The “Ferrari” of electric bikes, is how an article in Forbes magazine described the optibike, which got my interest up to learn more about it and how it might fit into my exercise program.  I was impressed with all the reviews on the optibike as well as the company site which went into great detail with videos of the optibike construction and users reviews. 

When Craig Taber emailed me about the weight loss challenge for 2011 using the optibike, I was motivated to include the optibike in my exercise program, and when I learned that he had a coaching program set up to help me reach my fitness goals I felt confident that I would be successful.  I have ridden over 40 miles on my 850R this week and am getting comfortable with how it performs. 

In the past, I have ridden a Trek road bike for as much as 30 miles at a time, but I have to say that it’s so much more fun on the optibike.  I wasn’t sure how I was going to get the same amount of exercise with the electric assist, but I’ve proven to myself that I can get a great cardio workout and have a lot more confidence that I can also make it back home from a 30+ mile ride.

My highest weight for the past few years has been 220 pounds with only a few weeks below 180 in the past decade.  My high school and college years were my fittest, and I averaged 155-175 at my peak when I jogged regularly and worked out with weights, so after my physician ran my blood work and we consulted together, he came up with a 180 pound target for the year, though I will strive for a fitness goal that will probably be lower than that.  I think that the abdominal/ hip measurement goal of a 1:1 ratio, or less, is more challenging than simply scale weight, so I am glad that it has been incorporated in Craig’s fitness plan.

Best to all the participants.

Stuart B – Goal lose 60 lbs.