I, too, love your bike story!

I bought a nice hybrid about 5 years ago and my daughter "took" it because she said it was like brand new because I never rode it. That way, she said, I would save money by not having to buy her a new one (she out grew her old one). I was kind of like you, but I wanted to lose weight before I started toning......never happened.

Then we moved an hour north and our new home lies adjacent to the connector of a major bike/walking trail that goes through southern & central Ohio! I live in a suburb where you can get to virtually any place via bike path, even the mall. Many businesses have bike racks but you do not see too many people using them. It's great (if you use it).

So this time, my DH of 20 yrs now and I purchased matching hybrids. It was two years (this August) before I became dedicated to biking and walking. Wow, I have been missing out. My mom even rides now when she visits from Florida (she can go about 45 min on level land).

My goal next season is to try and run as many errands as I can by bike (I'm an AP environmental science teacher). It's great for you and the Earth.

Tammy

Heh, I should have read this post before I post my daily chuckle on having my big a** parked on a bike and the cute guy driving up behind me (he is probably still a little traumatized - oh well). Biking is wonderful fun and I am glad that you are enjoying your time being free! Way to go....We all need to do what we love, it feeds the soul (while blessing the body with many positive rewards). Happy biking....

Good for you! I don't think I would have the courage at my weight to get on a bike

That's what I thought for the longest time, too. But at more than 275 pounds, I finally took the chance. And BOY am I glad I did! It's as easy as walking -- easier in some ways -- and I get so much more enjoyment out of travelling outside the immediate neighborhood it than I do from walking the same old areas time after time.

If you get a good, sturdy "comfort" bike or hybrid, with nice wide tires, you should be fine.

"I don't think I would have the courage at my weight to get on a bike"

Courage because of what others may think or courage because of fear of falling and injuring yourself? Well, I have had both and conquered both so you just go sister and enjoy yourself. Yes, there are times when I have felt a little (lot) humiliated but out of the mouth of my wee baby girl come the very wise words of "it does not matter what other people think, it matters what you are doing for your body". Further to that, there is no more contagious feeling than seeing someone who is truly enjoying themself. If it is injury related - well, life is about risks. Buy a helmet and knee pads if you feel the need but if your heart desires a good ride, go for it! We only get one of these things called life, may as well enjoy yourself.

Hi all,

Funny I just saw this post today. Yesterday, I was in our local Target, looking at Bikes! I have one but it is about 20 years old, and not in the best of shape. I haven't ridden it in years, and years, and years, and years! Ashame, huh? Anyway, I am feeling so much better about myself lately, since I started Tae Kwon Do and Tae Bo and I actually considered getting out the bike and start riding it with my son. He loves to bike ride. I would love to have a new bike though. I told my husband last night I want a brand new bike for Christmas. One with big, fat tires and at least a couple of gears. My old one has kind of big tires and 12 gears I think. But the new bikes are so pretty and look really comfortable to ride.

I remember one time, quite a few years ago (when I weighed around 285 or so) that I tried to ride it and was VERY uncomfortable, my back hurt, etc. Now that I am down to 233, I feel I could ride one without any problem, plus, I feel stronger and much more in shape than I used to be. I was surprised at myself for thinking about riding...can't wait. Maybe I'll dig my old bike out of the shed today and see what kind of shape it's in.

Happy riding everyone!

Kathy B.
Merritt Island, FL

Nice to meet another Tae Kwon Do and Tae Bo enthusiast! :hi:
I started Tae Kwon Do in March and have been lovin' it big time!
I gave myself a new bike for my birthday this August, and am so very happy I did! I loved riding my bike as a kid and love it even more now. Just wish we were living in town so I could use my bike for errands.

Hi Laura,

Nice to meet you too. I've read your posts and even your blog. Love the pics!

I just started Tae Kwon Do a week ago this past Saturday. My husband and 11 yr. old son joined up about 6 weeks ago, tested after two weeks of being in (they could have waited to the next cycle but chose not to and just worked really hard to learn the forms). So, they already advanced to orange belt. Then we joined leadership which made my "membership" no extra charge once we were paying for the two of them. Now we can go to as many classes as we want (I am trying for 5-7 / week!!). It's alot of fun. I was going to every class with them anyway, just sitting and watching them, so I decided that maybe I should join them instead. I didn't want to be there three years from now, while they were becoming blackbelts, always wondering if I could have done it too!! LOL

A few days ago, I started reading up on Tae Bo and really liked the sound of it. I went and got myself some Tae Bo DVD's and got started on that. I like it too, but it's hard! I also bought the Tae Bo for kids, so I think I may start with that one and work my way up. I did about half the Tae Bo abs yesterday, from the Boot Camp series. I figure the more I do it, the better I will get and more stamina will build up. I'm enjoying it though.

Nice to meet you!

Kathy

Hi again Laura,

I just noticed your ticker. My highest weight was 285 (real close to you) and my current wait is about 233 (so we are really close to each other!!) My goal weight is between 160-170 or so, or whereever I feel comfortable. I'm 5'7".

How long have you done Tae Bo? Which is your favorite? I'm already starting a collection. I got Boot Camp at Target yesterday (has 3 dvd's). As I mentioned, I also got the Tae Bo for Kids. I just ordered The Power Within. I have one of the Cardio ones but haven't attempted it yet! There are soooo many of them!

Talk to you later,
Kathy B.
Merritt Island, FL

P.S. Sorry if I forgot to sign my previous post.

Gee, there are many similarities here. I love Tae bo and have been doing it for about five years. I haven't been brave enough to go to a tae kwon do class yet. How does it compare?