looks like we need to start a new thread soon, "over 50 show of hands" ;-) that'll be me in a year n' a quarter
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looks like we need to start a new thread soon, "over 50 show of hands" ;-) that'll be me in a year n' a quarter
Thanks MaryEllen for the advice, I think I will look more seriously into road bikes. They just seem to get me excited about riding! Reminds me of my teenage years riding my 10 speed everywhere. Anyway, wish me luck in my search for something suitable!
Hey Grrls!
Sophie here... in (now wet Fresno, CA). turned 52 this year (feel like i'm the old lady here) and have been riding for 5 years. the Mr. and i ride sometimes together, sometimes alone. but with retirement brought added mileage and now we both do around 100mi/wk. i know i could do more, but have other responsibilities to share me with.
love the bike, love to cycle, love the quiet times on the back roads, love big hills, (both up and down) love the way you can sweat and use lots of energy, and keep coming back for more!
income tax will bring new road bike for me! have been drooling through the catalogs, and bike stores.
soph
Hi - my name is Kathie and I'm 45 - 46 in 2 months! I've been riding on and off since I was 5 - sometimes more seriously than others. My second husband divorced me 6 yrs ago and I moved allllll the way across the US from Indiana to New Mexico by way of Arizona. During my journey I discovered who I Really was as a person and am trying to decide if I ever want to get married again?.........or even have a partner?? :p My office moved the first of June right next to a bike trail that has its head about 1 mile from my house so I bought a Trek Commuter bike and I now ride to work every day I can - 6 miles each way: coming down the mountain in the morning, going up the mountain at night. I Love my Trek but am now lusting for a road bike. I Want More Speed!! I found this forum in Sept and you gals - ALL of you - psych me so much. I want to ride a centuary and join a club and buy fast bikes and ride races and and and and..........
turned 49 last week... haven't died yet :D
weather here is horrible and the kitchen remodel just went from the addition to actually tearing out the old kitchen... what a mess! Banging and drilling and flying debris!
Thankfully my builder is the tidiest man in the universe and when he leaves for the day everything is spic & span.
rain forcast for most of the week... and cold. New England - YUCK!
I started riding 2003, on a road bike. I was preparing for the pennsylvania senior games ( for anyone over 50) when in june I was run off the road and hit a pothole and fell, seperated my shoulder, so of course the july senior games were out.
well this year i started in march and qualified for 10k and 20k for the senior olympic games in pittsburgh. my point is when i went to the senior games (held in ever state) i couldn;t believe what an insipration it was to see all those seniors out there doing there sport. swimming track and field etc. I was amazed ,and in the cycling, well there serious about that too. It was a lot of fun and the people are so great and friendly. there is life after 50 in the sporting world.
I love to bycyle and entered 4 races this year. some times iam the only one in the 60-65 age group, but thats okay, because everyone cheers you on, guys in there 20-30years. say to you ,
keep going your doing great etc. so much fun , lots of hard work but i just love biking.
I'm 49, and am just starting to get into biking seriously. I just picked up my new Trek 1500 WSD and love it! I spent a good part of my first ride pedaling into a stiff wind, which would have exhausted me on my old Schwinn Sierra.
I thought it would take me awhile to get used to a road bike, but I had no trouble at all, except when I almost ran into my own car in the driveway, because the steering is so sensitive. My usual 10 mile bike ride went so fast, a stop at the LBS for some adjustments added only 9 minutes to my usual ride time. My time to ride is usually limited to one hour a day during the week, but now I'll have to lengthen the route!
I did a lot of research prior to purchasing my Trek, and I learned alot from reading this forum. Thank you to all of you who so generously share your knowledge, wisdom, and experience...my learning curve will be alot smaller because of you!
Welcome to the board and oooo aahhhh on the Trek 1500. I have the Trek Navigator 200 and its sweet for tooling back N forth to work - but it just ain't fast enough! Drooling N dreaming over the Rivendells right now! Anyway - welcome and enjoy!
Thank you for the welcome, CorsairMac. Although I had briefly tried my friend's Trek 2000 and thought it OK, I had planned to do alot of shopping around to find just the right bike for me, but as it is with most things (I'm 5'1"), no one had a bike in stock that was small enough for me to try. The owner of the LBS in my town clearly has a passion for biking and treated me like an equal, so, after alot of internet research and looking at Cannondale, Fuji and Trek, I decided I wanted to try the Trek 1500. He special ordered the 43cm, and he told me it would be no problem if I didn't like it (unlike some other shops). I liked it when I road tested it, but was very cautious and kind of nervous since I wasn't used to the bike (and didn't own it yet...didn't want to bring it back in 2 pieces and say, "sorry, this one's not for me!"). Today, however, was a different story...I felt like I had moved from a pick-up truck to a Porsche! Even the saddle it came with feels good! I've got a busy day tomorrow, but, somehow, I will find time for a ride!
Yeah,
about 10 years ago!
S.
Hey all,
I'm over 40--and generally loving life. Age is relative, right?
I still am highly encumbered by small children when riding, but we ride a LOT together as a family. I use a duo-trailer and we have a trailer-cycle (tagalong) thingie too. We are contemplating on buying a Bike Friday convertible triple bike so that we can more easily be a bike train. Are we nuts?!
Jane
Another "over-40" checking in....born in 1963 so I'm in the club - but barely. Got 2 kids in high school. Mileage is suffering right now until marching band season is over....
I'm looking really hard at 50 now, except I really don't feel that ancient. I keep wondering how it happened. I could swear I was 17 just yesterday... :confused:
Kids marching. Yep, know all about that. All Saturdays in Oct. are accounted for by marching contests. I found myself on a lovely fall day manning a consession stand instead of riding my bike - and NOT minding. Weird.
Kids generally: Younger Daughter messed up the front of our car last night. We are now down to .5 cars. (I count a car in the shop as .5 car.) Dad commutes on his bike, and I run errands on mine, so it's not a big deal (ignoring the $$$ to fix the car). Having YD take over the car has done wonders for my mileage. And hauling cat food and milk home up that hill just has to be good for me, Right?
Actually getting closer to 50.:eek: But it's been good years!! Now I'm just more determined to take care of myself, so I can enjoy being a grandma one of these days, if that ever happens!! My 21 yo is too busy trying to get her education and 14yo...let's not go there.
I sure understand about band competitions. The last football game is tomorrow night,woohoo!! No more marching until the Aldophus Children's Christmas Parade in Dallas. Our band will be one of the lead-off bands. Look for Boswell High School from Saginaw, TX(ok, shameless school promotion). Anyway, my daughter plays cymbals and is a "ahem" percussionist.;)
The bike is up on the trainer right now, but with the rain stopping I'll probably take it back down. BTW, I think I decided to name the big recumbent, Stretch. Corny enough to fit(pun intended), and Texas sounding too!
Hi, Everyone:
Sure is nice to see that there are quite a few of us out there living life to the fullest from the seat of a bike.
I'm 57 and I started riding 7 or 8 yrs. ago to lose weight. I was successful at that endeavor--a pound a week for a year. Was written up in Prevention magazine, Win the Sugar Wars book by Rodale and a Boardroom magaine. So I've been devout ever since. Even used to work at Bicycling Magazine and had the opportunity to ride at lunch with co-workers.
Started track cycling this year and plan to train for the PA/NJ State Games this coming Aug. at the Lehigh Valley Velodrome.
Working on getting my trainer & coach, now. Also became a League of American Bicyclists Cycling Instructor last year and have been teaching people in our age bracket that are just getting started riding. If any of you are concerned about riding in the street or on the roads, contact your local LCI (League Cycling Instructor) for Road I classes in your area. You can find cycling instructors by going to www.bikeleague.org and then to the BikEd section and then to the instructors by state.
One of the things I saw some discussion about is having trouble finding bikes that fit? If you ever have pain while riding or seem to accummulate pain while riding, have your fit checked at a bike shop. If the problem continues, have a bio-mechanical fit.
It takes all your flexibility, injuries, age, weight, etc. into consideration when being fit for a bike.
I had a Trek 2000 road bike for several years and did a full century on it as well as all the training rides leading up to it and as time passed, I noticed pain at the base of my neck between my shoulders getting worse and worse. I worked on relaxing my shoulders and consiously pushing my shoulders down and nothing worked. I finally met a mechanic from Serrotta that gave me a fit check on my Trek and we discovered that the top tube was too long for my torso and the stem was already the shortest available. So I began my search for a custom built bike. Not one customized for me; but one designed and built just for me.
I have to tell you that my Serrotta is just the ticket. No more pain, well aside from the one in the butt that ya get after several hrs. in the saddle. It fits like a comfortable pair of shoes and I never knew cycling was supposed to feel this good.
This is not meant to make you feel that you need to have a custom built bike to be a cyclist, just if you ever have trouble and just can't figure out why. Start with the bike fit check up and go from there. Be sure to find a shop that does bio-mechanical fits because those quick fits that some shops do aren't always adequate to give you a comfortable ride.
That's me 52 and counting, well when you consider the alternative counting ain't so bad. I'll be 53 in February and I started cycling at the ripe old age of 46. Nothing hard core like mountain biking I'm a roadie and like to do endurance rides like century rides.
Who am I kidding right now I would like to endure a 10 miler......awhhh shame on me, but I'll be back in the saddle and strong as ever this coming year it's a promise I've made to myself.
Howdy all,
Kate
HOW FUNNY! That is EXACTLY what I thought the first time I road my Gilmour (custom bike) - "This feels like a comfortable pair of shoes." I would also add that bike handling became second nature also.Quote:
Originally posted by Concretecutie
I have to tell you that my Serrotta is just the ticket. No more pain, well aside from the one in the butt that ya get after several hrs. in the saddle. It fits like a comfortable pair of shoes and I never knew cycling was supposed to feel this good.
I turned 50 on Nov. 2. Only been cycling for just over 3 years and sure do love it. It has given me a love for all kinds of fitness. I am in an aerobics class on Monday nights, have my own little gym in the basement of inexpensive used equipment that I have picked up little by little. I set it up in a 1/2 circuit in front of a tv and CD/ Radio player. I walk every morning before work. I also lift weights. I guess seeing my body toned and the compliments I get (mainly from my husband and adult children) have inspired me too. They say I look better now than I ever have!! My oldest son who is 28 tells everyone his mom is a jock! I think he is proud of me.
We have flat lands around here so I am envious of you all that have hills to ride! I have a hard time cycling against wind though.
Gretchen-I love yellow labs. We had one once. they are the best, loving, smartest dogs!!
I'm over 50 (OK, I'm 52!) - can I play too?
I celebrated my 50th birthday with a solo bike tour across the USA, and while that was my longest tour to date, it wasn't my last. I'm convinced that biking helps keep me young, and I'm looking forward to continuing this passion for many years to come!
Kate !! Nice to hear from you, I was wondering what became of you. Welcome back ! Now don't be a stranger, y'hear? You and snapdragen can 'encourage' each other to get out riding again :D
- Jo.
Over 40s rule! There are a LOT of us out there!
Personal benefits that I have achieved from moderate cycling:
1. Lost a bit of weight. I'm fat, so I still have a LONG way to go on this level, but that said, at least I'm getting exercise regularly.
2. My blood pressure is now consistently at 106-110/68-70.
3. My resting pulse rate is always below 70.
(I know this information because I donate blood every 2 months and they tell me!)
4. I feel better.
5. I'm more flexible.
6. I don't suffer from SADD like I sometimes did when I wasn't biking all winter.
7. My asthma is easily controlled and I haven't had a bad attack since I started riding regularly (4.5 years ago now).
8. I not only have learned how to clean my bike, I can change a flat, adjust my derailleur, and do all sorts of basic maintenance and fit adjustments that I had no idea how to do before.
9. I have more confidence.
10. I have met all sorts of neat people because I bike.
11. I know my neighborhood so much better than I ever did when I was driving everywhere.
12. Cycling puts me in tune with the seasons: like when the redbuds bloom or when you can smell the linden trees flowering.
13. I can comfortably get around without using a car. For days. With 3 small kids. Including grocery shopping!
14. Driving my car in traffic makes me frustrated and stressed out. Biking makes me smile! :-D
Jane
Wow, how great to find all of you! I'll be 49 in March and just got into cycling having first gotten hooked on spin classes this fall. This weekend I bought my first "big girl" bike--a Gary Fisher Big Sur. I had the LBS put a cut-out seat on it; I saved the knobby tires and put on some a little slicker for the roads and asphalt paths near the house.
Anyway, the bug has bitten me, big time. I hope to get in even better shape and join the local club for group ride soon.
Since really commiting to working out these past few months (spin classes at least 3 times a week, weights 2-3 times a week) I'm feeling stronger and having more fun than in many years. Partly, too, I've got a little more time to enjoy; since our daughters are now 14 and 17 they have their own activities and interests, so my getting away to the gym for an hour or so is no big deal.
I want to be one of those 70-plus ladies tearing up the road!
Nice to meet all of you!!!
I have a question for us grrls of a certain age; my next milestone will be bi-focals. Ack!
Any of you use them, ride with them? How's that working for ya?
48 and wish I'd enjoyed my teen years as much as I'm enjoying my 40's :rolleyes:
I wear varifocals. although I don't ride in them, I can see without them (although not to read!) but everything is a little hazey (including the wrinkles :D )
I got them from a place that would give a refund if I didn't get on with them within a month, so I couldn't lose :)
I don't think I could cope with the line that comes with bi-focals, but I've never tried...
I'm already there. I have transitional lenses, meaning I look out the top for distance and the bottom for close-range. Sounds more complicated than it is. It took me about a week to get used to them (I felt slightly off-balance and a little queasy) and then it was fine. I ride in them, play golf, etc. No worries.
P.S. In other words, these are sorta like bifocals without the lines, for folks who have both far- and near-sightedness like me.
hey Trek...
i have bifocal contacts.
no trouble except for drying out occasionally. and when i want to do really close-up stuff, like taking out counted-crosstitch stitches. then i use the cheapy glasses from Costco. (3-pak). also with the contacts, you can still wear the cool-looking 'biker' sun glasses or the clear covers when it's foggy or on the dark side. i do suggest if you are doing off road or lots of (down) hills, to wear some sort of eye protection. i have hadlittle bits of dust get in my eyes, and it feels like a boulder. also had a contact flip out and loose it when the wind got underneath an edge and lift it.
but i love my bifocal contacts....too easy!
soph
I wear multi-focal contact lenses all the time, and don't have any problems with them while riding. They are very thick for contacts (think contacts from 20 years ago), making my eyes dry out quickly and *any* dust/debris/etc *very* irritating. But, all in all, it's great not to have to pull out the reading glasses all the time. As long as you wear eye protection, these lenses work great for cycling.
Monovision contacts for me. That's one contact for seeing far away ( my left eye) and one contact for seeing close up/reading (my right eye). I got them last summer. I LOVE them. I really didn't like having to give in to "old" eyes, but finally had to admit I needed help. :rolleyes: Anyway, I went in, got my exam, popped in the new contacts and was totally amazed by how well I could see, both near and far. It sounds weird, I know. I couldn't imagine how it would work, but the brain compensates for the two different messages it is receiving and picks the appropriate one. At least that' s how it's supposed to work. It doesn't always do so. They say you know right away whether you can do it or not. It makes some people so dizzy that they get sick. I am lucky and I am grateful it I can wear them. Maybe someday I'll go for Lasik surgery, but not yet. It was spend my money on braces (at my age!!!) or lasik eyes. I went for the braces. No regrets. Hopefully by the time I can afford the eyes, they'll be able to correct everything!
annie
LOL, could this be a mid-life crisis trend? I looked into LASIK but I was turned down (admittedly I went to a very picky Dr., but I would only do it if my eyes were definitely suitable for the procedure, and they weren't - bummer). So I got braces. :pQuote:
It was spend my money on braces (at my age!!!) or lasik eyes. I went for the braces. No regrets. Hopefully by the time I can afford the eyes, they'll be able to correct everything!
Liposuction next ! (just kidding)
- Jo.
I wear progressive lenses - they blend the lenses so theres no line and depending on what you need is where you look thru the lens. Of course - I lost one of the lenses on the mountain while hiking so I'm down to just 1 lens right now and doing Very well! LOL I have the lens for the eye that needs to see distance and I only wear my glasses when I drive or watch TV. I need a new pair - but lets think - glasses or new cyling clothes for spring? No brainer there! :D I can't wear contacts because my allergies are so bad I keep popping the contacts out or washing them out when my eyes tear!
When I first "transitioned" into the need for bifocals, I got the progressives. That lasted about a month. I got so car-sick wearing them... not to mention the tripping down stairs and ove my own feet.
I changed to regular bi-focals with the line... like in many areas of my life, I needed that visible line :D .
I have 4 pair of glassess: 1) my bifocals, which I wear most all the time 2) my single vision (far) for driving at night 3) my single vision (far) sunglasses for driving & what not in the daytime 4) single vision (far) sport glasses for biking/running.
And now I'm considering buying stock in LensCrafter :p
I'm still hanging on to my long-distance contact lenses while I ride. Of course, I can't really see my speedometer very well and reading any kind of a map is out of the question. Then the ol' reading glasses come out of the rear bag. The monovision alternative sounds very interesting!
I understand that Lasik in the US can correct distance vision but does nothing for presbyopia - in fact, may even throw you into needing reading glasses at an earlier age. I heard Europe has a procedure that corrects presbyopia as well. So far, nothing works perfectly (like 20 year old eyes did)!
This is kind of a cath-all, guys....I've been drinking whole milk (quart a day) for years and do fine. I like the organic stuff best. Had a bone density test recently (I'm 56) and they said I had the bone density of a 29 year old. I have total hip replacements - got 'em about 20 years ago - work great. Personally, I'm big on dairy anyway - I eat a pound of butter, and a dozen eggs every week and have a cholesterol count of 163 - BUT I hardly ever eat fried foods. As far as blood work, I did want to mention that I got pretty run down a couple of years ago, so I started taking vitamins and stuff - unfortunately that wasn't the problem - I had colon cancer and one of the symptoms is acute anemia. A single mom raising kids and working, I'm not the type to go in for tests, but I should have been...Not trying to sound scary here, but if the numbers don't come up, be sure to follow up. My bike was a godsend during chemo. Being able to get out and do something for myself kept me going....PS density tests are EASY and painfree. But I was going to mention also that I think I saw something recently about it being possible to get too much iron..
Meant to add this on....bifocals. Zeiss makes a bi or tri that has a different configuration than most of the bifocals on the market. I love mine - I have trifocals- and can't stand the others. They're more expensive, but for me, they're worth it!
Have been biking off and on since I was 5. Bought my new bike June 9 2001 and had a horseback riding accident a week later...moved twice in the next 2 years and am NOW just NOW getting back into it.
Lots of dangerous traffice here in Ft. Lauderdale. Anyone know of good times/places to bike here? My bike club is very suburban....I'm closer to downtown and the beach. Don't like the idea of driving to the suburbs just to ride in THEIR traffice as opposed to my own! :rolleyes:
I'm 45, started mtn biking 2 years ago, I was an avid hiker prior until the hip started bothering me too much, took up the bike and haven't turned back. Now I'm a happy cycling fanatic.
donna
I am 4 years from 40, but the chiropractor balanced me out when I was waking up feeling crippled every morning and evening.Quote:
Originally Posted by gretchen
How about over 60? I am 64- You women are a bunch of youngsters in my book! Just know, if I can do this, you can too!
Long distance runner turned cyclist in summer of 2003 due to degenerative arthritis in both knees (family trait). Should have taken this up sooner as cycling is a natural for me. When I look at all of you young uns I wish I could turn the clock back- oh well, I'm in this til the end! :D :D :D
Nancy you are an inspiration to me!! I'm 37 and hope to be riding hard well into my 80's!! cycling is, well, life! :o
Do you race at all? I do a little racing now. I kind of dream of doing a solo 24 hour race when I'm in my 50's....
Namaste,
~T~