Well, I didnt think I had done too bad in the off season. Last year, at the end, my weight was at a nice, comfortable, 175lbs. I ate pretty healthily, but because of the weather, and those "life events" that are being discussed, I definitely didn't excercise enough. I started up biking again a couple of weeks ago, and my legs are definitely coming back to me. I've put in about 120 miles, and plan to get up to around 100 miles/week within the next week and a half or so. However, I have noticed that the hills are KILLING me.. Yesterday I stepped on a scale, and couldnt beleive it.. 193lbs!!! EEK!!! At least the weight doesnt show all that much (or am I just in denial???). So, my question is this-

How do I get rid of the spare tire I have formed, safely, and quickly? I know it is going to take work, but what is a realistic timeframe for losing 15-20 lbs? I have gone back to my more well rounded "biking diet," and with my biking, I am definitely starting to burn rather than blow up on the calories. I was thinking it was 5-10 extra lbs, but wow, what a rude awakening!! Any tips would be greatly appreciated!!

-BlueDevil

Sounds like you've got it handled... diet and excercise. Remember that muscle weighs 6x as much as fat, so if you are putting on any muscle you will gain weight. Some people make the mistake thinking that all weight gains = fat but its not true. If you're doing 100mi in a week, depending on your diet and metabolism it could take a few months, but its better to lose it the right way than to do some engergy robbing miracle fad diet.

1-2 lbs per week with exercise and good eating.

It's ok to say get out and exercise, and eat less, But the less eating should be the Things that are bad for you, and the exercise should be good.

I started extra exercise in February, and lost no weight until 2 weeks ago. I only weigh 155lbs, but I wanted to lose 7 lbs. It was only when I started pushing myself at the gym, just that extra bit, that the weight started to come off, and 5 lbs in 2 weeks is the total. Up till then, I was gaining some weeks.
Pushing that extra bit? I now start sweating after 20 minutes(10 minutes of which is warmup) and by 30 minutes I am soaked. I keep cardio- vascular gym work in this sweat range for 60 minutes, by which time I am shattered. Then it is down to the weights room to gently exercise the parts of the body that can still take it.

Then comes the problem. I'm starving so is it going to be a Curry or a Kebab to put back the carbs.

Sounds a lot like me (except I started about 50 lbs higher). It can be really hard to lose the weight, particularly as you also put on years.

Blue Devil, Remember, it took a while to put the weight on so you should plan on it taking a while to take it off. Realistic - while you might do it in 2-3 months, it could take 4-6 months to take it off properly (particularly if you are getting past 35 or 40).

Thanks for the tips everyone. I am 24, and tend to lose weight fairly quickly (still have that quick metabolism I guess). In the middle of July, I'll be doing a climb of Grand Teton (no, not on the bike ), and would like to lose at least 10 by then (which sounds very reasonable). When I get into full swing I am usualy averaging 170+ miles per week.. and with a reasonable diet (no more icecream or beer.. eek!) it should be all good!

Me too! I got on the scales at 196 yesterday. I will be in lose weight mode for a few months to lose about 15 lbs hopefully. My racing weight was 175 10 years ago but I will take 180 now that I am just riding for fitness and fun.

Don't feel bad. I tipped at 224. I lost 20 pounds last season, but I gained 4 of it back. I had said that I quit riding in October, but I think it was a good bit sooner.

I look to lose about 30 pounds this year. If I can keep up my riding schedule, it should be no problem. Anyway, it is good to be back on my bike. I hope to bust down below 200 pounds this year. That would be a great accomplishment for me, personally. Best -

I'm taking off 5 by June 12, and another 5 will be off by august 27. We can all do it together.