My cousin, Michael, spent the night with us this past Sunday. He rides his bicycle as much as I do -- in fact he does a good bit of bicycle racing. He was eager to show me his brand new bike, with a carbon fiber frame, which makes it ultra-lightweight.

Serious bicyclists are fanatical about lightweight bikes. The thing is, all of us ride light bikes that are very light (even mine, with an old-fashioned steel frame). Some want to shave off even more weight. Past a certain weight, though, it becomes extremely expensive buying the types of frames and components that make that possible!

Why the passion for lightweight bicycles? Because the lighter it is, the less weight there is to pedal! One time, a bunch of us on a ride were talking about all of this during a rest break. I said, "You know, it would be easier to simply lose a few pounds off our bodies than to spend several thousand dollars for a new bicycle that weighs a few pounds less." One of the other riders said, "Which of those two would be easier? It'd be easier to write the check than to lose the weight!!"

All of which brings me to a realization. This past Saturday I got out on my road bike for the first time in months, and was surprised how easy it was to ride 11 miles. Why was that? Partly it's because I've been using an indoor exercise bike some, so I've been getting into shape. But the big reason, I'll bet, is because I weigh 10 pounds less than I weighed the last time I rode a long distance! It makes a big difference when I have 10 pounds less to pedal around!

I wouldn't recommend a major illness and hospitalization as the way to lose weight. But I've gained back about 20 of the pounds I lost, and I hope I don't gain back the final 10!