New to cycling and a thanks to you guys

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StephenG

New Member
Hello from New Zealand!

Some background about myself.
I am 44 years old, 6 foot 2 inches and weighed in at 136 kg's (21 1/2 stones). Unfit and overweight from years of inactivity and unhealthy eating and drinking.

My cycling experience started 2 months ago. After years of nagging, from my lovely wife, I decided to bite the bullet and train with her for a cycling race she was going to do (65km's - 40 miles). Conincedently at this time our goverment started a bikewise initiative that encouraged people to get on their bikes for the month of February.

So...I borrowed my son's bike (a suspensioned moutainbike) and went off with my wife for my first 15km (9 miles) ride. The route we used was on country roads and included hills and flats. Well after the first incline I had to stop at the top to rest and grab some water. I thought there is no way I could complete the ride - I quickly came to realise I am an very unfit overweight individual! My wife encouraged me to keep going and I completed the ride with 4 stops to get my breath back. My lady has a lovely nice full carbon bike and after the ride I decided I needed a road bike as well because it looked a lot easier for her!

Off to the LBS and after spending a lot more money than I intended I too ended up with a full carbon bike with clipless pedals, computer, lights etc. I love my new Speedrom, my wife jokes that I look at it with lust! LOL

My first ride on the Speedrom completely and uterly hooked me to the joys of cycling, I started reading about cycling on the net and found this great forum which gave me so much motivation to carry on along with some great tips. Even though I rode the same route and had the same number of stops I felt great riding my new bike. I was getting up early in the morning and also riding after work. My lady even had to stop me riding on Thursday's as she said I needed rest days and not to over do it.
For the month of February I cycled 450km's (280 miles). I am so proud of myself. I am on track to do 600km's (370 miles) for this month. My longest ride has been 75kms (46 miles) and I have a goal of doing a 100km ride within the next two months. I can now do my first ride with NO stops!

I now weigh less! I have lost 14kgs (about 2 stone) and will soon need to go shopping for skinnier clothes!

I feel great, I have energy and sleep a hell of a lot better than before.

So guys, thanks for all the previous posts I have read. They are a great inspiration.
 

speccy1

Guest
Well done, keep at it!!!!
 
OP
OP
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StephenG

New Member
Thanks for your support.

I live in Hamilton which is in the north island of New Zealand. We have a population of approx 130,000.

In the past, before I got fat and useless, I was a rep player for rugby & rugby league. I am ashamed that I let myself get into the position of being unfit & overweight.

I have found that cycling has re-kindled my competative nature and I want to go harder and faster each time I am on the bike. Next step is to join a club although at this stage I feel a bit uncomfortable riding with others due to my weight. Anther 10kg loss and i will look into this.
 

yello

back and brave
Location
France
A warm welcome from an ex-Kiwi! Born in the UK, I grew up in Paraparaumu and returned to the UK at the age of 20.

Keep it and that 10kg will go in no time!
 

swee'pea99

Squire
Is there a right side of Hamilton?

(Only kidding - nice one. Excellent place to get into cycling, I'd say. Have fun.)
 
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