Cycling as a fat guy
Looking at the misconceptions people have about overweight cyclists on bike
Facebook reminded me today that 14 years ago I was on a bike ride. It was the first ride of the bike club I and two friends started. We were on a weight loss journey and found a love for cycling that helped us lose pounds and be healthier.
Local bike clubs were not that welcoming to untraditional cyclists. We saw the need to create a welcoming space for those not poster children for cyclists. Our invitation to the untraditional cyclists was simple. We are people who want to have fun riding bikes for our health.
The club was a success. It grew over the years and continues to thrive today. “No cyclist left behind.” is more than words on the club’s ride descriptions. It reflects the club’s concern for the inclusion and success of all cyclists on the ride.
The lessons, experiences, and people I met in that club reinforce my mantra, “If you ride a bike, you are a cyclist.” There are no tests, no expectations of speed and miles, and no levels of expertise that limit that mantra.
"There’s a lot of gatekeeping in cycling, a lot of ‘If you don’t look like a typical cyclist, you’re not welcome on our group ride’ and ‘If you can’t keep up, there’s no place for you” - Marly Bonsky in Cycling Weekly
Marley Blonsky has a similar mantra that cycling should be accessible to all. As an overweight cyclist, she makes it a point to label herself a fat cyclist, claiming the words that formerly shamed her. She created All Bodies on Bikes, first as a Facebook group, and now as a national movement.
All Bodies on Bikes challenges the preconception that a larger body can't ride a bike. Their movement welcomes people of all sizes to ride bikes. Their presence on roads and trails changes people’s views of what it means to be a cyclist. Welcoming all bodies on bikes resonates with many.
Marly Blonsky recently went viral via Instagram with an amusing take on the challenges fat cyclists face. That reel led to a story on Cycling Weekly, I’m a fat cyclist; these are the top 3 misconceptions people have about bigger riders and why they’re wrong. I admire her devotion to raising awareness of nontraditional cyclists and making the cycling community more welcoming to all.
I have struggled with my weight over the years. Still overweight, I tip the scale 90 pounds lighter than my heaviest weight. I found cycling fifteen years ago and have grown as a cyclist. I found bicycle touring thirteen years ago. I was hooked after my first weeklong tour. I continue touring by bike to this day. It is one of my greatest loves.
Weight does not define who I am as a cyclist. I share this with those who feel they are not a “real” cyclist. I share this to encourage newbies and non-traditional cyclists to set out on a bike tour. I share this to encourage the fat cyclist to seek a cycling community that welcomes the not-so-traditional cyclist.
Inspired by Marly’s Cycling Weekly article, Here are my 3 misconceptions people have about bigger riders and why they are wrong.
Weight limits the fat cyclist’s speed and ability to climb. Six years ago, I answered a question on Quora on how some heavy cyclists can climb hills with greater speed and cadence. It has 465K views with almost 1K upvotes.
Climbing and endurance in cycling is about the cyclist’s commitment to improving their cycling abilities. It is understanding the mechanics of speed and climbing. It is gaining confidence in oneself and a place in the sport.It takes more effort for a heavier person to climb given their weight. Fat cyclists must understand how weight impacts the factors they share with other cyclists and overcome their disadvantages.
Weight limits how many miles a person can cycle. Look at century and metric century rides. Among the trim Lycra-clad cyclists is a tribe of people on bikes that have you questioning “Do they think they can finish this ride?” I have felt those questioning stares on the many Bike MS 150s and century rides. Yes, I did finish the ride.
I regularly tour 40-60 Miles per day on bike tours. Miles do not limit my cycling. It takes me more time to cycle the 100 or 61 miles than most Lycra-clad cyclists, but I get it done. I often cross the finish line with slim cyclists on carbon-fiber bikes. Cyclists have an array of abilities within their tribes.A cyclist’s kit and bike make them as a cyclist. Engrave my mantra “If you ride a bike, you are a cyclist.” in your mind. I have lived with the side glances and exclusionary stares. My experience has shown that cycling is a sport for all. What you wear and ride does not lift or lower your standing as a cyclist.
I celebrate the nervous first-timer on a group ride who pedals slow and tires early on. I celebrate the seasoned cyclist who cycles fast and completes centuries. I lift the seasoned cyclist who slows and rides with the first-timer and celebrates their victory. Be that person.
“Riding a bike is everything to a cyclist. The friendship and camaraderie you have with other cyclists… to a cyclist, it was the be-all and end-all of your life.” — Tommy Godwin, English long-distance cyclist