need abit of advice! from swindon

[robFSR]

Hi guys.I'm a novice when it comes to extreme mountain biking.I can build a bike from scratch as I've done from the age of 14.I'm now 30.
I've been 14.5 st from the age of 19 - 29.
As a refuse collector for the last 4yrs which involves running for 8hrs a day I've been able to eat what I want but since losing my job I've gained 2st in 5mths.
It's something which I need to get on top of but as the summer kicks in having mates over at the weekend for a drink and bbq is the norm and something I enjoy.
The clubs I've looked into are all expecting people to be on their level and do distance riding.
Personally I want to have fun.its what I love about biking.I'm prepared to drive and camp ect but not be hard core.
I don't want to join a club and ride long distances.
I'm more interested in losing abit of weight and getting away.
Clubs are a good way of meeting people but I don't want to turn up and slow them down.
Should I go to a club or ask about for a riding buddy? :-)

 

[biggs682]

why not just do what a lot of us do ride solo ?

and evening

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

Hi and @robFSR.

I'll second what @biggs682 says. Get out and have some fun exploring your local routes. Be warned though - you say you're not interested in distance now but that may well change.

 

[Pat "5mph"]

Hi Rob!
As Phil said above, with cycling you start on small distances, then soon you'll want to go further.
Ride as it pleases you for now, group rides can follow eventually.

 

[robFSR]

Cheers for the replys :-) riding solo is the what I usually do since my riding mates have stopped riding.going to set myself at Target of losing abit of weight for the time being. There's a few clubs near me so going to give them a shout and see what types of rides they do.

 

[Encephrich]

Hi, andwelcome to the forum. Sorry to hear about the job nut great to hear you're cycling. Don't worry too much about slowing peeps down, you'll find a group of riders near you that ride at your pace even if they're old fogies like me..

 

[Ern1e]

Hi @robFSR also sorry to hear about the job loss guess even the poor old binmen are not safe from the "cut backs" I like a lot of others on here used to be overweight so you are among friends many friends who will help you out with any questions you ask ! so first have you got your diet (eating habits) sorted second just get on yer bike and ride as far as you wish just take it easy thats all and third, most decent clubs make allowances for abilitys etc so don't worry on that score just find a local one and go take a look !

 

[robFSR]

Cheers for the reply.eating habits r a key factor.been doing good for a few weeks.I eat healthy.just the extras that I have to cut out.and there's quite a few.but when you cut down so many things that r healthy do taste nicer when you go without the extra easy snacks!

 

[i hate hills]

Welcome rob