Just thought I'd post to introduce myself, as suggested in the welcoming PM 🙂
My name's Mark. I live in Bethesda, MD. I'm a 42 y.o. single dad and have an on-going battle with arthritis. It started about 15 years ago while I was in the Army and affects mostly my lower spine (L2-3 to SI). I've lost 40+ pounds in the last 5 months, and was looking for a form of exercise I could get involved in that I knew I'd stick with. Having cycled in the past, including a few Cycle Across Maryland tours and century rides, I knew it was something I loved, missed greatly since I let the arthritis run my life, and would stick with it. I have very little pain while I'm out riding, and have even hooked my 18 y.o. son on cycling.
I still have about another 20 pounds to drop, and need to get back in to the shape I used to be in, but I've already signed up for Bike DC and bike-to-work day (20+ miles to work). I won't be competing in any type of racing, but hopefully can get my son interested enough to give it a shot. He's a skinny little thing so doesn't have a whole lot to push around LOL
If anyone else is in the MD/DC/NoVA area, feel free to drop me a PM to say hi! I'm always interested in meeting new friends and learning about local events I can get involved in.