I'm from Orem, Utah (40 miles south of Salt Lake City). Back in March I became disgusted with myself and determined to lose "50 by 50" (50 pounds by my 50th birthday this January). I was 6'3" and 290 lbs.
I started going to the gym and all, but it really took off when I tried to ride my old mountain bike to the top of our street (about 200 yds). I couldn't do it. I loved cycling as a kid and now I was REALLY disgusted, so I decided to fix up the MTB and ride it out and around.
About the same time I came into a little windfall and decided to get a new bike: I got a Giant FCR2 (hybrid bike: mostly a road bike with MTB style handlebars). I started riding it like a maniac. I felt like a kid again. After a couple of months I set a goal to do the local Century (Utah Lake ULCER - 111 miles) in August. I also set a goal to go from 290 to 235 (figuring the extra weight loss would help the century). I studied stuff on the web and put together a good training program. Bout a computer, Bought the spandex, bought the cleats. All kinds of other stuff too. Decided I'd be lucky if I could do the century with an average speed of 15.
Well, the bottom line: I lost all the weight and hit 235 just in time for the event. I finished the century with an average 17.2 MPH (I know that's not great for most of you...but I was pretty pleased just to finish!).
Cycling has changed my life - the best mid-life crisis I could have hoped for! Training for the century was an incredible experience (as much - if not more - fun that doing the ride). My wife is TOTALLY supportive of all the time I'm gone and loves her new skinnier, fitter husband (I'm now 229 and still dropping).
Just a note: Utah is the most incredible place to ride! As great for cycling as it is for skiing. Plenty of mountains, canyons, small towns and farmland that are just perfect for long rides. It would be shame to live here and not get out on a bike.
My only regret is now I wish I'd bought a more hardcore road bike. At the same time, though, I have this really sick affection for my FCR2. It's weird how you become so attuned to how a bike feels. After all the hours and miles it becomes an extension of yourself.
Anyway...wow...that's a REALLY long post. Sorry! It's great to have found this forum, though. I've run into a lot of cyclists since taking up the sport and been pretty impressed.
- Dennis