You Are Never Too Heavy Or Too Old To Cycle! 

You are such an inspiration. I have battled obesity all my life and used to think that cycling any distance was completely beyond me. I am still a heavy boy, but I have also just completed my first 100k ride. And the strength to do that make the kilos less relevant. Keep the videos coming. And I will continue watching.

I'm sixty, I'm cycling about 40/50 miles a week, I'm about 90 kilos, wear the bright Lycra, the target this year is to do a straight 100k. The reason I took up cycling was because of a stroke in 2015.....May 2019 Never felt healthier!!

I got my dad riding for the first time at the age of 63 and after quiting smoking. It was not pleasent and i thought he is going to have a hart attack but after a few weeks he has made great improvement and we are enjoying riding together.

A HUGE problem with growing up is that we tend to take the fun out of everything. It all becomes a matter of pecking order.Who spends the most.Who goes the fastest.Who is the strongest.Who rides more often and farther. I grew up on bikes.I was an 80s BMX nut.Tricks,ramps,fun,and wrecking. As an adult I wanted to get into cycling and just never did for many years. AND the used road bike I bought back in about 2002 i only rode like a mile down the road and back. I didnt know what to do or where to go or anything.Then giving up on that idea I waited many years later till 2016 Feb and finally told myself to buy a new bike and start riding. AND it wasnt your typical bike most of you would have bought. I bought a 2016 Raleigh Redux 1. Its more of an urban shredder and for some light trails and having fun on. Its my baby.I love it. Its what started my journey to riding and my journey to help depression. I also bought a used 2010 Trek FX 7.3 in Nov of 2016. Good for comfort road riding and a little longer rides. THEN in 2017 I bought a GT Pantera Comp. My first trail bike. WHOA MIKIESON!!!! Where is this all leading?? Well my story is, get a bike and ride. Ride for fun. Ride like you did when you were 10 years old. Ride for yourself and nobody else. Stop looking to keep up with others. Stop trying to outdo everyone else. Stop worrying about what you wear and how others see you. I wear the same clothing I would have worn when i was a kid. Normal every day clothes. You will notice me out of a group of a thousand other riders because i look like ME..MYSELF..And I ride for myself and nobody else. Grown ups need to quit taking the fun out of everything and remember to be carefree and childlike sometimes. Riding a bike is that "sometime"...Be a kid and have fun!!!!

I am morbidly obese. I recently had a major health scare that got me moving on losing weight. I found a bike for me, the Day6 Samson, so if I can find a bike for my weight anyone can.

My dad was x sas/paras so his back and knees where knackered, so walking was a struggle, but every morning he would do a loop on his bike ( a non lycra clad cyclist though) this kept him fit and active, he only stopped after a return of cancer that finally took him from us! But he was an inspiration, and although you may have various conditions that stop you walking long distances a bike can keep you active where other forms of exorcise are no longer viable! Use it or loose it 👍

I have recently returned to cycling at the age of 55 It had been 10 years since I had last been on a bike At that point I had cycled for approximately 4 years Initially cycling about 6 miles to the bus terminus and eventually incorporating it into a full commute of 18 miles each way Initially I weighed 24 stone but with diet and cycling I shed 10 stone over 18 months I even cycled LEJoG for charity Unfortunately I damaged my Achilles heels which caused them to flare up when I cycled hence why I stopped Last year I bought myself a £700 specialized bike which I used for occasional weekend runs I retired this year and treated myself to a full carbon sportive bike I also joined my local cycling club and although I am still at the back, they have a no drop policy and will wait During that 10 year absence I put most of the weight back on but am glad to report I've lost 9 stone again My health had deteriorated and I've had multiple pulmonary embolisms and DVT (result of being a smoker and obese) Cycling has been the rescuing remedy for me and my goals this year is to complete several sportives (one under the belt so far) I do wear lycra now (and also when I was obese) for the reasons you mention Your videos are an inspiration and hopefully encourage more people into experiencing the majesty of riding a bike 👍

Inspirational words. I went out for my first ride today in 5 months. I just couldn't push myself out of the door. I prepared myself mentally, and also fitted double-sided pedals and bought MTB shoes so I could walk.aroumd in them. I took a train to go out from Nanterre, Paris, where I live, to get to the St Germain forest. And then cycled for 2 hours on empty forest lanes and also on roads with a bit of traffic, a first time for.me. When I got home, I found a notification for this video. I'm 60, now pre-retired, and have all the time in the world to cycle. Thanks for your insights and encouragement.

Years ago I was bonking BAD on the way home from a long windy ride. Luckily two rather large female cyclists passed me, slowed down, got next to me and said I really looked like I was struggling, would you like to follow us in? I did and was most grateful. In these crazy times I still have faith in humanity. Nothing wrong with trying to improve yourself but its nice to be happy with who you are. YOU ROCK!

Hi. I am 65. I purchased my first road bike eighteen months ago. I love it. I wear Lycra. I don’t care what people think. Each to their own.

Don`t cry for me if I drop dead on the road, because I died happy...

I am 47 and started cycling last year. I was terrified. I found your videos and they inspired me and now I have an addiction and may need rehab. :) Thanks for the great content and motivation.

At last some one who talks about cycling....Too many racing snakes looking down their noses at other cyclist!!!

Leonard, thank you for making such thoughtful videos. You are truly an inspiration yourself. I’m now 47 and definitely no longer the super athlete I was in my youth. I lost all hope 13 years ago when I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. I went from being incredibly active to a crashing stop (I was a “lucky” one in that it not only impacted my joints but every other system as well. ) cycling literally saved me and my sanity. My confidence had plummeted, I suffered from depression and I had gained way too much weight. On my down days, you do lift me up. Thank you. (And the new bike is marvellous.)

Thank you Leonard for the uplifting videos. Im almost 52. Im 6 feet 3 inches tall, and 365 pounds and I cycle 5 days a week in my 5XL lycra. It makes me feel better to be able to move.

I am too old and too fat and too unfit. I look like a sack of spuds in Lycra. But I am HAPPY. I passed two younger men the other day, and I even hit 29mph for a brief friction of a second as I passed them. The days I’m not cycling I’m tweaking the bike. Cleaning and regressing etc. Or Making my own shorts videos for my dear old dad. My aim is to do a 50 miles before my 55th birthday. Thanks for the inspiration Leonard.

Once again, absolutely brilliant and inspirational advice, in the words of Tao Te Ching "a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step". My first step started shortly after my 50th birthday, slowly building up distance and speed, I was very slow in the beginning. It took me 2 years to get fit and whist doing so, I lost 25% of my body weight. I've just finished a 240km ride in less than 9 hours. But, for me, perhaps the greater benefit has come to my mental health, it is my outlet for the stress in work and personal life. Cycling has also created the opportunity for me to meet some wonderful people and make some fabulous friends. I only wish I had started 40 years ago .

Thank you for doing this Leonard! You are an inspiration. I am also an older (58) and heavier (6ft 4, 240lbs) rider living in Colorado. I’m returning to cycling after a long hiatus. I’ve been off the bike for so long that Strava, Bluetooth and full featured cycling computers weren’t around the last time I turned a wheel! Your videos are both informative and motivational. Keep up the great work. I really look forward to your weekly posts.

Leonard, i watch a tonn of cycling videos on youtube, and you are truly something special. Bravo for everything you're doing!

When I was 30 I started racing and when I saw the 65 yo guy I thought I will thrash him in this race. He killed me, he used to be a super vet racer. Never got really good but had a great time.

As an overweight 50+ cyclist I find videos like this truly inspirational when I'm having those dark days where I can't be bothered to go out on the bike - five mins of this and I'm raring to go. Keep up the good work.

I sometimes cycle with a another guy who's 87 years old. We often cover 30 odd miles on a ride out. Granted he now uses a road going ebike for obvious reasons, but we both enjoy it and he still goes at a good rate of knots. Hes been a life long cyclist and it's fascinating to listen to all of his cycling adventures of bygone decades. If it wasn't for the invention of Ebikes, he would no doubt not be cycling now, and would certainly not be happy, being stuck at home in front of the tv, day in day out. Cycling gets him out and about and lets him still enjoy group rides, with all the social chat and banter that goes on between us. So yes Leonard your absolutely right in what you say. It doesn't matter if you're older, or on the larger side or just generally unfit. If you want to cycle because you enjoy it, then there's nothing stopping any one of us from doing it. What ever abilitys i have, i find 99% of all cyclists will always give me encouragement, support and respect. I find its the " none" cycling community that are critical and judgmentle, and tend to be the ones that stereo type cyclists as lycra cladded one a bee Chris Froomes. Little do they know that cycling is not just good for your physical health but its also very good for your mental health too. I always feel so much better mentally after a ride out. It clears your head of all day to day clutter of life, work etc by just simply getting out there and taking in the peace and quiet of nature in our beautiful country side. Cycling has so much to offer all walks of life and for me personally the more cyclists i see out there the better. Whether its fast roadies flying past me, to Sunday plodders bobbing along its always great to see them out and about 🚴😎🚴

I think some cycle clubs need to taker a hard look at themselves I live in a rural area roughly equal distance to three clubs two clubs have a pretty clear attitude of " unless you can do 18mph for two or three hours piss off " yet claim to be open to all standards, the third club really is an open door each club ride has three yes three routes and speed options the advantage being is some times you want To do a faster longer ride others is you have a rough day opt for a more a social slower shorter ride

Great video. I got back to cycling after a long break and many many pounds gained. I was extremely self conscious about being obese and cycling. I found great inspiration from your videos. Now almost a year later I have lost 85lbs and continue to set personal records. Thanks for the inspiration!!

Hi there, Leonard A Lycra Tale. After my End to End ride (Land's End to Muckle Flugga in Shetland) at fifty+ and a bit overweight, I strolled around Lerwick on a shopping spree for the family. Old ladies looked at me in my shiny thin Lycra tights and didn't know whether to faint or call the police. I soon rushed back to Radio Shetland and changed into some matt Roubaix=type tights which seemed to go down better and got me through my shopping trip without being accosted or arrested. I had been wearing Lycra for about three weeks and it never occurred to me that I would look rather weird as a pedestrian. thanks so much for your over-50s videos. I'm getting back on to the bike at 75 after a 20yr gap. Best wishes from Paul in the Midlands

Well Done!!! I Think I mentioned before that we got passed by an 85 year old going over Carson Pass 8600' in the High Sierras last summer. It was snowing at the summit and freezing. He kept going the additional 50 miles to Jackson, CA. So inspirational.

Probably this is one of your best videos.Thanks for making it.

Now you know the rest of the story. Well said. Ride safe and ride often. Peace

I rode my bike all my live but now in my almost 60 I taking this activity more seriously , thank for your breath.

This evening I decided after pumping some air into my mountain bike tires and after sitting in front of my computer eating pizza and drinking soda, I went out and took a 20 minute ride around my apartment complex. It was rough and had some scary moments with my knees locking up when I stood to peddle a little harder on some uphill slopes, but I fought through it and plan to add it to my nightly routine. I'll gradually work my way back up to biking like I did when I was a teenager and just taking control of my health as a 31 year old male.

Leo, your video came at the perfect time for me! I have been off the bike for several months (life gets in the way sometimes), and have gained 20 pounds because of this and have been grappling with my age. You’ve truly inspired me to get back on it! Thank you, from the bottom of my heart!

Enjoyed the vid, great attitude keep the encouragement up as a heart attack victim at 50 and now a 60 year old cyclist who does 200km a week over Dartmoor I can say I am fitter now than I was at 35. The battle is getting off the couch and onto the saddle !

Thank You, your words are very inspiring. I can relate (in many ways) to your words. I use to ride a lot when I was younger. In fact I used to average around 15,000-18,000 miles a year on an English built Raleigh high end road bike, some 30-35 years ago. As life became busier and more complicated, riding became a distant memory and almost forgotten. Then about 15 years ago, I became interested in riding again and purchased a very nice brand new Fuji aluminum road bike. I began riding and even rode in a local 50K event. Then as in the past, life changed again and I stopped riding. Now I'm 53 years old, much heavier (215lbs) and due to the very physical demands of my occupation over the past 30 years, both my knees were replaced with full titanium implants. I have been going thru a lot of physical therapy and I have been working hard to return my legs back to normal. My leg muscles, especially the hamstrings did not take the surgery very well. Talking to my doctor and my therapist, getting back on my bike would be very beneficial. So over the past month, I have been getting my Fuji road bike and my self ready to ride again. My bike had sat for so many years, I had to replace the tires and tubes (with only 258 miles on them) due to dry-rot. I even upgraded the saddle, replaced the bar tape, installed high end aluminum flats (pedals) cleaned, adjusted and lubricated everything. I purchased new riding padded riding shorts and a Jersey. The only thing left is to increase my leg flexibility (mainly the hamstrings in the back of my knees) so I can pedal the bike. I'm looking forward to riding again, not just to improve my leg muscles and loose weight, but to enjoy one of my favorite things I had done so much, so many years ago. Thanks again for the video and your inspirational words.

I like your view on life and cycling in general. Your definitely an inspiration to us 115kg + cyclist. Ride On.

This is a good story and a well-done presentation. I am a volunteer sports coach for senior citizens. It's a lot of fun and being in my mid-60s it gives me hope. I pedal about 4,000 kilometers a year so I don't feel too bad about that, over the last 14 years I've completed 53000 km.

I am 50 & have nerve damage in both feet from type 2 diabetes . I build & repair bicycles but get other people to test them for me . I haven't ridden since COVID 19 began . My time cycling is now over . I have burnt my feet with hot water & not felt it .

Great video! I'm 65 years old with a pot belly but I still wear Lycra and don't care what people think. It's just great to be out on the bike with my wife. The comfort it gives is worth it. Cheers from Utah.

Great video as usual, i'm heavy 105kg and old 63, I gave up cycling for 10 years to look after my disabled partner until her death, and 2 years ago started again, I was pleased 6 weeks after her death I managed a 112 mile ride and 4 months later managed 212.

Thank you again. Another great video. I'm 72, totally out of shape, unless you consider round a good shape for cycling, and took up the sport again after 46 years. Bikes have changed a lot over the years. I like it more now. It's a pleasure listening to you.

Old & Heavy = perfect blendZ

I've been cycling around the neighborhood for an hour a day for a week. Im over 50, 300 lbs and one thing I really appreciate and also consider a miracle is the fact my tires haven't flattened yet lol. Thanks for your inspiration. I'm going camping tomorrow for a week and yes I'm taking the bike with me wish me luck!

I love is his honesty and common sense.

This is so important. I'm 73 and returned to cycling two years ago after twenty-plus years off. I started riding with a club in New York City in my forties and got involved in International Randoneur Club distance riding, even doing Paris-Brest-Paris. However, I decided to start college in my late fifties and working full time while taking a full course load eclipsed the biking, I then went on to work on two post-graduate degrees and gained about thirty-five pounds in the process. When I moved to the Adirondack Mountains in 2016, I got on the bike again and rediscovered my love of cycling. Now I ride centuries here. The mountainous terrain is a challenge. I've lost weight, but I was always a muscular, big-boned rider. So, i bought a light carbon fiber bike with very low gearing. But, that doesn't mean I'm getting better training than a beginner would on more basic bike. In fact, I have a friend who races who commutes on a battered old Raleigh town bike from the 1950s, simply because it forces him to work hard. Age doesn't matter -- it only matters if you are healthy enough to begin exercising. Equipment doesn't matter, as long as it is maintained in safe condition and you use it as intended. But, don't ignore the most important piece of equipment: a good-fitting helmet in excellent condition. Then, hit the road or the trail and have fun.

I like your videos, I like your honesty. I really don’t understand the 14 thumbs down but I suppose there are always some out there. I am 52 and started cycling 8 months ago. I bought a recumbent trike and I could cycle up to 40km. I bought a Cruzbike S40 fwd recumbent just over a month ago and I done 52km just yesterday and I am so happy with myself. I really enjoy it.

Thanks for this. I am overweight and recovering from a knee injury. Cycling is one of the activities recommended to me by my orthopaedic surgeon. I don't have a lot of confidence although it is growing as I cycle more. But I am enjoying it!

I like your videos, I'm older and had a near fatal heart attack in 2016 I flat lined twice. My doctors say it's great that I ride. I started riding in my twenties and have run in to "older" riders that left me in their dust. I recently took a job were I walk most of the day and have lost 35 pounds. I just purchased a nice road bike and I'm looking forward to putting miles on it along with my mountain bike if the trails ever dry out. Your videos are great inspiration for older or less fit people that may want to start riding but are afraid of their appearance out on a bike

I started riding a bike some months ago. I am 51, five foot, seven inches and was 140 kilograms. I was just a lazy, fat lump. I’ve now lost 25 kilos and my fitness has greatly improved. I love riding my bikes. Got two and am about to buy my third. Got an Electra Cruiser, a hardtail mountain bike and about to buy an adult size bmx cruiser. I might be reliving my childhood, but I’m getting thinner and having a blast doing it!!

That's right...i'm 45 and a recently broke my right tib/fib and have metal and screws internally holding things together and i just started road cycling in march. It's been a great help to aid in rehabilitation as it's low impact compared to walking and running. You can do it!!

Wow! Judging by the number of comments you have really hit home with this video. I'm 62 and have been road cycling now for 7 years almost. My husband is a super fit skinny bloke who is 11 years older than me. I struggle with my weight as do so many people which affects my ability to get up hills especially. However I feel so fantastic when I get back from a ride that all that doesn't matter. We cycle regularly in Mallorca which is my favourite place to cycle. Keep up with the inspirational videos. They really resonate with a lot of people.

Nicely done! I got back on a bike last year at 64. I agree that the key is to set reasonable goals for yourself, given your age, health, and fitness. At first I got mad at myself because I couldn't complete a nearby climb in one go, a climb that I saw others complete with relative ease. But now I've given myself "permission" to stop for a rest, and I'm less winded when I stop than before. Fitness is happening! Maybe in another month or so I'll conquer that hill.

Great article Leonard...I'm 51 ,started cycling 5 years ago and am fitter than I ever have been👍..I luv cycling..It helps mentally and generally ones well being..Just Enjoy👍🚴🏽🚴🏽

Love your videos. I'm 64 and returned to cycling about a month ago. Had a bad fall in first week trying to mount a footpath. I'm nervous around cars but very fearful mounting and cycling around poles, curves etc on footpaths. Gaining confidence slowly. I always wear calf length yoga pants, not lycra and tshirt. I feel safer having close fitting stretchy pants, giving free movement of my legs. Love the fresh air, looking at trees, clouds etc, while concentrating on the road of course.😊

Hi, my journey so far (after two hip ops and an old ankle break that sometimes still swells) I decided that since I don't walk so well I would clean up my old bike which I hadn't ridden for over twenty years and get it checked over getting new tyres and tubes. I qualified for membership of the old, unfit and overweight cycling club. I started off with my saddle as low as it would go and could only manage to cycle to the end of my little street pushing down with my right pedal and having the left foot almost touching the ground. I spent 15minutes a day for about 3days trying to get my other foot on pedal. But I did it and now go for a bike ride lasting an hour. As I gained confidence I lifted the saddle to a more appropriate height. Thank you Leonard you are an inspiration. So no matter if you are old like me, overweight or forgotten how to ride a bike, it is still possible. And a few yards can turn into a mile before you know it.

I'm 71 (497 in dog years) and 185 pounds (84 kilos). Last year I rode 1600 miles (2575 km) which isn't easy to do in New York State as winter hits around the beginning of November and lasts 5 months. I took up cycling in my 40's (1991) when I quit smoking. I thought I was too old then, after my first 3 mile ride made my legs buckle going up my front steps. Don't give up!

This is a brilliant video! A couple of years ago, I decided that I needed to get back to at least a base layer of fitness and the way to go would find a sport that I just like. I got a city/touring bike and well, after 20 minutes of what I would now consider crawling around I was completely spent. But I stuck with it. My plan was: Ride every day just a for a loop. I didn't manage everyday but 4-5 per week. A year later, I got something of a mountain bike and started going for longer rides. And then in autumn last year, I got a cyclocross bike which I use for both on- and offroad riding. I did get fitter and I did lose some weight but most important, I (re-)discovered something that just makes me stupid happy and so I don't have to force myself to "do sports" but crave going for a spin.

Thank You for Your videos. I'm 69 years old and not the slimmest guy in the neighborhood but i love wearing my biking gear. Just wanted to let everyone know that biking has made a major difference in my life (Physically and Mentally). My first attemp I road only 8 miles and was ready to quit. Now im up at 6:30am and on my indoor bike trainer for 30 to 45 minutes 3 times a week. Every other Saturday my target in 50 miles. Hope to do my 1st Century this summer. Thanks Again and Keep Riding..

Just came across your videos, I have to say, as an avid watcher of GCN, you are a breath of freeze air to us who are burning a few more candles. Great work, keep it up. Would love to see a video about your bike and any upgrades you may have done to it.

Thank you for the kind and thoughtful words. Pleas keep up the good work!!!

your best yet Leonard! from an old retired bloke who has just taken up riding I love your videos The mental as well as physical side is so important for your health. Thank you for for making such inspirational videos

I just passed my 82 birthday, and also just passed my California 5 year renewal driver's test (thanks to the RU-vid practice California driver's tests). I felt there was a chance I would lose my driver's license, and so bought a Rad Rover electric bike prior to the test.. I live 15 miles in a remote section of the Mojave Desert, and felt that if I lost my driver's license, the bike would at least give me a way to get to the grocery store to buy food.. Well, I passed the driver's test, and was given another five years to legally drive. Now, as a bonus I also have a marvelous electric bike to "play" with. I'm one of those lucky persons who has never really been ill, and am still in good health and pretty good shape. The Rad Rover electric bike is a very well built and engineered bike and I'm slowly getting used to it. I haven't ridden a bike for many years, and at first my balance was not nearly as good as it was when I was a kid. Little by little, with consistent practice on the bike around my desert home, I'm gaining back my old skills in riding a bike... Thanks for this video, and the encouragement it gives us to keep on exercising...

My own story: I rode a bike when I was a kid in the 60s and 70s then life over took me and I spent the next 39 years in a car. Then at 54, well over weight and pathetically unfit, I took it up again. Last year I rode my first century at the grand old age of 57. I'm still fatter than is really healthy but I'm fitter than I have been for several decades and having a ball. Love the video and the inspiration, Thanks L.

I turned 63 on the 4th Nov 2020,I have recently just purchased a basic off the shelf Bergamont road bike and ride every day now or when I can , starting at a very minimal 3 miles for 3 days then 5 miles for 5 days. .The next one will be 10 miles for 10 days,the mental approach I adopt is to never ever go lower in distance but equal is ok but never lower even if it's for a week or so until I move up to the next distance. Clip-in shoes , computer,heart rate monitor ,cadence sensor and lycra its all been purchased and thoroughly researched thru excellent presentations like your videos and the intention is to lose weight and hopefully live beyond the 3 scores years and ten despite the current worldly situation.Excellent videos Leanord

Great video. My thoughts are very aligned on how do I look on a bike. After a good ride I'm physically exhausted but mentally I'm feeling great. In the summer I'm using my bike to commute. A great way to leave the work stress behind you.

You mentioned ebikes as a way to start and I totally recommend it too. I started just going to work in my 40kg ebike just to avoid the traffic and you get in shape without even realizing it.

My dad is 74 with a gut that shows a lifelong love of cheese and wine. He still goes out and bangs out a few hours on his road bike once or twice a week as well as still playing tennis. I think cycling is a big part of why he is still relatively healthy.

Thank you, such a good video. You have inspired me. I was going to chicken out of a sportive this Saturday, that I had signed up for last October. But you have inspired me to have a go. Thank you.

A number of leonardmlee episodes have motivated me. This is the best yet. Thank you!

This video is a shining example how polite and empathic a real gentleman can talk you into riding your bike. Thank you very much, Sir! You are spot on o7

"A virtuous circle," I like that! I'd only ever heard of viscous circle before.

Every thing said is true. I am nearly 66 and ride every day (300+ days a year). I have a heart condition and take 10 meds. I weigh too much. I just moved to a new area with a lot of hills. I hate climbing hills, but my body loves it. I don't drive anymore, but I am looking for a new bicycle for hill climbing. Go figure. My advice, don't set goals for how far you ride. That can be an excuse to not go riding. Instead, tell yourself all you have to do is ride around the block. Once on the bike, you can decide how far to go. I have never just ridden around the block.

I get it...62, 6'3...300....Used to mountain bike before my knee replacements and gaining 80 lbs, 13 years ago. I just bought a Cannondale MTB...boy did I feel apprehensive....and uneasy riding...just on the street. It's been 3 weeks now...and its starting to "feel the way it used to". I have a ways to go though.... It's made me feel great. I'm looking forward to a little trail riding soon. Nothing radical.

👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽LOVE THIS!!!!!! So inspirational! Bike on 😎

Leonard thanks for some very encouraging words on beginning your cycling journey. Very funny personnel reflection. May God bless you.

Hi Leonard, Great advice and channel. I have just purchased a bike and started using it to commute to work. Racking up 3 days of rides last week and reaching 60+ miles on London roads. Thanks for your open views and tips on being an older (43yr old) and larger (120 kilos) person looking into getting back to cycling. I used to ride mountain bikes back in my younger days and this is my first experience at road riding and have been looking through many RU-vid vids for advice.

Great video Leonard, very inspiration. I know cycling 2 Months. And I like iT very much. I weekly improved my distance and my average speed is also improved. I am now cycling 3 times a week. I nearly ride 100 k. Youre my inspirator. Thanks for that.👍😀🚴🏻‍♂️

Brilliantly inspiring for us older, overweight, unfit blokes! Intend to get out daily on my newly acquired ebike.

Wise words there Leonard! Very inspiring. Always enjoy your videos.

" ..disappear into a cloud of well being .." Just that brought a smile to my face. Love the channel. Thanks for the videos and smiles. From a fellow robust in the middle 50 plus year old cyclist. No Lycra though

I’m 56 and weight 127 kilos (280 pounds). I have been riding for years. It’s is what I do. I say rock on to all the Clydesdales out there.

Spot on!

Really like your positive attitude Leonard. Thanks for another good vid.

Hi Leonardo.If i can gave an advise.On the 2.45 seconds you can see number 2451 wrapped around the seat post.When you go to take it off.Often the glue sticks to the post,and is hard to remove.Before you put the sticker on.Wrap around the seat post electrical tape .Apply the sticker on top of the electrical tape.This way you avoid removing glue on seat post.Best Regards Leonardo.Ciao From Italy

I have to totally agree with everything you say - a great message very positively delivered. Great video.

Leonard, i'm curious when you refer to yourself as heavy, do you not find that your cycling is changing that? About a decade ago, I was cycling every day, nearly 20 miles in my daily commute and I found that I could eat multiple Snickers bars each day and weight would fall off. A decade later, although my mind still believed I was a super fit cyclist, the reality was stated by my wife when she called me a bald fat guy. My trouser waistband was folding over and I thought "this isn't right". I've tried the gym but apparently you have to actually attend, merely having a direct debit doesn't work and I never really found I enjoyed it, nor did I ever get weight loss. I've recently returned to cycling having bought an ebike (there's a much more detailed story about this as it was the only way I was going to get my wife on a bike to join me) and now I get up at between 4am to 6am to go riding. Now before anyone says "ebike, that's cheating!", well no. You see i'm not seeking to beat anyone, the only competitor here is me and i'm self competitive. I'm lucky to have some great traffic free trails in the Peak District and what I now find happening is that the motor stays off through choice and instead of riding a super light bike, i'm actually hauling 26kg of dead weight so now who's cheating?! What the motor does grant though is those moments where a steep long hill is encountered and I just run out of steam. I'll push as hard as I can but instead of an enjoyable exercise being otherwise turned to a dull grind, I can get to a point where I'll just call on the motor to help at a level that ensures that the ride experience remains fun. As to people looking at "us in lycra", I say "whatever!". It's the same as the gym, people there don't begin to go there because they're already fit, they go to become fit. Anyone in a gym who chooses to laugh at someone else seeking to improve themselves should understand that changing the physical appearance is always possible but exercising a nasty mind won't improve it.

Another fantastic video with a great message. Content gets to the bones of what can make the cycling community so special.

It's all attitude, isn't it?...65, 260 lbs...but I'm up to about 400 miles a month. The key now is to maintain(improve) and stay motivated. Like any other sporting event, you wake up and the score is 0-0. Now's the choice you make....0-1 or 1-0. Attitude. Thanks for inspiring work, it came at the beginning of a potential 0-1 day and became a 1-0 day....

I love your grounded honest videos and as someone who is getting back into cycling I enjoy your videos the most.

Brilliant vid mate - see ya on the road !

"I look like a right sack of custard." 😂 Brilliant

I remember about 30 years ago meeting a guy riding that was in the middle of a 70 mile ride. He was in his 70s and in great shape. I remember thinking " i want to be that good when i get there "

I have to say Leonard, that even though we approach cycling from two very different directions, your attitude towards just getting out on the bike is very inspiring to me. I often struggle with getting out on the bike due to confidence and image issues, but seeing you plough on regardless is enough to overcome my doubts and get out of the door. Thanks👍

I agree get out there and ride, I started riding (again) at age 54, after using an elliptical and stationary bike. I grabbed my wife's 30 year old Schwinn and headed out I loved it, way better than using a spin bike plus I'm out in the fresh air! Just upgraded to a new Nishiki. Ride on!

Meant to finish by saying, orange Qik Pac jacket, neck tube, helmet and gloves. It means I can can go for a bike ride in winter without being too self conscious. Thanks again Leonard.

Thank you for this video mate. It was helpful and a good motivator...

Hi Len great video and very accurate I’ve been cycling since I was 4 years old and had a break from it when I was 50 due to work, now retired the bike was taken out of the garage I cleaned it up and serviced it and carried on from where I left off that was 4 years ago and recently had a fat bike ( fatty) OMG 😮 I had no idea what I was missing it’s so much fun, 4” wide tyres 8 to 10 psi it’s definitely different from the mountain, bike comfort wise brilliant and on dirt tracks, woods, loose surfaces and roads I’m having so much fun I’m now 69 years young and love to get out on my bike.

Great video and wonderful perspective!

Last January, my dear friend since kindergarten and I decided to bike the length of our State. This past September, we completed our 10-day, 600+ mile trip. Oh, and we are 67 years old.

Great positive message !! I think many people will find this helpful

This video gave me goose bumps Leonard. Very few people have a passion for bicycle riding like I do. Most people call me crazy. But, I'm really starting to see that the bug has bit you. You are totally correct about the more you ride the fitter you get. The fitter you get the more you have to ride. It is a vicious circle. When you spend more than $1,000 USD on just the wheel-set, and you are questioning do I need these, that is the point where I realized the passion for riding. It took me a number of years for people to start calling me crazy but the ride was well worth it. I hope the ride is well worth it for you.

Awesome video and very inspiring Leonard!