Getting back in shape

plumberroy

plumberroy

Joined
Jan 27, 2007
Messages
3,487
Age, stress and lack of activity outside of work has taken its toll. About a month ago I decided I needed to do something. Gyms just don't cut it for me. I can't stay motovated on a treadmill or stationary bike . Knees don't like walking with 300 lbs so I dug out my bikes . I love to ride a bicycle. The newest bike I had is twenty years old. So after some craigslist watching and keeping my ears open I came up with a couple of quality bikes with one of my oldies being a trade for some accessories . Early Feb. 2 miles killed me and a local hill just kicked my butt on a geared bike . Today I can ride the hill on a single speed bike and I did 12 miles today I know that isn't major miles , but it is a big improvement in just a month and I am getting better every day, my back is better too. I set a goal of 100 miles for march and am at 45 all ready
my bikes: a surly steamroller single speed
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My dream bike An olive green surly long haul trucker custom built in a local shop from a new old stock frame. If I bought the parts and put this bike together my self it would cost a $1000 more than I have in it
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And my old 93 raliegh C30 cro moly frame I upgraded shifters and had it went over by a shop I kept it for a beater/loaner bike plus I have lots of good miles on it
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Congratulations on making the decision to get back in shape. Cycling is an awesome way to get in a cardio workout and at the same time minimizes joint impact...as long as the bike is fitted to your body. I spec'd out and built my own Surly Cross Check and have never been happier with a bike. The steel frame is very forgiving and rides much better than an aluminum frame. I really want a Steamroller because of its upright riding position.
 
Bikes are a great way to get around without putting a lot of weight bearing stress on your joints. The three bikes you show in your post look to me like the saddles are nosed down too far. This set up makes you slide forward and put too much weight on your arms. Just for a trial, put a yard stick on your saddle and put a level on the yard stick or ruler. Adjust the saddle so that it is perfectly level. Your butt will sink to the center of the catenary, and you will have no problem maintaining the proper position on the saddle. I learned everything at the school of hard knocks, so a quick trial of my suggestion may add to your comfort level.
 
I really like the Long Haul Trucker as well - really sweet bike. Bicycling is a great way to get in shape - especially on the knee/hip joints.

I'm sporting an old CroMo Schwinn "High Plains". I have a great rack on the back, upgraded long-mileage road tires, but need to get a front rack and panniers for both front and back. I've been giving some thought to putting brifters on and a more road-friendly handle bar, but i'm limited b/c it has such outdated frame/sizes.
 
Good on ya, lad.

I also like Surley bikes -- a friend has a couple.

I got clearance just this morning from my cardiologist to start exercising again. I'm going to start using one of those exercise balls to work on my core, and start using my rowing machine again. And, maybe do a bit of bicycling - I have an older Marin full suspension bike.
 
You sound like you used to bike a lot at least recreationally. I need to the same. A number of years ago I bought a medium good mountain bike for the sole purpose of biking along the top of the mountain on Cumberland Gap National Park to Hensley Settlement. I have four wheel drived up the "road" to Hensley Settlement in the past, but never covered the 12 miles between Cumberland Gap and the settlement. Well... I got the bike and never did the run. I used to go to Cumberland Gap a lot, especially in the spring and fall. There are both Pink Lady Slippers, and Yellow Lady Slippers growing there which are somewhat hard to find in the South.
 
Some awsome looking bikes ! Wish I could ride here but in my area, you can't ride with out getting run over or chased by dogs !
 
I rode a new to me trail today went five miles out and returned for 10 miles only stopping to snap 2 pictures. With today,s ride I am at 72. 3 miles this month
Pictures for todays ride
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6'2'' and 260 here. The joints are acting up. My latest metal detector is waiting, as am I, for this @@#@%%?$%$ snow to freakin melt. I do a LOT of walking starting in the spring, which is late this year. Congrats on your performance\ambition.
 
PlumberRoy, keep at it. Ride for fun. Fitness will come to you but fun will sustain you. Who knows... TOSRV may be in your future!!
 
I cyclocommute 8 months out of the year. My bike is tuned and ready for the season. I can't wait to ride. It was a ruff winter this year, I didn't get to ride my bike much.

If one has joint issues, cycling is an excellent form of exercise.

My second bike is a single speed. Soma doublecross. I love riding it. It was my goto commuter for 4 years until we moved to an area of the city that has a lot of hills and my commuting distance increased by 5 miles. Had to switch to the Gunnar.

Yea, surly makes nice frames and parts. My ss chainring and cog are surly.
 
I was out at our local park today crusing around on my Long haul trucker. I rode 9.85 miles whic put me 1/10th of a mile over my goal of 100 miles :D

Roy
 
Bikes are amazing ways to get in shape. When I hurt tendons in my knee from running, I recuperated and stayed in shape on a bike.

I know you said you don't like treadmills but I'm going to offer this anyways. It's a high intensity training exercise and you will be too busy to get bored.

Start by getting blood in your muscles

Raise the treadmill to 10 deg incline and find a good walking pace to maintain. Every 60 seconds go up 1 deg until you get to 15, then go down in 1 deg/60 second intervals. Do this three times in a week and you WILL notice a difference by week two. The treadmill + the incline should allow you to modify the way you walk so your knees don't hurt (walking uphill vs. walking on flat ground)

I'm about to get my bike out!
 
Way to go Plumberroy !
I've been stuck at home with a back injury the last 9 weeks , so that combined with the 2012 Xmas feast puts me 25 lbs. more than I want to be. My back is almost healed , but I got to wait for the 4 ft. of snow to melt before the 2 wheeling starts. I usually go every day , weather permitting. It is my favorite exercise. Bushcraft is a lot easier without the belt over-flowing ,believe me. I bought this Norco mountain bike with disc brakes a few years ago ($350) . It's my first bicycle I've ever bought myself and I'm 50 ,lol. ( I have had a ton of other bikes though throughout my life ) Congrats on the 100 mile mark .
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Outstanding Sir.

I am with right along with you...life, work, family, etc. the last couple of years has really cut back on my exercise time. I miss it. I also am with you about running (tho I like working with weights). I pretty much hate running...only do it when I have too. Far too many seasons cutting pounds for wrestling...agh...I look back at what I used to do as a teenager...run for miles...not any more.

Keep at the biking. I've got my Trek in the garage...despite probably being well justified in selling it many times over due to lack of use, I've held onto it, because, like you, I too will get back into it. The trick is not letting yourself go so far that you can't start, even very, very slowly, back into a fitness routine again.

Keep up the great work!!

BOSS
 
plumberroy said:
.... I did 12 miles today I know that isn't major miles , but it is a big improvement in just a month
Click to expand...


cut THAT shit out right there. That negativity and humility, screw that. YOU did it, YOU own that achievement and you set new goals. Don't downplay your accomplishments but surely, don't bask in them, job well done. Get out there and fkn do it!!!
 
rode early today made the local parl 7.8 mile loop on my single speed for the first time today . After listening to the weatherman I decided it was early or stay home he was right
9:30 on the trail
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11:30 out the garage
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I'm 8 miles over my march goal
Roy
 
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