I finally figured out how to get exercise while my bike is down.

[Systematic Chaos]

I'm in a predicament right now where the rear axle hub on my bike is deteriorating, and I don't have the money for a more permanent solution. Basically, my rear wheel is becoming progressively more wobbly and when the axle goes completely I will no longer be able to ride anywhere, including to and from work, until it's fixed. I can get a new "el cheapo" axle hub for about $20, but it won't last any longer than this one I have now has. A whole new rear wheel made out of parts that are made to handle high stress would cost me a small fortune. I would almost rather get myself a whole new bike, such as a clydesdale model from Kona ($700 - $1100) than bother with buying one expensive part for an otherwise cheap bike.

I had a nice recumbent exercise bike that I used almost every day, until last December, when I was forced to leave it in my old apartment when we were evicted due to general poverty. I have been saying I want a new one for some time now, but there just isn't room in this cracker box we live in now for one, and I would have no easy way to move it when we eventually leave here anyway. Because of my plantar fasciitis, walking every evening is out of the question. And I hate that, because a few years ago I lost almost 100 lbs. by walking every single evening and before a huge storm of depression set me back I was maxing out at almost 10 miles some days and averaging over 4.

I was looking around on ebay, and I discovered that there are portable machines that consist of pedals that stick out of a base unit, and you can "ride" them from the comfort of any chair or even the side of your bed. There are both magnet-driven and belt-driven models and they sell for as little as about $90. Bingo! No having to worry about waking up early in the morning when traffic is light, and no worrying about bike parts that are wearing out. Plus, as an added benefit, these units weigh less than 20 pounds, and can be put on a table to exercise the upper body too. I'm going to order myself one by the end of the month and this will help me tremendously.

I've been eating fairly well, getting salad most days. We broke down and had pizza last night, but it was made with all vegetable toppings and almost no cheese. That cuts the calories by at least half, so the guilt factor is reduced.

[auntAgonist]

1. hey GG

I was checking all my mail this morning and then I read your post and wondered if you've ever heard of "freecycle". Now it's NOT about cycling, it's about recycling. All sorts of stuff from soup to nuts. Maybe you could find something in a bike there. Just a thought. Nothing is for sale, everything is FREE, there are some great finds.

just go to http://groups.yahoo.com/search?query=freecycle%20Nevada&ss=1

and see if there is a freecycle near you.