I'm 59, have been riding seriously for 12 years. I too thought it was my fitness level, or age, until I ended up in the ER with a severe asthma attack. I was on a week long tour, Ride the Rockies, and felt worse as the week went on. Fortunately, the attack happened in the morning before I took off on the bike.

I've had asthma for a few years but this was the first attack that my inhaler didn't work for.

I'm not sure why but I've unknowingly struggled with it this whole season. I knew something was wrong but couldn't figure out what.

I thought my asthma was controlled but I obviously it wasn't. I also find that it hits me unexpectedly, just when I think I know everything about it something else pops up that sets me off.