New Older Cyclists

[GLC1968]

I'm in a similar boat as you! I started cycling last year at 37 and while I was already quite fit and adapted well...I'm still working on my cycling skills (and I've got a long way to go!). It is odd to think that I am just starting out at this while a couple of guys I work with are 'retired' from racing and they are only a couple of years older than me. Of course, they've been competitive since they were in their early teens and now they want to raise their families...so the situation is very different.

I agree with what everyone said about giving yourself some time to get used to being on the bike. I completed two centuries this year and regularly commute to work, but I know that I still need a lot of experience before I'm ready to race. I've always looked young for my age...so maybe it'll come in handy! Oh, and my guess is that the 25 year olds are faster because they've been riding longer...not because their bodies are younger.

Keep it up and you'll get there...and likely it'll be long before you get decrepit!

[RoadRaven]

Oh, and my guess is that the 25 year olds are faster because they've been riding longer...not because their bodies are younger.

As I posted earlier... if you trained the same way as a 25 year old, and had the same genetic talent - the advantage goes to the younger rider.

However, if you train harder than 25 year olds, and they are not as committed as you, you will better them...

Its all relative... focus on yourself, because ultimately, that is the only factor you have control over. Enjoy

[Bikingmomof3]

You can do it.

I just learned to cycle this summer at age 37. I have every intention of doing a triathlon and some racing.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Hey SadieKate-
I was trying to figure out in your avatar what Liberace had to do with bicycling....then I finally read it right. Ha Ha, I guess that kinda dates ME!!

[CyclChyk]

PyxiChick - I am .... ahem..... 38 and I jsut started riding in July. I too average about 100+ miles a week (when I manage to stay "upright" that is).

This is how I look at it:

I am becoming the tomboy I always wanted to be. I am reliving my youth the way I would have wanted to the first time. I am getting HEALTHY for the first time in ... well.... EVER. I want to do a triathalon BADLY (altho I think my feet will prevent that from ever happening).

I live off MTV (lovelove the RealWorld/RoadRules challenge shows); teenage agnst movies are my favorite. And in my mind, I am 23.

Am I too old to cycle?? Who cares. I am just having the time of my life!! And stick around here for a bit. You will find you are far from being alone.

[ClockworkOrange]

PyxiChick - I am .... ahem..... 38 and I jsut started riding in July. I too average about 100+ miles a week (when I manage to stay "upright" that is).

This is how I look at it:

I am becoming the tomboy I always wanted to be. I am reliving my youth the way I would have wanted to the first time. I am getting HEALTHY for the first time in ... well.... EVER. I want to do a triathalon BADLY (altho I think my feet will prevent that from ever happening).

I live off MTV (lovelove the RealWorld/RoadRules challenge shows); teenage agnst movies are my favorite. And in my mind, I am 23.

Am I too old to cycle?? Who cares. I am just having the time of my life!! And stick around here for a bit. You will find you are far from being alone.

YAY.............I could have written this myself, with two exceptions. I don't want to do triathalon and I am slightly older than you hun.......hmmmmm, nearly 57!

I am like a big kid, I get up early to do my boring housework etc then regardless of weather, I have to go off on my bike before work, although I don't start work until midday.

If I can't go out for whatever reason, I sulk cos


Sally