Bought a Bike--1st since teenager

This weekend I bought a bike--the first I've had since I was a teenager.  I haven't riden once since then because I was so fat I couldn't.  Plus I'm too vain!

I got a simple woman's bike (including bigger seat and cute woven basket), and it really is a skill that once learned never goes away.  I managed to ride around my neighborhood without falling even once (although I did want to say a few things to the kids who swerved all around on their bikes!). 

But I am shocked at how little of an incline it takes to make me have to "work."  I may not be obese anymore, but I'm not yet fit.  This "overhaul" is neverending! But it was great fun coasting down the hill with the wind in my face.  Ah, like being young again! Sally

Good for you Sally!  I'm thinking of buying a bike too.  Every time I do a different kind of workout it is hard again and I think I'm not fit.  But, it is just your body adjusting. I think this is great! Lori

Thats great!! A bike is on my next Spring "Must Buy" list. I cant wait!!

HAVE FUN!!

Felicia =0)

Sally, you're the second person I know lately who has returned to bike riding post-WLS!  One of my surgery pals just bought a new bike -- it sounds similar to the one you have because she said it wasn't fancy and had a wider seat -- and she and her husband ride around the park. I'm not sure I'll every resume bike riding.  Bike power was my main mode of transportation up until the time I turned 16 and got a driver's license.  I never thought of it as a joyful activity, although I do remember many fun summer days riding four miles to the zoo with my friends for the day, having a nice picnic lunch at the nearby park, and riding four miles home like it was nothing at all.  If I could do that now, I think I'd try to qualify for the Tour de France.  I won't say "never" though -- when my sibling moved to Colorado 20 years ago, I stuck my nose in the air and vowed I'd never move to Colorado.  Joke's on me!  I had to eat an extremely large helping of crow (but at least it's full of protein) when I moved here, and it turns out I like it here so much I'm not sure I'd consider leaving.   So, who knows?  Maybe I'll be on a bike again before long! Enjoy the wind in your face (but make sure to use windscreen lotion!). Kix

Bike riding was one of the few activities I did as a kid.  I have no athletic abilities, am a klutz, and don't like to sweat!  But I could ride a bike and have a bit of freedom.  I have to say, it does make me feel surprisingly young again.  (More proof that our feelings are not reality!)   Thank goodness the days of the skinny racing bikes are over.  Now they have all sorts of bikes for the non-racing people like me.  While bikes also cost more now, these new "comfort" bikes allow you to sit up straight and have substantial tires (I was always afraid I'd pop the skinny tires!).  I'm short legged and needed something with an easy "step through."  There is no way I can throw my leg up over a bike.   As someone not fond of any exercise, I do find I have to mix it up a bit.  Now I can bike in the afternoons instead of doing the stationary bike in the morning.  So now I can justify sleeping later! Sally

Weeeeeee!!!! What great fun, Sally. That's on my list of must haves when I get down in the low 200's. I was a big bike rider up through my 20's, and there are bike paths out here so I won't have to worry about tourist traffic. I'm glad to know about the wider seats, don't think that'll ever be something I won't need :) - Julie

I don't mean to plug any brand, but I really like the Giant brand I bought.  I got the Suede 7 speed.  Nothing fancy and kind of retro looking.  I wanted a bike with a low step over as I am not very long legged or coordinated.   It is more an afternoon in the park bike rather than a long distance rider bike.  (Maybe one day--after knee replacements!) I have to say, it does have the same "feel young" effect that my Mazda Miata does on a sunny day with the top down--but doesn't require $3+ a gallon gas! Sally

Teach me to ride... please, please, please!!!  I never learned as a kid because my only exercise was getting off the couch to change the TV channel and fetch more cheetos and yoohoo.  Seriously, though, congratulations on the new bike and have a lot of good fun with it!  Hugs, Tracy

Dear Tracy, I am so not athletic--bike riding and ping pong were my "sports."  I do believe some of us were simply born with a dominant sedentary gene.  I love reading (English major), knitting, watching TV, etc. and hate being sweaty.  I had a knuckle cracked once in grade school when someone hit me during dodge ball (a "sport" no child should be subject to for so many reasons) and am generally a wimp about anything coming at me--especially balls. I'm hoping riding the bike again will both be a different exercise--make things more interesting--and help improve my balance.  I'm getting old enough to start to worry about improving my balance now so I don't have to be so worried when I'm older.  I read an article about aging that emphasized that falls are the number one threat to older people.  While a variety of diseases and aches and pains may wear you down, it's the falls that put you in nursing homes! And you are never too old to learn how to ride a bike! :) Have a great day, Sally

How exciting!  I'm so happy to hear this happened for you!  I too am looking forward to bike riding, next summer for sure.  I live in Central CA only 25 minutes from Monterey and am so anxious to go down the trails that lead to Pacific Grove!    I miss that feeling of the wind in my hair and air rushing past my face.  My next vehicle is going to be a truck, hoping by July this summer because I have lots of adventures to look forward too!