^ ^ all very inspirational, the reason I have joined this forum is to ask just about the very question that has been posted here.
I am going to get myself a new road bike from my, very good, local bike shop. I'm 45, 6ft and over 17st, my aim is to lose weight [3stone if possible]and I guess I am after encouragement and advice. Local clubs always seem to me to be race clubs, nothing wrong with this of course, but someone like me would never be able to ride out with these guys.
Its a pity there is nothing for newbys getting into the sport later in life, I have never ridden a road bike since I was a kid.