When I moved to Southern California in 2001,  I took a job here that I loved, creating software systems for surgical equipment used in ophthalmology.  It is interesting, challenging and rewarding work. It is also work that took essentially every minute of my life.   And it is located in an area where the traffic does not easily permit safe cycling.   My beloved bicycles sit in my garage unused.

I got older, and I got fat. My weight swelled to 220 pounds in 2002, to 260 pounds in 2008, to 310 pounds in 2009. I didn’t feel good, and I wasn’t working well. My wife asked me to change. My doctor told me I had to change. And eventually, when I was honest with myself, I told myself I had to change.

Together with my beautiful and loving wife, my doctor, and my friends, I set out to change my life. For the last 2+ years I have managed my diet carefully and I have exercised regularly.  As of this writing, I weigh in at about 195 pounds. I expect to reach 180 pounds in a few months. That is my target weight.

Cycling is a huge part of my success. I rediscovered my love of riding, and I forced myself to make time to do it. I try to ride every weekend, and as often during the week as time will permit. It is my principal form of cardio-vascular exercise.