"over 40"...show of hands?

[Jayc]

:)

I am finding this forum fascinating and finally took the plunge and joined.
I began cycling in February, have a Giant Elwood, and am thoroughly enjoying the whole thing. My daughter encouraged and prompted me to "get going" so I did. We entered two duathlons, one as a team, a "round the bays" event and I have also taken part in a team duathlon and loved it all. Pleased to say I will be 67 in October so if I can do it anyone can.

[Rosie8]

Just turned 58, still riding daily (with rest days thrown in for thunderstorms). Love my WSD Giant Suede 7 speed. Try to ride 8-11 miles per day. Riding is so much fun and great for the legs and waistline.:D

[repto]

Okay, I ride all the time (daily, in Chicago, year round)... but so does my MOM. She is 80 years old. Mind you, she lives in Florida from Oct to April, but still. Not bad, eh?

Of course, my dad rides every day too. And he's 83. And has had both knees replaced and has had two back surgeries in the last 2 years. Plus he rides a bike from the 1920s!

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=31102763&id=1206674480

[Ritamarie]

I'm approaching 50, but I want to brag on one of my best biking buddies who will be 62 Friday. Of course, we're going for a ride to celebrate. She does about 6,000 miles a year. Here is a pic of her taken yesterday on our ride:

10868

[featuretile]

Bleeker Street Girl,
I just looked at your post with the before and after pictures. I had been wondering how I could look so much better than before and only have lost 10 lbs. I have only been riding for one year, so three might make even more difference. And for this thread - I am 57. Most of the people I ride with at my local bike club are in their early 60's, and I am now just starting to be able to keep up with them. On Saturday, I rode 49 miles! If you want to see a video clip of this ride, look at this UTube below. the ride is from north of Monterey to Pebble Beach Golf Course along 17 Mile Dr. in CA (where we had one day of sun between all this rain). My husband has started riding around with a camera in a rig that he made that rests on his chest - looks like suspenders.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXpeUfI6WrM

[lauraelmore1033]

Hmmm, I've managed to miss this thread for quite a while. I'm 46, about to turn 47 in may. funny, I was just thinking about cycling and aging... I was pleasantly surprised to find yesterday on a club ride, that my fitness level had improved so much that, I had gotten to be faster up the hills than a woman who was pretty consistently kicking my butt on those same hills last year. I thought we were the same age, but turns out, she's 75! I think I wanna be her when I grow up! It's good motivation to keep at it!

[schnitzle]

Just had to raise my hand, I turned 42 last Sunday. I'm just starting out riding though so no great insight ;)

[nscrbug]

44 here...and will be starting my 3rd year of cycling.

[channlluv]

45 here. Cycling for about a year and a half, minus downtime from injuries.

Roxy

[shootingstar]

:p We must have poor memory --seems like this age topic comes up under different 'guises.

49. Got back to cycling regularily when I was nearly 32 and bought my own bike then.

Cycling is like my security/fitness security blanket...and it's also my "car"..haven't lived a home with a car..uh, since I was 21.

Hey, since I answered in 2008 (see above), I'll update: am 51.

[kjay]

Maybe the oldest here at 66? Here I am in St. Emilion, France last Sept. The biking over there is phenomenal.
10896 I'm also a groomer and caretaker of about 16 camels (my passion of passions)!

[mizzbananie]

52 here...

[Hunter]

57 in June here.

[mhami]

Yep, I'm 45.

[hammertime]

47... soon to be 48 in June,,, gulp:eek:

I love cycling, I love running... I have been active my entire life, and I hope it lasts through my 50's, 60's, 70's, and beyond:D

[shootingstar]

Maybe the oldest here at 66? Here I am in St. Emilion, France last Sept. The biking over there is phenomenal.
10896 I'm also a groomer and caretaker of about 16 camels (my passion of passions)!

I thought there was someone around 70 here.. Tell us, more about those camels. Who owns them? The zoo?
Hammertime, when you reach 50 it will have a grand ring to it. Half a century. :D But later before 60, the age just sounds hum-drum.

[LizzyBee]

Now everyone answer in unison, "Hi Liz!" lol!!!

Just got my first road bike about a month ago and I love it! I have posted in other threads about being overweight and have read other people's posts about losing weight at our age through cycling. So I'm totally inspired and fired up! Being on my bike just makes me feel GREAT!

Also, another member posted she went back to college, well me too! I am a full time student, I changed my major to Art History, and I'm attending the local community college. Should graduate with my BA in about 2 1/2 years.

Great being on these boards and meeting my fellow cycling addicts. You ladies are AWESOME!!

Liz

[Red Rock]

Great to see you here LizzyBee. Good luck with all of your pursuits.

I thought I would check in and say that I am now 41. I cannot even believe it myself. Where did the time go?

Red Rock

[Julie13.1]

Maybe the oldest here at 66? Here I am in St. Emilion, France last Sept. The biking over there is phenomenal.
10896 I'm also a groomer and caretaker of about 16 camels (my passion of passions)!

Wow, you look so amazing!

Oh yeah, and I am 47. The 40's have been the best decade of my life by far.

[Crankin]

Yes, we are all older since this thread started! 56 here. That sounds old to me, but I don't feel it, despite all of my various sports related injuries, aches, etc.
Although I wish I could be faster on my bike, I realize that I am comparing myself to probably the top 5% of the population in terms of athletic ability, who are my age. All I have to do is think about my "regular" friends trying to do what I do.

[kjay]

I thought there was someone around 70 here.. Tell us, more about those camels. Who owns them? The zoo?

Hi — the 16+ camels are on a private estate, and I am fortunate to be considered their "camel-care specialist." I say that because I'm much more than simply their groomer. ;)


Also, a big thanks to Julie13.1 for your nice comment. You made my day!

[Catrin]

I am 50 - and never rode a bike until December. So when I find myself getting frustrated at what seems like slow progress - I remind myself that there is no "time schedule" for me to follow - other than being ready for the Tour de Cure on June 12 :D

[footloose]

I'm 48...49 in a few months. I've been riding recreationally most of my life with some gaps over the years. About 8 years ago, I bought a good mtb and started riding even more for fitness. As I riding more and more on the road (there being a real lack of mountains or trails around here!), I decided to get a good road bike and started putting on even more miles. I'm looking forward to doing some centuries this summer.

I live in a northern climate so can't really ride in the winter. I'm active in a lot of other sports as well...xcountry skiing, seakayaking, hiking/backpacking, scubadiving.
I've always worked outdoors in trades that required a lot of physical exertion...that has always provided a real base of fitness for me. I'm currently a gas fitter.

[owlice]

53 here, a cycling couch potato. Did a lot of therapeutic riding last year and dropped two pants sizes. Have been trying to ride through the winter, which, with the snowstorms, was not as successful as I had hoped it would be. And next year, I'm definitely buying a coat; that should help with the winter riding!

[azfiddle]

53 for me, too.

Sharon

[indysteel]

I'm 40. I started riding a few years ago after a number of years as a couch potato. I feel like a new person. I've been lucky to meet and ride with any number of people who are in their 50s, 60s and 70s, and they've really made me really rethink aging. God willing, it is possible to remain active, energetic, healthy, etc., etc. I hope I'm just like them in 20-30 years' time.

[MommyBird]

49 for a few more months.

[AnnieBikes]

60 for a few more months!!! The average age of the last three WomanTours rides that I did was 59, 61, 61!! The oldest was 75!! Way to go, Glenna! There were two 70 yr. olds on the cross country in 2007!!! I LEARNED about the trip from a lady who was 74 and had done it the year before. She was a strong cyclist!!! Keep the faith, ladies, we can ride a long time more!!! :D:D

[Medianox]

48...will be 49 this summer. Doesn't seem real somehow-lol
Road a lot last year for the first time, got a beginner road bike and had a great time. This winter was rough as far as health issues go, but now that soring has arrived, I'm starting to get back out there. Got a new commuter to replace my falling apart W*M mtb bike so I'll be ready to start riding to work again.

[cyclingqueen2k9]

53 here, a cycling couch potato. Did a lot of therapeutic riding last year and dropped two pants sizes. Have been trying to ride through the winter, which, with the snowstorms, was not as successful as I had hoped it would be. And next year, I'm definitely buying a coat; that should help with the winter riding!

Good for you! I am not over 40 but my job recently started a marketing campaign for the Arthritis Foundation and the Ad Council that is promoting fitness in adults. It's all part of the Fight Arthritis Pain (http://youcastcorp.com/c/90/go/index.php?r=0) PSA campaign that is designed to let OA sufferers know that staying in shape is the best way to avert and stave off the effects of OA.

Keeping active like those in this thread is very beneficial and you guys should be commended:)

[TriMom217]

I turned 47 last month. And I SWEAR I'm going to start cycling again this year.

As soon as I'm done snowboarding :p

[Jiffer]

I'm 40. I've been riding about 3 1/2 years. There are lots of women our age out there!

[BeeLady]

I'm 54 - began cycling (again) at 51. :)

[staceysue]

I'm 40 - started cycling shortly before my 40th birthday.

I just had my first "age-related injury" on St. Patricks Day - a plantaris muscle tear, which is common to us 'old folks' I guess! Oddly enough, I'm kinda proud of it - kind of like I'm proud of my gray streaks! I am finally officially a grown-up.

[Bike Chick]

I think I answered this thread several weeks ago but I will add again........

51 here. Started cycling at 45, did my first triathlon at 48 and am training for a half-marathon. My kids thought I'd lost my mind at first but now they are joining me. Ran a 5k with my 23 yo daughter last week and my 28 yo son and his wife are training to run the hm with me. Cool, huh?

staceysue, this is off the subject but what happened with your crazy neighbor?

[bikincowgirl]

I'm 50 and beginning biking. Just riding on local roads and over our farm for now.

[Catrin]

I'm 50 and beginning biking. Just riding on local roads and over our farm for now.

Congratulations! I just started learning how to ride a few months ago, and just turned 50 myself :D

[coolcreek]

hi,
I'm new here---and another 50-er returning after years out of the saddle! Just picked up my new Specialized Cyclocross Sport yesterday....

[shootingstar]

Maybe turning 50 does really mean something new. :)
I'm not being cheeky..am +1 beyond 50, but around the cycling wheel for alot longer.

Welcome!

[tulip]

I'm 42 and have been riding for over 25 years. I'm enjoying it more than ever, now, because I no longer give a hoot about being fast or cool. As a result, I enjoy cycling more than when I was racing. I love exploring cities (and the countryside) by bike.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

About to turn 56 here. :D

[Juliegoddess]

I'm going to be 42 in July...and I feel better than I ever have in my whole life since I've been on the bike, steadily, for the last nine months!

[malkin]

Maybe turning 50 does really mean something new. :)

I have noticed and am enjoying a new invisibility (to a certain segement of the population). I attribute it to my exit from the reproductive segment of the species.

I am of no further evolutionary or biologic advantage to the human race!

Whoopie!

[mekira]

44 and my second year with a road bike. Last year I did tris but this year I'm going to concentrate on the bike.

[AnnieBikes]

61 next month and loving every minute on the bike. I started in 1998 with a mountain bike and within a month had broken my collarbone. Everyone said I would never ride a bike again. Eight weeks later, I rode the Greenbriar River Trail. Ha...in 2004, I got my first road bike after resisting for years. I loved it.

My DH is doing the Southern Tier and I am so envious. But, right now it is gorgeous in our part of the world, E. TN, and I am riding alot by myself. I miss the company and we hope to ride a long one in the future when one of us doesn't need to stay in town for dad issues.

[Mr. Bloom]

Check this out following my completion of the Ride Across Indiana two years ago. I completed 5% of my lifetime miles that day and finished in the top 10% at the age of 45...A similar aged friend finished 13th for the second year in a row...

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=25577&highlight=average

[malkin]

Hey!

That looks like the scatter from my master's thesis except that I only had about 30 subjects!

My thesis was about the duration of breastfeeding in infancy and speech articulation at age 3 (or was it 4?).

Since neither of these seem to mean anything, maybe we should study duration of breastfeeding and cycling. Or accuracy of speech articulation and cycling.

Think we could get a grant?

[Mr. Bloom]

I was adopted and therefore not breast fed...and I still finished RaIN! Dies that help form a hypothesis?

And, my scatter did prove something...age doesn't matter!;)

[malkin]

+1 for your new name Mr Bloom!


Age doesn't matter?
Tell that to my joints!

[Crankin]

Ha, to the breast feeding correlation. Yes, I was the evil one who didn't breast feed. No correlation to cycling ability in this family. One kid was #5 junior racer in the US 2 years in a row and the other is quite a competent cyclist after starting at age 27...
Seriously, I don't feel old in many ways at age 56. I know I'm in better shape than 95% of people my age. But still, I need a lot more recovery, babying, and attention to many parts of my body that I could abuse when I was younger. And my speed is not what it was 2 years ago. If I train more, harder, etc., then I just open myself up to more injury and illness. The goal is to keep riding and be healthy until I keel over.

[runningcyclist]

Hi everyone, space for a foreigner here?

I'm from the UK and took up cycling as a complete beginniner 5 years ago when I was 42. Not made much progress in that time as I 'parked' the bike for a few years because I was too scared to go out on the road.

Finally started commuting to work about 18 months ago and am loving cycling, even during the winter :eek:.

[ShubieGA]

52 here - and returning to cycling after a 8 month break. It's been too long. I missed it!

[stokerpam]

57 here - riding stoker since Dec 2007 - really prefer that to my own bike. Way too distracted by wildlife to steer, etc in front, plus it's fun to backseat drive : ) (and I love the view) Still don't have perfect saddle or fit after 10K mi but not giving up. Wondering if menopause may be affecting some of that too.

[Chemagne]

I'm over forty and getting started, again. :O)

[ekcjwc]

I didn't start riding until I was 41 which was last year!

[Marionette]

I'm 62. Riding definitely keeps me feeling young, especially when I ride to the gym and back! It annoys me when I can't go as fast as I used to, but I still climb hills, and I don't balk at 60-mile rides. Centuries do give me pause, though! Except for days when the headwind coming off the ocean is strong, it's all still fun, and sometimes it feels like my most natural position in life is perched on a bike saddle.

I'm having kind of an eyewear problem at the moment, which does affect my riding. My contacts have been drying out, even when I wear wraparound sunglasses. So I've been thinking about switching to bifocal sunglasses and researching the various kinds of lenses, such as bifocals vs. progressives. Does anyone have an opinion on that? This page about bifocals (http://www.allaboutvision.com/lenses/multifocal.htm) made me think about where the closeup part of the lenses should be: at the bottom I guess, since I'm looking at the distance through the top part. But is it better and more comfortable to have the near vision segment as a small spot lower down or as a "ribbon" that divides the upper and lower distance parts of the lens? If you look at the bifocal diagrams on that page you'll see what I mean.

My optometrist said I should just use distance glasses for riding and change the eyewear when I stop for lunch or whatever. But I hate taking extra glasses with me anywhere and would like one pair to do it all.

[Marionette]

Finally started commuting to work about 18 months ago and am loving cycling, even during the winter :eek:.

Now that's brave! Living in southern California I rarely have to put up with wet streets, but they scare me because it's so easy to slip and crash.

[Rebecca19804]

Hi everyone, space for a foreigner here?

I'm from the UK and took up cycling as a complete beginniner 5 years ago when I was 42. Not made much progress in that time as I 'parked' the bike for a few years because I was too scared to go out on the road.

Finally started commuting to work about 18 months ago and am loving cycling, even during the winter :eek:.

A quasi-foreigner here! :)

I'm 42, took up cycling exactly a year ago as a complete beginner. I too commute in London rain or shine... and even, as last winter, in snow and ice. :) I was very anxious about going out on the roads. A two-hour one-on-one training session with Cycle Training UK kick-started me, giving me the confidence and 'tools' to get started.

Just leaving for work now in a soft summer rainstorm - accompanied by a 22-year-old university student doing a thesis paper on 'Cycling in London' - he gets to follow me for 10 miles with a video camera! :eek: :D

[nuthatch]

I'm having kind of an eyewear problem at the moment, which does affect my riding. My contacts have been drying out, even when I wear wraparound sunglasses. So I've been thinking about switching to bifocal sunglasses and researching the various kinds of lenses, such as bifocals vs. progressives. Does anyone have an opinion on that?

I've stuck with my contacts and I have to drink way more than I used to since I turned 50. I don't know what that's about, but I seem to have more trouble managing dehydration now that I'm ancient. Pair that with a bladder the size of a thimble and I'm in the bushes a lot.

I'd highly recommend ONOs (http://www.onostradingcompany.com/). They're the best bifocal sunglasses I've ever seen and I love them for glancing down at my cycle computer or changing a flat. ONO makes prescription versions of their glasses, too. I love mine! I wrote a review of them (http://www.womensadventuremagazine.com/your-sport/lifestyle/onos-performance-reader-sunglasses/) for the magazine I work for.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

This thread should really be titled "over 50". 40 is way too young to make a big deal out of! Even 50 is pushing it. :cool:

50 is the new 40. 60 is the new 50. 70 is the new 60.....

[shootingstar]

50 is the new 40. 60 is the new 50. 70 is the new 60.....

We're jumping the gun abit, aren't we? Am not deluding myself that reaching 60 will be another hot number. (will be awhile for myself to get there)

Just ask a 25-yr. old. :p : 50 yrs. is OLD. :p

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Just ask a 25-yr. old. :p : 50 yrs. is OLD. :p

Why would I ask a 25 year what old is? They know nothing about age! :rolleyes: ;)

If 50 is OLD, then 25 is basically a toddler. LOL

[tulip]

This thread should really be titled "over 50". 40 is way too young to make a big deal out of! Even 50 is pushing it. :cool:

50 is the new 40. 60 is the new 50. 70 is the new 60.....

+1. I completely agree. Over 50, maybe, but there ain't nothing different happening at 40 (or 42-43 in my case). :)

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

+1. I completely agree. Over 50, maybe, but there ain't nothing different happening at 40 (or 42-43 in my case). :)

Well I realize we are all different, but yeah- I didn't really feel any different at 45 than I did at 35. In fact, I felt pretty much the same all the way from 25-45.
But when I turned about 53 (I'm 56 now) I began to notice some changes due to my age. My mid fifties seemed to bring a few more generalized aches and pains and stiffness, a slight lessening of my endurance (such as it is, LOL), and definitely less tolerance for high heat and humidity.
To keep fit I do biking, fitness walking, gardening, and dancing. Nothing competitive though, I've never been much of an athlete.

[Marionette]

They're the best bifocal sunglasses I've ever seen and I love them for glancing down at my cycle computer or changing a flat. ONO makes prescription versions of their glasses, too.

Thanks for the info on these. I'm still deciding whether to give up contacts or not. Maybe I should be switching contact lens brands to something that doesn't dry out my eyes so much. I have an eye exam coming up, so i'll ask a lot of questions before deciding.

[Crankin]

I have never, ever had a problem with my contacts while riding. Try Accuvues. They have several types, all high in water content.

[kjay]

I'm 62. Riding definitely keeps me feeling young, especially when I ride to the gym and back! It annoys me when I can't go as fast as I used to, but I still climb hills, and I don't balk at 60-mile rides. Centuries do give me pause, though! Except for days when the headwind coming off the ocean is strong, it's all still fun, and sometimes it feels like my most natural position in life is perched on a bike saddle.

I'm having kind of an eyewear problem at the moment, which does affect my riding. My contacts have been drying out, even when I wear wraparound sunglasses. So I've been thinking about switching to bifocal sunglasses and researching the various kinds of lenses, such as bifocals vs. progressives. Does anyone have an opinion on that? This page about bifocals (http://www.allaboutvision.com/lenses/multifocal.htm) made me think about where the closeup part of the lenses should be: at the bottom I guess, since I'm looking at the distance through the top part. But is it better and more comfortable to have the near vision segment as a small spot lower down or as a "ribbon" that divides the upper and lower distance parts of the lens? If you look at the bifocal diagrams on that page you'll see what I mean.

My optometrist said I should just use distance glasses for riding and change the eyewear when I stop for lunch or whatever. But I hate taking extra glasses with me anywhere and would like one pair to do it all.


Marionette, I had the same problem a couple of years ago after wearing contacts for nearly 30 years. My eyes would get very dry and the lenses would just pop out. So, reluctantly I went back to glasses.

I recently heard about lenses that are supposedly easier to wear because of improved breathability: SynergEyes® hybrid contact lenses

They're a hard lens in the middle and soft around the outside. I'll be seeing my optometrist soon about being a possible candidate.

Does anyone here have experience with these? They may be worth looking into.

[BluOrchid2]

I am 44. :)

[PamNY]

This thread should really be titled "over 50". 40 is way too young to make a big deal out of! Even 50 is pushing it. :cool:

50 is the new 40. 60 is the new 50. 70 is the new 60.....

I agree. I chuckle every time this thread title appears.

[ciao_bella]

I'm 57. Gosh, did I really say that out loud?

Ciao

[Catrin]

I'm 57. Gosh, did I really say that out loud?

Ciao

No, you only thought you said it. None of us heard anything, it was just the wind we heard. Of course I could just need a hearing aid and don't know it, but I didn't hear you say it :)

[Leigh66]

I'm going to be turning 44 next month. I LOVE the forties!
I just got into biking about 3 years ago now. I'm loving it!

My sister died at the WAY too early age of 22 in 1999. It's been difficult to be able to get back in to enjoying life. Took me about 7 years after her death to start to have the 'want to' to get back into actually living again. So with all that, it has given me a renewed interest in living my life to the fullest and never missing any of it. Age is only a number......never take your years for granted...and enjoy all of it!

[navybeetle]

I rode allot in my early twenties, road and mountain. When I lived in Dallas right out of college my mountain was my only form of transportation. Since then I have lived in Philly, Boston and now Omaha. Omaha is pretty bike friendly, lots of baths and wide streets. I am refreshing my bike maintenance skills & riding skills. I have been doing short "destination" rides. This means when I need to go to Target, the grocery store or anywhere else I make that my destination and the ride home. It is a good way to get riding into my day. I also take rides just for the exercise or the sake of riding. I am getting more comfortable with my bike and more confident on the road. I will say this... I don't look as good in the bike shorts as I did in my twenties!!!! But what the he**!

[huffandpuff]

57 and feeling pretty darned good! Convinced that the biking keeps my joints lubed and my stress level down. Decided about 2 years ago to kick it up a notch and get a road bike, start doing more miles. Kids out of the house so now I have time just for me!

[huffandpuff]

I finally gave up on contacts and went to trifocals - regular pair and sunglasses. works great - I just toss regular glasses in back of my shirt if I'm going to be going inside anywhere. Got really tired of my eyes drying out in contacts and it was worse on bike because of the wind I guess

[arielmoon]

I am 42 today!

2.5 years of riding and I feel like I am in the best shape of my life. I have issues from my accident last year that I will probably be dealing with for a long time but overall I am proud of myself.

[schnitzle]

Happy Birthday Arielmoon!! (I'm 42 as well ^5)

[marni]

62 on the downhill side of the slide towards 63. Started when I was 58 and did my third cross country last year from san diego ca to st augustine fl.

marni

[Crankin]

I guess I'm older than when this thread started :D.
56, heading toward 57 in the fall. I started riding at 47. I did a lot of riding as a young teen and a bit of neighborhood/riding to university stuff in my twenties and early thirties.
I've seen some changes in my ability to recover, but my fitness is still pretty good... I don't really train, per se, although my overall endurance has definitely improved this year from just more time on the bike and lots of winter endurance activity. I know I could improve my ability to sprint and maintain a higher speed on the flats, but I am too lazy! On the whole, though, I wish I had started to do this type of riding in my twenties or thirties.

[Trek420]

I'm 57. Gosh, did I really say that out loud?

Ciao

Somewhere here we had an "over 50, show of hands" thread. Using all my powers of searching I have not been able to find it again and bump it up. :o But there are quite a few of us. I'm 54. :D

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Somewhere here we had an "over 50, show of hands" thread. Using all my powers of searching I have not been able to find it again and bump it up. :o But there are quite a few of us. I'm 54. :D

Trek, I've just been searching too, both posts and threads....and I can't pull up anything older than October 2009.... :eek: :confused: :eek: :confused:
How can we access older threads and posts?? Have they all been deleted? (gosh I hope not!) :(

[Trek420]

I don't think so because I've found older threads before. But I searched by "over 50 show of hands" and various combinations/variations. I also tried (sorry TE gals but it was the only other way) checking older posts by TE members I know to be fabulous and over 50 :rolleyes:

Can't find it because the words are too short but we both know the thread's there. :p Jeff?

I found this classic:

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=19351&

[SaNdEe]

I'm so impressed! I was intimidated to even dare look on the forum, fearful it would consist of loads of incredible young women with awesome riding stories and bonding. And here we are - incredible mature women with awesome stories and bonding.
I'm returning to riding after a 20 year hiatus (as a cave diver, go figure). I have an OK mountain bike but dream of road riding again. I did road races in high school and absolutely loved it but quit when I went away to college and then didn't have health insurance or a great cash flow. Get this - I road on a HUFFY (remember those?) and I beat people. But that was a a looong time ago.
My husband is as happy to ride as I am, but prefers mountain biking and really has no interest in road riding. Any other women riders in the central Florida area I could join? Can't be any crazier riding on Florida roads in the sun than cave diving, can it? :D
I'm 41 and love my becoming silver!

[mizzbananie]

52 here; this is my second year back in the saddle. in june i did the ms tour and the ride to conquer cancer. i don't think i've felt this good in decades... i wish the same for you!

[tctrek]

59 as of yesterday. Soon I'll need an 'over 60' thread :mad:

[shootingstar]

Gosh this thread is old..it may go back further than 2004! :p

I'm 51 but uncertain if I've already responded in this long, snakey thread.

I know not all of us would be comfortable:

but it would be neat if we had photos of self (with sunglasses on for anonymity) along with our present age. It would be enormous living proof to the women 3 decades below 50+ yrs. old, to show how beneficial regular cycling can be.

At this time, it's just magazine pics of gorgeous models in MORE magazine (fashion, beauty mag. about and for women over 40) that's shown. Not totally realistic nor representative in terms of health and beauty.

Just a thought. But idea can be kicked into the can too. :o

[SaNdEe]

OK OK - I changed my profile picture to a newer one (um, a little slow - had the coatamundi for an avatar, not meant for the profile pic!) DOH:eek:
I'm so proud of my profile pic - I was caving in a dress! (It was really more of a small cavern at Muyil).
We had taken my step daughter to Mexico for a week and took her all over the place (Yucatan peninsula). So - I was tan and healthy and happy in that pic. BTW she had a blast on that trip and starts Clemson this fall.

[malkin]

It is a nice pic!

[PamNY]

After my birthday in October I'm going to start an "over 60" thread.

[shootingstar]

After my birthday in October I'm going to start an "over 60" thread.

Sounds good Pam...looking forward to see who joins you. (Maybe there's less than 10 members here this year???)

[firelady]

I am 52 this year. Been off and on a bike since forever. The past 20 years has been more off then on, raising kids and having no time and all. I am training for a 350 mile bike ride this Sept. I still have a ways to go but hopefully I won't disgrace myself. I have bought a new bike and am trying to find that sweet spot still. I ride differently now then 20 years ago but I still enjoy it. Ride on over 40's ride on!

Oh yes I would LOVE to be retired!!!! Hate my job right now.

[ctdancer]

45 years strong ! Just started road biking in May- lovin' every minute of it(once I got my saddle figured out :eek:) ! Ride 15miles daily, 30+ weekends.

[ZooZoo]

48.5 here. I rode in my early 20's - nothing major. Started riding again in October 2008, so almost 2 years.

[blackhillsbiker]

48 here. Started riding again at 46. Also started playing flute again after 30 years. :)

Deb

[zameth]

I turned 40 about 6 months ago so just qualify for this post. I haven't ridden a bike in over 20 years but am all enthused to start now. My husband has a mountain bike and rides the trails around us with the kids so look like joining him in that rather than road. Just need to get myself a bike now! That can be an expensive process but hopefully well worth it.

[Just Joiey]

I'm 55 and just getting started with biking since I was a teenager. But I have been running for the past 3 years. . . Nice to meet you all.
Johannah

[Marionette]

Does anyone else here use more pain relievers than before? I feel like I need an Advil after every ride, just to relieve shoulder and neck fatigue/aches. :(

[tulip]

Does anyone else here use more pain relievers than before? I feel like I need an Advil after every ride, just to relieve shoulder and neck fatigue/aches. :(

What is causing your shoulder and neck fatigue and aches? Is it that your bike doesn't fit you properly, or that your position is not good (putting all your weight on your hands, arms, shoulders) because you are not engaging your core or you don't have the core strength to hold yourself up? Seems like figuring that out will help you relieve the cause of the pain, and then you won't have to take the painkillers.

[CDN RN]

Hi!!! I'm new to this group! I'm 63 (yikes I still feel that I should be 17) and have been cycling for about 14 years. I try to ride about 50 kms/ 5 days a week during the spring , summer early fall starting about 15kms and gradually increasing. I mostly ride in Niagara Ontario.

[MyRubyE]

Welcome CDN to the forum! That is wonderful and so inspiring to read that you're still riding and still feel like a teenager. I hope to still be riding when I hit 63 and beyond :). Look forward to hearing your stories - please share :)

[sempernova]

51 and have been riding since around the age of 32...although this year is my first seriously addicted year! Would love to do a century but hate going out in the cold and rain so will stick to Spin classes this winter with the occassional ride when the weather permits!

[hebe]

44 here, and looking to be competent at some point before reaching retirement age!

[socalgal59]

I'm just returning to cycling after a 10+ yr absence. I use to ride 100+ miles a week. I gave up cycling when we moved to the east coast (couldn't stand the cold winters); but now that we're back in sunny and bike friendly California, I decided to buy a new bike.

I'm in great shape as I run 40+ miles a week, plus work out with weights. I hope to get back to my old cycling routine of 100 miles a week in no time.

[ChillyWilly]

57. Just got my first road bike. Retiring next year. Can you ever be too old to ride? I think not. :)

[stella2]

I'm 51 and sat on a bike for the first time two weeks ago. It's all a bit wobbly. I have trouble stopping in a nice controlled way and I can't take corners yet, but hey, apparently, it's never to late to learn :)

[2WheelsNMe]

Er, I'm 44, haven't biked in nearly 20 years when I rode 125 miles per week...I and have just started the process of regaining my fitness. I'm waiting for my bike to arrive...

[deskrider]

59, and before I bought a bike last week my last ride was 2001 for 8 miles. Prior to that the last ride was 1996 :-( I had a twitchy roadbike that was too short for my torso and too tall for my short legs, and a heavy street bike. Time to give this another try, given that I'm retiring this month.

[Nessa]

Hi! I'm a newbie. I did have a really pretty (that is all I cared about!) 10 speed in college that I rode a few times to work during the summer, but other than that I rode when I was a child...growing up in the country.

I'm 55 and my husband and I just bought Trek 7.3 FX's about two weeks ago. I am already so addicted to cycling! I got the FX's because I didn't feel safe on the bikes with the curled handle bars. We live in a very hilly area in the Ouachita mountains in Arkansas. I just knew I would never get up some of the hills, but I have! I have so much to learn! That is why I'm here! The most I've ridden in one day is 20 miles, but after reading about some of the LONG rides....I'm motivated to hit the road!

[Kris]

I'm 61, and I started riding, very slowly and very short distances, about 5 years ago. I like it better than any other form of exercise, and I'm pleased to say that I now weigh 60 pounds less than I did when I started. I still don't go very fast, and I usually don't go really far either, but I can if I want to or need to. Lately I've been riding to work and to the grocery store. I'd like to try a road trip, but I'm a little bit afraid of roads.

[stella2]

I'm 61, and I started riding, very slowly and very short distances, about 5 years ago. I like it better than any other form of exercise, and I'm pleased to say that I now weigh 60 pounds less than I did when I started. I still don't go very fast, and I usually don't go really far either, but I can if I want to or need to. Lately I've been riding to work and to the grocery store. I'd like to try a road trip, but I'm a little bit afraid of roads. Kris, that really inspiring to me :) were you by any chance nervous of going downhill when you started (see thread Nervous Nelly scared of hills!). Anyway, you sound brilliant.

[clintonh5559]

hey i am Clinton


and i am new here anyway i am from toronto ontario canada

and i am working for an online advertising management and i think i could make it a steady job

but hey im looking forward in meeting new friends in this site by the way nice thread

and nice meeting you all :)

[Kris]

Kris, that really inspiring to me :) were you by any chance nervous of going downhill when you started (see thread Nervous Nelly scared of hills!). Anyway, you sound brilliant.


Thanks. I live in Central Illinois, and hills here are pretty tame. I did ride as a child, and that helped too. I haven't had, or made, many opportunities to ride downhill at breakneck speed, but when I started, I was more afraid of going up than coming down, of the humiliation of having to walk my bike up the little hill I live on. I had to master using the gears before I could make it up on the bike. Now it's almost easy.

[hideandsheep]

I am 60 and really started to cycle this year. I am taking it slow but am proud of my progress.