How I did it: I bought a better bicycle and had fun riding it.  I committed to cycling to any activity that was within five miles of my home.  You name it, I probably cycled there -- grocery store, post office, the deli, barber shop, the movies, and even ten miles to the mall.  No driving.

I didn't use a weight scale very often.  I knew I had surpassed my goal when:

• my jeans became too big, and
• people noticed and told me I had noticeably lost weight.

I will keep cycling!

Lessons & tips: I succeeded because:

• it was fun,
• by focusing on my destination, I forgot I was "exercising", and
• there were multiple benefits from cycling: saving money ($4 a gallon? ha!), fitness, improved mood and social life.

Resources:

• www.bikecommuters.com
  
• HOW TO LIVE WELL WITHOUT OWNING A CAR
• Confident City Cycling course with the Atlanta Bicycle Campaign
• and many other online resources that teach you about safety, maintenance and general cycling culture

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Feb 09, 2009, 06:34AM PST | 1 comment | 5 cheers