great idea!
I think the reason I avoided bikes for so long was simply because I was scared of people laughing at me...being a big lad on a small bike. Deep down I knew I could ride because I did as a teenager. I also had no clue how to service a bike etc. It was all to easy to sit in a car and kid myself that I wasn't really that overweight.
Having a companion to ride with would have put me off initially I feel. I needed to do this on my own, at my own pace, when I felt like it. To be honest I rode a lot at night to start with to avoid the embarrassment.
I have been 'back in the saddle' for nearly 7 months now. Initially it was really tough, even small inclines used to kill my legs and I'd get out of puff even in the mildest of breezes. Since then I have hit various 'milestones'...got around the block, made it to the next village, got up that bastard hill without walking, got to the kids school, made it to the big town, rode with a camping load, did an overnight stay, rode a small 10 day tour , and managed 145km in one day with a fully loaded four pannier bike.
Now I am easily capable of rides iro 50-70km each day (did 90km today). I have lost 8 inches off my waiste size and have thighs like a racehorse! I have given up booze and learn't the relationship between food and exercise, energy use vs fat build up etc.
I still take medication for depressive illness, but the cycling is helping with that as well.
I am now in a position where I want to ride with others, I am no longer embarrassed about my size & ability, and am not scared of hills and headwinds (although I still swear at them!)
The money i 'invested' in my bike has been the best thing I ever did for myself.
I reckon next year I will be able to do a long tour...the length of the Rhine, or Calais to the med, something like that... I know it will be a real challenge, but I have exceeded my expectations so far, so why not raise the bar a bit I say.
One thing that has REALLY helped me has been the support and help i have had on this website. I have learn't a lot of cool tips etc from more experienced riders...things that have saved me a lot of pain and suffereing & expense etc.
I recommend any new cyclist to ask as many questions as possible, and take off at your own pace, with or without other riders.