Bicycling rocks!

Bicycling. A year ago, Barbara and I went to Taylor's Bike Shop and bought two cruiser, bunch-a-speeds bicycles. I had to be careful, asking the questions a large human being would have to -- needing a strong bike to handle my bulk, etc. The idea was to ply the beautiful byways of the Jordan River Parkway and get some exercise that wouldn't further punish my knees and feet as walking did. (Forget running, at that stage). Back then, the trips we took were agony for me, especially the mild little hills. It was not fun; it was not relaxing. The bikes were stored for the winter, and I was almost relieved. Then came the decision to do the weight loss surgery, and the operation itself in late March. In my recovery, I at first walked a block. Then two, five and a mile. Then two miles. Then, I asked my doctor about bike-riding. Not yet, he said, due to lightheadedness I was experiencing; he was afraid I'd fall off somewhere, alone. My last checkup, a couple weeks ago, was good; permission granted. First, we had to get the bikes in for their tuneups, which we did. This morning was D-Day. I was a bit apprehensive. I have lost nearly 80 pounds and I've been working out on the weights, stationary bikes and swimming -- but would all that help? As I pedaled down the parkway this morning -- and past Barbara! and well ahead -- I not only took the "hills" but enjoyed the strain on the muscles, what little there was . . . and then I went beyond the point we used to turn back, under a bridge and waited for Barbara. I sipped some water, and I swear, it was as good as a congratulatory glass of champagne. I'm going to enjoy that bike more than I ever suspected.

Thanks for posting. It gives me some hope after 15 minutes on a stationary bycycle that hurt my knees like crazy. But I did my 15 minutes. One step at a time I keep telling myself. Also finally have appointment with trainor. LOL guys signing me up did not ask if this was my first time but just looked at me and wrote 1st time. Oh well. Gotta start some where.  Marc

Hi Marc, Good for you! I too just joined a gym too - did my 20 mins on the treadmill and 20 mins on the bike. I wanted to go more, but the knees said "nooo". I met briefly with a trainer - he could tell it was my first time - but it was his first day too! Hang in there Marc - we are doing the right things.

That is right, Marc, we all had to start somewhere.  I am in the middle, but by golly, I am in the middle!  In January it took all I had to walk for 20 minutes at 3mph.  I got done and I thought I was going to die.  Back hurt, knees, hell everything.  Now, I LOVE going.  I have to or I feel like crap!  I love cycling more. You WILL get there.  Hang tough and congrats!

My brother is an avid cyclist outdoors but he hates being on a stationary bike.  He says it's just not the same thing.  You're always pedaling on a stationary bike unlike a regular bike where you get times when you just coast.  So, train on the stationary bike, but know that you will probably enjoy regular bicycling once you get to do it.  Besides, when you cycle in the warmer weather, you create your own breeze.  Pedal Onward!

Welcome to the world of cycling.  Careful it is an addiction!  I love it! I bought my first bike 3 years ago with great intentions, but didn't ride it until this spring.  Now I have bought another bike and am looking forward to my first road bike.  Great for the knees and it makes me feel like a kid again!  BTW this time last year I could barely walk.  

Thanks guys, you are all an inspiration. I never thought I would actually make it into a gym. For lots of reasons.  Today I met with trainor and did 7 differnt machines plus the bike again. Should be interesting to see what hurts tomorrow. I want to feel it but not hurt somethign like throwing out my back or ankle or knee.  Marc

Thanks for the inspiration guys! I'm looking forward to riding a bicycle again.  I'm walking more now, but I can already tell I"m going to have to watch it on my knees.  I think a bike would be much gentler. Dale