For those of you who don’t know me I’m Carrie. I’m also a fat cycling blogger, among other things (shameless plug, you can find me here http://notthewowy.wordpress.com). Over the last 6 months the 22 stone cyclist has become a close friend, confidante and source of amusement occasionally. So during one of our pointless MSN sessions I got to chastising him over his lack of bloggings and he said to me something like; “what will I write? I am stagnant, my cycling isn’t progressing, my weight isn’t dropping, it’s the close season, there’s nothing cycling related I can talk about”
Well, I can talk. Really, ask him about when he did my max heart rate test? The silly boy kept asking me to tell him when I couldn’t talk anymore…. That was funny. Ok, I got a little off track there. I’m going to break this missive into two parts, the things I want to hear about regarding James and his cycling and the things I want to say about James and his cycling.
Things I want to hear:
As a new cyclist (about 6 months standing) I’m interested in how your training plans, average speeds, distances and climbing skills compare to say this time last year, both actually (you know, the numbers) and how you feel about it. It would help me, and others like me to see where we are going. I want to know about the problems you had finding the right pedals, bike, saddle etc and what conclusion you came to. I want to know how you feel about tandems and club riding, the good the bad and the clothes swapping. You know what else interests me? What do you think is to be gained or lost by riding with people less and more able than you? How does it make you feel, what skills can you develop. Mostly what I want to know is does cycling make your heart sing still? Does it lead to biggrin moments?
Things I want to say:
As a fat cyclist you are a leader, by telling us your readers, when you both succeed and fail you hold yourself up as a shiny reassuring beacon. As a person, well, you aren’t perfect and I sometimes worry about you but you are my friend and I accept you for who you are; A joyful influence on me and one of the things I look forward to on a Saturday. As for your worries about stagnating? Well, first I’m going for get over yourself you silly boy. Nothing worth having comes easily or quickly and nothing comes in a straight line. You aren’t stagnating, you are just being a person. I cant believe I’m saying this twice in one week and don’t you dare quote me but those pedals aren’t everything and will still be there once you’re ready. Don’t give up cycling, don’t give up smiling. I don’t want to lose you.
Ok, how’s that? I suggest you post this with the words “I have been instructed to post this as it is, without any changes or she’s going to poke me..” Do you want to write about the post swap or do you want me to put something in?
x
I know how James feels about tandems on club runs ‘cos Bob Boak told me at the weekend. Funny it was too!
What’s wrong with a tandem on a club run?
Oh and there was me thinking I was the only one that struggled with bike choices, clothing and going at on a cold winters day….
Its not called stagnating its called winter!
Nice cross post
Nothing, Al.
I inadvertently nearly killed Bob and his wife when I pulled out in front of them… they think I have a personal vendetta now!!!!
Well I’m one of those fat cyclist but I ride on the other side of the fence, Mountain Bikes. I have only been riding since Oct09 To me the bike riding was to be part of my weight loss campaign or at least that how it started but now it can be classified as a hobby that I enjoy. Targets, well I don’t have any as such (only my final weight), I only ride twice a week (Sat & Sun) and I try to equal or better my top mileage (32 miles) for the weekend. Come the lighter evenings I will ride more.
Finding the right kit for your bike, well so far I have changed the pedals, saddle, handlebar grips, front forks, frame (warranty issue but mine was no longer available) and I have new handlebars in transit. Cloths, there damm expensive (so is cycling), but you don’t need to buy all the latest fashion, there is a lot of reasonable gear that costs a lot less and just as good out there.
I currently ride on my own or with my wife, simply as I wanted to get to a level where I could ride comfortably with other riders (although to be honest I don’t know what that level is), I will be joining a local club soon. Big grin moments are normally at the top of a hill in between gasping for breath when I have beaten the hill or got a cross that field that could double as a swamp.
As for tandem’s, never ridden one and must admit they don’t appeal to me.
Hope you find this useful Carrie
Tim
Now that’s what I call bloody lazy, getting some one else to write your Blog! What next, getting some one to do your TTs?
Wanders off muttering why didn’t I think of this…
Strange - I heard the problem was that you couldn’t get in front of the tandem! ;o)