Jeff, So how is your recovery coming along after the open heart mod, and what does your diet now consists of?

I wouldn't recommend anybody buying a single speed mountain bike, unless they are already a fairly fit cyclist. I've ridden a few, owned a few track bikes and it's a recipe for over use injuries, especially if your older and not in the best of shape. But nothing beats going fast on a single speed if your legs are up to it.

Good advise but you don't have to worry about me going with a single speed unless it uses a gear ratio like the small ring up front and the big one on the rear :D !

No single speeds for me!! I had a tough time deciding on my last bike if I should spend an extra $100 to get the 30 speed. I chose the cheaper 27 speed and it does the job for me. Here's a really well put together video of some great downhill and freestyle mtn bike riding;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bbJLZxXErM0

I am doing well - I had no heart damage - it is coming along well - but I need to be patient and work towards my goals slowly. I have kind of hit a weight loss plateau - but I am sure I am putting on muscle - just need to be patient and "keep going"...

One of my main issues has been pulling muscles & getting "knots" in my back as I try to work my upper body back into shape - some muscles got totally atrophied in my upper body and I think things just get tweaked when they "crank you open". And I wasn't in great shape prior to my surgery - I didn't realize how my health had deteriorated due to my cardiovascular problems.

My diet has totally changed - I used to be the first guy in line at the hamburger grill and was clearly a "meat and potatoes guy". I now eat a mediterranean diet - fish, chicken, vegetables, fiber, etc. I often pick the vegetarian option in the cafeteria at work. I no longer eat any fast food, fried food, red meat, no dairy products except for non-fat milk in the a.m. on my cereal.

My weight is down and my blood pressure and cholesterol are now well under control and low. It's funny, I don't really miss the "old diet" because I feel so much better now...

Jeff

Good to hear that you're recovering and making progress! I gotta change my diet as well. Going to hard to give up my pork rinds :o

Rod,
Is that your pet name for Debbie?

Oh man... she's going to get you for that Robbie! :D

Well if you saw this video last night you were one of the lucky ones. Now they are offering it for sale. I was gonna get one of my geek friends to download it for me but I waited one day too late. Here's their new teaser site;
http://lifecyclesfilm.com/

WOW, cool video! Now...replace the bicycle in the film with a Gas Gas and you would have an award winner!