So, I got a bicycle (Huffy mountain bike, free, with a nice cushiony gel seat). As a kid, I used to love riding, so I figured I'd love riding a bike now for exercise. But...the bike is sitting in my room, gathering dust, because I'm 240+ lbs and embarrassed to ride it in public.

Has anyone else felt like this? Does anyone in my weight range go out and ride? I know this sounds like stupid questions, but I'm serious.

I was 241 when I moved to Holland, where bikes are everywhere! I had this wobbly old granny bike that rode up and caused some serious pain and chafing, but there were old ladies as big as I was on bikes, so I just did it!

It feels great -- just like being a kid again -- and you'll forget to care what others think Don't worry about it! You'll love it!

I was a little over 300 pounds when i started riding last year. I am now 247 and LOVE LOVE LOVE it. Who cares what anyone else thinks?? I tell myself daily, you only get one chance in this life...no "do overs"...so LIVE it!

RIDE LIKE A GIRL!!

Jennifer =)

I was in your weight range when I started riding again. I, too, loved riding when I was a kid. It was slow starting out, but it was so much fun even when I went just a block or two. I ride as often as I can and I already have 150 miles logged on my new bike. It's a really important part of my weight loss plan.

I'd say hop on and start having fun!

I weighed around 235 when I started riding bike, and in fact I rode a metric century (62 miles) bike race at that weight, give or take a few pounds. It wasn't until several months later that I decided to start losing weight. I'm now at 185 pounds, and I ride 15-20 miles every day, and I love it! So I guess what I'm trying to say is don't be embarrassed to ride not matter what weight you are. It's a lot of fun, and a great way to get some exercise. I would suggest that you get a good pair of biking shorts though if you're planning on riding a lot. Biking shorts reduce bikers rash and generally just make the ride less of a pain in the butt! Have fun!

I'm 259 and I ride almost every day! Don't be embarassed its a blast and people usually don't look twice and I have never had anyone say anything rude.

I rode even when I was at my highest of 230. It's too much fun for me to stop doing because of how I may look. And everything about it makes me feel super powerful, whether it's sliding by traffic jams, swerving past a rock, or just cruising with my stereo. I love my bikes and I hope you have fun with yours!

I'm larger than you, and use my bike to get to and from work, in AZ. You can do this.

Thank you for asking this question, Sirendipity, because I am loving all the answers you are getting on this thread.

You go, chicks! Ride those suckers!

I am around your weight, and I try to ride every weekend. I just love it. It's good for me, my joints, my mood - an all around good deal. Some times I'm self conscious, sure. But I'm more excited to ride.

I hope you will be too!

I see people of all sizes riding all the time. Where i live, we have alot of pedestrian trails (rail to trail conversions, etc) and we have nice weather so people are out all the time. People of all shapes, ages and sizes. And bikes of all shapes, ages and sizes too. From the laydown recumbent, to the trike, tandem and folding travel bikes. You name it, I've seen it.

Get out there and ride. People really aren't looking at you the way you think they are.

Serendipity--I felt the same as I began walking and then eventually running. I felt as if people would think "look, poor pitiful thing..what does she think she is doing.."

You know though, I decided I didn't care. I kept walking. Then, at probably 180 pounds I started running. I was feeling better a few pounds down and I put that negative self-talk out of my head and went for it. I put some HOT, Jammin' tunes on my IPOD and decided to focus on THOSE words.

Don't you let that bike sit there one more day. You have every right to enjoy that bike and your body--as much as anyone else does! Don't let that negative self-talk stop you from achieving the dreams you have of yourself.

ok folks. Let me tell you what I think when I see someone overweight who is working out in any way. I think "Good for them!"

And in many cases, if I see them working hard, it encourages me to work harder myself.

Thanks everyone! I'm glad to see so many of us are out there!

Don't be embarrassed, honestly if someone see's you on the bike they're not going to think twice and if they do then its their issue, not yours. Bike riding is obviously a great workout and why should you let other people's potential thoughts discourage you from doing a workout that you enjoy. I really hope you get on that bike and ride thought town!! Good luck!