Hi all,

I'm new here, and I've joined because my only other success has been with a similar forum. I'm a 49 year old male. I had two heart attacks 10 years ago, but am currently pretty healthy, aside from being overweight.

I'm usually pretty active as I work physically for a living, and my big hobby is cycling. I just completed my third AIDS Ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles (560 miles) and I ride a little more than 3,000 miles a year. I also like my elliptical machine so long as my workout involves music.

Sure, I need to be more consistant about workouts, but my biggest problem (pun intended) is my portions. I eat far too much...generally good foods, just way too much.

I currently weigh 274 and I'm 5'10." At this point, even my big clothes are tight and restrictive. Sure, I'd love to go sub 200, but right now, even 10lbs would make my life far more comfortable. Hill climbing on my bike would be so much easier if I weighed less. I don't know what my goal weight should be because I'm really muscular from work and riding, but I know I could eaily stand to lose 50 lbs. I'll see what my next move is when I get there. So for now...the goal is 224.

Oh yeah, I wrote a book about my first SF to LA ride called "The Ride: How to Ride Your Bike from San Francisco to Los Angeles Without Even Dying."

I'm looking to meet friends for mutual support and encouragement. Anyone else new and needing a support buddy...and oh yeah...women make good buddies too!

Hope to hear from you!

Russ