I've only been cycling for a few weeks, when I'd stopped at some traffic lights, there was a very 'pro' looking cyclist already there. We exchanged greetings and he continued by saying he was going to Box Hill (Surrey) would I join him. The 'Hill' bit made me instantly reply 'you're joking, I'm a beginner'! He then offered to buy me a coffee, if I reached the top. Never could refuse a coffee, so I agreed. We hooked up with another unknown cyclist at the bottom of Box Hill and we all made it to the top. I was so proud of my achievment and so nice to have met some super friendly cyclists. So they are not all bad. . .
There's always idiots in all walks of life, just have to ignore them, the majority always outweigh them. At least you didn't have some lads lean out a transit van and throw a bottle at you and mocking the lycra...! Gotta love English cities 😂😂😂
@@PixelVibe42 Box Hill is a nice starting climb. Very even gradient, never gets really steep like I've seen with a LOT of English roads. But for someone just starting I can imagine that must seem like climbing Alpe d'Huez.
I wave and say hi to anyone on a bike. I don't care what sort it is, if they're in kit or not, young or old, man or woman, any size or shape. If you're out on a bike, you're awesome!
Also if somebody is overweight or out of shape, they need the wave even more, as they are on the start of a journey to feeling good on the bike, and will have to work harder every time out on the road. Great job getting out there !
I am a heavy cyclist. I have gotten comments that started with "when you get serious about cycling" many times. I just don't care because I can't imagine not riding my bike. At 67 I've been riding for more than 60 years so maybe I'll get serious about it sometime soon.
57 years old and I have not stopped yet including my photography bike packing trips which I will be taking very shortly in the next 2 days from Cleveland Ohio to Geneva on the lake
I'm 61 and have enjoyed riding my whole life! I do it for fun and because I feel better when done. No competitor here, just a man who likes his bicycle!
when I started cycling, I was 155 kg and just wore normal shorts and a tshirt. I shopped at a local bike shop that was not snotty and was very encouraging and helped me with my stupid newbee questions. I am now 90 kg and have been riding for 20 yrs. I always remembered the kindness of the people at that shop and have always been encouraging for people like I was and give them advice and help as they need it.
This is me right now. 155kg and just started cycling with a new bike. It's nice to see someone in my exact situation have it work out for them! I love cycling so much, might be the best activity ever
@lordyay you will see lots of initial loss, but then the dreaded plateaus will happen. Just change things up with diet and your exercise, you will break the plateau and keep heading lower. I've been in the 90 kg range +/- 5 for 15 years now, took me 4 to 5 years to get there, just keep working at it and you will be better for it. I'm in better health at 60 than I was at 40.
Yeah - people go on about 'local bike shops' but they're actually quite intimidating often. Even if they're ok once you get to know them, it's no good if your first impression is something else.
Been there as well. But 130kg, started cycling to work and generally more active. Cycling helped and was gave me the energy. I am still not light but fit. I never felt heavy, until I started to lose it.
Nice anecdote. Once, a long time ago, I was in Belgium, the Flandrian Ardennes to be exact, I got a flat. Then a police car came by with two policemen in it. They asked me if I was doing okay. I said that I got a flat. They told me that I should stay there and that they would come back to help me. It took like 20 minutes or so until the police car came back. They brought a new tube and they fixed my bike on the spot. That was really awesome :-)
That teenager in the hoodie on the BMX gets a smile and a wave from me as much as the workerriding home in his hivis, the granny on her ebike shopper, the pro on her Cervelo, the MAMIL, the kid on the MTB. All are cyclists. Theyre all in my club. They all get a smile and a wave.
I’m in my 60s Katie and quite the little dumpling on my little Brompton bike 😬 which I ride everywhere and most days. I am doing the exercise but I know I eat too much. Lots too much! However. I’ve decided to do something about my little round figure starting now in July and I’ve set my goal to be 3 stones lighter by Christmas. I will never be Lycra material at my age but I’d like to go back to the shape I was all my adult life until about five years ago when life hit me in the face a bit. Seeing your photos of you when you were larger compared to you now is a massive inspiration to me that I can do it too. Thank you for such a kind and encouraging film 🤗
Katie - Great topic! I have been a cyclist my whole life but somewhere in the middle I lost my momentum for several years. One day about ten years ago I looked in the mirror and saw a 300lb guy that needed to make some life changes. I dusted off my bike and started riding again. My journey back to feeling like a "cyclist" again was a long and at times embarrassing trek. You hit the nail on the head with this video. I stuck with it and lost about 100lbs and STILL find it hard to find bibs that aren't tight as hell! To all those people starting out new or getting back on the bike, just stay with it and don't worry about anything but the ride. Again, thanks for the great videos!
Wow, this is just the video I needed. I recently completed my first century at Unbound and when I got home, I was prepping for a recovery ride, excited to show off my new Unbound Gravel cycling kit, when some kids said loudly "If I were that fat, I'd never squeeze myself into clothes that tight" towards me. I was filled with so much rage that I slammed out a 2 hour ride at tempo+ and got really into my head. Since then, I haven't worn any of my cycling kit, I just throw a pair of bibs on, then put baggies on over top and a black band t-shirt. However, every cyclist I meet is awesome and most people are super friendly. I always cheer on other riders who look like me...I don't care what you're riding, how you look, what you're wearing, I'm just happy AF to see you out enjoying this beautiful sport!
Katie, this video could not have come at a better time! After serious injuries, this morning, the doctor gave me the ok to start cycling again. Massively out of shape so feeling self conscious as I start back to shape and fitness. You're just the tonic I needed. Off to the shed now to dig my bikes out. THANKYOU! 🤗
I'm nearly 3yrs back in after a long Layoff due to health issues going back to my Teens! this time back has been the hardest by far & not helped by more health issues still being dealt & looked into.. but I'm always.. like Katie just so Chuffed & Happy to be back out in Our Stunning Countryside ( Wherever in the UK) & seeing the Wildlife.. the Rotation of the Seasons.. along with The Farmers calendar.. I missed it All so much!! The Pain... Discomfort..Bad Guts.. you name it.. it's all still worth it! weight loss has been the slowest ever this time round .... but age is now 'aving a say too.. I feel?! 😂 I think Katie's comments cross the Genders & We can relate to The Male Dominated Sport Cycling has & still is! I started in the mid 80's in the burgeoning MTB ... I didn't relate to the Lycra to begin with or MTB in general.. I just had cut off sweat bottoms & Tees! But when I started Commuting to work All year round... I realized just how Crap all that gear is... I did make the switch & have never looked back... I switched to Road Bikes eventually... then 3 yrs ago I switched again to Gravel/Adventure ..for the comfort issue mainly because of my Health Issues.. but Also the wider Tyres take so much more sting out of Our horrendously pot holed roads,😢!! Yeah it's slower and a bit more effort... but with my Health issues I'd never go back to a Road Bike.. End Of!! Always say: 'ello'.. or wave when you see a fellow cyclist.. it's just the right thing to do & 😊 it costs nothing!! We have it tough enough as it is as Cyclists .. the last thing We need to do these days is believe theirs a Hyerarchy within Cycling... it's Bollox! We're All Cyclists End Of!! And do offer assistance when you see someone at the side of the road... as one day it will be you..on that one day you left your chain tool or spare link & that cyclist just may have what You need????? Treat others as You would like to be treated ... it's as old skool as that ! There Endeth My Book!! 😂
I am so glad you made this video. Appreciate your comments. I am a large female and into cycling. I cannot get anything my size and feel self conscious. Other riders have given me mixed reception but most have been a bit scathing until they see me 30km later. I am doing what I can with a knee injury pist op it’s even worse and the reason I became immobile and slumped into emotional eating. I was fit at one point and now I struggle to walk but cycling helps me so much and I LOVE IT. Nothing better than the feeling you get, sights you see and how it makes me feel. You slim and fit cyclists out there be kind. We struggle but it’s harder for us and every Km is a challenge but a major win. It should be an all inclusive sport. Thanks Kate- thanks for cycling cloth tips and suppliers info. Keep doing what you do. You are inspiring.
Hi Katie - great video and message! I'm a 60 year old OMIL (old man in Lycra) 😄and I swear that I see people chuckling as I pass by on the bike paths. I definitely do not possess the thin sleek cycling physique. At this stage of the game however I just own it. I cycle because I love it and for my health. I stopped worrying about what others thought of my "look" long ago. 🙂
As a cyclist for over 50years this attitude is not new , while riding the Mawddach Trail last week I came across a couple on e-bikes with a problem I asked if they needed help they said they had sorted it but thanked me and said I was the first person to stop and offer help . The lady said there should be more people like me which made me feel good but sad also
I agree but in recent years it's not a given people will ask if you need help . While changing a tube a few months back three groups of riders passed only one group asked if I was ok
People need to really understand electric bikes. I have one electric one not, the comments I get when on the electric one. You can change the amount of assistance you get from my electric and I only use it when absolutely necessary. I am also heavier and did care but now I don’t . Keep on riding everyone
@@Louise-xr5okGood for you . I have gone over to an E bike . After many years of riding a normal bike . The e bike has saved my sanity .and helped me stay on the road and njoy life 😊
Katie, I love this video. It reminded me of the time I was honoured to bump into you at Etherow Country Park, and I was riding on my own. You promptly invited me to join you and the group you were riding with, you and them were all young enough to be my children 😂, but welcomed me along, I was buzzing not only to actually meet you, but to ride with you was fabulous. Keep doing what you do...X
I was cycling in a park two days ago, an elder lady was at the side looking at her little bike. She had fallen and the chain's come off. Luckily, I still had my first aid kit in my frame bag from a longer trip, so I gave her a bit of gauze and big plaster, and got her chain back on with a twig. A minute or two, but she'll be able to get home a bit more comfortable with a bit of gauze over a scraped knee.
Katie, thank you for this video. I started riding after being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. At that point I weighed 254lbs and started on a mountain bike. I worked my way up to 70 mile rides on that bike before buying a road bike. When I started I did not have any cycling specific clothing either because I was embarrassed to wear it given my size. I was able to finally find larger kits and was happy to wear them for the padded shorts and the pockets on the jerseys, as you said.. After the start of this journey I actually ended up working in a bike shop and starting a cycling group who's members are all sizes, shapes and fitness levels. Now we buy our kits custom made for us by a Champion Systems who do make kits in larger sizes for us. Here in the States, Primal is also a good brand that makes cycling gear in larger sizes for folks like us. For anyone who might come to Long Beach California we, (Team Hiro ) would be happy to show you the local sights on one of our rides. Keep up the great videos and the more people getting into cycling, the better the world will be!
Great message! I have seen on our local bike path more “large” people on e bikes and honestly I am so happy to see a person on a bike enjoying the great outdoors in a healthy way. Getting fit on a bike or any other method takes time any commitment and those of us who have been on the fitness journey need to always remember where we came from. When I see anyone overweight and out riding or running, walking, I simply offer a smile and a hello. The super fit riders that are all wired up with apps and monitoring tend to appear really serious and rarely acknowledge me when we pass but that’s ok they do them, I do me.
Katie, cycling needs more ambassadors like you! Your work to make sure everyone is welcome and included is a big reason you are on my subscription list. Another reason is your willingness to show where your cycling journey started. There is also your exuberance! Thanks and I look forward to your next video!
I love riding with ppl, I hate riding with cyclists. A few years ago I joined a multi day race with a bunch of my friends. We showed up we dirty cheap bikes and non-matching kit. Ppl looked with obvious judgement but I’m pretty sure we were the ones having the most fun. Also, I spent at least 4/5 tubes a season on random ppl with flats I come across. Don’t need anything for it because I hope one day someone can help me. But so far I was stuck with a flat with ppl passing but not willing to help… one day… one day :)
I did a metric century (that's what Americans call a 100km ride, a 'century' meaning 100 miles), and got a flat. While I was fixing it, a woman in full kit stopped and asked if she could help. I borrowed her pump, as it was better than mine. Other cyclists kept stopping and asking if we needed help. It was so encouraging. I have also seen a racer type on a mixed-use trail force another rider into someone on foot, and just keep going. Probably didn't even know he'd caused an accident, he was already past and gone at impact. There are all types out there.
I want to say, it's not just women who feel they don't fit in. I am 51 now and just started enjoying cycling again and I was over 100kg when I started, and been extremely body conscious about the gear, but now I just don't care what other people think as I am doing this for me and not for others. I live in Spain and do sometimes feel there is a 'clique' though, depending on the gear or bike you have, but again I don't care and I am just enjoying my own personal journey!
Well said Katie .....Just an observation, but my foray into cycling started with MTB's and i've ridden with a fair few "Clydesdales" in that time. A not so PC term for the heftier rider, male and female. Oddly all the female riders of the "curvier" persuasion were never conscious of their size, probably due to the baggier fit of MTB apparel. I am now a commited roadie, but a not so svelte individual of 61 years. So am careful of anything that has "Race Fit" against it. But i digress, the main thrust of my comment here is Jose Been, Eurosport commentator and sometimes freelance journalist. I enjoy her commentary, the fact she can speak 6 european languages, so can pronounce the riders names accurately and is "well read". At the age of 29 she was diagnosed with breast cancer, which she successfully recovered from and is incredibly thankful to be able to sling a leg over a bike, covering some 10000 km a year. She is the first to admit that she struggles with her weight, hovering between 100kg and 106kg, but still courageous enough to post on social media pictures of herself in lycra. A lesson we can all learn, "we are who we are".
Katie B, we all know you helped the guy out of genuine care and not for video upload pats on the back. You have a genuine kind, friendly soul. Watching your videos 📹 are like sitting having a conversation with a really good friend 😊😊
That's nice of you to stop and ask if that other cyclist is ok. I got a puncture for the first time ever last week. About 15 cyclists passed me (no lie, two groups and a load of single cyclists) and not one said anything, not even hello or a smile or, hey do you need help? They couldn't have really helped I spose, but it would have just been nice to be acknowledged at least when on a narrow path that runs through a field in the middle of nowhere when they are so close to me when passing. Just ignorant. I'd have stopped even if I couldn't help just to be like, you ok? As I walked my bike back to the nearest road to wait for a lift (I had nothing on me to repair the puncture) I even passed another cyclist as we both navigated our bikes though a gate and I said oh be careful, there's glass up there... he said nothing. Not thanks, wouldn't even look at me. I was like.. am I actually a ghost now. I'm a slightly overweight woman.. I guess other cyclists don't like me lol nah I guess people are just too busy to stop and help others. But for the very few that do, you're awesome!
Lone Wolf here. Recently, I overtook a cycling club on my creaking hybrid, t shirt and rucksack. I said hello but they ignored me. I did chuckle as I clearly hurt their egos. It's unbelievable the attitude of some. It's me + Countryside and an OS Map = Happy!
Thank you so much for this video. I just started cycling seriously last September, and I needed a video like this to help me keep going. I haven’t been losing weight and it’s been frustrating to not be as „skinny“ as other female cyclists. I will keep going to mainly get fitter and stronger. Thank you so much for this ❤️❤️❤️
The cycling alone won't lose you the weight. However, if you combine it with a healthy diet, then it will be a very powerful tool to help you lose weight. Another tip if you're mainly after losing the weight: figure out your zone 2 heart rate and just ride at that pace (it's a slow, comfortable pace) and do that for at least 1 hour minimum per day if you can. Throw a couple rest days in there as well. You will begin to shred the fat.
At 116 kg, couldn’t find any castelli fitting me. Now 30kg lighter, i punish them never buying castelli. Heavy people should be able to easily find something comfortable to wear!
I always find your videos inspiring. I have always been a lone wolf cyclist for various reasons, at 68 I am an older rider and my older, but beautiful, steel bike doesn’t conform to the roadie norm. I have been considering looking for a group of cyclists closer to my age as I think some camaraderie would be enjoyable. But until then I am happy enough to go out alone.
Perfect timing this, my latest video I was explaining the abuse I’ve been getting on UA-cam for being fat and lazy because I started on e-bike, I’m now riding a normal bike lost 3 stone and climbing Wrynose passes. thank you for this video as I nearly give UA-cam up but you’re an inspiration for us 😊
what a smashing video. What could be nicer than a lovely lady showing lovely countryside. I am a very overweight cyclist . I have dodgy hips and knees so bad I had to stop cycling some years ago. Lucky for me along came electric bikes. Oh boy what a lovely feeling to be out again. In the last year or so I have managed a thousand miles on my ebike. I know this is not a massive amount for most serious cyclists. But it's a million smiles for me. I have never found any of the other cyclist to be rude in fact often end up stopping at the same pub or cafe with them and having a good yarn. You have a new subscriber . Keep up the good work. John
Katie , there isn’t a sport I can think of in my life that didn’t have some in groups who felt they were better that others ! I have always been open and enjoyed it all ! I.e. mountain biking , e biking , race bike or incumbent and was open and friendly to any of these groups .
I've got both an MTB and Road bike,, I always wave at other cyclists.. . MTB cyclists always wave back.. Road cyclists will tend to wave back if I'm on my road bike, but when I'm on my MTB.. A good number (1/2 to 1/3) will just blank you... WTF.?? 🤷
Completely agree with your important message. There is an awful lot of bull spoken about what equipment is needed and what one should wear. I ride with a local leisure group, we are very inclusive and encourage new riders. When out riding solo I'll always offer assistance to someone with a mechanical issue.
Hello, I just stumble into your video. I'm glad that you addressed the subject because as an overweight man, I also felt that even people in the sport look down on you if you are overweight and ride bikes. Thanks for your video.
In Belgium we met an old guy on road bike with quite some big belly, but he told us about his trips and longest was above 2000km to Italy an incredible distance for me. In Belgium cycling is quite inclusive: Big groups of old men on road bikes, kids, and families on cargo bike or durch bikes all on the same tracks enjoying to stay in nature. The advantage in cycling is that stamina comes just with practice. Certainly it helps in climbing if you are light weight, but on flat terrain it does not matter that much anyway. And the thin get out of shape if they don't practice as well. The most important thing is to have joy. Joy means you do it more often and doing it more often means you get better and can last longer and more easily. If you feel uncomfy, exhausted and close to vomiting than you should remember that even the pros feel often quite the same on a tough climb. It is normal to some extend if you fight too hard. Just select a more easy trip next time or ride slower and it will feel better. During covid I missed cycling to work and it felt horrible when I restarted, but after two weeks it was fine again. You have just to give your body time to adjust and be indulgent and it will be OK. And if you ride in really bad weather or on a tough climb or you have a puncture or other technical problems you don't care how others look like or if they are male, female, beginner etc.. You are just happy to see another cyclist soul. You are thankful if you get a nice greeting or even handed some tool to fix your gear. Certainly there are also the ones who don't look around and try to beat some virtual record without realising what happens around them, but that is a small number and who really cares about them?
I went through the same. I've lost 60 lbs and just within the last few months have started wearing cycling clothes. So for all those out there keep going, don't quit. You don't have to be the fastest or go the farthest. You just have to get out there and do YOUR THING AND HAVE FUN. Everything else will come in time.
I totally agree Katie I'm a larger fella and get the biggest size in cycling kit but I stay positive and enjoy getting out on bike at weekend. Thanks again for your views when you started 😁
Great video. My biggest pet peeve is when I wave and say "good morning" I am ignored by the roadie in full high end kit. I ride a drop bar gravel bike now, when I rode a MTB I felt even more shunned. Treat others as you would like to be treated, then this world would be a much better place. I love your channel and your content.
ah dont get to bothered by it when im on my bike for instance I focused at the task at hand and dont look or smile at anyone, im riding 14$ clothes on a vintage 1996 trek so im in it for the sport not the high end kit but still id rather not talk
I wave or speak to every cyclist I see when out for a ride , high end roadie or someone cycling to work on a cheap mountain bike.I really dislike the too cool for school brigade.
I wouldn't be too fussed about roadies ignoring you. Most of them have got their heads firmly planted up their backsides anyway. I am one myself, but I would like to think I distance myself from all that super serious pretentious elitist crap. If I say hello to someone and they acknowledge, that's great. If they don't; well that's also great too. Don't worry about it too much. I belong to a cycling club, and half of its members even ignore each other when passing by on various rides. What does that tell you?
I’ve found that cliques form more in road racing cyclists more than other groups. Non racing road cyclists are less so. Body shaming anyone is unacceptable. When an overweight person gets into cycling it’s likely they are doing it to lose weight. We as a community should be friendly and encouraging. If we’re in a club we should have rides for beginners that aren’t going to rip their legs off. If we ride with a new or overweight person, slow down and make the ride enjoyable for the other rider. Kindness is always a good thing!
I’d cycled seriously I felt since my 20’s and loved it, this was the ‘80’s. I had kids and quit until I was 50 in 2009 when I got a beautiful new bike. I rode out expecting it to be the same. I was riding along when two young men rode past me and basically implied that I should go home. I was gobsmacked! I’d never seen or heard that. I had cycled with all ages, it was a community. No, not anymore. Now it was a thing. The right bike, gear, diet then Zwift and watts and so on. Nobody waved anymore. Younger fitter cyclists zipped past in total silence. I took up walking. At least the car drivers leave me alone whilst I’m on the pavement.
Good comment. These "tour the france wannabies" maybe have good V02 Max but are truly low life people. We can't let people like this define our rides and joy. For me NOT using the "gear" maybe a running jacket instead etc.. not so pro bike etc... helps. still being very or more fit.
I’ve been considering taking it up and moving on from hiking but what your saying is what I’m worried about, I wouldn’t be able to catch them on my Halfords mountain bike so I’m gonna stick to the trails
Im an overweight Cyclist, although i dont do club stuff, or big rides, I do ride for fitness as well as to the shops and commuting, most days. There is no way I can get cycling kit to fit me, even nearly unobtainable XXXl sizes are only XL based on the fit on my usual mail/internet cloths site. Cycling is exclusive, or maybe more accurately non-inclusive AND it is a problem. Being also of short legs, dont get me started on frame and wheel sizes. Now frankly I wouldn't want tight fitting lycra anyway, but shorts and wet weather gear would be great, Best I have done is to use hiking and other outdoor brands repurposed, they do seem to go up in size beyond the cycling stuff, the Regatta brand although a bit dull seem to do stuff in larger sizes for outdoors and its dead cheap, but also more premium outdoor brands tend to have bigger sizes, and bigger sizes that are actually big to boot.
Lovely vlog thank you. I stopped cycling for 50 years! A cheapish e bike has got me back into it, every time I go out I use less and less e assistance, I’ve heard all the ‘cheating’ remarks but just smile when I’m out in the country lovin my ride! Thanks again for taking the time to do an’inclusive’ video.. cycling is for everyone !
Yeah. I'm a 69 year old fairly hefty woman, survived 2 bouts of cancer and now having fun cycling on my Ebike, going out with my neighbour most days. Our area is incredibly hilly and without the e bit of the bike I couldn't use it! Just not strong enough anymore. But I love it and don't care what the mean spirited say!
@@MugOfHotTeakeep on going, I’m currently in pyrenees doing some easy trails on holiday, we should all enjoy every day, and cycling anyhow we do it is a bonus! Great to hear your story , I feel humbled 😊
Thanks for this Katie. Some of the cycle clothing companies are missing out on a lot of money by not catering to bigger people. Also the assumption that a person is unfit because their BMI is not 20 is sometimes rubbish. I enjoy casual cycling with friends and mostly ride an ebike now. The snobbery is kind of weird. Sometimes I get road bikers stopping next to me and commenting that I'm "cheating". And I think- well I live in a really hilly and windy city, and I'm getting older and I'm just happy to be out there enjoying the fresh air!! I don't care how many km I do. Sometimes its fun to stop for a coffee and chat for an hour. So what!! Each to their own..............
This. Cycling should be primarily about fun doing it. And people tend to overlook the fact, that the difference between a conventional and an ebike is not cheating on exercise but going for a ride or not.
i think its so good youve show stopping and helping. so many people listen to you, and countless people will now help, and be helped because youve done it. and what a message, right on. thanks!
Fab video and SO encouraging..Thank you. ❤ I cycle regularly, have done for years and now training for the London Duathlon but finding kit that fits me and doesn’t cut off my circulation or make me feel uncomfortable is a challenge - I’ve had the biggest stuff Decathlon make …. I’m glad to hear other cyclists greet each other, I rarely get acknowledged by the big groups of cyclists going though Surrey. I am resolved to call “Morning” out to them as they pass in future! Can’t wait to view the Peppermint kit THANK YOU!
I've just started riding at 51 very overweight unfit etc.etc. I go out very early hours to try and avoid the looks and comments, I have an old mtb and normal clothes cycling gear is a no go just not available for my size, Being a 6'3" bloke I'm expected to take the negative things. But I like riding on the moors and struggling to get passed the 10mile ride the 20% hills are killing me but I'll keep plugging away at them. Love your honest vids.
You sound similar to me! MTB is a great choice. Unless you want to do very long distances, you’ll never need to get another bike. Plus you can do all the off road & ‘gravel’ (🤪) routes too. Do what you enjoy & go where you want to go. I’ve been figuring out what I like & don’t like over the past couple of years. And I figured out that I don’t care for the gatekeeping folks. And I did a ‘gravel’ event last weekend for 160kms. It wasn’t pitched as race but loads of folks treated it as such & were very very concerned with their time & the look of their kit. It was an absolute pose-fest. Some exceptions of course. My mate & I stopped off at a pub half way round. Enjoyed the beautiful views, took photos, had lovely chats. Still made it back well in time for the notional cutoff. Did the Paris-Roubaix challenge in April over 145kms too... Results; Weight loss = 0! (Yeah, at 125kgs, I need to lose plenty) Enjoyment = 100! Health = +++
Have never received a negative comment cycling in Ireland all my life. Either we're very friendly over here or I look a bit scary or both. It would be amusing to receive a snarky remark, I'd probably start a fight. (All the cliches are true, folks!)
I am a bit overweight and buying cycling clothes makes me cry. It’s so hard finding something that could be accessible in prices and sizes. Thank you for this video.
Getting on the bikes and riding is such amazing medicine for the mind and body. My wife and I have been chasing each other around for 34 years. Now we are off of the road and on the dirt. We stopped riding for quite a long time and now I can not understand why. When I look back at that period of our lives, it feels like we also gave up on growing and progressing. I am happy to say that we are back to prioritizing riding together and and all the benefits that come along with it. I love your message. Be safe and enjoy your adventures.
I got really into cycling about 15 years ago. I loved riding the local lanes of North Suffolk. I joined a local club - but my experience with them wasn’t a particularly positive one. They could be quite critical, my weight was mentioned quite a few times - even being criticised for what I ate on the club run stop. They regularly left behind slower riders - even though they stated on their website they never left a rider behind. When they did it to me (I was just having a bad day) it was the last straw. I never rode with them again. There were some nice people amongst them - but also some right arses. I remember getting involved with the committee for a while - I was shouted at like a small child by one particular member - I was 40 at the time. I’ve been a lone and happy bike rider since. Thank you for sharing your views and commenting on these things. I love your channel 👏
Inclusivity, I've not been experiencing much of that in my life, let alone the cycling part; It has never been a problem for me though as I was seeing myself fitting in with my own dreams, no matter how those were deemed out of reach. Yes, I felt _out of place_ at the beginning, massively! Even now, to be honest, sometimes. Older, more _pro-looking_ blokes did their bit dragging me down saying things to me like "your set up is real cheap, you should upgrade really or you won't ever become a cyclist" or "those are trainers at tour feet, that's not what we cyclists do" But I had tasted already what cycling can do for your well being, I felt so free and strong and I knew I was for real about it, that I was going to sacrifice for it and that I was going to stick with it no matter what. Be strong people, stand for what you all believe. And Katie, you've been doing a masterful job at encouraging us to be truthful to ourselves, so thank you! It never becomes normal to ride your bike, it always feels _special_ . 😄😊 🙂 🤞 =)
Katie- It is great you share your insights about human nature or inclinations in the bicycling world. Your kind and considerate framing of these real situations is very sweet and appreciated. Thank you.
Great video Katie and wow, cycling has certainly transformed you! I started cycling in 2014 and took a while to gain courage to step outside in lycra, what a great feeling to finally ride in proper kit. I tried Shimano clipless but hated it, I felt terrified on the road, knowing i was attached to my bike and my confidence was shot so I reverted to flats. My cycling 'friends' looked down on me because i wasn't riding clipless, did nothing but criticise instead of encourage me so I no longer associate with those people and ride alone, I absolutely love it. I started bikepacking/touring this year and can't get enough of it, joined a Facebook group and I've had loads of offers to bikepack with groups of people. I can 100% relate to what you're saying because i was made to feel inferior and like I didn't fit in but cycling snobbery isn;t for me, it's enjoying what we do that counts.
Sadly it's cult with clipless. I'm too perfectly fine with flat pedals, they are equal except clipless gets a small advantage in sprints and I don't do sprints.
@@marcusohlsson3130 I believe they belong on the race circuit, where people ride on smooth roads, aren't stopping at junctions and being overtaken closely by uneducated idiots on 4 wheels. They do have their advantages but the feeling I get from riding on flats with pins, which give almost the same amount of upward pull with the right soles, far outweighs any benefits offered by those death traps.
@@pauledwards499it's not a death trap if you are experienced with them. I can unclip almost instantly on instinct in any situation. When I first started, I had many falls. But like anything in life, practice makes perfect.
Great video. When I started cycling I was around 20 stone, I've been lucky finding a couple of clubs in West London that didn't judge me. I'm still a big guy around 16 stone and slower than most but never feel like I'm being judged on club rides and I've got myself up the likes of Alp d'Huez, Mont Ventoux and the Stelvio. On the other hand even for blokes large size clothing is a nightmare. Like you said options are better than 10 years ago but still terrible for anyone who isn't your archetypal sized cyclist
A happy and stylish Katie speaks truth. I have found many kind cyclists but just as many mean ones. Partly because I am old 70, white, male with little more than one lung I find it hard. Ride on!
Great advice on this video, thanks Katie, as a woman who came quite late to cycling (now 61) I love cycling on my own but have found a brilliant Breeze group, no one is belittled for their age, size, bike or capabilities and have the best coffee/cake/ice cream rides, our Breeze leader Gwen is a hero to all of us xxx
I am fighting with my weight. I started stretching and yoga, I ride an okay amount of kilometers (4100 last year) and I enjoy cycling but my watt/kg is bad. I have an ftp of 300 Watts and I can reach 900 watts while sitting but going up a hill is still very taxing. I started to lose weight but it's still a long way to get rid of roughly 20kg. Anyways I love cycling and I am happy I restarted in 2021 (I did ride 100km roadbike tours when I was around 16). Just got way too lazy between the ages 24 and 28. I'll get a roadbike and a folding bike next month (I have an ebike and a gravelbike) and met some awesome cyclist to ride tours with and it's awesome. After a winter with structured training I'll join a club too. Without these UA-cam channels I wouldn't have been this motivated and your journey is inspiring. I look forward to blast up hills with less weight and work on both sides of watt/kg.
I respect the overweight riders. It takes courage to start to tackle the problem and to be clad in rediculous cycling kit, no matter your size! Get out there and ride! We are all behind you and happy you are there!
Because of my age (63) and my disabilities, I ride an MTB 95% of the time, even though most of my riding is on the road, the gearing is easier for me and I can manage better. If I see any cyclist at the side of the road, I will stop and offer help, on the other side of this, when I started cycling, I was almost 120kg and I'm not down to 95, I'm still too heavy for my height, but I do what I can and for what my physical limitations allow. I also suffer from Fibro and I'm highly sensitive to sunlight, so the Fibro makes that condition a great deal worse, so my oportunities are limited. Because of an assault in November last year, I've still not fully recovered enough to get back out, but if it's cloudy tomorrow, as is forecast, I will make the effort to cycle 10-12 miles, it's not much in the grand scheme or what many good riders can do in half an hour, but it's a big victory for me and I enjoy myself immensley. Happy days ahead.
Good to hear that you’re still getting out & enjoying despite those setbacks. Well done! I’m a 125kg rider still. But just getting fitter through cycle commuting because I really enjoy riding a bike.
Love this video and you are 100% spot on with everything you said. I’m still on the larger side but I dont care, I love being on my bike and that’s that. BTW I had a blow out 2 weeks ago and stupidly had a spare inner with the wrong valve for my wheel so was stuffed until a rider went past, asked if needed help and gave me his inner plus helped me get back to the local bike shop. There are heroes out there. Keep up with the awesome videos Katie.
Dear Katie, great video and inspiration. Your videos helped me to get satrted and coninue with cycling. I am turning 60 this year and two years ago I never even thought that it is possible to do a 100k in a day. As of last weekend I did my first 335k ride and seeing you here today made me appreciate again how you help people like me to keep going. Thank you. much respect and gratitdue
As a male I tried to buy a kit with about 90-100kgs (weight range over the last few years) and the biggest ones were either too tight or barely ok. Yeah, felt out of place. Also I went to a "beginner ride-out" which was advertised with 24km/h (avg speed) which was above my average and more close to my limit. My actual average that day was 26km/h, pushing it to my absolute max - still got dropped constantly. It didn't feel like a group ride to include anyone, but like a undercover race where the last of the group always had to sprint up to the front to show how strong they are. Haven't been on a group ride like this ever since and sticked more to going solo - although I find riding in a good group about 3x more enjoyable.
I've dropped to about 90kgs myself since starting cycling, I've just got a Le Col sport bundle (bibs and jersey) which are a good fit IMO. The shorts are perfect, the jersey is very slightly on the tight side for what I'd expect for a "relaxed" fit but in both I'm wearing Large and they have bigger sizes too. Worth a look, especially if you do one of their Strava challenges and get £50 off which makes the bundles £150, and with a free baselayer at the moment too.
I’ve found the sweet spot groups here in Mexico City. It’s really the leadership and when they say beginner they mean beginner. The hardest part for me are some of the climbs here, but they do not let anyone fall behind. It’s really a matter of safety to keep the group together. Sadly, tomorrow is probably my last ride with my friends here as I am leaving Mexico next Monday. 😢
Why try to join a group that is faster than you. These arent bad people they are just fitter and they also want to enjoy themselves. I would want to ride with someone far slower than me. I have limited time to bike and just want to enjoy it
@@TK-nc3ou Yeah, but the group was advertised as going around my speed. And I like to push myself a little, which is always easier done in a group than solo i think. But they were like 4km/h faster than I expected than what was explicetely communicated before! If theere is a group ride with 26km/h pace I don't even try. And I didn't mean to imply that they were bad people, just that this is the "lowest level" of group rides in my area and thus not very beginner friendly.
Hi Katie, Never worry about what other people think. Do what is good for you, I got back into motorcycling a couple of years ago, I don't have the latest equipment or the newest bike, But it still get to see the amazing sights around the UK and Europe while touring. And probably a lot cheaper too :)
Lovely openhearted talk about cycling and the peer pressures that often come with it…. I was a mega cyclist up to just over 8 years ago when I fell seriously ill…. it’s taken all this time to get fundamentally well again since leaving hospital and thinking about returning to the cycling, I’m completely out of shape and put on four stone since, so I’m keen to lose that…. But that said there has always been a lot of cyclists that sneer at others completely needlessly about their body shape, the clothes they wear, the bikes they ride, the way they ride… like many groups some people just think they know better…but they often don’t. Everyone has different needs wants and desires from what they are doing and it’s about time more people just accepted like I have always done that so long as someone is out there doing it who cares what they ride or what clothes they wear…… I remember years ago when mountain biking, a lady asked if she could join our group, she turned up on a very basic regular bike which she used to use to and from work every day with just a shoulder bag slung over her shoulder…. But as it turned out, she was very fit and that was lesson number one all of 25 years ago….. I’ve had friends ridiculing oversized women and I’ve stopped them saying that they’re doing it they’re out their cycling so what’s the big deal? Their comments are just a deflection on their own inabilities or inadequate self-worth. Good on you for spreading the word and helping your fellow brethren by not paying too much attention to what others may think …. really lovely to hear your journey and hopefully I will get fit again for some big rides once more, great film thank you
Yes , getting back out since last week and starting with 20k spins. Working on consistency before distance. Good luck to all getting out there and enjoying their life and living what is a goal for others💕🇮🇪☘️🇮🇪 PS I have that Giant kit and Giant bike 👍
I’ve noticed this year that cyclists don’t say hi back and they generally look grumpy! I love being on my bike, it sorts my head space out and always give a smile and hi! I’m 50 not slim but since watching your videos don’t give one if I’m not in the latest castelli! In fact it has caused me to hunt out small brands that few have heard of, which have provided some awesome kit. I regularly give out tubes to stranded cyclists or help a new rider get back on the road! Great topic which definitely needs more attention.
I'm still running flat pedals on my bikes ,cant beat turning up to a ride with my road bike with MTB flat pedals ,always get the LOOK from the elite level weekend warriors😂 it might also have something to do with the walking shoes I wear as well 🤷🤣🤣
Yes you met the people who think they are good enough to be professional cyclists when really they only have the money to buy the expensive bike and kit. They look down on you to prop up their ego.
Got my first road bike just a month ago (last year I wanted to lease a gravel but not a "naked", a Cube Nuroad Race FE with fenders, pannier rack and dynamo lighting but then decided for a trekking with Pinion gearbox and belt drive instead because it's perfect for commuting, the gearbox needs oil service once a year or each 10 000 km and that's it; and for real offroad I already got my Hardtail MTB - 11 years old but the Deore (with XT rear derailleur and also some SLX parts) 3x10 drivetrain and hydraulic disc brakes work absolutely fine), so I got a real road bike now. Had only some city pedals for the test ride, the seller sold me without pedals and I simply bolted on the same flat pedals I also have on my MTB (Reverse Black One). Maybe in the future I'll try some cleat pedals but at the moment I'm not looking at the "pure" ones, rather the hybrids like Shimano PD-EH500 or Look's Geo Trekking.
This stuff is mostly likely in your head. In reality, they probably couldn't care less what pedals you have. The "look" is probably your own self consciousness causing you paranoia.
Great video katie ,so glad ive found your channel and subscribed,i started cycling again about four years ago and its changed my life i cant get out enough after losing both my parents in a short space of time cycling helped with anxiety and being generally down in the dumps ,it wasnt long before i could regularly cycle 50 miles ,it can have its down side I came off just before Christmas ladt year and dislocated my elbow couldn't un clip fast enough ,the four to five months off were horrible,im back now cycling the hills and countryside of Yorkshire not far from slaithwaite im only over the hill ,and loving it albeit back on flat pedals and shoes but i dont care im back on my bike and to be honest the flats dont seem any different im still doing the same climbs etc in the same times i was with clips if not a little quicker,might see you out there at some point ill keep my eyes peeled
100% with you about stopping to help other cyclists regardless of what type of bike they are on.. few weeks back I stopped to help a chap with his hybrid style ebike.. he commented to me that other road bike cyclists are ridden by without even offering to help.
Thanks for addressing this issue and being so open about the work you had to do to get where you're comfortable. There is definitely a 'tiny bias' in the sport. I feel your pain on finding kit that fits. Double that problem when the rider is nearly 2m tall AND thicker than desired. The few kit makers that offer stuff big enough (barely) tend to call it 4XL or even 5XL which really tells the whole story right there. In 'normal' clothes, I wear an XL or maybe 2XL But to the bike industry that is "supergigantic" 🙂 BTW, you didn't mention it, but a similar problem with gear in general where many things aren't rated for over 100kg riders (which is a fit athletic weight for 195cm)
As soon as I heard what you said about your body type/bike/kit etc I immediately subscribed. I am fortunate enough to ride a nice machine but it wasn't always so. Cycling is a sport for everybody & you can get obsessed about your weight/ gear you wear and there are some cyclists- or bike snobs as I call them ( and I have trained with them but not any more) that can make you feel like you have no business doing it. Great video and brilliant advice for everyone.
I'm 59 (just turned) and I still ride. 30 years ago I was one of the skinny racing snakes. Now, I'm a fair weather cyclist (I'm retired) and I've hardly done anything this year. I'm now overweight and so unfit. I've been trying to source decent fitting kit, I used to wear GCN kit, but its stupidly expensive now and aimed at those skinny racing snakes! I'm finding it so hard to find kit I like which fits without saggy pockets! I bought some FLAB kit and the material is so stretchy that putting a phone in it drags the jersey round my bum! I think that the inclusion thing also applies to older, bigger people regardless of age. I'm going to let my wife know about the kits supplier for women. She hates women's clothing, it's always too short in the body, apparently tall women either don't exist or cycle! Excellent video.
I am a big fan of FLAB cycling gear. I have a 52 inch chest and have always struggled to get gear that fits properly, but they have made my rides a whole lot more comfortable 😁
Riding bicycles #1 should be fun! Getting caught up with "the in crowd" and trying to be accepted by a group of snobs does not appeal to most people. I find it inspirational when I see people that have put on extra weight getting out there and enjoying themselves! That's what it's all about! Have fun and encourage those that are making healthier choices for themselves! Like Ryan Van Duzer says: GET OUT THERE!
I prefer my own company other than my youngest grandson occasionally. I'm 76 disabled and in heart failure after a geart attack 7 years ago. I've always been a big lad but very, very fit. Without being able to walk more than a few metres my weight ballooned so thought I might be able to cycle. I could but getting moving to be able to get my balance was very hard. I solved that with an ebike which gave me the initial push. After a few weeks the motor was and still is only used for that intial push and then switched off. The crank motor, Bosch, offers such little resistance that cycling without it on isn't much more effort but seeing as how I'm cycling to lose weight and improve my fitness anyway. My weight dropped of losing 32lbs in five weeks. I did have serious accident when a van door was opened in my path at speed which set me back both physically and mentally for almost two years. I got into it but I don't make a sport of it so the only concession I make to dedicated cycle wear is the correct underwear...so important, a lightweight rain jacket, padded fingerless gloves and a helmet. The only people I connect with are those I meet who need assistance and the odd interesting character cyclist or otherwise. I love the solitude. Being a lone cyclist is good for me and I am only pressured by my own aims and achievements. I ride at least 3 times a week, riding every other day hail, rain or shine. Some say ebiking is cheating but who or what am I cheating. The factbI am now fit and lost a massive amount of weight means I am working hard, in fact harder than a rider of any lightweight road bike mile for mile. I have to overcome the additional weight if motor and battery plus you only get assitance to 15 mph on a UK pedelec then you sre on your own. I choose not use assistance anyway 95% of the time but it's there if my physical condition becomes distressed which has only happened once in six years after a punishing 50 mile ride in excessive heat....all my own silly fault for getting carried away and misjudging things. I ride about 100 miles a week at best and 50 at worst. I just love getting off road on my own, not even music for company. Hopefully I have afew more years hut my eyesight is going due to macular degeneration. With a bit of I will retain enough vision to keep going as driving is goingto be off the cards eventually though I did pass my DVLA eyesight test... for the time being. You are never to old to cycle...age is just a number.
Absolutely love this video Katie. You know I’m a bigger rider but I can give most cyclist a run for there money and done some mega rides for me. There’s is a big issue with a lot of kit and components not being right for a heavier rider. I’d love to be able to go and buy a full premium cycling kit but they very rarely fit me. I don’t let it get to me as being on the bike enjoying the outdoors far out weighs what I’d consider to be a minor problem when I’m actually out on the bike
I'm with you Katie! Enjoy the ride and be kind and respectful to others, even if they look like they are riding the TDF with attitude while you are passing them :)
A lovely video and some very true words said, we all need to be more thoughtful and considerate towards others!! Especially when people are trying to get fit as it is hard work 😓 And it’s so easy to criticise 😞 Great work Katie🚴🏼♀️💨
Hi, Katie. Such a nice, encouraging and validating vid. I feel there is a very strong current in some cycling circles to behave, dress, and sport a bike and components that folks in those circles almost prescribe for you. Hey, this is all fine and good if this path leads people to personal happiness and not bankruptcy, but it's just not in keeping with my personal values, lifestyle, or my idea of comfort. Do as you wish, ride what you wish, and wear what you wish, is my motto.
Well done Katie! I have a bunch of folks I ride with but I do more solo rides. There are some great cycle clubs I belong to and most riders are friendly and helpful(my experience). I tend to avoid major cities and I prefer the back roads. The drivers here are less used to cyclists (Massachusetts, USA) so we have to be very careful!
You are so correct in your assessment of the cycling cummunity. I am a retired old cyclist and reside in South Florida. I was a pro in Europe for 4 years and enjoyed it to the fullest.. Can't agree with you more in regards to your assessment of the cycling community. We don't have the climbs you have in the UK but we in Florida, have the weather. Plus... it's relatively flat. Especially in the dead of winter is when our weather is absolutely the best. Everyone CAN cycle as I've just started working with someone who has equilibrium issues and just purchased a recumbent for him. Ride on Katie and keep bring normalcy and courtesy to the "wanabe" cycling community.
I’m not overweight, but I’m not fast and I have tried two group rides where I could not keep up. I ride by myself now because those experiences were so bad. It is what it is, but no one gave me advice or encouraged me to try again. They just blew me off. I feel like the cycling community is stuck up.
I find the opposite. Attitude = Altitude The Cycling Community has been very supportive and encouraging to me. I was once 45 lbs heavier and way out of shape with back and shoulder issues. Started riding a mountain bike that I was way too heavy for, and as I lost more weight, I was able to do proper stretching before and after my rides. I let MTB do my strengthening exercises and body conditioning for me. I just had to push myself slowly. "No Pain No Gain" By putting myself in a cyclist and gym environment and being around others who were there to accomplish similar or the same goals as me, receiving there encouragement and advice it's taken me where I'm at now at age 58. I'm able to do things I haven't been able to do since my twenties.
I wave and say hello to everyone i see on bike. However there is a type that are obviously too ‘pro’ to wave back. They’re also the same type that will ignore you at the side of the road. I also agree about the stupid elitism and cliquy nature of the sport. I left my last cycling club because of the cliques. Be proud of who you are and enjoy what you do. 👍
Exactly how I’m feeling. I’m on the curvier side, and new to cycling so feel a little conscious when I’m out but I have to quieten that little negative voice and pedal on! I haven’t invested in kit yet, I’m at the t shirt and leggings stage. One day I hope to go on a bike packing adventure too!
I'm also overweight. No problem cycling. The most important upgrade is a comfortable saddle. That's where most dealers cheap out, because many cyclists are masochists. Just pedal at the power level and frequency you're comfortable with and change gears accordingly. Eventually, you'll get there. Sometimes at 10kph against the wind or uphil, sometimes at 35kph easility with the wind or even 60kph downhill.
Cheers for a chatty and well put together presentation. I thoroughly enjoy (generally) watching femlae video to appreciate and understand the prespective and where you are coming from. Thanks. At 67 i have been cycliing all my life at what i would consider low level stuff, however always enjoying the hobby. In later life have done some cracking long distance trips always on a very modest bike and of course i am aware of the varied individuals and groups who quite frankly dont assist fellow cyclists, dont say hello and acknowledge............funny old world is'nt it. Crack on with the posts, will look out for you. Best wishes Mike in County Durham :)
Hi Katie, what a lovely video and the encouragement for others so nice. I have ridden a bike, a long time and even as an older gent, who now rides an ebike, I find some cyclists looking down their noses. Keep making great videos, and nice of you to share with us.
I just stopped by to say I love your video. I'm glad the UA-cam algorithm sent it to me. Screw todays obsession with weight. It's meaningless. You look great. I keep a bunch of tools/parts with me on my rides. I love stopping to help someone fix a flat or repair their chain. It's a great way to reconnect with others and help them on their journey. Namaste.
I don't normally comment on these videos but I loved this. Started cycling about 12 months ago and recently fallen out of love with it but this might just have motivated me to get back in the saddle. Thank you.
Thank you Kate this is EXACTLY what I need … I’ve just joined seacroft wheelers who are amazing but I doubt my ability and have a serious lack of self confidence.. you , with them have encouraged me to go out .. I’m only 4ft 10.5 and overweight but I’m going to conquer my fears Thank you
What a great video. I have been cycling for a long time but haven’t found a club or group to ride with regularly. I have been thinking about dropping in on a woman’s riding group out of a local bike shop. Your video was very timely as it’s next Tuesday and I was already thinking of excuses why not to go. The seem to encourage open drop ins, I think its all in my head so lets get out of there and go for a ride… thanks again, great video - Barb😊
What a transformation! I just recently conquered my fear of biking and this video makes me so excited to hit the road! If only I were not bogged down by work right now.....
Great thing about cycling is that the fewer you are with (if any at all) the way more fun it is. Attire - it also way more fun if you can stop at an interesting spot and as soon as you get off of the bike nobody would notice you arrived by bicycle making it easy and natural to blend in and enjoy the experience.
I've only been cycling for a few weeks, when I'd stopped at some traffic lights, there was a very 'pro' looking cyclist already there. We exchanged greetings and he continued by saying he was going to Box Hill (Surrey) would I join him. The 'Hill' bit made me instantly reply 'you're joking, I'm a beginner'! He then offered to buy me a coffee, if I reached the top. Never could refuse a coffee, so I agreed. We hooked up with another unknown cyclist at the bottom of Box Hill and we all made it to the top. I was so proud of my achievment and so nice to have met some super friendly cyclists. So they are not all bad. . .
That was wholesome!
There's always idiots in all walks of life, just have to ignore them, the majority always outweigh them. At least you didn't have some lads lean out a transit van and throw a bottle at you and mocking the lycra...! Gotta love English cities 😂😂😂
@@PixelVibe42 Box Hill is a nice starting climb. Very even gradient, never gets really steep like I've seen with a LOT of English roads. But for someone just starting I can imagine that must seem like climbing Alpe d'Huez.
Nearly every single cyclist is super friendly in my experience, great story
Same with a hill climb competition, but the offer was a beer!
I wave and say hi to anyone on a bike. I don't care what sort it is, if they're in kit or not, young or old, man or woman, any size or shape. If you're out on a bike, you're awesome!
Love it man, great attitude!
Also if somebody is overweight or out of shape, they need the wave even more, as they are on the start of a journey to feeling good on the bike, and will have to work harder every time out on the road. Great job getting out there !
Exactly. And we don't know people's stories. Some have not been spared by life and the simple fact of being able to ride a bike is a victory.
AGREED! And good for everyone to get out there and ride!
so do i as a former member of the ctc
I am a heavy cyclist. I have gotten comments that started with "when you get serious about cycling" many times. I just don't care because I can't imagine not riding my bike. At 67 I've been riding for more than 60 years so maybe I'll get serious about it sometime soon.
That obsessive type, whether in life in general, and certainly in cycling grind my gears. My response is to politely not give a crap.
57 years old and I have not stopped yet including my photography bike packing trips which I will be taking very shortly in the next 2 days from Cleveland Ohio to Geneva on the lake
love that you managed to get a cycling pun in 😂
I'm 61 and have enjoyed riding my whole life! I do it for fun and because I feel better when done. No competitor here, just a man who likes his bicycle!
Imagine someone telling you, you have he wrong cycling socks on 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
when I started cycling, I was 155 kg and just wore normal shorts and a tshirt. I shopped at a local bike shop that was not snotty and was very encouraging and helped me with my stupid newbee questions. I am now 90 kg and have been riding for 20 yrs. I always remembered the kindness of the people at that shop and have always been encouraging for people like I was and give them advice and help as they need it.
This is me right now. 155kg and just started cycling with a new bike. It's nice to see someone in my exact situation have it work out for them! I love cycling so much, might be the best activity ever
@lordyay you will see lots of initial loss, but then the dreaded plateaus will happen. Just change things up with diet and your exercise, you will break the plateau and keep heading lower. I've been in the 90 kg range +/- 5 for 15 years now, took me 4 to 5 years to get there, just keep working at it and you will be better for it. I'm in better health at 60 than I was at 40.
Yeah - people go on about 'local bike shops' but they're actually quite intimidating often. Even if they're ok once you get to know them, it's no good if your first impression is something else.
Been there as well. But 130kg, started cycling to work and generally more active. Cycling helped and was gave me the energy.
I am still not light but fit. I never felt heavy, until I started to lose it.
Nice anecdote. Once, a long time ago, I was in Belgium, the Flandrian Ardennes to be exact, I got a flat. Then a police car came by with two policemen in it. They asked me if I was doing okay. I said that I got a flat. They told me that I should stay there and that they would come back to help me. It took like 20 minutes or so until the police car came back. They brought a new tube and they fixed my bike on the spot. That was really awesome :-)
This is exactly why your channel is so successful!
It’s a reflection of what makes you so special 🌟
That teenager in the hoodie on the BMX gets a smile and a wave from me as much as the workerriding home in his hivis, the granny on her ebike shopper, the pro on her Cervelo, the MAMIL, the kid on the MTB. All are cyclists. Theyre all in my club. They all get a smile and a wave.
I’m in my 60s Katie and quite the little dumpling on my little Brompton bike 😬 which I ride everywhere and most days. I am doing the exercise but I know I eat too much. Lots too much!
However. I’ve decided to do something about my little round figure starting now in July and I’ve set my goal to be 3 stones lighter by Christmas. I will never be Lycra material at my age but I’d like to go back to the shape I was all my adult life until about five years ago when life hit me in the face a bit. Seeing your photos of you when you were larger compared to you now is a massive inspiration to me that I can do it too.
Thank you for such a kind and encouraging film 🤗
Katie - Great topic! I have been a cyclist my whole life but somewhere in the middle I lost my momentum for several years. One day about ten years ago I looked in the mirror and saw a 300lb guy that needed to make some life changes. I dusted off my bike and started riding again. My journey back to feeling like a "cyclist" again was a long and at times embarrassing trek. You hit the nail on the head with this video. I stuck with it and lost about 100lbs and STILL find it hard to find bibs that aren't tight as hell! To all those people starting out new or getting back on the bike, just stay with it and don't worry about anything but the ride.
Again, thanks for the great videos!
Bravo. I am in the 220-230 range. Kit is tricky. Sugoi and pearl izumi seem to have correct sizing
Great you helped him. I ALWAYS stop to offer help. Found out a valve core tool is good to carry
@@secretagent86 If you're in the UK, Fat Lad at the Back are geat
If it's any consolation my legs are skinny as hell, making it just as difficult to get up those damn hills!
I’m 5’2” and 115 lbs. I wear a large jersey to not have my jersey strangle me. The sizing on cycling clothing is ridiculous. Hang in there.
Wow, this is just the video I needed. I recently completed my first century at Unbound and when I got home, I was prepping for a recovery ride, excited to show off my new Unbound Gravel cycling kit, when some kids said loudly "If I were that fat, I'd never squeeze myself into clothes that tight" towards me. I was filled with so much rage that I slammed out a 2 hour ride at tempo+ and got really into my head. Since then, I haven't worn any of my cycling kit, I just throw a pair of bibs on, then put baggies on over top and a black band t-shirt. However, every cyclist I meet is awesome and most people are super friendly. I always cheer on other riders who look like me...I don't care what you're riding, how you look, what you're wearing, I'm just happy AF to see you out enjoying this beautiful sport!
….and you’re recognised by „your“ community so please get out and wear that Unbound Kit - you earned !
Katie, this video could not have come at a better time! After serious injuries, this morning, the doctor gave me the ok to start cycling again. Massively out of shape so feeling self conscious as I start back to shape and fitness. You're just the tonic I needed. Off to the shed now to dig my bikes out. THANKYOU! 🤗
I'm waiting for the all clear after a knee injury, wishing you all the best mate!
In the Same boat after a year slipping by due to a broken wrist and then a bad winter. Good luck with you road back to cycling
I'm nearly 3yrs back in after a long Layoff due to health issues going back to my Teens!
this time back has been the hardest by far & not helped by more health issues still being dealt & looked into.. but I'm always.. like Katie just so Chuffed & Happy to be back out in Our Stunning Countryside ( Wherever in the UK) & seeing the Wildlife.. the Rotation of the Seasons.. along with The Farmers calendar.. I missed it All so much!!
The Pain... Discomfort..Bad Guts.. you name it.. it's all still worth it!
weight loss has been the slowest ever this time round .... but age is now 'aving a say too.. I feel?! 😂
I think Katie's comments cross the Genders & We can relate to The Male Dominated Sport Cycling has & still is!
I started in the mid 80's in the burgeoning MTB ... I didn't relate to the Lycra to begin with or MTB in general.. I just had cut off sweat bottoms & Tees!
But when I started Commuting to work All year round... I realized just how Crap all that gear is...
I did make the switch & have never looked back... I switched to Road Bikes eventually... then 3 yrs ago I switched again to Gravel/Adventure ..for the comfort issue mainly because of my Health Issues.. but Also the wider Tyres take so much more sting out of Our horrendously pot holed roads,😢!!
Yeah it's slower and a bit more effort... but with my Health issues I'd never go back to a Road Bike.. End Of!!
Always say: 'ello'.. or wave when you see a fellow cyclist.. it's just the right thing to do & 😊 it costs nothing!!
We have it tough enough as it is as Cyclists .. the last thing We need to do these days is believe theirs a Hyerarchy within Cycling... it's Bollox!
We're All Cyclists End Of!!
And do offer assistance when you see someone at the side of the road... as one day it will be you..on that one day you left your chain tool or spare link & that cyclist just may have what You need?????
Treat others as You would like to be treated ... it's as old skool as that !
There Endeth My Book!! 😂
Bless you. Get on there!
I am so glad you made this video. Appreciate your comments. I am a large female and into cycling. I cannot get anything my size and feel self conscious. Other riders have given me mixed reception but most have been a bit scathing until they see me 30km later. I am doing what I can with a knee injury pist op it’s even worse and the reason I became immobile and slumped into emotional eating. I was fit at one point and now I struggle to walk but cycling helps me so much and I LOVE IT. Nothing better than the feeling you get, sights you see and how it makes me feel.
You slim and fit cyclists out there be kind. We struggle but it’s harder for us and every Km is a challenge but a major win. It should be an all inclusive sport.
Thanks Kate- thanks for cycling cloth tips and suppliers info. Keep doing what you do. You are inspiring.
Hi Katie - great video and message! I'm a 60 year old OMIL (old man in Lycra) 😄and I swear that I see people chuckling as I pass by on the bike paths. I definitely do not possess the thin sleek cycling physique. At this stage of the game however I just own it. I cycle because I love it and for my health. I stopped worrying about what others thought of my "look" long ago. 🙂
Good for you. Keep going 👍
As a cyclist for over 50years this attitude is not new , while riding the Mawddach Trail last week I came across a couple on e-bikes with a problem I asked if they needed help they said they had sorted it but thanked me and said I was the first person to stop and offer help . The lady said there should be more people like me which made me feel good but sad also
Geez in the day the 80’s this was normal to ask a cyclist on the side of the road if they needed help.
I agree but in recent years it's not a given people will ask if you need help . While changing a tube a few months back three groups of riders passed only one group asked if I was ok
People need to really understand electric bikes. I have one electric one not, the comments I get when on the electric one. You can change the amount of assistance you get from my electric and I only use it when absolutely necessary. I am also heavier and did care but now I don’t . Keep on riding everyone
@@Louise-xr5okGood for you . I have gone over to an E bike . After many years of riding a normal bike . The e bike has saved my sanity .and helped me stay on the road and njoy life 😊
Why the constant need for popularity? Just do your thing who cares what you wear? But I draw the line at Ebikes. Mopeds for the physically challenged.
Katie, I love this video. It reminded me of the time I was honoured to bump into you at Etherow Country Park, and I was riding on my own. You promptly invited me to join you and the group you were riding with, you and them were all young enough to be my children 😂, but welcomed me along, I was buzzing not only to actually meet you, but to ride with you was fabulous. Keep doing what you do...X
I was cycling in a park two days ago, an elder lady was at the side looking at her little bike. She had fallen and the chain's come off. Luckily, I still had my first aid kit in my frame bag from a longer trip, so I gave her a bit of gauze and big plaster, and got her chain back on with a twig. A minute or two, but she'll be able to get home a bit more comfortable with a bit of gauze over a scraped knee.
Katie, thank you for this video. I started riding after being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. At that point I weighed 254lbs and started on a mountain bike. I worked my way up to 70 mile rides on that bike before buying a road bike. When I started I did not have any cycling specific clothing either because I was embarrassed to wear it given my size. I was able to finally find larger kits and was happy to wear them for the padded shorts and the pockets on the jerseys, as you said.. After the start of this journey I actually ended up working in a bike shop and starting a cycling group who's members are all sizes, shapes and fitness levels. Now we buy our kits custom made for us by a Champion Systems who do make kits in larger sizes for us. Here in the States, Primal is also a good brand that makes cycling gear in larger sizes for folks like us. For anyone who might come to Long Beach California we, (Team Hiro ) would be happy to show you the local sights on one of our rides. Keep up the great videos and the more people getting into cycling, the better the world will be!
Great message! I have seen on our local bike path more “large” people on e bikes and honestly I am so happy to see a person on a bike enjoying the great outdoors in a healthy way. Getting fit on a bike or any other method takes time any commitment and those of us who have been on the fitness journey need to always remember where we came from.
When I see anyone overweight and out riding or running, walking, I simply offer a smile and a hello. The super fit riders that are all wired up with apps and monitoring tend to appear really serious and rarely acknowledge me when we pass but that’s ok they do them, I do me.
Katie, cycling needs more ambassadors like you! Your work to make sure everyone is welcome and included is a big reason you are on my subscription list. Another reason is your willingness to show where your cycling journey started. There is also your exuberance! Thanks and I look forward to your next video!
I love riding with ppl, I hate riding with cyclists. A few years ago I joined a multi day race with a bunch of my friends. We showed up we dirty cheap bikes and non-matching kit. Ppl looked with obvious judgement but I’m pretty sure we were the ones having the most fun. Also, I spent at least 4/5 tubes a season on random ppl with flats I come across. Don’t need anything for it because I hope one day someone can help me. But so far I was stuck with a flat with ppl passing but not willing to help… one day… one day :)
people looking with obvious judgement - must've been Rapha wearing cyclists ;)
I did a metric century (that's what Americans call a 100km ride, a 'century' meaning 100 miles), and got a flat. While I was fixing it, a woman in full kit stopped and asked if she could help. I borrowed her pump, as it was better than mine. Other cyclists kept stopping and asking if we needed help. It was so encouraging. I have also seen a racer type on a mixed-use trail force another rider into someone on foot, and just keep going. Probably didn't even know he'd caused an accident, he was already past and gone at impact. There are all types out there.
I want to say, it's not just women who feel they don't fit in. I am 51 now and just started enjoying cycling again and I was over 100kg when I started, and been extremely body conscious about the gear, but now I just don't care what other people think as I am doing this for me and not for others. I live in Spain and do sometimes feel there is a 'clique' though, depending on the gear or bike you have, but again I don't care and I am just enjoying my own personal journey!
Well said Katie .....Just an observation, but my foray into cycling started with MTB's and i've ridden with a fair few "Clydesdales" in that time. A not so PC term for the heftier rider, male and female. Oddly all the female riders of the "curvier" persuasion were never conscious of their size, probably due to the baggier fit of MTB apparel. I am now a commited roadie, but a not so svelte individual of 61 years. So am careful of anything that has "Race Fit" against it. But i digress, the main thrust of my comment here is Jose Been, Eurosport commentator and sometimes freelance journalist. I enjoy her commentary, the fact she can speak 6 european languages, so can pronounce the riders names accurately and is "well read". At the age of 29 she was diagnosed with breast cancer, which she successfully recovered from and is incredibly thankful to be able to sling a leg over a bike, covering some 10000 km a year. She is the first to admit that she struggles with her weight, hovering between 100kg and 106kg, but still courageous enough to post on social media pictures of herself in lycra. A lesson we can all learn, "we are who we are".
Katie B, we all know you helped the guy out of genuine care and not for video upload pats on the back. You have a genuine kind, friendly soul.
Watching your videos 📹 are like sitting having a conversation with a really good friend 😊😊
That's nice of you to stop and ask if that other cyclist is ok. I got a puncture for the first time ever last week. About 15 cyclists passed me (no lie, two groups and a load of single cyclists) and not one said anything, not even hello or a smile or, hey do you need help? They couldn't have really helped I spose, but it would have just been nice to be acknowledged at least when on a narrow path that runs through a field in the middle of nowhere when they are so close to me when passing. Just ignorant. I'd have stopped even if I couldn't help just to be like, you ok? As I walked my bike back to the nearest road to wait for a lift (I had nothing on me to repair the puncture) I even passed another cyclist as we both navigated our bikes though a gate and I said oh be careful, there's glass up there... he said nothing. Not thanks, wouldn't even look at me. I was like.. am I actually a ghost now. I'm a slightly overweight woman.. I guess other cyclists don't like me lol nah I guess people are just too busy to stop and help others. But for the very few that do, you're awesome!
That’s why you have us lone wolf cyclists, the only thing we are fitting into is the countryside, and the odd cafe
That's a good reflection mate. This lone wolf is with you on this one!
Likewise, not interested in the clique
Me too. Great isn't it.
Lone Wolf here. Recently, I overtook a cycling club on my creaking hybrid, t shirt and rucksack. I said hello but they ignored me. I did chuckle as I clearly hurt their egos. It's unbelievable the attitude of some. It's me + Countryside and an OS Map = Happy!
Yep im a lone wolf!
Thank you so much for this video. I just started cycling seriously last September, and I needed a video like this to help me keep going. I haven’t been losing weight and it’s been frustrating to not be as „skinny“ as other female cyclists. I will keep going to mainly get fitter and stronger. Thank you so much for this ❤️❤️❤️
The cycling alone won't lose you the weight. However, if you combine it with a healthy diet, then it will be a very powerful tool to help you lose weight. Another tip if you're mainly after losing the weight: figure out your zone 2 heart rate and just ride at that pace (it's a slow, comfortable pace) and do that for at least 1 hour minimum per day if you can. Throw a couple rest days in there as well. You will begin to shred the fat.
At 116 kg, couldn’t find any castelli fitting me. Now 30kg lighter, i punish them never buying castelli.
Heavy people should be able to easily find something comfortable to wear!
Castelli is notorious for undersizing everything, even gloves.
Congrats on the achievement.
@@HeadPack Craft is worse. Castelli are the one brand that actually fit OK
Castelli is great kit, if you can fit in it, and most importantly afford it, God it's expensive!!!
Check out Leonard who bikes in the UK, he is a larger guy, who rides many kilometers and has a source for bike riding clothes.
I always find your videos inspiring. I have always been a lone wolf cyclist for various reasons, at 68 I am an older rider and my older, but beautiful, steel bike doesn’t conform to the roadie norm. I have been considering looking for a group of cyclists closer to my age as I think some camaraderie would be enjoyable. But until then I am happy enough to go out alone.
Good on you. Steel is real. Cheers!
Perfect timing this, my latest video I was explaining the abuse I’ve been getting on UA-cam for being fat and lazy because I started on e-bike, I’m now riding a normal bike lost 3 stone and climbing Wrynose passes. thank you for this video as I nearly give UA-cam up but you’re an inspiration for us 😊
Well,
@LakeDistrictcyclist, you were one of the cyclists who inspired me as I also started on an e-bike.
@@NeilLavitt thank you that’s kind of you to say 😊
the ebike isnt the problem, using stone as a measurement in 2024 is the real problem here :)
@@Autonomous_17 yes, especially for the mathematically challenged - 6.35 and you get Kg - primary schools maths.
I started on an e bike and I struggled with so much self-judgement, thinking 'it doesn't count etc'
what a smashing video. What could be nicer than a lovely lady showing lovely countryside. I am a very overweight cyclist . I have dodgy hips and knees so bad I had to stop cycling some years ago. Lucky for me along came electric bikes. Oh boy what a lovely feeling to be out again. In the last year or so I have managed a thousand miles on my ebike. I know this is not a massive amount for most serious cyclists. But it's a million smiles for me. I have never found any of the other cyclist to be rude in fact often end up stopping at the same pub or cafe with them and having a good yarn. You have a new subscriber . Keep up the good work. John
Katie ,
there isn’t a sport I can think of in my life that didn’t have some in groups who felt they were better that others !
I have always been open and enjoyed it all ! I.e. mountain biking , e biking , race bike or incumbent and was open and friendly to any of these groups .
I've got both an MTB and Road bike,, I always wave at other cyclists.. . MTB cyclists always wave back.. Road cyclists will tend to wave back if I'm on my road bike, but when I'm on my MTB.. A good number (1/2 to 1/3) will just blank you... WTF.?? 🤷
Completely agree with your important message.
There is an awful lot of bull spoken about what equipment is needed and what one should wear.
I ride with a local leisure group, we are very inclusive and encourage new riders.
When out riding solo I'll always offer assistance to someone with a mechanical issue.
Hello, I just stumble into your video. I'm glad that you addressed the subject because as an overweight man, I also felt that even people in the sport look down on you if you are overweight and ride bikes. Thanks for your video.
In Belgium we met an old guy on road bike with quite some big belly, but he told us about his trips and longest was above 2000km to Italy an incredible distance for me. In Belgium cycling is quite inclusive: Big groups of old men on road bikes, kids, and families on cargo bike or durch bikes all on the same tracks enjoying to stay in nature. The advantage in cycling is that stamina comes just with practice. Certainly it helps in climbing if you are light weight, but on flat terrain it does not matter that much anyway. And the thin get out of shape if they don't practice as well. The most important thing is to have joy. Joy means you do it more often and doing it more often means you get better and can last longer and more easily. If you feel uncomfy, exhausted and close to vomiting than you should remember that even the pros feel often quite the same on a tough climb. It is normal to some extend if you fight too hard. Just select a more easy trip next time or ride slower and it will feel better. During covid I missed cycling to work and it felt horrible when I restarted, but after two weeks it was fine again. You have just to give your body time to adjust and be indulgent and it will be OK. And if you ride in really bad weather or on a tough climb or you have a puncture or other technical problems you don't care how others look like or if they are male, female, beginner etc.. You are just happy to see another cyclist soul. You are thankful if you get a nice greeting or even handed some tool to fix your gear. Certainly there are also the ones who don't look around and try to beat some virtual record without realising what happens around them, but that is a small number and who really cares about them?
I went through the same. I've lost 60 lbs and just within the last few months have started wearing cycling clothes. So for all those out there keep going, don't quit. You don't have to be the fastest or go the farthest. You just have to get out there and do YOUR THING AND HAVE FUN. Everything else will come in time.
I totally agree Katie I'm a larger fella and get the biggest size in cycling kit but I stay positive and enjoy getting out on bike at weekend. Thanks again for your views when you started 😁
Great video. My biggest pet peeve is when I wave and say "good morning" I am ignored by the roadie in full high end kit. I ride a drop bar gravel bike now, when I rode a MTB I felt even more shunned. Treat others as you would like to be treated, then this world would be a much better place. I love your channel and your content.
ah dont get to bothered by it when im on my bike for instance I focused at the task at hand and dont look or smile at anyone, im riding 14$ clothes on a vintage 1996 trek so im in it for the sport not the high end kit but still id rather not talk
It wasn’t like that 20 years ago but it is the norm with today’s cyclists unfortunately.
Waving is not aero, so roadies don't do it.
I wave or speak to every cyclist I see when out for a ride , high end roadie or someone cycling to work on a cheap mountain bike.I really dislike the too cool for school brigade.
I wouldn't be too fussed about roadies ignoring you. Most of them have got their heads firmly planted up their backsides anyway. I am one myself, but I would like to think I distance myself from all that super serious pretentious elitist crap. If I say hello to someone and they acknowledge, that's great. If they don't; well that's also great too. Don't worry about it too much.
I belong to a cycling club, and half of its members even ignore each other when passing by on various rides.
What does that tell you?
I’ve found that cliques form more in road racing cyclists more than other groups. Non racing road cyclists are less so. Body shaming anyone is unacceptable. When an overweight person gets into cycling it’s likely they are doing it to lose weight. We as a community should be friendly and encouraging. If we’re in a club we should have rides for beginners that aren’t going to rip their legs off. If we ride with a new or overweight person, slow down and make the ride enjoyable for the other rider. Kindness is always a good thing!
I’d cycled seriously I felt since my 20’s and loved it, this was the ‘80’s. I had kids and quit until I was 50 in 2009 when I got a beautiful new bike. I rode out expecting it to be the same. I was riding along when two young men rode past me and basically implied that I should go home. I was gobsmacked! I’d never seen or heard that. I had cycled with all ages, it was a community. No, not anymore. Now it was a thing. The right bike, gear, diet then Zwift and watts and so on. Nobody waved anymore. Younger fitter cyclists zipped past in total silence. I took up walking. At least the car drivers leave me alone whilst I’m on the pavement.
Good comment. These "tour the france wannabies" maybe have good V02 Max but are truly low life people. We can't let people like this define our rides and joy. For me NOT using the "gear" maybe a running jacket instead etc.. not so pro bike etc... helps. still being very or more fit.
I’ve been considering taking it up and moving on from hiking but what your saying is what I’m worried about, I wouldn’t be able to catch them on my Halfords mountain bike so I’m gonna stick to the trails
Im an overweight Cyclist, although i dont do club stuff, or big rides, I do ride for fitness as well as to the shops and commuting, most days. There is no way I can get cycling kit to fit me, even nearly unobtainable XXXl sizes are only XL based on the fit on my usual mail/internet cloths site. Cycling is exclusive, or maybe more accurately non-inclusive AND it is a problem.
Being also of short legs, dont get me started on frame and wheel sizes.
Now frankly I wouldn't want tight fitting lycra anyway, but shorts and wet weather gear would be great, Best I have done is to use hiking and other outdoor brands repurposed, they do seem to go up in size beyond the cycling stuff, the Regatta brand although a bit dull seem to do stuff in larger sizes for outdoors and its dead cheap, but also more premium outdoor brands tend to have bigger sizes, and bigger sizes that are actually big to boot.
company i buy off being larger, 6'3 and just under 20st, is fat lad at the back, they do all sorts of sizes and its good quality as well.
Lovely vlog thank you.
I stopped cycling for 50 years! A cheapish e bike has got me back into it, every time I go out I use less and less e assistance, I’ve heard all the ‘cheating’ remarks but just smile when I’m out in the country lovin my ride!
Thanks again for taking the time to do an’inclusive’ video..
cycling is for everyone !
Yeah. I'm a 69 year old fairly hefty woman, survived 2 bouts of cancer and now having fun cycling on my Ebike, going out with my neighbour most days. Our area is incredibly hilly and without the e bit of the bike I couldn't use it! Just not strong enough anymore. But I love it and don't care what the mean spirited say!
@@MugOfHotTeakeep on going, I’m currently in pyrenees doing some easy trails on holiday, we should all enjoy every day, and cycling anyhow we do it is a bonus! Great to hear your story , I feel humbled 😊
Thanks for this Katie. Some of the cycle clothing companies are missing out on a lot of money by not catering to bigger people. Also the assumption that a person is unfit because their BMI is not 20 is sometimes rubbish. I enjoy casual cycling with friends and mostly ride an ebike now. The snobbery is kind of weird. Sometimes I get road bikers stopping next to me and commenting that I'm "cheating". And I think- well I live in a really hilly and windy city, and I'm getting older and I'm just happy to be out there enjoying the fresh air!! I don't care how many km I do. Sometimes its fun to stop for a coffee and chat for an hour. So what!! Each to their own..............
This. Cycling should be primarily about fun doing it. And people tend to overlook the fact, that the difference between a conventional and an ebike is not cheating on exercise but going for a ride or not.
Thank you for being your cheerful and encouraging self.
i think its so good youve show stopping and helping. so many people listen to you, and countless people will now help, and be helped because youve done it. and what a message, right on. thanks!
Fab video and SO encouraging..Thank you. ❤ I cycle regularly, have done for years and now training for the London Duathlon but finding kit that fits me and doesn’t cut off my circulation or make me feel uncomfortable is a challenge - I’ve had the biggest stuff Decathlon make …. I’m glad to hear other cyclists greet each other, I rarely get acknowledged by the big groups of cyclists going though Surrey. I am resolved to call “Morning” out to them as they pass in future! Can’t wait to view the Peppermint kit THANK YOU!
I've just started riding at 51 very overweight unfit etc.etc. I go out very early hours to try and avoid the looks and comments, I have an old mtb and normal clothes cycling gear is a no go just not available for my size, Being a 6'3" bloke I'm expected to take the negative things. But I like riding on the moors and struggling to get passed the 10mile ride the 20% hills are killing me but I'll keep plugging away at them. Love your honest vids.
You sound similar to me! MTB is a great choice. Unless you want to do very long distances, you’ll never need to get another bike. Plus you can do all the off road & ‘gravel’ (🤪) routes too.
Do what you enjoy & go where you want to go.
I’ve been figuring out what I like & don’t like over the past couple of years. And I figured out that I don’t care for the gatekeeping folks.
And I did a ‘gravel’ event last weekend for 160kms. It wasn’t pitched as race but loads of folks treated it as such & were very very concerned with their time & the look of their kit. It was an absolute pose-fest. Some exceptions of course.
My mate & I stopped off at a pub half way round. Enjoyed the beautiful views, took photos, had lovely chats. Still made it back well in time for the notional cutoff.
Did the Paris-Roubaix challenge in April over 145kms too...
Results;
Weight loss = 0! (Yeah, at 125kgs, I need to lose plenty)
Enjoyment = 100!
Health = +++
Have never received a negative comment cycling in Ireland all my life. Either we're very friendly over here or I look a bit scary or both. It would be amusing to receive a snarky remark, I'd probably start a fight. (All the cliches are true, folks!)
I am a bit overweight and buying cycling clothes makes me cry. It’s so hard finding something that could be accessible in prices and sizes. Thank you for this video.
Getting on the bikes and riding is such amazing medicine for the mind and body. My wife and I have been chasing each other around for 34 years. Now we are off of the road and on the dirt. We stopped riding for quite a long time and now I can not understand why. When I look back at that period of our lives, it feels like we also gave up on growing and progressing. I am happy to say that we are back to prioritizing riding together and and all the benefits that come along with it. I love your message. Be safe and enjoy your adventures.
I got really into cycling about 15 years ago. I loved riding the local lanes of North Suffolk. I joined a local club - but my experience with them wasn’t a particularly positive one. They could be quite critical, my weight was mentioned quite a few times - even being criticised for what I ate on the club run stop. They regularly left behind slower riders - even though they stated on their website they never left a rider behind. When they did it to me (I was just having a bad day) it was the last straw. I never rode with them again. There were some nice people amongst them - but also some right arses. I remember getting involved with the committee for a while - I was shouted at like a small child by one particular member - I was 40 at the time. I’ve been a lone and happy bike rider since. Thank you for sharing your views and commenting on these things. I love your channel 👏
Inclusivity, I've not been experiencing much of that in my life, let alone the cycling part;
It has never been a problem for me though as I was seeing myself fitting in with my own dreams, no matter how those were deemed out of reach.
Yes, I felt _out of place_ at the beginning, massively! Even now, to be honest, sometimes.
Older, more _pro-looking_ blokes did their bit dragging me down saying things to me like "your set up is real cheap, you should upgrade really or you won't ever become a cyclist" or "those are trainers at tour feet, that's not what we cyclists do"
But I had tasted already what cycling can do for your well being, I felt so free and strong and I knew I was for real about it, that I was going to sacrifice for it and that I was going to stick with it no matter what.
Be strong people, stand for what you all believe.
And Katie, you've been doing a masterful job at encouraging us to be truthful to ourselves, so thank you!
It never becomes normal to ride your bike, it always feels _special_ .
😄😊 🙂 🤞 =)
Katie-
It is great you share your insights about human nature or inclinations in the bicycling world. Your kind and considerate framing of these real situations is very sweet and appreciated. Thank you.
Great video Katie and wow, cycling has certainly transformed you!
I started cycling in 2014 and took a while to gain courage to step outside in lycra, what a great feeling to finally ride in proper kit. I tried Shimano clipless but hated it, I felt terrified on the road, knowing i was attached to my bike and my confidence was shot so I reverted to flats. My cycling 'friends' looked down on me because i wasn't riding clipless, did nothing but criticise instead of encourage me so I no longer associate with those people and ride alone, I absolutely love it. I started bikepacking/touring this year and can't get enough of it, joined a Facebook group and I've had loads of offers to bikepack with groups of people.
I can 100% relate to what you're saying because i was made to feel inferior and like I didn't fit in but cycling snobbery isn;t for me, it's enjoying what we do that counts.
Sadly it's cult with clipless. I'm too perfectly fine with flat pedals, they are equal except clipless gets a small advantage in sprints and I don't do sprints.
@@marcusohlsson3130 I believe they belong on the race circuit, where people ride on smooth roads, aren't stopping at junctions and being overtaken closely by uneducated idiots on 4 wheels. They do have their advantages but the feeling I get from riding on flats with pins, which give almost the same amount of upward pull with the right soles, far outweighs any benefits offered by those death traps.
@@pauledwards499it's not a death trap if you are experienced with them. I can unclip almost instantly on instinct in any situation. When I first started, I had many falls. But like anything in life, practice makes perfect.
Great video. When I started cycling I was around 20 stone, I've been lucky finding a couple of clubs in West London that didn't judge me. I'm still a big guy around 16 stone and slower than most but never feel like I'm being judged on club rides and I've got myself up the likes of Alp d'Huez, Mont Ventoux and the Stelvio. On the other hand even for blokes large size clothing is a nightmare. Like you said options are better than 10 years ago but still terrible for anyone who isn't your archetypal sized cyclist
You are beautiful inside and out. I needed to hear this, this morning. Thank you!
A happy and stylish Katie speaks truth. I have found many kind cyclists but just as many mean ones. Partly because I am old 70, white, male with little more than one lung I find it hard. Ride on!
Great advice on this video, thanks Katie, as a woman who came quite late to cycling (now 61) I love cycling on my own but have found a brilliant Breeze group, no one is belittled for their age, size, bike or capabilities and have the best coffee/cake/ice cream rides, our Breeze leader Gwen is a hero to all of us xxx
My wife, your age, has become a great cyclist! Her biggest problem is finding women who can keep up!
@@ronbell7920 I have a few friends like that, I've always said I'm not built for speed, endurance is my skill 🥰😆
I am fighting with my weight. I started stretching and yoga, I ride an okay amount of kilometers (4100 last year) and I enjoy cycling but my watt/kg is bad. I have an ftp of 300 Watts and I can reach 900 watts while sitting but going up a hill is still very taxing. I started to lose weight but it's still a long way to get rid of roughly 20kg. Anyways I love cycling and I am happy I restarted in 2021 (I did ride 100km roadbike tours when I was around 16). Just got way too lazy between the ages 24 and 28.
I'll get a roadbike and a folding bike next month (I have an ebike and a gravelbike) and met some awesome cyclist to ride tours with and it's awesome. After a winter with structured training I'll join a club too. Without these UA-cam channels I wouldn't have been this motivated and your journey is inspiring. I look forward to blast up hills with less weight and work on both sides of watt/kg.
I respect the overweight riders. It takes courage to start to tackle the problem and to be clad in rediculous cycling kit, no matter your size!
Get out there and ride! We are all behind you and happy you are there!
Because of my age (63) and my disabilities, I ride an MTB 95% of the time, even though most of my riding is on the road, the gearing is easier for me and I can manage better. If I see any cyclist at the side of the road, I will stop and offer help, on the other side of this, when I started cycling, I was almost 120kg and I'm not down to 95, I'm still too heavy for my height, but I do what I can and for what my physical limitations allow. I also suffer from Fibro and I'm highly sensitive to sunlight, so the Fibro makes that condition a great deal worse, so my oportunities are limited. Because of an assault in November last year, I've still not fully recovered enough to get back out, but if it's cloudy tomorrow, as is forecast, I will make the effort to cycle 10-12 miles, it's not much in the grand scheme or what many good riders can do in half an hour, but it's a big victory for me and I enjoy myself immensley. Happy days ahead.
Well done to get out. Never worry what others think
Good to hear that you’re still getting out & enjoying despite those setbacks. Well done! I’m a 125kg rider still. But just getting fitter through cycle commuting because I really enjoy riding a bike.
Love this video and you are 100% spot on with everything you said.
I’m still on the larger side but I dont care, I love being on my bike and that’s that.
BTW I had a blow out 2 weeks ago and stupidly had a spare inner with the wrong valve for my wheel so was stuffed until a rider went past, asked if needed help and gave me his inner plus helped me get back to the local bike shop.
There are heroes out there.
Keep up with the awesome videos Katie.
Dear Katie,
great video and inspiration. Your videos helped me to get satrted and coninue with cycling. I am turning 60 this year and two years ago I never even thought that it is possible to do a 100k in a day. As of last weekend I did my first 335k ride and seeing you here today made me appreciate again how you help people like me to keep going. Thank you. much respect and gratitdue
As a male I tried to buy a kit with about 90-100kgs (weight range over the last few years) and the biggest ones were either too tight or barely ok. Yeah, felt out of place.
Also I went to a "beginner ride-out" which was advertised with 24km/h (avg speed) which was above my average and more close to my limit. My actual average that day was 26km/h, pushing it to my absolute max - still got dropped constantly. It didn't feel like a group ride to include anyone, but like a undercover race where the last of the group always had to sprint up to the front to show how strong they are. Haven't been on a group ride like this ever since and sticked more to going solo - although I find riding in a good group about 3x more enjoyable.
I put a very specific ad in fb marketplace.. found two guys to ride with. One on trails one on road. NOT FAST
I've dropped to about 90kgs myself since starting cycling, I've just got a Le Col sport bundle (bibs and jersey) which are a good fit IMO. The shorts are perfect, the jersey is very slightly on the tight side for what I'd expect for a "relaxed" fit but in both I'm wearing Large and they have bigger sizes too. Worth a look, especially if you do one of their Strava challenges and get £50 off which makes the bundles £150, and with a free baselayer at the moment too.
I’ve found the sweet spot groups here in Mexico City. It’s really the leadership and when they say beginner they mean beginner. The hardest part for me are some of the climbs here, but they do not let anyone fall behind. It’s really a matter of safety to keep the group together. Sadly, tomorrow is probably my last ride with my friends here as I am leaving Mexico next Monday. 😢
Why try to join a group that is faster than you. These arent bad people they are just fitter and they also want to enjoy themselves. I would want to ride with someone far slower than me. I have limited time to bike and just want to enjoy it
@@TK-nc3ou Yeah, but the group was advertised as going around my speed. And I like to push myself a little, which is always easier done in a group than solo i think. But they were like 4km/h faster than I expected than what was explicetely communicated before! If theere is a group ride with 26km/h pace I don't even try. And I didn't mean to imply that they were bad people, just that this is the "lowest level" of group rides in my area and thus not very beginner friendly.
Hi Katie, Never worry about what other people think. Do what is good for you, I got back into motorcycling a couple of years ago, I don't have the latest equipment or the newest bike, But it still get to see the amazing sights around the UK and Europe while touring. And probably a lot cheaper too :)
We all need to work on being more inclusive, and less exclusive. We are all out here together.
Lovely openhearted talk about cycling and the peer pressures that often come with it…. I was a mega cyclist up to just over 8 years ago when I fell seriously ill…. it’s taken all this time to get fundamentally well again since leaving hospital and thinking about returning to the cycling, I’m completely out of shape and put on four stone since, so I’m keen to lose that…. But that said there has always been a lot of cyclists that sneer at others completely needlessly about their body shape, the clothes they wear, the bikes they ride, the way they ride… like many groups some people just think they know better…but they often don’t. Everyone has different needs wants and desires from what they are doing and it’s about time more people just accepted like I have always done that so long as someone is out there doing it who cares what they ride or what clothes they wear…… I remember years ago when mountain biking, a lady asked if she could join our group, she turned up on a very basic regular bike which she used to use to and from work every day with just a shoulder bag slung over her shoulder…. But as it turned out, she was very fit and that was lesson number one all of 25 years ago….. I’ve had friends ridiculing oversized women and I’ve stopped them saying that they’re doing it they’re out their cycling so what’s the big deal? Their comments are just a deflection on their own inabilities or inadequate self-worth.
Good on you for spreading the word and helping your fellow brethren by not paying too much attention to what others may think …. really lovely to hear your journey and hopefully I will get fit again for some big rides once more, great film thank you
Thanks for the excellent video, Katie. I am not an avid cyclist but enjoyed every message… too many positives to begin to mention.
Yes , getting back out since last week and starting with 20k spins. Working on consistency before distance. Good luck to all getting out there and enjoying their life and living what is a goal for others💕🇮🇪☘️🇮🇪 PS I have that Giant kit and Giant bike 👍
I’ve noticed this year that cyclists don’t say hi back and they generally look grumpy! I love being on my bike, it sorts my head space out and always give a smile and hi! I’m 50 not slim but since watching your videos don’t give one if I’m not in the latest castelli! In fact it has caused me to hunt out small brands that few have heard of, which have provided some awesome kit. I regularly give out tubes to stranded cyclists or help a new rider get back on the road! Great topic which definitely needs more attention.
I'm still running flat pedals on my bikes ,cant beat turning up to a ride with my road bike with MTB flat pedals ,always get the LOOK from the elite level weekend warriors😂 it might also have something to do with the walking shoes I wear as well 🤷🤣🤣
Yes you met the people who think they are good enough to be professional cyclists when really they only have the money to buy the expensive bike and kit. They look down on you to prop up their ego.
It's all about personal preference hey! Conformity is boring. Happy riding !
Got my first road bike just a month ago (last year I wanted to lease a gravel but not a "naked", a Cube Nuroad Race FE with fenders, pannier rack and dynamo lighting but then decided for a trekking with Pinion gearbox and belt drive instead because it's perfect for commuting, the gearbox needs oil service once a year or each 10 000 km and that's it; and for real offroad I already got my Hardtail MTB - 11 years old but the Deore (with XT rear derailleur and also some SLX parts) 3x10 drivetrain and hydraulic disc brakes work absolutely fine), so I got a real road bike now.
Had only some city pedals for the test ride, the seller sold me without pedals and I simply bolted on the same flat pedals I also have on my MTB (Reverse Black One).
Maybe in the future I'll try some cleat pedals but at the moment I'm not looking at the "pure" ones, rather the hybrids like Shimano PD-EH500 or Look's Geo Trekking.
This stuff is mostly likely in your head. In reality, they probably couldn't care less what pedals you have. The "look" is probably your own self consciousness causing you paranoia.
@@paddymurphy-oconnor8255more likely he looks down on himself and projects it as others doing the same when they probably hardly notice he exists.
Great video katie ,so glad ive found your channel and subscribed,i started cycling again about four years ago and its changed my life i cant get out enough after losing both my parents in a short space of time cycling helped with anxiety and being generally down in the dumps ,it wasnt long before i could regularly cycle 50 miles ,it can have its down side I came off just before Christmas ladt year and dislocated my elbow couldn't un clip fast enough ,the four to five months off were horrible,im back now cycling the hills and countryside of Yorkshire not far from slaithwaite im only over the hill ,and loving it albeit back on flat pedals and shoes but i dont care im back on my bike and to be honest the flats dont seem any different im still doing the same climbs etc in the same times i was with clips if not a little quicker,might see you out there at some point ill keep my eyes peeled
100% with you about stopping to help other cyclists regardless of what type of bike they are on.. few weeks back I stopped to help a chap with his hybrid style ebike.. he commented to me that other road bike cyclists are ridden by without even offering to help.
Thanks for addressing this issue and being so open about the work you had to do to get where you're comfortable. There is definitely a 'tiny bias' in the sport. I feel your pain on finding kit that fits. Double that problem when the rider is nearly 2m tall AND thicker than desired. The few kit makers that offer stuff big enough (barely) tend to call it 4XL or even 5XL which really tells the whole story right there. In 'normal' clothes, I wear an XL or maybe 2XL But to the bike industry that is "supergigantic" 🙂 BTW, you didn't mention it, but a similar problem with gear in general where many things aren't rated for over 100kg riders (which is a fit athletic weight for 195cm)
As soon as I heard what you said about your body type/bike/kit etc I immediately subscribed. I am fortunate enough to ride a nice machine but it wasn't always so. Cycling is a sport for everybody & you can get obsessed about your weight/ gear you wear and there are some cyclists- or bike snobs as I call them ( and I have trained with them but not any more) that can make you feel like you have no business doing it. Great video and brilliant advice for everyone.
I'm 59 (just turned) and I still ride. 30 years ago I was one of the skinny racing snakes. Now, I'm a fair weather cyclist (I'm retired) and I've hardly done anything this year. I'm now overweight and so unfit.
I've been trying to source decent fitting kit, I used to wear GCN kit, but its stupidly expensive now and aimed at those skinny racing snakes! I'm finding it so hard to find kit I like which fits without saggy pockets! I bought some FLAB kit and the material is so stretchy that putting a phone in it drags the jersey round my bum!
I think that the inclusion thing also applies to older, bigger people regardless of age.
I'm going to let my wife know about the kits supplier for women. She hates women's clothing, it's always too short in the body, apparently tall women either don't exist or cycle!
Excellent video.
I am a big fan of FLAB cycling gear. I have a 52 inch chest and have always struggled to get gear that fits properly, but they have made my rides a whole lot more comfortable 😁
Riding bicycles #1 should be fun! Getting caught up with "the in crowd" and trying to be accepted by a group of snobs does not appeal to most people. I find it inspirational when I see people that have put on extra weight getting out there and enjoying themselves! That's what it's all about! Have fun and encourage those that are making healthier choices for themselves! Like Ryan Van Duzer says: GET OUT THERE!
I prefer my own company other than my youngest grandson occasionally. I'm 76 disabled and in heart failure after a geart attack 7 years ago. I've always been a big lad but very, very fit. Without being able to walk more than a few metres my weight ballooned so thought I might be able to cycle. I could but getting moving to be able to get my balance was very hard. I solved that with an ebike which gave me the initial push. After a few weeks the motor was and still is only used for that intial push and then switched off. The crank motor, Bosch, offers such little resistance that cycling without it on isn't much more effort but seeing as how I'm cycling to lose weight and improve my fitness anyway. My weight dropped of losing 32lbs in five weeks. I did have serious accident when a van door was opened in my path at speed which set me back both physically and mentally for almost two years. I got into it but I don't make a sport of it so the only concession I make to dedicated cycle wear is the correct underwear...so important, a lightweight rain jacket, padded fingerless gloves and a helmet. The only people I connect with are those I meet who need assistance and the odd interesting character cyclist or otherwise. I love the solitude. Being a lone cyclist is good for me and I am only pressured by my own aims and achievements. I ride at least 3 times a week, riding every other day hail, rain or shine. Some say ebiking is cheating but who or what am I cheating. The factbI am now fit and lost a massive amount of weight means I am working hard, in fact harder than a rider of any lightweight road bike mile for mile. I have to overcome the additional weight if motor and battery plus you only get assitance to 15 mph on a UK pedelec then you sre on your own. I choose not use assistance anyway 95% of the time but it's there if my physical condition becomes distressed which has only happened once in six years after a punishing 50 mile ride in excessive heat....all my own silly fault for getting carried away and misjudging things. I ride about 100 miles a week at best and 50 at worst. I just love getting off road on my own, not even music for company. Hopefully I have afew more years hut my eyesight is going due to macular degeneration. With a bit of I will retain enough vision to keep going as driving is goingto be off the cards eventually though I did pass my DVLA eyesight test... for the time being. You are never to old to cycle...age is just a number.
Absolutely love this video Katie. You know I’m a bigger rider but I can give most cyclist a run for there money and done some mega rides for me. There’s is a big issue with a lot of kit and components not being right for a heavier rider. I’d love to be able to go and buy a full premium cycling kit but they very rarely fit me. I don’t let it get to me as being on the bike enjoying the outdoors far out weighs what I’d consider to be a minor problem when I’m actually out on the bike
I'm with you Katie! Enjoy the ride and be kind and respectful to others, even if they look like they are riding the TDF with attitude while you are passing them :)
A lovely video and some very true words said, we all need to be more thoughtful and considerate towards others!! Especially when people are trying to get fit as it is hard work 😓
And it’s so easy to criticise 😞
Great work Katie🚴🏼♀️💨
Hi, Katie. Such a nice, encouraging and validating vid. I feel there is a very strong current in some cycling circles to behave, dress, and sport a bike and components that folks in those circles almost prescribe for you. Hey, this is all fine and good if this path leads people to personal happiness and not bankruptcy, but it's just not in keeping with my personal values, lifestyle, or my idea of comfort. Do as you wish, ride what you wish, and wear what you wish, is my motto.
Well done Katie! I have a bunch of folks I ride with but I do more solo rides. There are some great cycle clubs I belong to and most riders are friendly and helpful(my experience). I tend to avoid major cities and I prefer the back roads. The drivers here are less used to cyclists (Massachusetts, USA) so we have to be very careful!
You are so correct in your assessment of the cycling cummunity. I am a retired old cyclist and reside in South Florida. I was a pro in Europe for 4 years and enjoyed it to the fullest.. Can't agree with you more in regards to your assessment of the cycling community. We don't have the climbs you have in the UK but we in Florida, have the weather. Plus... it's relatively flat. Especially in the dead of winter is when our weather is absolutely the best. Everyone CAN cycle as I've just started working with someone who has equilibrium issues and just purchased a recumbent for him. Ride on Katie and keep bring normalcy and courtesy to the "wanabe" cycling community.
I’m not overweight, but I’m not fast and I have tried two group rides where I could not keep up. I ride by myself now because those experiences were so bad. It is what it is, but no one gave me advice or encouraged me to try again. They just blew me off. I feel like the cycling community is stuck up.
I find the opposite.
Attitude = Altitude
The Cycling Community has been very supportive and encouraging to me.
I was once 45 lbs heavier and way out of shape with back and shoulder issues.
Started riding a mountain bike that I was way too heavy for, and as I lost more weight, I was able to do proper stretching before and after my rides.
I let MTB do my strengthening exercises and body conditioning for me.
I just had to push myself slowly.
"No Pain No Gain"
By putting myself in a cyclist and gym environment and being around others who were there to accomplish similar or the same goals as me, receiving there encouragement and advice it's taken me where I'm at now at age 58.
I'm able to do things I haven't been able to do since my twenties.
You are genuine, Katie...so refreshing. Loved today's story. Nice kit, too.
I wave and say hello to everyone i see on bike. However there is a type that are obviously too ‘pro’ to wave back. They’re also the same type that will ignore you at the side of the road.
I also agree about the stupid elitism and cliquy nature of the sport. I left my last cycling club because of the cliques.
Be proud of who you are and enjoy what you do. 👍
its much worse in golf i tell you..i quitt doing that.
I only do this when I'm riding a motorcycle and see other motorcyclists.
On the bicycle, I never wave.
Exactly how I’m feeling. I’m on the curvier side, and new to cycling so feel a little conscious when I’m out but I have to quieten that little negative voice and pedal on! I haven’t invested in kit yet, I’m at the t shirt and leggings stage. One day I hope to go on a bike packing adventure too!
I'm also overweight. No problem cycling. The most important upgrade is a comfortable saddle. That's where most dealers cheap out, because many cyclists are masochists.
Just pedal at the power level and frequency you're comfortable with and change gears accordingly. Eventually, you'll get there. Sometimes at 10kph against the wind or uphil, sometimes at 35kph easility with the wind or even 60kph downhill.
Hey Katie, loved your video, comments and your attitude!!!! You're lovely inside and out.
We need to all be kind to others!! Thanks.
Todd
Cheers for a chatty and well put together presentation. I thoroughly enjoy (generally) watching femlae video to appreciate and understand
the prespective and where you are coming from. Thanks. At 67 i have been cycliing all my life at what i would consider low level stuff, however always enjoying the hobby. In later life have done some cracking long distance trips always on a very modest bike and of course
i am aware of the varied individuals and groups who quite frankly dont assist fellow cyclists, dont say hello and acknowledge............funny
old world is'nt it. Crack on with the posts, will look out for you. Best wishes Mike in County Durham :)
Hi Katie, what a lovely video and the encouragement for others so nice. I have ridden a bike, a long time and even as an older gent, who now rides an ebike, I find some cyclists looking down their noses. Keep making great videos, and nice of you to share with us.
I just stopped by to say I love your video. I'm glad the UA-cam algorithm sent it to me. Screw todays obsession with weight. It's meaningless. You look great. I keep a bunch of tools/parts with me on my rides. I love stopping to help someone fix a flat or repair their chain. It's a great way to reconnect with others and help them on their journey. Namaste.
Very good and timely video Katie. Thank you for talking about this. I agree with all your points about the cliques and such.
wow, what an honest and vulnerable take on body weight and cycling. Great video. Thanks so much for sharing your experience!
I don't normally comment on these videos but I loved this. Started cycling about 12 months ago and recently fallen out of love with it but this might just have motivated me to get back in the saddle. Thank you.
Yesssss Matt!!! Do it :)
Thank you Kate this is EXACTLY what I need … I’ve just joined seacroft wheelers who are amazing but I doubt my ability and have a serious lack of self confidence.. you , with them have encouraged me to go out .. I’m only 4ft 10.5 and overweight but I’m going to conquer my fears
Thank you
What a great video. I have been cycling for a long time but haven’t found a club or group to ride with regularly. I have been thinking about dropping in on a woman’s riding group out of a local bike shop. Your video was very timely as it’s next Tuesday and I was already thinking of excuses why not to go. The seem to encourage open drop ins, I think its all in my head so lets get out of there and go for a ride… thanks again, great video - Barb😊
Yours is an amazing story. Sharing , as you do, I’m sure has helped many get started.
Great work Katie.
What a transformation! I just recently conquered my fear of biking and this video makes me so excited to hit the road! If only I were not bogged down by work right now.....
Great thing about cycling is that the fewer you are with (if any at all) the way more fun it is. Attire - it also way more fun if you can stop at an interesting spot and as soon as you get off of the bike nobody would notice you arrived by bicycle making it easy and natural to blend in and enjoy the experience.
That’s such a good point about , the attire, I’m not a great lover of , cycling clothes, much prefer normal shorts and a light fleece , great point