Good Evening...

You may call me M.

I am what some people would call a fatty-McFatterson. I do not like such people.

But they are correct.

I have recently taken a hard look at myself in a full length mirror, and promptly began to panic. I have seen what being overweight can do to self-esteem and personality and I do not wish to go down that same path, with the same medical problems, with the same fears that go with them.

No, it is high-time for change. For too long I have worn sweatshirts when it is probably a little too hot to be wearing sweatshirts. For too long has my wardrobe been nothing but black to mask my girth. For too long I have been lacking confidence because I'm conscious that I'm a tub of lard.

Tonight, I make a change, and this is what this blog will be about.

"But M.," you cry out with concern that borders on alarm, "what about the 'century' bit? Is this blog about living 100 years??!!!! WILL YOU BLOG FOR 100 YEAARSS??!!"

And as I warily back away I reply "No."

As you may have noticed, I enjoy bicycles. I admire their simplicity and their complexity, I enjoy fixing as much as riding. Actually, that is a lie. I enjoy finishing repairs as much as I enjoy riding. I have a couple and work on them often during the warmer months. Margaret, the beautiful bike in the background, is my main squeeze. You will be introduced, fear not.

Anyways.

The Century part of the title of this blog refers to an idea that has been bouncing around in the back of my head for years: To ride from Amherst to Hanover on a bike; a bit over 100 miles, or a Century in cycling terms. I have finally decided to do it, as I will be leaving the state come the end of the summer (maybe more about that at some point later).

The route. I feel chaffed already.

Of course, 100 miles on a bike is no small undertaking. Especially for someone as out of shape as myself. So this blog will be about me taking the steps needed to accomplish my goal and bettering myself physically and mentally in the process. I will update it as often as I deem necessary (a few times a week? Maybe? I'm not making any promises here people) and they will be about everything I've mentioned so far, and I'm sure some extra juicy tidbits for you all to sink your neat little teeth into.

I hope you glean some enjoyment from it.


If not, it's more for me than you anyway. So there.