Hello from Leicestershire

[Big Dave Leicester]

Hi all at CC, I am new here and new to the world of cycling (well new after a break of 25 years).

In those inbetween years I have done the usual - ate, had children, ate, had a driving job for many years, ate, had a desk job, ate etc.. To the point where I am now in my 40's, and over 22 stone.

Also with being diagnosed as diabetic type 2 (diet controlled) I decided it was time to do something now or time will run out before I am ready.

So with determined enthusiasm I decided to buy a Carrera Subway and left the house in the dead of the night so there is less chance of me being seen. I managed to do 1/2 mile that night but died twice and my legs exploded many times !!

I am also taking up walking again which I used to love and my first attempt at that was 1 mile in 44 minutes with 8 stops along the way.

This was a couple of weeks ago and with persistance I am glad to say that I managed a total of 5 miles walking last night and feel great.

I am hoping to build up the courage to try the bike again soon as I will beat this and can't wait to do some serious miles on it with the added benefit of raising my fitness and losing weight.

Sorry for the long introduction and I know that a lot of the super fit 50+ milers on here may not relate to all this but I am determined to be there alongside you one day.

 

[welsh dragon]

Hello and welcome from powys. Take things slow. Don't try to do to much to fast. Well done with your walking. If you can only manage 15 minutes on your bike then go for it. Gradually build up to 30 minutes, then 45 minutes and continue going further and longer. Don't think you have to push yourself beyond your limits. Your body will tell you when to stop.

Many people here felt they were dying the first time on a bike after many years, so your not the only one. There are a lot of people here who will be willing to give you advise at any time. Hope you enjoy the forum

 

[PatrickPending]

There's some great cycling to be had round those parts. I find north and east of Leicester particularly good. Vale of Belvoir, Rutland, out towards (but not heading into ) Peterborough......

 

[Richard Fairhurst]

I used to live in Rearsby, north-east of Leicester. Some lovely cycling up the Wreake Valley...

 

[Bryony]

I remember my first ride after 11 or so years off the bike I thought I was going to die! I struggled up the smallest of "hills" and managed 2 miles in about an hour!!

Now a year on I can comfortably do 20 odd miles and the small hill I first struggled up I don't even notice!

Keep at it! Just build up slowly! Happy cycling

 

[ScotiaLass]

Hi all at CC, I am new here and new to the world of cycling (well new after a break of 25 years).

In those inbetween years I have done the usual - ate, had children, ate, had a driving job for many years, ate, had a desk job, ate etc.. To the point where I am now in my 40's, and over 22 stone.

Also with being diagnosed as diabetic type 2 (diet controlled) I decided it was time to do something now or time will run out before I am ready.

So with determined enthusiasm I decided to buy a Carrera Subway and left the house in the dead of the night so there is less chance of me being seen. I managed to do 1/2 mile that night but died twice and my legs exploded many times !!

I am also taking up walking again which I used to love and my first attempt at that was 1 mile in 44 minutes with 8 stops along the way.

This was a couple of weeks ago and with persistance I am glad to say that I managed a total of 5 miles walking last night and feel great.

I am hoping to build up the courage to try the bike again soon as I will beat this and can't wait to do some serious miles on it with the added benefit of raising my fitness and losing weight.

Sorry for the long introduction and I know that a lot of the super fit 50+ milers on here may not relate to all this but I am determined to be there alongside you one day.

Hi Dave and
Well done on taking your first steps! That's brilliant. Don't worry about getting out there - I felt bad at first because I'm a bigger lady but then realised that I was out there doing something positive, so everyone else could go do one!

I started cycling last October after several years away. My motivation was to lose weight and get fit, which would, in turn, help my medical conditions.
My first bike ride was down to the bottom of the hill where I live, around a car park and back. I will add at this point that I pushed the bike back up the small incline!
I gradually built up miles and currently do 15-20 miles, usually three times a week.
I am losing weight and enjoying the freedom it's given me! I'm meeting others and just loving it - it helps your mental health too!

Keep at it!

 

[Dark46]

Hi and welcome to the CC!
Take it easy at first and try not to do too much too quickly

 

[Rolling Milly]

Hi Dave!
I'm new like you, and you've already cycled more than I have!
Change will come from within, if you want it to, and you sound very determined! I admire your brave first steps.

Keep it up, I'll soon be right behind you! (Waiting for payday to get my bike)
:-)

 

[Pat "5mph"]

Welcome Dave!
Your positive attitude is miles ahead: the cycling will catch up shortly.
Next ride out in daylight, nothing to be embarrassed of.

 

[thefensman]

Hi Dave and welcome aboard,i had pretty much the same story to tell when i first came on here, but with a bit of grit and hard work and lots of help from other cc folk i now cycle almost daily,( work and family allowing). You have made the hardest move by simply getting yourself out the door and going for it. Keep it up and little by little you will soon start to feel the benefits tho there will be days when you won,t want to i know i had them but i just thought about why i had to do it and get the pounds off. Good luck and keep those pedals turning.

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

Hi Dave and .

If you need some inspiration to help get on the bike have a look at this site: The 39 Stone Cyclist written by one of the members on here: @gb155.

 

[thefensman]

+1 the above. great reading.

 

[biggs682]

welcome from next county down

 

[Big Dave Leicester]

Thank you all for your great hospitality and kind words

I am hoping to sample the delights of all corners of this county and neighbouring counties on 2 wheels in time.

Welcome Dave!
Next ride out in daylight, nothing to be embarrassed of.

Im not sure about the next ride but I am sure I will get there soon enough.

Hi Dave and .

If you need some inspiration to help get on the bike have a look at this site: The 39 Stone Cyclist written by one of the members on here: @gb155.

I have already looked through his blog as well as Toby Fields http://www.fatcyclerider.co.uk and they have been truly inspirational. If I could ever achieve half of what they have, I would be an extremely happy man.

 

[Dibs]

Welcome mate. Good on you for taking the first step.

You've joined the right place to help with the next 20 steps!