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Shabby

I guess the thing is that big people who ride a lot tend not to stay big. So there's less big people out there, and they usually ride for less time than fitter people do. Hence, sightings of 200kg bike riders are few and far between.

Glad to hear your rediscovering the joys of fitness and wellbeing. I always admire really big people who are out running or riding, because they're the 2% of the overweight population who are doing something about it. The rest seeem to think that exercise is something you do to increse your longevity, whereas those of us who are fitter understand that you are also increasing the quality of your life now.

For the record, my "reason" for getting fat wasn't kids, it was shift work and a diet of pizza and beer, coupled with no exercise. They were the reasons, so I made positive changes to my life - new job, better diet => more exercise. And I still enjoy my pizza and beer once a week or so.

HellonWheels

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Shabby
I guess the thing is that big people who ride a lot tend not to stay big. So there's less big people out there, and they usually ride for less time than fitter people do. Hence, sightings of 200kg bike riders are few and far between.

Glad to hear your rediscovering the joys of fitness and wellbeing. I always admire really big people who are out running or riding, because they're the 2% of the overweight population who are doing something about it. The rest seeem to think that exercise is something you do to increse your longevity, whereas those of us who are fitter understand that you are also increasing the quality of your life now.
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I used to be around 105 lbs when I was younger, started adding on weight in my early 20s...3 kids, 7 pregnancies (4 only made to to early 3rd tri), lots of other things, added on a lot of weight. I think I was around 300 (lbs) at my highest, I'm now well under 200 lbs. Not familiar with the metric system so not sure about the kg thing. I was very athletic when I was a young adult, so I knew what to do to get back into the swing of things. A lot of very heavy ppl were never athletic, so for them I think its a lot harder to adopt (or in my case re-adopt) an active lifestyle.

I recently had the misfortune to move to the suburbs (husbands idea, not mine), and since I do not know how to drive and am very proud of the fact, I use my bikes for more than just recreation and fitness. I use one for errands, limited grocery shopping, etc. Its my way of rebelling against the very sedentary suburban lifestyle I have been unwillingly submerged into for now.

Chotch

I think that every driver's test/training program should force people to be cyclists for the day to just be aware of the poop drivers dish out to cyclists. I have changed my driving style so much since I started commuting daily on my bike. I think I may have improved my road awareness (paranoia) ten fold.

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Falling down is just the first step in standing up.

jtfleming

Yes indeed. Here in New Hampshire I make it a point to drive north from my home. I find if I drive south toward the population that commutes long distances, they are far less courteous and cautious, and the more middle class people to the north are actually gracious. Down south a careful driver gives me a foot, where north they give me a lane or stay behind me until they can pass safely.

I think it is important to acknowledge the safe drivers. They may well be your best advocate when talking to or driving with their friends. I always make it a point to give a wave and a smile to a driver who gives me wide berth. Gratitude will lead to peer pressure, and peer pressure will lead to awareness.