this thread came at a perfect time for me, because the weather is finally getting consistently nice, so this week we're going to get myt bike out and get air in my tires. I'm really looking forward to it.
My hubby can't ride anymore due to balance and neuropathy issues, so I'm going to be riding alone. That makes me sad, because I really like biking with hubby. I'm more excited about being able to bike to a larger grocery store, the asian grocery and to a strip mall. Although, biking in a more populated area, is a bit intimidating (so I'll probably have to be giving my imagination a workout).
This is the thing to remember, from someone who has spent a lot of time on and around college campuses (as a student and as a professor):
It's not about you. It's THE IDIOT IN THE TRUCK. Idiots in trucks yell at all kinds of people. Fat people, skinny people, people on bicycles, people jogging, people standing on corners with their children in a stroller waiting to cross the street.
That's what idiots DO.
I just posted a YouTube video of a song that Jimmy Buffet used to play on another, similar thread. If you want to find it, google "Youtube I-95 song Jimmy Buffett." Slightly NSFW lyrics, but only mildly (featuring the word starting with "a"). It is a fun song to sing to yourself and your friends when you encounter a noisy idiot.
Last edited by bronzeager; 03-28-2010 at 11:40 AM.
Paradise, I have been riding my bicycle since I started at 243 lbs. I am not only FAT, I am OLD too! I have never been made fun of for riding, at least to my face, but it's possible that they are all laughing behind my back. You know what...I don't care. I LOVE to ride and it's the only exercise I can really do fairly easily. And it's good for me.
Yesterday, we went for a ride and there were some college guys doing photography on the trail. The were so complementary...good day to ride a bike etc. And I was wearing biking pants...so I am sure I looked like Shamu on a bike. And on the way back, when we passed them they were happy for us and again, very nice. Teased me because I was a girl and we got done faster (they were walking).
I guess if they make comments about your backside, you could make comments about the parts they would not like to have called small...
Regardless, go for it. Have you seen the tv show Ruby? She is a big woman, rides a bike (and on the back of a motorcycle too) and there are a lot of people cheering her on and watching her program. Very encouraging/inspirational.
angelskeep, That's a nice story! I'm glad it's been positive for you. Hopefully it will be for me, too. We are a very bike-friendly city, so I'm probably making way to much of it. I've heard of Ruby, but I haven't seen her show. I should check it out.
bronzeager, that's also a good point! Most of those guys probably would yell at anyone.
I load my bike into the truck of my car then drive to a fairly deserted spot to ride where I know I'll be alone. I live near an old air force base that closed in the 80's, so its fairly easy for me to go somewhere. Just try to think of a place near you like that. Or at least where there are no frat boys likely to be around.
I absolutely love riding my bike and I have been taunted once. I was climbing a steep incline and had to quit half way because it felt like I was going to pass out. It turns out that I had asthma and I just didn't recognize it as an attack. Anyone who would make fun of someone for doing something healthy or because of the condition of their body is a jerk. So go out and ride and have a lot of fun!
Once you start, you'll realize there are other things to worry about like your visibility, sun/rain/wind exposure, bad drivers, etc. Not to scare you off, it's just that those are the real concerns and by the time you manage them you'll no longer worry about what anyone else on the road is thinking about you. Then you get to start the bonus joy of accessorizing.
I also meet a lot of pleasant people while biking--joggers, dog walkers, other cyclists. It feels great to get out and say hi to other strangers and to just keep going.
Just an add-on here. (Paradise, I know you can do it. Once you start, it will be okay.) Robert works for the schools. Apparently some of the other folks who teach or whatever have seen the two of us on our bikes. It reminds them that they should be doing something active and they wish they were us. Go figure!
I actually favorited that bike, I wonder if there is someplace I can rent one, I want to try it. lol.
It's so weird, I have never been made fun of for being fat, well, at least not to my face. I think it's because even though I'm pretty heavy, I'm also really confident. I've always thought I was pretty, regardless, and always have a lot of friends. Basiclly what I think I am saying is the way you see yourself is how others see you, too. Go out there with the thought of "my bike is awesome, I am awesome for riding it" and I dunno, it's weird. Usually people can pick up on your confidence and will leave you alone.
Easier said then done, right? lol. I would just go out there with a positive attitude and try it. You never know till you try.
BTW, did I mention I love the bike? I am obsessed now.
I really do think bullies can smell fear (or more likely read body language). As I referred to in an earlier post, now that I have the stockpile of snappy comebacks, and the confidence to use them, I almost never get the opportunity. The "darn" part was pure facetiousness, I'm very happy not to have to use them.
If I'm honest with myself, though - there never were nearly as many bullies in real life, as were in my head. For every one nasty comment/incident that an actual human being made - I imagined many more, and much worse than ever actually happened. So who really was the meanest bully to me?
Myself, of course - and because I knew my deepest fears and insecurities, my imaginary bullies ALWAYS hit home, whereas the "real" bullies often weren't very scary - for the most part teen boys, "mean girls" and drunks - people I had very little reason to respect enough to care about their opinions. I saw the insecurity, so pity was as likely a response as anything else.
Getting rid of the imaginary bullies is a lot harder than learning to ignore the real ones.
I really do think bullies can smell fear (or more likely read body language).
I definitely agree with that!
Quote:
Originally Posted by MikoMarcia
I actually favorited that bike, I wonder if there is someplace I can rent one, I want to try it. lol.
You should see if any local bike shops carry them and try one out. There are shops in both my hometown and where I go to college that carry them. Be warned, though--once you ride one, you'll be ruined for any Target bike!
Last edited by ParadiseFalls; 03-30-2010 at 04:07 PM.
I rode my bike near my heaviest. I don't think I ever got heckled... but I would ride out on the bike path and not generally on the streets. I always got a kick out of peoples faces when I'd pass them.
I think you should go for it as soon as you can afford it. Its a great investment in your health.
Back then 10 miles was a big deal to me... not so much anymore.
I started back riding my bike at my HW. Lots of times I didn't ride very far, but I got on it. It has helped me so much in losing that I really encourage you to find a way to make it work.
I like the suggestion of riding where you know you won't get comments. Another idea would be a time of day that's not so busy. I ride my bike to our swimming pool almost every day in the summer. At 7am I hardly see anyone. Despite my being self conscious, no one has ever said a word to me. Maybe you could rent a bike and check one out for a couple of hours.
I believe that in order to lose weight and keep it off that we have to find ways to exercise that we truly love. I love my bicycle and I love water aerobics. They are helping me to finally achieve my goals.
