I walked into my doctor’s office November 13th 2007, with that morning’s cholesterol and blood pressure medicine barely subsiding the imminent heart attack or stroke that was sure to come in weeks, months or years. I stood on the scales and weighed in at a bloated 332. My face was round, if I looked down, my cheeks limited my vision. I sweat constantly regardless the temperature of the room I was in.

My doctor had attempted many times to talk to me about my weight and this time, his words hit home. He said that I would have to take an additional blood pressure medicine because I had maxed out my current dosage. I took the new additional prescription and left knowing things were going to change.

I started slowly with a change of diet and over the next months, managed to lose about 20 pounds. As Spring approached, thoughts of outdoor exercise came so I walked into a bike shop just down the road from my house, Ride South, and talked to a friendly and informative Jim. I was looking for a “standard” bike because that was all I knew but after listening to my needs, Jim aimed me to a recumbent. I wasn’t sure. I left and came back several times before buying a long wheel based recumbent. I loved it! The weight began dropping faster. Warm weather came and I upgraded to a Bachetta Corsa knowing that I would be committed to this new lifestyle. My newly acquired competitiveness occasionally had a bad effect landing me in the ER after a bad post ride bonking episode. Over time I learned how important proper nutrition and hydration are to cycling. My best rides are with the great group from Ride South who have taught me more than I’d ever learn on my own. There are no strangers among recumbent riders. If I see another recumbent rider or vice versa, an introduction or conversation is sure to follow.

I’ve lost a hundred pounds and while I still have a few more pounds to loose, I have no doubt I’ll meet my goals this summer. I no longer take cholesterol or blood pressure medication and never filled that additional prescription the doctor gave me.

Perry Launius