Messages

1

General Discussion / Re: Gastric Bypass and EPIC bike rides.

« on: February 19, 2014, 04:43:55 am »

I entirely agree with John Nelson on running a marathon not being a good comparison. I don't think there is anything that compares to the daily calorie requirements of a bicycle tourist. That's why I'm trying to do my homework.

A leave of absence is out of the question. I've been at the same place of employment for 30 years, my current job is not condusive to any length of time off. (other than medical or being dead)

I believe I need to talk to a dietitian (at least one or two) to get a feel for what I would need to do to maintain my health. I don't like the idea of slowing the trip down becaues of a special diet need. I would rather travel at a 'normal' speed and daily distance.

With that said, I do appreciate the input. It gives me more to think about and to research.

Again...Thanks,
BB

2

General Discussion / Re: Gastric Bypass and EPIC bike rides.

« on: February 16, 2014, 08:59:01 pm »

I would love to ride the TransAm in 2014 but this thing called work gets in the way of life. In 2017 that problem will be resolved. (Retirement!)

As for the weight thing, I am carrying 300# on a 5'7" frame, have been overweight my entire adult life.

One benifit to where I live is there are miles of flat country roads outside my back door. I have the I&M canal towpath (Illinois) 2 miles from where I live, and plan on an overnighter (or more) on it this summer as a starter for bigger and better things. The most I can take off from work will be about 10 days. For the next couple of years it will make for good practice for the EPIC rides. 

The Gastric bypass is a last resort thing and not taken lightly. If anybody has had any experience in this it would make my decision a little more informed. The Dr's say people have done it and have even trained and ran Marathons. But I have no data on someone touring for months that have had it done.

Thanks
BB

3

General Discussion / Gastric Bypass and EPIC bike rides.

« on: February 15, 2014, 11:35:50 pm »

After many attempts in losing weight, only to be disappointed over and over again. I am considering having gastric bypass surgery.

With that said, I was wondering if anybody has had the surgery and gone on to participate in any EPIC tours. If so, how do you control calorie and water intake?

I have many questions on this and I haven't been able to find anything on this specific topic. Any help is appreciated.

TramsAm by 2017
BB

4

General Discussion / 3 years to retirement.

« on: May 01, 2013, 08:55:54 am »

I am set to retire at the ripe old age of 57 in a couple of years. One of my bucket list items is to tour cross country until my body gives out. Hopefully in many many years. I am quite a bit overweight and out of shape. So there is lots of work ahead.

Last year I purchased a Trek 7300 and have been riding it approximately 500 miles each of the last two years. This year I plan on stepping it up to many more, with a couple of >50 mile day rides planned.

Here is my dilemma... I like the 7300, however, I am concerned that taking on a grand tour in a few years, I may not have the right bike for the trip. I live in North Central Illinois and travel the I&M Canal Tow Path and the areas country roads weekly. When I ride the country roads, there are very few hills and I found that with the few hills I encounter, my front end is real "mushy".

I really don't want to buy a new bike, although the thought of having a good touring bike sounds like a great idea. Can the front end be changed out to a solid fork instead of the original ones with the shocks?

It's been 30 years since I was serious about riding and it feels great to be on two wheels again. I am ready for the adventures, even if my wife isn't. 

Any advice is always appreciated.

Bill B.