age groups?

[bikegranny]

Hello all,

While my body is healing from a fall, I've been reading lots of good stuff on the forums. There are references to threads or forums according to age. Nobody who mentioned them knew where to find it. So, does anyone know how to find age group forums?? I haven't seen anyone post who is in their 70s and would like to know if I am the only one crazy enough to try riding at this age.

Thanks for any info you may have on this.


Beth

[shootingstar]

Methinks there was a forum member who identified themselves as close to 70 or so.

Best thing is to pose your question in the appropriate forum category and give your age range....if it's relevant to the topic. You'll find a large enough group here who are over 50, with several very close or over 60. :)

[bikegranny]

Thanks for your reply. I looked at all the categories, and do not know what the appropriate forum category would be. ??

[bikegranny]

Oh, ok, that makes sense. thanks, Muirenn.

[Melalvai]

I remember reading an article about a woman who learned to ride, I think when she was 80, and was still riding on her 100th birthday. I might have the details wrong. Maybe she was only 68, for example.

[marni]

My favorite cross country riding partner is 72. I have done one cross country where the oldest rider was 82. I am 64 and started riding 5 years ago. I'm sure there are a bunch of us old and grumpy ladies of a certain age, lurking and hiding on line here.

[Catrin]

I just want to take this opportunity to welcome you to TE! There are far more women reading this forum than those posting, and I agree with Marni that there are likely a bunch of us here over a certain age. Some of us didn't learn until we were 50+, or who didn't return to the bike after decades away from it. Have fun and I look forward to reading about your adventures!

[tealtreak]

I am "only" 51- long time road biker...but just got into Mt biking about a year and half ago......(so a little "old" for that sport especially since I attempt to ride with my sons! haha) Welcome to biking! My grandparents who instilled in me a love for all outdoor sports were biking, hiking and canoeing well into their 80s- so you are in good company (:

[Irulan]

You aren't old for MTB, maybe only for trying to keep up with your sons. There are a lot of over 50 trail riders around here.sometime they tend to be more hardcore than the kids. The kids tend to stick to the freeride and downhill areas. So don't knock yourself!

[bikegranny]

Thanks to all of you for your response. I love reading about what you do, and think, and about all your many bikes! You make me dream dreams..............a week ago, all I wanted was to ride a sedate bike down a lane...........now I want to fly down hills and jump stumps! feel sorry for my bones!

[Cyclingfun]

Hello, Bikegranny - This is my first post to this Forum and I'm really glad to see from this Thread that I'm not a lone cycling granny... I'm 62 and just got myself my first road bike - a beautiful Specialized Ruby that thrills me just looking at her. There's not been much chance to ride her outdoors as it's mostly rainy, windy, snowy or icy here - you get my drift :) But as soon as a better day comes, I'll be out there! The few rides I have had have been a revelation after my heavy hybrid. Good luck to you and to all the other oldies - at least I have an idea after reading this thread how I can find you all.

[bikegranny]

Hello there, Cyclingfun-----what a great name. That's what a bike is for, right?? Thanks for posting, it's very good to know that there are lots of grannies here who ride. So I'm not actually crazy, as my daughter suggests, just have an itch for a little outdoor fun. maybe an adventure along the way, who knows? Congrats on your new Ruby, we would love to see pictures. I know what you mean by being thrilled at the sight of her. Some of the pictures I see on this site make me drool! don't know much about bikes, but can tell a great bike when I see one. Let us hear from you, and PM me anytime.

[Cyclingfun]

How great is that - my first reply!! When I get my head round how this forum works, I'll certainly put a pic or two on. No, you're definitely not crazy to give cycling a go - It's a brilliant way to get exercise without jarring joints (unless we fall off, I suppose ;) which is what prompted me to get on my 2 wheels as my ankles were complaining about too much hiking.

[murielalex]

A few months ago, I was at a three-day cycling event. There were more than a handful of 70+ folks, and many more in their 60s, that kicked my *** on a metric century. My mom rides casually, and she's 78.

[tealtreak]

You aren't old for MTB, maybe only for trying to keep up with your sons. There are a lot of over 50 trail riders around here.sometime they tend to be more hardcore than the kids. The kids tend to stick to the freeride and downhill areas. So don't knock yourself!

Thanks! good sense (;

[OakLeaf]

One of my 70+ riding buddies just placed fourth in Time Trial in the state Senior Games - good enough to go to Nationals.

His 40K time was quicker than the PR I set the year I wasn't 29 (those of you with past or present USCF licenses know what I'm talking about ;)).


Another two 70+ guys I ride with are the opposite end of the spectrum. Lifelong road bikers and long distance tourists, they take their time getting where they're going. They took up mountain biking for the first time in their late 60s specifically for the purpose of riding the Great Divide Trail (about 5500 miles through the Rocky Mountains from Canada to Mexico), unsupported. While they kind of agreed afterward it was a little too much too soon for them, they finished the ride (except for the very last leg to the Mexican border, which everyone advised them was very unsafe territory), and it was the experience of a lifetime.



That's how tough "old" people are, in my experience!!!

[bikegranny]

There's a riding club near me, will get in touch with them at monthly meeting in a coupld of weeks.

[bikegranny]

Awesome! it's not so much my age that bothers me. It's my general condiiton, lack of fitness, experience, long time off the bike, etc. working on it all~

[Citycyclegal]

Hi Bike Granny,
Just saw your post and it gave me a big smile! I have been riding a hybrid since 1988, went on a tour with Experience Plus, to the Italian Lakes, last year, and decided I needed to buy a road bike for my 70th, 2014. Just purchased a bike, going for a fitting next week, and am feeling a little terrified, LOL, about the whole thing, but am determined to know how to use clip less pedals, etc. for my next trip. This is the year with no trip, but lots of learning!

[Citycyclegal]

I'm not sure I replied correctly so this may be redundant! I just purchased by first road bike in preparation for my 70th birthday next January! I have been riding a hybrid since 1988, taken many independent tours in Europe before being widowed, and now travel with tour companies. Due to circumstances, I can't travel this year, so decided to buy a road bike and learn to use clipless pedals. I am feeling both excited and terrified, LOL. I live in the city but can go to the suburbs to gather my courage, and learn how to use new shifting! I bought a Specialiized Ruby Apex, and will be fitted next week. We just had a snowstorm in Boston, so I am anxiously awaiting spring!

[Custardcup1]

I am really glad to know there are some "older" women on this forum. I am 64, will be 65 in June, and sometimes I feel I am just too old to be doing this.I have been biking for 3 years but it seems I always have some sort of injury that puts me out of commission for a month or two. Nothing really serious, just sprains and aches and pains. I love biking and don't want to stop, but it seems I just can't get really fit to put on the miles.

[Crankin]

Citycyclegal, I am heading toward 60 and I would be happy to ride with you. Talk to me at the workshop.

[marni]

dear Beth,

I am giving myself a new road bike for my 65thbirthday. My best riding buddy friend, whom I only ever see on Woman Tours cross country rides did the Southern Tier (San Diego, California to St. Augustine Fl ) t4 years ago for her 72 birthday. She is still riding.

Personally I intend to ride into my grave sometime in my 90's or older.

welcome to the group.

[Biciclista]

I am 61 and I am still riding. I post in whichever thread I want. There are a lot of us old ladies out there.
I started "really" riding after I was 50.

[Catrin]

I only learned how to ride after my 50th birthday :) I am now 53 and still riding. I tell people I am "aging backwards", for that is what it feels like! I've certainly had my share of injuries since I started my cycling/fitness journey but I am not complaining.

[ClockworkOrange]

Hi bikegranny and welcome to a great site.

I have been a member on here for several years but for various reasons, have not been on here posting for a while, however, after reading your thread, you made me feel all enthusiastic again, so thanks for that.

Like many others, I started riding when I hit the Big 50, had several injuries but still enjoy riding, although not as mad as I use to be. I will be 63 next month and so want to ride far more this year.

I ride around on a rather retro bike but I love it.

Look forward to hearing more about your rides and adventures, no matter how small.

Ride safe. :)

[PamNY]

I'm 62 and plan to ride forever. I like Catrin's phrase "aging backwards" because that's how I feel since I started cycling. I agree with Marni about riding into my 90s and -- who knows? -- beyond.

There's lots of good advice on this forum about fitness in general, so I'd encourage everyone to post specific questions or concerns. One important thing I learned here was the importance of core strength in cycling. I had no idea it mattered so much.

ETA: I have never seen any hint of "ageism" in this group. I suppose age is a factor in injury, recovery time, etc. but no one should feel constrained from posting here because of age.

[AppleTree]

I just talked to a woman at Bike Expo who rode across the United States on her 70th birthday. She was so amazing, it gives me great hope that I can be even half as energetic and enthusiastic at that point in my life. I feel like cycling is helping to keep me young...always a new adventure to look forward to.

[shootingstar]

Always helps to make sure you fit the bike and the type of bike that you ride regularily and riding position. Makes a difference for aches and pains that may take longer to go away, especially on longer rides.

[BonnieS]

I bought a road bike as a present to myself on my 50th birthday, which is coming up this year. I wanted a present that would change my life and it's clear from the cyclists on this site that cycling changes lives, no question about that.

I can't wait to start riding, I've been on the trainer all winter but I've already signed up for my first sportive, a 180-km ride deep in the country. My goal is to finish it!

[AppleTree]

Good luck with your training and ride Bonnie! Let us know how it goes.

[shootingstar]

Best of luck Bonnie. Is that bike ride over 2 days....?

I used to live and bike in Toronto before I moved. Was biking regularily for last 14 years when I lived there. It has a great network of bike routes through its interconnected park system and along the Waterfront.

[Melalvai]

Two weeks ago I met a fellow biking 7,000 miles to celebrate his 70th birthday. From Des Moines, IA to Key West to the Maine-Canada border and back to Des Moines.

I could be so lucky.

[marni]

my goal for the next year starting on my 65th birthday next month is to ride my age in one go weekly. I have been getting in at least that almost every week so far but not at one go. I am goind to pick a route and ride it one direction or the other weekly come weather or not. It will either kill me or make me stronger. either way I'll end up happy. Having read Melaivai's post I'm not thinking that I should be looking for a bigger challenge this year as well.