I took up cycling as well and did over 100 miles some weeks, so that made a major difference, but I did Atkins at the same time and I reckon that it made a major difference. I've put a tiny bit back on since the second picture, but it's coming off again. I have painted myself into a corner by basically throwing away all my 'fat' clothes. The intention is to eventually get back down to a 32" waist. I was approaching 42" at my biggest. I think I could live with 34" though.
Brian.