About bikes, cycling and cycle to work - Tredz Blog

Gus weight loss - the end

For those of you waiting for an update on Gus and his cycling weight loss program… Well he didn’t make it. Quite spectacularly as it turns out, missing the original target of 16 stone by about two stone.
Our boss (who incidentally weighs about as much as Gus lost in a good week) is none too impressed, Personally I think he’s done pretty well considering all of his other commitments: At the finish Gus is clearly in much better shape through cycling and has already achieved a lot, just not a new iPod.
And he hasn't really finished. His real goal of being able to ride our local trails again is still easily doable.
Keep it up mate.

Gus weight loss - the final week

It's getting close to the final weigh in for Gus. Whilst you're reading this over breakfast, Gus is busy pedalling like some kind of demented two wheeled Rocky through the mean streets of Swansea in a last ditch attempt to hit his weight loss target.
Juggling a family, a hectic work schedule and his cycling weight loss program, he’s found it pretty tough this last month. Suffice to say he’s been running short of his target, even the reduced weight loss target we set recently.
Well the buck stops this Wednesday and we’re all about to find out if Gus is a hero or a hopeless bum, whether he’s deserving of a shiny new iPod or an unbuttered cucumber sandwich and a kick up the arse.

Gus weight loss - week 18

It’s been a bit hectic round here recently. An office move for Tredz online and a whole series of events we’ve been getting involved with has kept us on our toes.
Gus has been off his feet like the rest of us, which has kept him from his bike and from hitting his weight loss targets lately. He’s also been on the road a lot so there hasn’t been anyone to shout at him whilst he gorged himself on family size Toblerones in motorway service station car parks*.
I spoke to him this morning and he told me he has gotten back on the bike despite all this. The first time in two weeks and it has made an instant impact on his weight:

Ridden: 21.98 miles (35.3 km) (last week: nil)
Average Speed: 13.7 mph (22.4 kmh) (last week: slow)
Time on bike: 1 hrs 36 mins (last week: none)
Current Weight: 18 stone 7 pounds (117.4kgs) (last week: 18 stone 11 pounds, 119.2 kgs)
Weight loss: 5 pounds 2.2kg (last week: zilch)
Remember
Starting weight at 19/07/07: 21 stone 3 pounds (134.7 kgs)
Target weight for 01/01/08: 16 stone (101 kgs)

The original target of 16 stone looks very unlikely at the moment. Short of a miracle, it looks like Gus is going to fall a bit short even with a huge effort in the final run in. So we’ve set a new, more achievable target of 18 stone. Our boss is pretty adamant that the iPod isn’t happening (“We said 16!”), but I’m sure his already impressive efforts will be rewarded with something. Maybe a carrot.

* Probably not true

Gus weight loss - week 17

Gus may have lost weight this week, then again, he may not have. He neglected to get on the scales to find out. Apparently it's been another 'hectic week' and he's been 'rushed off his feet' on 'official Tredz business' etcetc.
The solitary chocolate smear running down his chin tells another story though.
Nah, only joking, he has been busy this week so we'll let him off this time. He's promised to get back on the saddle today though so next week we expect to see some actual weight loss in this weight loss program.

Remember
Starting weight at 19/07/07: 21 stone 3 pounds (134.7 kgs)
Target weight for 01/01/08: 16 stone (101 kgs)

Gus weight loss – week 16

A late update from Gus this week on his cycling for weight loss program will hint towards the result. He’s been busy on official Tredz business, so he’s got a cast iron excuse as to why he hasn’t lost any weight.
The cast iron excuse isn’t washing with our iron fist boss though, who is at pains to point out the original terms of the deal. "No weight loss, no iPod!"

Ridden: 42 miles (67.9 km) (last week: 54 miles, 86.9)
Average Speed: 13.6 mph (21.8 kmh) (last week: 13.5 mph, 21.7 kmh)
Time on bike: 3 hrs (last week: 3 hr 58 minutes)
Current Weight: 18 stone 11 pounds (119.2 kgs) (last week: 18 stone 11 pounds, 119.2 kgs)
Weight loss: Nowt (last week: zilch)

Remember
Starting weight at 19/07/07: 21 stone 3 pounds (134.7 kgs)
Target weight for 01/01/08: 16 stone (101 kgs)

Get pedalling Gus.

Gus weight loss - week 15

Never a man to let geography get in his way, Gus managed to experience some Indian and Chinese culture as well as the local (pasty based) customs during his trip to Cornwall. We won’t hold it against him though, since he’s managed to enjoy himself and get straight back on the bike, finishing without any weight gain.   

Ridden: 54 miles (86.9 km) (last week: away)
Average Speed: 13.5 mph (21.7 kmh) (last week: away)
Time on bike: 3 hr 58 minutes (last week: away)
Current Weight: 18 stone 11 pounds (119.2 kgs) (last week: away)
Weight loss: Nup (last week: away)

Remember
Starting weight at 19/07/07: 21 stone 3 pounds (134.7 kgs)
Target weight for 01/01/08: 16 stone (101 kgs)

Gus on holiday

Gus is away this week, so no proper updates on his cycling for weight loss program, but he did get in touch to let us know that holidaying in the land of temptation (Cornwall) is proving tough for his diet. Clotted cream, scones and jam are calling out to him from every quaint ye olde tea shoppe. Don’t do it Gus!   

Gus weight loss - week 13

Gus fell off the wagon last weekend.

He was one of the Tredz mob doing the rounds at the Cycle Show this year. He did all the driving (not to mention all the getting lost) and spent the entire day on his feet checking out new products. So we’ll forgive him for reaching for a generous number of free energy bars to keep him going. At least he’s feeling remorseful now, as all “that free rabbit food broke me” afterwards. Fibre overkill?

Anyway way, off track this week:

Ridden: 18 miles (28.9 km) (last week: 57 miles, 91 km)
Average Speed: 13.4 mph (21.2 kmh) (last week: 13.8 mph, 22.2 kmh)
Time on bike: 1 hr 20 minutes (last week: 4 hrs 8 minutes)
Current Weight: 18 stone 11 pounds (119.2 kgs) (last week: 18 stone 11 pounds, 119.2 kgs)
Weight loss: Nada (last week: 2 pounds, 907 g)

Remember

Starting weight at 19/07/07: 21 stone 3 pounds (134.7 kgs)
Target weight for 01/01/08: 16 stone (101 kgs)

Gus weight loss – week 12

A ticking off from our Energiser Bunny of a boss and a new bike (more of which soon) and Gus is back on track. 2 pounds weight loss and its as if last weeks blip never happened.

Ridden: 57 miles (91 km) (last week: 10 miles, 16.09 km)
Average Speed: 13.8 mph (22.2 kmh) (last week: 12.2 mph, 20.3 kmh)
Time on bike: 4 hrs 8 minutes (last week: 38 minutes)
Current Weight: 18 stone 11 pounds (119.2 kgs) (Last week: 18 stone 13 pounds, 120.2 kgs)
Weight loss: 2 pounds (907 g) (Last week: nowt)

A massive improvement.

Remember

Starting weight at 19/07/07: 21 stone 3 pounds (134.7 kgs)
Target weight for 01/01/08: 16 stone (101 kgs)

Gus falling short

It’s all true! Gus has returned to sugary tea and crisps! It’s reaching a tipping point for him now; he’s already looking at a 3 pound a week weight loss to make his target. Doable, but he’s making it tough on himself now. Our merciless boss is suggesting he gets himself on a turbo trainer every morning to sweat it out – whatever he does it’s now or never for our intrepid dieter.  Come on mate you can do it!

Here’s a chart showing the size of his task:

Gus weight loss - week 11

There have been shocking whispers around the office that Gus has started taking sugar in his tea again. Whether the fact that his weight has not changed since last week can be blamed on that or his admittedly dodgy bike is up for discussion.
Anyway here are this week’s stats:

Ridden: 10 miles (16.09 km) (Last week: 33.49 miles (53.7 km)
Average Speed: 12.2 mph (20.3 kmh) (Last week: 13.5 mph, 22.6 kmh)
Time on bike: 38mins (Last week: 2 hours 27 minutes)
Current Weight: 18 stone 13 pounds (120.2 kgs) (Last week: 18 stone 13 pounds, 120.2 kgs)
Weight loss: nul points.

Remember

Starting weight at 19/07/07: 21 stone 3 pounds (134.7 kgs)
Target weight for 01/01/08: 16 stone (101 kgs)

Breaking news!!!
Just finished speaking to Gus and a new bike is on order, a Specialized Tri-cross sport. Nice! Leaves him with no excuse for next week though…

Cycling for weight loss - week 10

Thanks to his new Cateye wireless onboard computer Gus can give us a full rundown this week:

Ridden: 33.49 miles (53.7 km) (Last week: 36 miles, 57 km)
Average Speed: 13.5 mph (22.6 kmh) (Last week: not given)
Time on bike: 2hrs 27mins (Last week: not given)
Current Weight: 18 stone 13 pounds (120.2 kgs) (Last week: 19 stone 1 pounds, 124.6 kgs)
Weight loss: 2 pounds (907 g) (Last week: 1 pound, 121 g)

Remember

Starting weight at 19/07/07: 21 stone 3 pounds (134.7 kgs)
Target weight for 01/01/08: 16 stone (101 kgs)

Faddish diets can only dream of providing that kind of steady weight loss.

Cycling for weight loss - week 9

A slightly delayed update on Gus. His computer is playing up so the only information we've got for you this week is his weight loss and the distance ridden. His computer may be less than dependable, but the weight loss is as steady as ever.

Ridden: 36 miles (57 km) (Last week: 69.45 miles, 103km)
Current weight: 19 stone 1 pound (121 kg) (Last week: 19 stone 2 pounds, 121.5kgs)
Weight loss: 1 pound (453 g) (Last week: 2 pounds, 907 g)

Cycling for weight loss - week 8

Gus has gone well this week with a healthy 2-pound weight loss, that’s despite answering the call of the take away over the weekend.

This weeks stats:

Ridden: 69.45 miles (103 km) (Last week: 47.23 miles, 76 km)
Average Speed: 14.1 mph (22.6 kmh) (Last week: 13.3 mph, 21.4 kmh)
Time on bike: 4hrs 55mins (Last week: 3hrs 32 mins)
Current Weight: 19 stone 2 pounds (121.5kgs) (Last week: 19 stone 4 pounds, 124.6 kgs) 
Weight loss: 2 pounds (907 g) (Last week: 1 pound, 453 g)

Remember

Starting weight at 19/07/07: 21 stone 3 pounds (134.7 kgs)

Target weight for 01/01/08: 16 stone (101 kgs)

Cycling for weight loss - week 7

Gus is into week 7 of his weight loss program here's the latest:

Ridden: 47.23 miles (76 kms) (last week:58.9 miles/95kms)
Ave speed: 13.3 (21.4 km/hr) (last week: 13.87 mph/22.5km/h)
Time on bike: 3hrs 32 mins (last week: 4 hrs 12 mins)
Current weight: 19 stone 4 pounds (124.6 kgs) (last week: 19.7 stone/125.1 kgs)
Weight loss: 1 pound (453 g) (last week: 3lbs/1.35kg)

Remember
Starting weight at 19/07/07: 21 stone 3 pounds (134.7 kgs)
Target weight for 01/01/08: 16 stone (101 kgs)
 
Inspired by the his hard work, we've decided to gather his results up till now into a graph form.

Marvel at our technical wizardry below, click on the images to enlarge - and watch Gus shrink. Metric on the left, imperial on the right...

 

Cycling for weight loss - week 6

Going steady

Gus's weight loss seems to have settled around 3 lb per week. Weighing in originally at over 21 stone he’s now six weeks into his routine of diet and cycling and is down to 19.7 stone. Four months (17 weeks) left to hit 16 stone!

This week's stats:

Ridden: 58.9 miles (95 kms) (last week: 46.6miles (75 kms))
Ave speed: 13.87 (22.5 km/hr) (last week: 10.01mph/16.1 km/hr)
Time on bike: 4 hrs 12mins (4hrs 51mins last week)
Current weight: 19.7 stone (125.1 kgs)
Weight loss: 3 pounds (1.35 kgs) (4lbs/1.81kg last week)

Remember
Starting weight at 19/07/07: 21 stone 3 pounds (134.7 kgs)
Target weight for 01/01/08: 16 stone (101 kgs)

Cycling for weight loss - week 5

Another 4lbs off Wee Hee!

Well enough about me, this week I thought I would review some of the kit I’m wearing, namely the Enduro Hummvee Baggie short.

If you’ve been following my weight loss progress you will be aware of my stats, for those of you who haven’t checkout my weight loss Blog.

So if you are of similar girth too myself but can still turn the pedals, these shorts in an xxl will fit a 48”-50” waist with 29” thighs, these are the shorts for you. (This is the first specific cycling short that fit I have bought in ten years)

The shorts themselves are made from a hardwearing nylon that is comfortable and washes well. The pockets are well placed with 2 leg pockets ideal for keys and a mobile phone. On a warm day or a long climb the Humvee has a 6-inch zipped ventilation pocket and leg adjustment using a Velcro strap.

The inner short coolmax padded short is quite technical for a short of this price, and is detachable so you can wear your humvee over any make short/liner.

Tune in next week!

The stats after five weeks of diet and cycling:

Ridden: 46.6 miles (75 kms) (last week: 66.9 miles (107.7 kms))
Ave speed: 10.01 (16.1 km/hr) (last week: 12.65mph/20.4 km/hr) - lower due to an off-road ride
Time on bike: 4 hrs 51mins (4hrs last week)
Current weight: 19.10 stone (121.3 kgs)
Weight loss: 4 pounds (1.81 kgs) (3lbs/1.35kg last week)

Remember
Starting weight at 19/07/07: 21 stone 3 pounds (134.7 kgs)
Target weight for 01/01/08: 16 stone (101 kgs)

Cycling for weight loss - week 4

What a difference a month has made, I look and feel 100 times better (comments from reps and staff), clothes I haven't been able to wear for over a year fit again and rather than collapsing on the sofa when I get home, I'm looking for things to do with my exess energy.(lucky Mrs Gus).

As we're one month in I'll include chest (47"/119.4cm) and waist (46"/117cm) measurements too, now that it's more comfortable to mention them.

The stats after four weeks of diet and cycling:

Ridden: 66.9 miles (107.7 kms) (last week: 56.4 miles (90.7 kms))
Ave speed: 12.65mph (20.4 km/hr) (last week: 14.16 mph/22.8 km/hr) -slowed due to head winds, honest
Time on bike: 5 hrs 14mins (4hrs last week)
Current weight: 20 stone (127 kgs)
Weight loss: 3 pounds (1.35 kgs) (2lbs/0.9kg last week)

Remember
Starting weight at 19/07/07: 21 stone 3 pounds (134.7 kgs)
Target weight for 01/01/08: 16 stone (101 kgs)

Cycling for weight loss - week 2

Despite being on holiday, Mark phoned in to report last week's results. For the past two weeks he's stuck to his regime of diet and cycling to reach his target weight. This week's stats:

After week 2
Ridden: 57.7 miles (92.8 kms)
Ave speed: 13.6 mph (21.9 km/hr)
Time on bike: 4 hrs 20 mins (slightly less time than last week, yet Mark covered more distance and increased his avg. speed)
Current weight: 20 stone 5 lb (129 kgs)
Weight loss: 2 pounds (0.9 kgs)

Remember
Starting weight at 19/07/07: 21 stone 3 pounds (134.7 kgs)
Target weight for 01/01/08: 16 stone (101 kgs)

Cycling for weight loss - week 1

Mark’s diet was outed last week which turned up his motivation another notch and he’s had a blinding opening week in the kitchen and on the bike. Check out these outstanding stats:

After week 1
Ridden: 54.1 miles (87.09 kms)
Ave speed: 11.9 mph (19.16 km/hr)
Time on bike: 5 hrs 20 mins (5 hrs 20 more than previous 3 months)
Current weight: 20 stone 7 lb (130 kgs)
Weight loss: 10 pounds (4.5 kgs)

Remember
Starting weight at 19/07/07: 21 stone 3 pounds (134.7 kgs)
Target weight for 01/01/08: 16 stone (101 kgs)

Cycling for weight loss

Meet our man Mark, aka Gus. He’s been with us forever - man and boy - and is larger than life in every way. At the wrong side of 21 stone he’s more than a little overweight (says me at 10 stone soaking wet!). Well he’s had enough of pathetic diets and swears blind that this time it’s the real deal and that  “cycling is the key (and no bread) to me losing weight. I wanna be racing again next year.” So, to help him in his plight I said we’d publicise his progress weekly on Tredz Talk.

The big guy's vitals
Current weight: 21 stone 3 pounds (134.7 kgs)
Height: 6 foot (1m 83cms)
Waist: 48 inches (1m 23cms)
Chest: 52 inches (1m 32cms)
Target weight: 16 stone (101 kgs)
Weigh in D-day: 1st Jan 2008.

If he gets to his target weight (a loss of 73 pounds or 34 kilos) I’ve got a v.nice iPod Shuffle (1Gb) waiting as a prezzie for him along with an entry for Mountain Mayhem. If he drops less than 73 pounds I’ll put the iPod up as prize and give it to anyone who emails in guessing his correct weight (terms and yadayadas apply). Mark would then be re-nicknamed officially as Buffalo, Loser or similar…. you get the drift.

Good luck mate, get those cranks turning and stay out of the bakery.