You Are Never Too Heavy Or Too Old To Cycle!
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 พ.ค. 2019
- You Are Never Too Heavy Or Too Old To Cycle!
Anyone can ride a bike if they want to.
Cycling is one of the great sports that just about anyone can do. All you need is, of course, a bike and the desire to get out and ride it.
Many people feel that they are either too old or too heavy to ride a bike but let me tell you now that this is just not true. You may not be a contender for the Tour de France but with regular cycling you will almost certainly get out in the fresh air, get a bit fitter and have some fun.
Oh, and you don't have to wear lycra if you don't want to!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Need anything cycling related? Buy it here from my Amazon store: www.amazon.co.uk/shop/leonard...
Join my Patreon for an exclusive invite to a live Q&A session with me every month. / jollygoodvelo
Email for business enquires: leonard@jollygoodvelo.com
Social Media
Jolly Good Velo Strava Club: / strava
Jolly Good Velo Facebook Group: / 239075813411056
Strava: / strava
You are such an inspiration. I have battled obesity all my life and used to think that cycling any distance was completely beyond me. I am still a heavy boy, but I have also just completed my first 100k ride. And the strength to do that make the kilos less relevant. Keep the videos coming. And I will continue watching.
+Morten Pedersen Thanks Morten, great to hear that you have ridden your first 100km ride. Chapeau! You should be proud of yourself- it’s quite an achievement for any cyclist.
Well done! My first 100km killed me. It was only supposed to be 30km but I got carried away. Didn’t take any food along with me either so I bombed BIG TIME.
Morton my man don't battle obesity embrace it love it know that that's who you are. You may be a fatty but you're you. People are made up a very different makeups different body types. We're no different than other things like animals. Do you think an elephant walks around worrying about his weight? Or do you think a Clydesdale is worried cuz he's so big? Do you think a pig it's worried about his physique all the time? No because that's their body makeup so just as they have a body that is bigger so do you. It's just Who You Are... I am also in the fatty Club. And that's how I rationalize it
I got my dad riding for the first time at the age of 63 and after quiting smoking. It was not pleasent and i thought he is going to have a hart attack but after a few weeks he has made great improvement and we are enjoying riding together.
It’s fantastic that you are using cycling to spend more time with your dad. Hope you both enjoy your rides.
That's a great inspiration, I too found that once I got over the initial few rides my body quickly started to adapt and benefit.
I'm sixty, I'm cycling about 40/50 miles a week, I'm about 90 kilos, wear the bright Lycra, the target this year is to do a straight 100k. The reason I took up cycling was because of a stroke in 2015.....May 2019 Never felt healthier!!
Good for you. You’ll do the 100km. Best of luck.
Best of luck to you
That is inspirational. Bike for better health. Best wishes.
Amazing! 👍
A stroke in 2015! And now riding 40/50 miles a week. You have my respect sir!👍
I’m 69 and a survivor of 2 heart attacks. One when I was 48 and the other when I was 54. I now have been diagnosed with pulmonary Fibrosis which is a progressive lung disease that makes breathing very difficult. Long story short, your video inspires me to get out there on an ebike and get as much exercise as I can. They tell me exercise is the best thing for me and I know from past experience that riding a bike, even an ebike, has great benefits that you quickly gain.
Thanks for reminding me.👍👍👍👍
A HUGE problem with growing up is that we tend to take the fun out of everything. It all becomes a matter of pecking order.Who spends the most.Who goes the fastest.Who is the strongest.Who rides more often and farther. I grew up on bikes.I was an 80s BMX nut.Tricks,ramps,fun,and wrecking. As an adult I wanted to get into cycling and just never did for many years. AND the used road bike I bought back in about 2002 i only rode like a mile down the road and back. I didnt know what to do or where to go or anything.Then giving up on that idea I waited many years later till 2016 Feb and finally told myself to buy a new bike and start riding. AND it wasnt your typical bike most of you would have bought. I bought a 2016 Raleigh Redux 1. Its more of an urban shredder and for some light trails and having fun on. Its my baby.I love it. Its what started my journey to riding and my journey to help depression. I also bought a used 2010 Trek FX 7.3 in Nov of 2016. Good for comfort road riding and a little longer rides. THEN in 2017 I bought a GT Pantera Comp. My first trail bike. WHOA MIKIESON!!!! Where is this all leading?? Well my story is, get a bike and ride. Ride for fun. Ride like you did when you were 10 years old. Ride for yourself and nobody else. Stop looking to keep up with others. Stop trying to outdo everyone else. Stop worrying about what you wear and how others see you. I wear the same clothing I would have worn when i was a kid. Normal every day clothes. You will notice me out of a group of a thousand other riders because i look like ME..MYSELF..And I ride for myself and nobody else. Grown ups need to quit taking the fun out of everything and remember to be carefree and childlike sometimes. Riding a bike is that "sometime"...Be a kid and have fun!!!!
mikieson you are completely right,I’m 45 and just crave the fun I had as a kid on a bike,I don’t know where we get the mindset from,that we worry about what other people think or keeping up with the Joneses as my parents used to say. Getting out on a bicycle no matter what one you have should be an outlet to get away from all the everyday stresses.
@@jasonclarke7422 exactly..life sucks the fun right out of us as it is. Get on a bike OR whatever it is you choose to do and enjoy. Smile and stop the worrying..
mikieson Nailed it.
You know what? When I've got a bit fitter, I'm going to clean up my Carlton Cyclone from I think it was about 40 years ago and start riding that a bit for fun. Rim brakes, Chrome wheels, exposed cable brakes etc. I might just ride around making comments like "When I were a lad, this was all we 'ad"
My dad was x sas/paras so his back and knees where knackered, so walking was a struggle, but every morning he would do a loop on his bike ( a non lycra clad cyclist though) this kept him fit and active, he only stopped after a return of cancer that finally took him from us! But he was an inspiration, and although you may have various conditions that stop you walking long distances a bike can keep you active where other forms of exorcise are no longer viable!
Use it or loose it 👍
Your dad sounds like he was a great chap. Good for him finding a way to stay active and not letting his knees and back stop him from getting his exercise.
@@jollygoodvelo 82 when he stopped cycling , I hope I'm still cycling at that age, but maybe a little slower than I do now 😁👍
Try a folding RECUMBENT TRIKE.
Test ride some models.
I am morbidly obese. I recently had a major health scare that got me moving on losing weight. I found a bike for me, the Day6 Samson, so if I can find a bike for my weight anyone can.
Good luck with it. Hope you enjoy riding your bike.
Good luck and enjoy your cycling...
I weighed 120 kilos. I now weigh 76 kilos. It took about 10 years and it's in my Advanced Nutrition playlist on my channel. The good thing is you don't have to buy anything special and it's all natural, and of course you don't eat fried food ever right? I'm 64 years old and next year I'm doing the Camino de Santiago and the this year I'll be in Scotland doing some gravel cycling. If you don't think you can do it, you can't. I'm pretty sure you can.
Bobby Jones well done pal.
I did a show about that and I recommended Workman Bikes. They make all kinds.
Inspirational words. I went out for my first ride today in 5 months. I just couldn't push myself out of the door. I prepared myself mentally, and also fitted double-sided pedals and bought MTB shoes so I could walk.aroumd in them. I took a train to go out from Nanterre, Paris, where I live, to get to the St Germain forest. And then cycled for 2 hours on empty forest lanes and also on roads with a bit of traffic, a first time for.me. When I got home, I found a notification for this video. I'm 60, now pre-retired, and have all the time in the world to cycle. Thanks for your insights and encouragement.
Hi Steve sometimes getting out of the front door is the big challenge. After that, sitting on the bike and turning the pedals is relatively easy. Well done for getting out after your gap.
Don`t cry for me if I drop dead on the road, because I died happy...
If I drop dead can someone please pause my Strava
I am 47 and started cycling last year. I was terrified. I found your videos and they inspired me and now I have an addiction and may need rehab. :) Thanks for the great content and motivation.
Good for you. Glad that I was able to play a small part in your journey.
Leonard, thank you for making such thoughtful videos. You are truly an inspiration yourself. I’m now 47 and definitely no longer the super athlete I was in my youth. I lost all hope 13 years ago when I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. I went from being incredibly active to a crashing stop (I was a “lucky” one in that it not only impacted my joints but every other system as well. ) cycling literally saved me and my sanity. My confidence had plummeted, I suffered from depression and I had gained way too much weight. On my down days, you do lift me up. Thank you. (And the new bike is marvellous.)
I’m glad to play a small part in you feeling better. Good luck.
I have recently returned to cycling at the age of 55 It had been 10 years since I had last been on a bike At that point I had cycled for approximately 4 years Initially cycling about 6 miles to the bus terminus and eventually incorporating it into a full commute of 18 miles each way Initially I weighed 24 stone but with diet and cycling I shed 10 stone over 18 months I even cycled LEJoG for charity Unfortunately I damaged my Achilles heels which caused them to flare up when I cycled hence why I stopped Last year I bought myself a £700 specialized bike which I used for occasional weekend runs I retired this year and treated myself to a full carbon sportive bike I also joined my local cycling club and although I am still at the back, they have a no drop policy and will wait During that 10 year absence I put most of the weight back on but am glad to report I've lost 9 stone again My health had deteriorated and I've had multiple pulmonary embolisms and DVT (result of being a smoker and obese) Cycling has been the rescuing remedy for me and my goals this year is to complete several sportives (one under the belt so far) I do wear lycra now (and also when I was obese) for the reasons you mention
Your videos are an inspiration and hopefully encourage more people into experiencing the majesty of riding a bike 👍
Good luck with it
Thank you for doing this Leonard! You are an inspiration. I am also an older (58) and heavier (6ft 4, 240lbs) rider living in Colorado. I’m returning to cycling after a long hiatus. I’ve been off the bike for so long that Strava, Bluetooth and full featured cycling computers weren’t around the last time I turned a wheel! Your videos are both informative and motivational. Keep up the great work. I really look forward to your weekly posts.
Leonard, i watch a tonn of cycling videos on youtube, and you are truly something special. Bravo for everything you're doing!
Thanks Max.
Once again, absolutely brilliant and inspirational advice, in the words of Tao Te Ching "a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step". My first step started shortly after my 50th birthday, slowly building up distance and speed, I was very slow in the beginning. It took me 2 years to get fit and whist doing so, I lost 25% of my body weight. I've just finished a 240km ride in less than 9 hours. But, for me, perhaps the greater benefit has come to my mental health, it is my outlet for the stress in work and personal life. Cycling has also created the opportunity for me to meet some wonderful people and make some fabulous friends. I only wish I had started 40 years ago .
David Martin, 240km is a monster ride and in under 9 hrs is a massive achievement (way out of my league!). Kudos to you!!!!
@@eilrach299 thanks and I would have said that 7 years ago, but I've surprised myself, just by progressing slowly and steadily. I think by first 160km took longer and I struggled all the way round. It's amazing how fitness can develop, given some persistence and patience, setting some incremental goals.
Your Amstel Gold ride was one hell of an achievement.
When I was 30 I started racing and when I saw the 65 yo guy I thought I will thrash him in this race. He killed me, he used to be a super vet racer. Never got really good but had a great time.
I think we’ve all had a lesson in cycling humility from people like that.
Well Done!!! I Think I mentioned before that we got passed by an 85 year old going over Carson Pass 8600' in the High Sierras last summer. It was snowing at the summit and freezing. He kept going the additional 50 miles to Jackson, CA. So inspirational.
Again, never underestimate older riders.
I remember climbing Carson Pass on the markleyville death ride. Its a killer.
At last some one who talks about cycling....Too many racing snakes looking down their noses at other cyclist!!!
Glad you are enjoying the channel, Shelia.
As an overweight 50+ cyclist I find videos like this truly inspirational when I'm having those dark days where I can't be bothered to go out on the bike - five mins of this and I'm raring to go. Keep up the good work.
Thank you Leonard for the uplifting videos. Im almost 52. Im 6 feet 3 inches tall, and 365 pounds and I cycle 5 days a week in my 5XL lycra. It makes me feel better to be able to move.
Hi. I am 65. I purchased my first road bike eighteen months ago. I love it. I wear Lycra. I don’t care what people think. Each to their own.
Good for your, Stephen.
Enjoyed the vid, great attitude keep the encouragement up as a heart attack victim at 50 and now a 60 year old cyclist who does 200km a week over Dartmoor I can say I am fitter now than I was at 35. The battle is getting off the couch and onto the saddle !
Great video. I got back to cycling after a long break and many many pounds gained. I was extremely self conscious about being obese and cycling. I found great inspiration from your videos. Now almost a year later I have lost 85lbs and continue to set personal records. Thanks for the inspiration!!
Wow, 85lbs is incredible. You should be really proud of yourself.
Inspiring, keep at it.
I am too old and too fat and too unfit. I look like a sack of spuds in Lycra. But I am HAPPY.
I passed two younger men the other day, and I even hit 29mph for a brief friction of a second as I passed them.
The days I’m not cycling I’m tweaking the bike. Cleaning and regressing etc. Or Making my own shorts videos for my dear old dad.
My aim is to do a 50 miles before my 55th birthday.
Thanks for the inspiration Leonard.
Good for you. I’ll smash that 50 miler.
Leo, your video came at the perfect time for me! I have been off the bike for several months (life gets in the way sometimes), and have gained 20 pounds because of this and have been grappling with my age. You’ve truly inspired me to get back on it! Thank you, from the bottom of my heart!
Good luck, Cynthia.
I like your view on life and cycling in general.
Your definitely an inspiration to us 115kg + cyclist. Ride On.
Thanks. You too.
I sometimes cycle with a another guy who's 87 years old. We often cover 30 odd miles on a ride out. Granted he now uses a road going ebike for obvious reasons, but we both enjoy it and he still goes at a good rate of knots. Hes been a life long cyclist and it's fascinating to listen to all of his cycling adventures of bygone decades. If it wasn't for the invention of Ebikes, he would no doubt not be cycling now, and would certainly not be happy, being stuck at home in front of the tv, day in day out. Cycling gets him out and about and lets him still enjoy group rides, with all the social chat and banter that goes on between us. So yes Leonard your absolutely right in what you say. It doesn't matter if you're older, or on the larger side or just generally unfit. If you want to cycle because you enjoy it, then there's nothing stopping any one of us from doing it. What ever abilitys i have, i find 99% of all cyclists will always give me encouragement, support and respect. I find its the " none" cycling community that are critical and judgmentle, and tend to be the ones that stereo type cyclists as lycra cladded one a bee Chris Froomes. Little do they know that cycling is not just good for your physical health but its also very good for your mental health too. I always feel so much better mentally after a ride out. It clears your head of all day to day clutter of life, work etc by just simply getting out there and taking in the peace and quiet of nature in our beautiful country side.
Cycling has so much to offer all walks of life and for me personally the more cyclists i see out there the better. Whether its fast roadies flying past me, to Sunday plodders bobbing along its always great to see them out and about 🚴😎🚴
I know many people have a bit of a suspicion of e bikes but they certainly have their place, as your comment has shown. I'm sure that without them many people would not be getting any form of exercise and benefiting from all if the great things that being out and about on a bike gives.
Hi there, Leonard
A Lycra Tale.
After my End to End ride (Land's End to Muckle Flugga in Shetland) at fifty+ and a bit overweight, I strolled around Lerwick on a shopping spree for the family. Old ladies looked at me in my shiny thin Lycra tights and didn't know whether to faint or call the police. I soon rushed back to Radio Shetland and changed into some matt Roubaix=type tights which seemed to go down better and got me through my shopping trip without being accosted or arrested. I had been wearing Lycra for about three weeks and it never occurred to me that I would look rather weird as a pedestrian.
thanks so much for your over-50s videos. I'm getting back on to the bike at 75 after a 20yr gap.
Best wishes from Paul in the Midlands
Years ago I was bonking BAD on the way home from a long windy ride. Luckily two rather large female cyclists passed me, slowed down, got next to me and said I really looked like I was struggling, would you like to follow us in? I did and was most grateful. In these crazy times I still have faith in humanity. Nothing wrong with trying to improve yourself but its nice to be happy with who you are. YOU ROCK!
Great video! I'm 65 years old with a pot belly but I still wear Lycra and don't care what people think. It's just great to be out on the bike with my wife. The comfort it gives is worth it. Cheers from Utah.
Comfort it what it’s all about. Enjoy your rides.
I think some cycle clubs need to taker a hard look at themselves I live in a rural area roughly equal distance to three clubs two clubs have a pretty clear attitude of " unless you can do 18mph for two or three hours piss off " yet claim to be open to all standards, the third club really is an open door each club ride has three yes three routes and speed options the advantage being is some times you want To do a faster longer ride others is you have a rough day opt for a more a social slower shorter ride
Thank you again. Another great video. I'm 72, totally out of shape, unless you consider round a good shape for cycling, and took up the sport again after 46 years. Bikes have changed a lot over the years. I like it more now. It's a pleasure listening to you.
I rode my bike all my live but now in my almost 60 I taking this activity more seriously , thank for your breath.
Thank You, your words are very inspiring. I can relate (in many ways) to your words. I use to ride a lot when I was younger. In fact I used to average around 15,000-18,000 miles a year on an English built Raleigh high end road bike, some 30-35 years ago. As life became busier and more complicated, riding became a distant memory and almost forgotten. Then about 15 years ago, I became interested in riding again and purchased a very nice brand new Fuji aluminum road bike. I began riding and even rode in a local 50K event. Then as in the past, life changed again and I stopped riding.
Now I'm 53 years old, much heavier (215lbs) and due to the very physical demands of my occupation over the past 30 years, both my knees were replaced with full titanium implants. I have been going thru a lot of physical therapy and I have been working hard to return my legs back to normal. My leg muscles, especially the hamstrings did not take the surgery very well. Talking to my doctor and my therapist, getting back on my bike would be very beneficial.
So over the past month, I have been getting my Fuji road bike and my self ready to ride again. My bike had sat for so many years, I had to replace the tires and tubes (with only 258 miles on them) due to dry-rot. I even upgraded the saddle, replaced the bar tape, installed high end aluminum flats (pedals) cleaned, adjusted and lubricated everything. I purchased new riding padded riding shorts and a Jersey. The only thing left is to increase my leg flexibility (mainly the hamstrings in the back of my knees) so I can pedal the bike. I'm looking forward to riding again, not just to improve my leg muscles and loose weight, but to enjoy one of my favorite things I had done so much, so many years ago.
Thanks again for the video and your inspirational words.
Wishing you the very best of luck with it.
This is a brilliant video! A couple of years ago, I decided that I needed to get back to at least a base layer of fitness and the way to go would find a sport that I just like. I got a city/touring bike and well, after 20 minutes of what I would now consider crawling around I was completely spent. But I stuck with it. My plan was: Ride every day just a for a loop. I didn't manage everyday but 4-5 per week. A year later, I got something of a mountain bike and started going for longer rides. And then in autumn last year, I got a cyclocross bike which I use for both on- and offroad riding. I did get fitter and I did lose some weight but most important, I (re-)discovered something that just makes me stupid happy and so I don't have to force myself to "do sports" but crave going for a spin.
I started riding a bike some months ago. I am 51, five foot, seven inches and was 140 kilograms. I was just a lazy, fat lump. I’ve now lost 25 kilos and my fitness has greatly improved. I love riding my bikes. Got two and am about to buy my third. Got an Electra Cruiser, a hardtail mountain bike and about to buy an adult size bmx cruiser. I might be reliving my childhood, but I’m getting thinner and having a blast doing it!!
Probably this is one of your best videos.Thanks for making it.
your best yet Leonard! from an old retired bloke who has just taken up riding I love your videos The mental as well as physical side is so important for your health. Thank you for for making such inspirational videos
Thanks for watching, frank.
Now you know the rest of the story. Well said. Ride safe and ride often. Peace
I love your grounded honest videos and as someone who is getting back into cycling I enjoy your videos the most.
Great article Leonard...I'm 51 ,started cycling 5 years ago and am fitter than I ever have been👍..I luv cycling..It helps mentally and generally ones well being..Just Enjoy👍🚴🏽🚴🏽
Good for you. Ride on!
I’m 51 and only got back on a bike last summer. I’m now regularly riding 150 plus a week. Leonard has helped
Thanks for this. I am overweight and recovering from a knee injury. Cycling is one of the activities recommended to me by my orthopaedic surgeon. I don't have a lot of confidence although it is growing as I cycle more. But I am enjoying it!
Good for you, Catherine.
Wise words there Leonard! Very inspiring. Always enjoy your videos.
Excellent video, Leonard. Very wise. I love your honesty. Your channel is exactly what's good about TH-cam and also cycling. Cheers!
" ..disappear into a cloud of well being .." Just that brought a smile to my face. Love the channel. Thanks for the videos and smiles. From a fellow robust in the middle 50 plus year old cyclist. No Lycra though
Just came across your videos, I have to say, as an avid watcher of GCN, you are a breath of freeze air to us who are burning a few more candles. Great work, keep it up. Would love to see a video about your bike and any upgrades you may have done to it.
This is a good story and a well-done presentation. I am a volunteer sports coach for senior citizens. It's a lot of fun and being in my mid-60s it gives me hope. I pedal about 4,000 kilometers a year so I don't feel too bad about that, over the last 14 years I've completed 53000 km.
53000 kms in 14 years...Chapeau. That’s a massive achievement.
@@jollygoodvelo It's only a massive achievement if you consume it all at one time. 7.77 km 365 days a year for 14 years. A Tour de France trainer will do a hundred kilometers a day before breakfast. So let's keep this in perspective but I really appreciate you. I found your video really motivating and I've been thinking about doing a similar one for several months but haven't had an approach without offending anyone. Having been morbidly obese myself and clinically diagnosed terminal I get it, but I'm not sure how to say it. I've been working on it for several months. I would appreciate if you gave me permission to use your video in my Playlist.
I love is his honesty and common sense.
Thank you.
Old & Heavy = perfect blendZ
Thank you for this video mate. It was helpful and a good motivator...
Great positive message !! I think many people will find this helpful
This video is a shining example how polite and empathic a real gentleman can talk you into riding your bike. Thank you very much, Sir! You are spot on o7
Another fantastic video with a great message. Content gets to the bones of what can make the cycling community so special.
Thanks George.
Brilliant vid mate - see ya on the road !
Love your videos....keep them coming!
I love your passion and dedication. To inspire, and have a great outlook on life is a beautiful thing. Thank you for sharing mate.
Great video and wonderful perspective!
This evening I decided after pumping some air into my mountain bike tires and after sitting in front of my computer eating pizza and drinking soda, I went out and took a 20 minute ride around my apartment complex. It was rough and had some scary moments with my knees locking up when I stood to peddle a little harder on some uphill slopes, but I fought through it and plan to add it to my nightly routine. I'll gradually work my way back up to biking like I did when I was a teenager and just taking control of my health as a 31 year old male.
Thanks for the video Leonard. Keep em coming
Great video. My thoughts are very aligned on how do I look on a bike. After a good ride I'm physically exhausted but mentally I'm feeling great. In the summer I'm using my bike to commute. A great way to leave the work stress behind you.
Isn’t that a great feeling.
Nicely done! I got back on a bike last year at 64. I agree that the key is to set reasonable goals for yourself, given your age, health, and fitness. At first I got mad at myself because I couldn't complete a nearby climb in one go, a climb that I saw others complete with relative ease. But now I've given myself "permission" to stop for a rest, and I'm less winded when I stop than before. Fitness is happening! Maybe in another month or so I'll conquer that hill.
Good luck. I have no doubt that you will do it.
Awesome video and very inspiring Leonard!
My own story: I rode a bike when I was a kid in the 60s and 70s then life over took me and I spent the next 39 years in a car. Then at 54, well over weight and pathetically unfit, I took it up again. Last year I rode my first century at the grand old age of 57. I'm still fatter than is really healthy but I'm fitter than I have been for several decades and having a ball. Love the video and the inspiration, Thanks L.
It’s very easy to to let it all slip but quite difficult to get back, sadly.
I am 50 & have nerve damage in both feet from type 2 diabetes . I build & repair bicycles but get other people to test them for me . I haven't ridden since COVID 19 began . My time cycling is now over . I have burnt my feet with hot water & not felt it .
Enjoyed the vlog Leonard, cheers for sharing. 👍🚴😉
Wow! Judging by the number of comments you have really hit home with this video. I'm 62 and have been road cycling now for 7 years almost. My husband is a super fit skinny bloke who is 11 years older than me. I struggle with my weight as do so many people which affects my ability to get up hills especially. However I feel so fantastic when I get back from a ride that all that doesn't matter. We cycle regularly in Mallorca which is my favourite place to cycle. Keep up with the inspirational videos. They really resonate with a lot of people.
Hi Valerie, yes, I think that many people would like to start cycling, or indeed any kind of exercise, but are either a little scared or don't really know how to actually begin. Hopefully I can help with the fears and anxiety a little.
I like your videos, I like your honesty. I really don’t understand the 14 thumbs down but I suppose there are always some out there. I am 52 and started cycling 8 months ago. I bought a recumbent trike and I could cycle up to 40km. I bought a Cruzbike S40 fwd recumbent just over a month ago and I done 52km just yesterday and I am so happy with myself. I really enjoy it.
I like your videos, I'm older and had a near fatal heart attack in 2016 I flat lined twice. My doctors say it's great that I ride. I started riding in my twenties and have run in to "older" riders that left me in their dust. I recently took a job were I walk most of the day and have lost 35 pounds. I just purchased a nice road bike and I'm looking forward to putting miles on it along with my mountain bike if the trails ever dry out. Your videos are great inspiration for older or less fit people that may want to start riding but are afraid of their appearance out on a bike
I've been cycling around the neighborhood for an hour a day for a week. Im over 50, 300 lbs and one thing I really appreciate and also consider a miracle is the fact my tires haven't flattened yet lol. Thanks for your inspiration. I'm going camping tomorrow for a week and yes I'm taking the bike with me wish me luck!
Good luck.
Great video as usual, i'm heavy 105kg and old 63, I gave up cycling for 10 years to look after my disabled partner until her death, and 2 years ago started again, I was pleased 6 weeks after her death I managed a 112 mile ride and 4 months later managed 212.
Well done on the rides. Massive distances. It’s sad to hear about the circumstances surrounding them.
This is so important. I'm 73 and returned to cycling two years ago after twenty-plus years off. I started riding with a club in New York City in my forties and got involved in International Randoneur Club distance riding, even doing Paris-Brest-Paris. However, I decided to start college in my late fifties and working full time while taking a full course load eclipsed the biking, I then went on to work on two post-graduate degrees and gained about thirty-five pounds in the process. When I moved to the Adirondack Mountains in 2016, I got on the bike again and rediscovered my love of cycling. Now I ride centuries here. The mountainous terrain is a challenge. I've lost weight, but I was always a muscular, big-boned rider. So, i bought a light carbon fiber bike with very low gearing. But, that doesn't mean I'm getting better training than a beginner would on more basic bike. In fact, I have a friend who races who commutes on a battered old Raleigh town bike from the 1950s, simply because it forces him to work hard. Age doesn't matter -- it only matters if you are healthy enough to begin exercising. Equipment doesn't matter, as long as it is maintained in safe condition and you use it as intended. But, don't ignore the most important piece of equipment: a good-fitting helmet in excellent condition. Then, hit the road or the trail and have fun.
Sounds to me like you are doing great.
A number of leonardmlee episodes have motivated me. This is the best yet. Thank you!
Glad to help
👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽LOVE THIS!!!!!! So inspirational! Bike on 😎
Thanks Shelley!
Really like your positive attitude Leonard. Thanks for another good vid.
Thanks Scott.
I have to totally agree with everything you say - a great message very positively delivered. Great video.
Thanks. Glad you liked it.
Hi Leonard, Great advice and channel. I have just purchased a bike and started using it to commute to work. Racking up 3 days of rides last week and reaching 60+ miles on London roads.
Thanks for your open views and tips on being an older (43yr old) and larger (120 kilos) person looking into getting back to cycling. I used to ride mountain bikes back in my younger days and this is my first experience at road riding and have been looking through many TH-cam vids for advice.
Good luck. You’ll get there.
You mentioned ebikes as a way to start and I totally recommend it too. I started just going to work in my 40kg ebike just to avoid the traffic and you get in shape without even realizing it.
Have to admit that I’ve never ridden one so I don’t know how much of the ride is powered by the motor but yes, an ebike is a great way for people to get in to cycling if they are a bit worried about certain things.
That's right...i'm 45 and a recently broke my right tib/fib and have metal and screws internally holding things together and i just started road cycling in march. It's been a great help to aid in rehabilitation as it's low impact compared to walking and running. You can do it!!
Thanks again for your video 👍 I’m just getting into cycling at 46 and have been using a bike on and off since I was small, but like you said as you get older and out of shape you worry about all the things that you mentioned in the video 😬 I’m 17 st and 6,1 and surprisingly feel quite self-conscious especially in lycra as I leave the house to go cycling I managed 16 miles with a friend who is 70 years young (Who cycles every day)on the cycle track but do worry a lot about the main roads and just as you say it gets easier the more you do it 😊 I also found it really good for my mental health after suffering from depression for a little while and hope that knowing that this particular type of exercise has been very helpful for me mentally it could help someone else and physically I’m getting back into shape again 👍 you can get out on your own or you can go with a friend or a group it’s your choice you decide but your first bike or if you’re thinking of buying a bike shouldn’t be over the top expensive! thanks again for your video and will look out for further videos in the future
I have to say Leonard, that even though we approach cycling from two very different directions, your attitude towards just getting out on the bike is very inspiring to me.
I often struggle with getting out on the bike due to confidence and image issues, but seeing you plough on regardless is enough to overcome my doubts and get out of the door.
Thanks👍
I think we all have image and confidence issues. The trick is not to let it affect us too much.
Thank you!
Love your videos. I'm 64 and returned to cycling about a month ago. Had a bad fall in first week trying to mount a footpath. I'm nervous around cars but very fearful mounting and cycling around poles, curves etc on footpaths.
Gaining confidence slowly.
I always wear calf length yoga pants, not lycra and tshirt. I feel safer having close fitting stretchy pants, giving free movement of my legs.
Love the fresh air, looking at trees, clouds etc, while concentrating on the road of course.😊
Sounds like you are doing great, Joanne. Enjoy!
Leonard your videos are wonderful - keep up the good work!
Thanks Jeb.
Spot on!
Thank You for Your videos. I'm 69 years old and not the slimmest guy in the neighborhood but i love wearing my biking gear. Just wanted to let everyone know that biking has made a major difference in my life (Physically and Mentally). My first attemp I road only 8 miles and was ready to quit. Now im up at 6:30am and on my indoor bike trainer for 30 to 45 minutes 3 times a week. Every other Saturday my target in 50 miles. Hope to do my 1st Century this summer. Thanks Again and Keep Riding..
Best of luck to you Jose. Keep working on it and you’ll smash the 50 miles.
@@jollygoodvelo Will keep you updated - Thanks
God Bless you for providing inspiration.
Thank you for the kind and thoughtful words. Pleas keep up the good work!!!
Glad to help.
Thank you for this video! It’s good info and inspires me to go ride.
Thanks for watching.
Thank you, such a good video. You have inspired me. I was going to chicken out of a sportive this Saturday, that I had signed up for last October.
But you have inspired me to have a go. Thank you.
Good luck with it. Even if you only manage some of it you will have been far more successful than not doing it. Actually getting on the bike sometimes is the real victory.
Go out and give her hell! Have fun and do your best! At least your going to go do it!
Hi, my journey so far (after two hip ops and an old ankle break that sometimes still swells) I decided that since I don't walk so well I would clean up my old bike which I hadn't ridden for over twenty years and get it checked over getting new tyres and tubes. I qualified for membership of the old, unfit and overweight cycling club. I started off with my saddle as low as it would go and could only manage to cycle to the end of my little street pushing down with my right pedal and having the left foot almost touching the ground. I spent 15minutes a day for about 3days trying to get my other foot on pedal. But I did it and now go for a bike ride lasting an hour. As I gained confidence I lifted the saddle to a more appropriate height. Thank you Leonard you are an inspiration. So no matter if you are old like me, overweight or forgotten how to ride a bike, it is still possible. And a few yards can turn into a mile before you know it.
Well done Penelope. You are doing great. Pedal on.
I just passed my 82 birthday, and also just passed my California 5 year renewal driver's test (thanks to the TH-cam practice California driver's tests). I felt there was a chance I would lose my driver's license, and so bought a Rad Rover electric bike prior to the test.. I live 15 miles in a remote section of the Mojave Desert, and felt that if I lost my driver's license, the bike would at least give me a way to get to the grocery store to buy food.. Well, I passed the driver's test, and was given another five years to legally drive. Now, as a bonus I also have a marvelous electric bike to "play" with. I'm one of those lucky persons who has never really been ill, and am still in good health and pretty good shape. The Rad Rover electric bike is a very well built and engineered bike and I'm slowly getting used to it. I haven't ridden a bike for many years, and at first my balance was not nearly as good as it was when I was a kid. Little by little, with consistent practice on the bike around my desert home, I'm gaining back my old skills in riding a bike... Thanks for this video, and the encouragement it gives us to keep on exercising...
Good for you.
Great content in this video and much appreciated. You do a great job in producing and narrating your videos and the content is valuable. I'm 50 and fell out of shape last year. Zwifting since January, lost close to 15 lbs and now fit back into my cycling gear. Once you are on the ride you don't care about how you look but getting started it can be daunting. Keep on riding everyone it's a great fitness sport that help you achieve your healthy goals.
Here, here! Good luck with it.
Again another great Video and thanks for your advice take care
I’m big and I love cycling, thank you for your inspiration
You are brilliantly positive. The best motivational speech I’ve ever heard. Thank you.
Love your videos, well done, you are an inspiration, greetings from Sweden
Thanks Henrik.
Leonard thanks for some very encouraging words on beginning your cycling journey. Very funny personnel reflection. May God bless you.
Thank you Mickey.
Hi Leonard, love the videos, going out on a road bike for the first time tomorrow and I am watching your vids for some inspiration, I’ve donned a set of 28mm gatorskins as I’m 17.5 stone and still a bit weary about riding a lighter bike. Wish me luck!
Good luck.
I turned 63 on the 4th Nov 2020,I have recently just purchased a basic off the shelf Bergamont road bike and ride every day now or when I can , starting at a very minimal 3 miles for 3 days then 5 miles for 5 days. .The next one will be 10 miles for 10 days,the mental approach I adopt is to never ever go lower in distance but equal is ok but never lower even if it's for a week or so until I move up to the next distance. Clip-in shoes , computer,heart rate monitor ,cadence sensor and lycra its all been purchased and thoroughly researched thru excellent presentations like your videos and the intention is to lose weight and hopefully live beyond the 3 scores years and ten despite the current worldly situation.Excellent videos Leanord
that should read 3 miles /day not 3 miles in 3 days doooh !!
@@stuartjones7903 Sounds to me like you are doing really well, Stuart. Have fun.
I agree get out there and ride, I started riding (again) at age 54, after using an elliptical and stationary bike. I grabbed my wife's 30 year old Schwinn and headed out I loved it, way better than using a spin bike plus I'm out in the fresh air! Just upgraded to a new Nishiki. Ride on!
Awesome video, as usual! you are an inspiration.
I just joined a "bike to work" challenge and am thrilled to take the bike out and enjoy it at the same time I exercise
Cycling to work is a great way to get the rides in, save money and be environmentally friendly.