I've been an avid bike rider since I was a kid. As most of you are probably aware, I am a giant mountain of flabby gelatin. I rode my bike regularly last summer, putting about 350-ish miles on it, which is about 5-10 miles a day. Over the winter I rode my trainer and did more upper body work, trying to get my arms and shoulders to not look like giant pale sausages. I also walked regularly, but I hate walking and it does nothing for me other than give me shin splints. About two months ago, I took my bike in for a tuneup, restocked on some basic equipment and hit the road. I've been loving it and even have a regular route up a huge hill to pick up after work most every day. I've been doing between 8-10 miles a day, most weekdays and about 5-10 on the weekends, since the end of March.

I'm riding a Raleigh Venture. My standard gear is kept in a cycling backpack and includes: a spare tube, tire levers, patch kit, CO2 inflator and spare CO2 cartridge and a bike-specific "rescue" tool. I also carry my cell phone, a first aid kit, rescue inhaler and a 1W flashlight light that can be mounted on my handlebars. The backpack can be equipped with a water bladder, and currently holds a Platypus 2L system. My helmet is in good condition and I also wear a pair of biking gloves, to protect my hands from trees/bugs/pavement. All pretty standard stuff, but it's kept my rides low-stress and high-safety.

Since March, I've also lost a bunch of weight. I'd say I feel better, but that's probably the ibuprofen, multivitamins and green tea speaking. I've been sleeping a lot better and have been feeling more focused at work, so there is that. I also actually look forward to my bike rides, it's not some chore I have to do. I genuinely enjoy getting out on the trail or back roads and just going. Having a GoPro also makes going on rides feel more like an adventure! Now I just have to edit together some videos. >.>