Are there many, some, a few of us over 50??

[smittykitty]

What a great post! I'm gonna be 56 next mo!!! How did that happen? I'm a long way from being strong or really active, but.... I'm way more active the last several years than the previous 50.

It's been really fun finally learning to push my body a bit to get stronger. I hope I can continue being active for a very long time.

I have learned it is so important at this age to never slow down. I'm afraid if I stop, I might not be able to start again.

I have relatives in their early 60s. They are totally inactive and overweight with diabetes. They would be so much more fun if we could do active things with them. I worry about their health. I guess they are good motivation to take care of myself and stay healthy and active. But so sad for them.

[Berrybiker]

Now this a group that I'm proud to join. I feel so inspired after reading all of your stories. I turned 55 in May of this year and started looking for a new bike a few weeks later. I didn't even make the connection at the time. All I could think of was that I just realized I missed biking (after 8-10 years away from it) and wanted a new bike to start riding. So maybe I subcounsciously gave myselt a great 55th birthday present. The great thing is that I always enjoyed cycling before--I love it now! I love the way it makes me feel when I am riding, and the way I feel like I have so much more energy afterwards. I had a lot of fun this summer and fall just getting used to riding again, and I have learned much--both on the bike and from this forum. Now I want to keep riding and learning. I want to set goals for myself--improve my skills, go for longer rides, maybe soon/eventually get involved in some group rides and charity events. The exercise, along with feeling healthier, is a great bonus, but the main thing is that I'm having fun, and I look forward to having even more fun!!!

I think I appreciate everything so much more than I could when I was younger. The only downside: It is a little more of a challenge to get/stay in shape. My riding is really limited to weekends (when I can manage that) this time of year, and I can really tell the difference when I have been off of the bike for a week and start again. I rode last Sunday, and then couldn't ride again until today, and it felt like I was starting all over again. But, on the plus side, at this point in my life I have learned there is always a solution. My plan now is to get a trainer (as soon as my wallet will allow) so that I can stay in shape for those weekend rides--and for next spring. And I am so looking forward to next spring!!!!

[newport5]

Hi All,
I am 62 and spending a lot of time in the gym and on the road with my husband. We are riding around southern California and loving it.

[spazzdog]

56 as of this past October... and AARP has been hounding me with junk mail for years. wish they'd save paper and just skip my name

[ladyicon]

spazzdog ( I have a dog that fits that name). I know what you mean about AARP mail. I wish there was a way to opt out.

[Crankin]

My 29 year old son received mail from AARP, at my address.
Oops.

[marni]

spazzdog ( I have a dog that fits that name). I know what you mean about AARP mail. I wish there was a way to opt out.

Move house overseas for four years, move back and then move twice again in the next three years. Somehow I have managed to shake all of the missionaries of various sects and the AARP. Of course those 4 moves kicked me over 20 major moves with and without children but always with pets in 36 years of marriage.

I didn't start riding until I was 59 but still do as much as I can.

marni

[shootingstar]

Hey folks, we broke the 15,000 views barrier on this thread!

It's kinda of inspiring that we keep this thread alive over...the years. Like a little running chain of support, hope, looking back and forward as we get older...we answer our next age.

[szsz]

spazzdog ( I have a dog that fits that name). I know what you mean about AARP mail. I wish there was a way to opt out.

Ladicon, I see you are in SanDag. Do you have a group you ride with?

[carolp]

I am 59 and will do my fifth AIDS Lifecycle in June. In NoCal there are so many groups to ride with. I mainly stick to the AIDS Lifecycle Cat2 training rides. No one gets left behind.

[AppleTree]

Now this a group that I'm proud to join. I feel so inspired after reading all of your stories. I turned 55 in May of this year and started looking for a new bike a few weeks later. I didn't even make the connection at the time. All I could think of was that I just realized I missed biking (after 8-10 years away from it) and wanted a new bike to start riding. So maybe I subcounsciously gave myselt a great 55th birthday present. The great thing is that I always enjoyed cycling before--I love it now! I love the way it makes me feel when I am riding, and the way I feel like I have so much more energy afterwards. I had a lot of fun this summer and fall just getting used to riding again, and I have learned much--both on the bike and from this forum. Now I want to keep riding and learning. I want to set goals for myself--improve my skills, go for longer rides, maybe soon/eventually get involved in some group rides and charity events. The exercise, along with feeling healthier, is a great bonus, but the main thing is that I'm having fun, and I look forward to having even more fun!!!

I think I appreciate everything so much more than I could when I was younger. The only downside: It is a little more of a challenge to get/stay in shape. My riding is really limited to weekends (when I can manage that) this time of year, and I can really tell the difference when I have been off of the bike for a week and start again. I rode last Sunday, and then couldn't ride again until today, and it felt like I was starting all over again. But, on the plus side, at this point in my life I have learned there is always a solution. My plan now is to get a trainer (as soon as my wallet will allow) so that I can stay in shape for those weekend rides--and for next spring. And I am so looking forward to next spring!!!!

Totally agree with everything you say.. I am turning 55 next year, and have been cycling (with a passion!) for almost five years now, and loving it even more each day. This year I completed the Seattle to Portland bike ride (204 miles) for the first time and looking forward to doing it again next year.

My husband was very involved in hiking and backpacking for years, and I never could quite get interested in that much, but we have both loved cycling and enjoy our cycle outings together (even though we ride at different paces). I only wish we had started even sooner than we did.