycling. Once you get addicted, it is not even a question as to whether or not you ride. Dude - you should get BF'r of the year. Amazing man.


Edit: Damn - I was being a little stupid. The top picture is you above. You know what you need to do now: Train for the Triple Bypass ~ registration starts January 2008, and you are in better shape than some of the participants this year. You will not be disappointed.

Hocam

Simply inspirational Tom.

BlastRadius

That's awesome. Good job.

damocles1

Good for you Stormcrowe! You see, you've actually taken control and worked to lose the weight.

The young man in the picture is in his early 20s. I've known him since he was in his teens. He was always chubby and he has always ridden...not much, but he goes out once in a while. He has no underlying health issues.

He makes zero effort to modify his diet to lose weight. He has probably put on 100 pounds since I've known him. I poke fun at him, but I don't want to go to his funeral. It's a health problem at this point.

And stop defending him! He didn't just wake up fat one morning...

merlinextraligh

Tom,
Great work. You should write up how you did it. I"m sure lots of people would find it motivating.

Tom Stormcrowe

Feel free to print and show him my pics! He may not think he can do it, actually, and seeing is often believing, not to mention my before pic, with the wheelchair and O2 might make him think! I nearly died from the weight, and decided that no matter how drastic the step needed, I had to take it.