Young as I feel! But am I mad?

[Moptop]

Hi out there! I've just bought a Tricross Sport - at the age of 69! I always loved touring on a road bike when I was young, and from time to time over the years did a spate of morning training runs as I always felt good after them. This new bike is so that I can do a wider variety of riding - woodland trails, cycle paths etc - though NOT mountain bike racing. Round here it is VERY hilly and though I have this dream of cycling on ""till I bid the world good-bye" I hope the cycling might keep it at bay awhile yet! Is there anyone of the same mindset out there to tell me I am not crazy? - I get funny looks from my friends if I say I am in training for the Alps!

[Ninabike]

Hi Moptop. No, you are not crazy. I am 63 and I ride as much as I can. It really does make you feel good. Congratulations and many happy riding miles ahead!!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Yay! Biking benefits us all at ANY age. (I'm 53)
Ride ON....

[kjay]

Hi, Moptop! It warms my heart to read a post like yours. I just turned 64 and continully look for challenging rides. In fact, there's a beginning mountain biking tour in Mongolia that I'd LOVE to do. The more adventurous, the better. Good for you!

[teigyr]

I'm 45 which is young to some and older to others. I've ridden with 70 year olds who are stronger than I am. It's amazing how young activity and exercise keeps people - I did an event yesterday and the 60-70 age group winners looked younger than most 40-50 year olds that are sedentary.

Nothing crazy about what you're doing. It's about doing what makes you happy, right?

[Starfish]

I just did a climbing century in which there were quite a number of folks who looked to be in their 60's or more. My ex-husband is in his 60's and does long climbing rides. There is a women here in town who looks to be about 75-80 and I see her out on her bike all the time.

Rock on! ;)

[SheFly]

Congrats!

We have a woman in our club, who is 65 and is the current national champ in cyclocross, time trials, road racing, crit racing and track! She even went to world's this past month to compete with other women in her age group. Far from crazy - I only hope to be doing that when I reach her age.

Keep on riding!

SheFly

[DeniseGoldberg]

Nope, you're not crazy! (But if you think you are, welcome to the club of the cycling addicts!)

I am 55 and cycling is an important part of my life. In fact, I think it helps me to stay young.

--- Denise

[RoadRaven]

Hey there Moptop... welcome to TE

Just going to add to the general consensus here and reiterate - you are def not mad.
I am in my early 40s, and, like SheFly, I hope to be riding and racing and enjoying cycling for many many years to come.

Keep us posted about the things you are doing... we love to hear cycling stories and achievments... looking forward to seeing your post count increase as you tell us about how your time on the bike is increasing.

[Moptop]

Thank you to all you lovely cycling ladies who are cheering me on; I feel so happy about finding this great forum! Now I know there are others like me who like the wind in their hair, the pleasure of feeling their bodies working hard to get uphill, the thrill of the descent, and the joy of looking at the landscape quietly and travelling at a speed which gives you time to take it in, whatever the age. In some magical way cycling also seems to erase negative thoughts. I can set out feeling really snarly but after an hour on the bike !the world seems a great place again!
Happy hours in the saddle to you all!

[Jiffer]

Hey Moptop. I think you're awesome! Keep riding your bike and don't let anyone make you feel like you shouldn't. They're just jealous anyway. ;)

I'm certain it will keep you younger and healthier for longer. You go girl!!! :D

[mimitabby]

Moptop,
i am thrilled to hear from you; welcome to TE. I am approaching my 56th birthday andI hope to keep riding until i can't walk anymore. I think it has already reversed some aging on my part, and it should do the same to you.
best of luck and stay in touch here!

[Crankin]

I hope to ride on into the sunset forever...
I am 53, almost 54 and I don't think I could stop cycling now. I might have to get a different kind of bike eventually, but I will still be riding!
This summer I went on a ride led by an 86 year old man. Several of the members of this group are in their 70s.

[SouthernBelle]

Ditto what they said. I was just looking at photos from the ride I did this weekend and there were women of all ages, sizes, and backgrounds, on every kind of bike you can imagine. I'm 52 and only wish I had started much younger.

[Zen]

I'm 52 and only wish I had started much younger.

I hear you there.

[momof4greatkids]

Hi out there! I've just bought a Tricross Sport - at the age of 69! I always loved touring on a road bike when I was young, and from time to time over the years did a spate of morning training runs as I always felt good after them. This new bike is so that I can do a wider variety of riding - woodland trails, cycle paths etc - though NOT mountain bike racing. Round here it is VERY hilly and though I have this dream of cycling on ""till I bid the world good-bye" I hope the cycling might keep it at bay awhile yet! Is there anyone of the same mindset out there to tell me I am not crazy? - I get funny looks from my friends if I say I am in training for the Alps!


You are an inspiration and role model.......far from crazy!! you are living a full and exciting life! Go for it!

[SandyLS]

Good for you doing something you love. I thought I was the oldster here. It is so inspiring to know that nine years from now I might be considering buying a new bike and having new adventures! YAHOO!!!

[wavedancer]

I am 58 and in the last 2 years cycling has become a passion. I truly believe I will keep riding as long as I can move! I have to remind myself that it's OK not to keep up with the young'uns, but I keep enjoying challenging myself: road riding, mountain biking, and now maybe even cyclocross! You have the right bike for it; enjoy and share your stories with us :D

[lauraelmore1033]

I'm beginning to think that cycling is the fountain of youth. As I ride more and more, I keep meeting people in the 65-75 year age bracket that seem younger than I am! (I'm 44). That's reason enough to stick with it --as if the fact that it is so darn fun wasn't enough!

[RoadRaven]

...wish I had started much younger.


I hear you there.

Ditto... ditto...
:p

[SouthernBelle]

I thought this would be a good spot to post the link to the short route pictures from my ride this weekend. It shows an amazingly diverse group of women riders:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/billsabub/sets/72157601932330246/

All ages, sizes, ethnic backgrounds, abilities, even bikes!

[Caecilia]

That is a great looking group of riders, Susan.

Moptop, check out this NPR program (direct link to MP3 file) (http://thestory.org/archive/the_story_335_His_Own_Blues.mp3) - the second half is about Madeleine McBroom, who got into cycling in her 50s and decided to climb Alpe d'Huez. I love this picture of her with her dog:

http://thestory.org/graphics/madeleine-mcbroom-2.jpg

[Moptop]

Big thanks to Caecilia for the radio item on Madeleine McGroom, who rode up l'Alpe d'Huez - there is inspiration for me! Alpine passes are exactly what I want to do! Luckily I have an ever-encouraging husband so I am hoping to achieve.

Also to SouthernBelle who linked me up with photos of all manner of cyclists - men too! supporting the Breast Cancer ride. I loved the WICKED logo. As a Survivor of some 13 years I thank all of you who supported the event on behalf of those who will profit by it later.

Took my new bike out for its first airing today (only got it home last weekend and was too busy to take it out :o( ) This was quite hilarious. I sneaked out early to have a secret trial - only to find workmen on a neighbour's roof! This was especially embarassing as we live on a hill and I got very muddled up by the three chainrings and the hand-shifters on the bars (my last bike had them on the down tube and only 2 chainrings) I had to get off to see what on earth was happening three times! aargh! then again the saddle was not quite right - so I did not make the graceful impression I had intended at all!

Going back with my tail between my legs resolved to get up even earlier tomorrow to beat the crowds, before they charge admission! I know one thing, though. Once I get the gear shifting right I am going to have one whole whale of a time!

[SouthernBelle]

You'll catch on pretty quickly. It's actually pretty simple when you get the hang of it. I'm always losing track of where I am in the gearing.

Try just putting it on the middle ring up front and playing with the back shifting for a bit. Then add on the front shifting.

[Python]

I'm 50 and only took up cycling last year after a gap of over 40 years:D

Great way to get from A to B, have fun, save money, help the environment and keep fit all at the same time;)

[Starfish]

Going back with my tail between my legs resolved to get up even earlier tomorrow to beat the crowds, before they charge admission!

Heck, if I could only get people to pay me for the privilege of embarrassing myself, I'd be rich! I say, go out there in midday and charge 'em!! :p