Posts by Gerald Moore5

James Davis11 said:It’s not like you just gain weight by default because you quit smoking.
Smoking is a mindless habit regardless of whether people want to admit it; you smell, it costs a fortune, and you're essentially addicted to dried leaves wrapped in paper.

No, there isn't necessarily a link, obviously. When I quit, I swung to the complete opposite extreme, which is hardly an excuse. It’s the classic story—weight gain after quitting.
What I’m trying to say is that us older recreational players weighing over 220 lbs don't stand a chance against the younger crowd, whether they smoked or not. Tolerance to any vice or addiction varies wildly from person to person.
Since I haven't been able to ride my bike for a month due to a fall, my midsection has definitely gone to seed, haha... now I actually have to burn it off.

The fitness argument definitely holds water. There are so many variables at play. If you’re sitting at 280 pounds, just starting out, and you’re over 50... how can you even compare yourself to some 130-pound kid who’s in peak shape with 18-25 grams of testosterone running through him, but smokes like a chimney? You don't.
I’m honestly fascinated by those kinds of power-to-weight ratios. Obviously, not smoking is a massive advantage—it's just common sense. Some people don't seem to care how it affects their ride. I saw someone mention earlier that a certain user here is older and spends his time regularly biking up Mount Rainier while still being a smoker.
Back when I was smoking, I couldn't even handle flat ground, let alone a steep climb. I eventually quit, though I ended up packing on the pounds in the process. What’s the smarter move, though? What’s healthier? I haven't regretted quitting for a single second, even if I'm not thrilled about the extra weight. When I weigh the options, being a bit heavier is much easier than struggling to breathe.

David White5 said:I smoked for more than half my life, and it absolutely wrecked my conditioning. Since I quit, my riding has been better than ever. I can tear up trails now. The difference is night and day.

Exactly.
For me, I couldn't even ride for thirty minutes without feeling like I was going to pass out.
Now that I haven't touched a cigarette in a couple of years, what Lance-sleep said is true—I can crush climbs, and being out in nature just feels better.
Then again, you always hear about those guys who smoke like crazy but still rip through mountain bike trails like pros. Take Prosinecki, for instance. That guy smoked constantly and was still one of the best players on every team he played for.
Ultimately, I have massive respect for anyone who can cycle while smoking. Personally, I just can't do it.

Can you actually enjoy cycling while being a smoker?

Whether it’s just casual riding or something more intense. What have you all experienced?