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

[Crankin]

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

[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.

[tealtreak]

Just curious, I'm 54 and when I'm on my bike I feel pretty young. My issues
are a little different than younger gals' issues are; but in general are the same.

For perspective, I remember riding around the block on my bike with a little american flag and chanting "Kennedy for President!"


It is hard to tell how many of you are out there in my age group. Who's the oldest gal here?

mimi

Hello! I am 50 and just getting into Mt biking (: I was a big time roadie pre kids, then no riding for many years............My sons bought a Mt bike for Mothers Day (we have always hiked and kayaked together) I am loving the trails- does make you feel younger (except a few hours after a wreck!) lol

[tealtreak]

I'm 55 and think I'm fairly fit, back in my late 20's/early30's I was a runner. I want to get back into running - that was my plan late last year, but last December 2nd, I broke my ankle in 3 places and its been a long recovery stretch -orthopod wanted me a year out before I started jogging. I spent alot of time on my bike. Need to do some weight lifting and maybe try a spin class this winter. My biggest issue with being over the age of 50 - is lack of training buddies, DGF doesn't share my 'exercise' enjoyment. Anyone else with the same problem of lack of exercising buddies? Any suggestions?

wow can I relate! I love to Mountain bike- but my main "riding buddies" are my teen sons- love them- but they are so far ahead of me technically it is demoralizing! I do enjoy keeping up with them climbing..........The few women I have connected with that want to ride have a totally different schedule than I do, (they are younger with no teenagers) so I ride solo often..........

[OakLeaf]

My biggest issue with being over the age of 50 - is lack of training buddies, DGF doesn't share my 'exercise' enjoyment. Anyone else with the same problem of lack of exercising buddies? Any suggestions?

Is there a bike club near you? My husband doesn't ride or run either. I prefer to run alone, but for cycling, I join club rides, and now that I've gotten to know some of the club members who ride a similar pace to me, we'll do impromptu rides on our own schedule sometimes too.

[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.

[beccaB]

I'm 50, and I just competed in a mountain Bike race in November!

[Bike Chick]

I'm 53 and competed in the Illinois and Missouri Senior Olympics last year in cycling and triathlon. What fun!!! And I was one of the youngest ones there!

[jusdooit]

Way to go Bike Chick. I am thinking about competing in Senior Olympics this year as a 50 year old baby.

[Bike Chick]

Way to go Bike Chick. I am thinking about competing in Senior Olympics this year as a 50 year old baby.

You should do it. It's really a lot of fun. A lot of our "younger" friends made fun of us but I didn't care. There was a 90 year old man in both Illinois and Missouri that competed. How inspiring. I don't think I could even get my leg over a bike at that age much less competing in a time trial and a road race.

[tealtreak]

I'm 53 and competed in the Illinois and Missouri Senior Olympics last year in cycling and triathlon. What fun!!! And I was one of the youngest ones there!

Wow! way to go! (: Do they have a mountain biking competition?

[tealtreak]

I'm 50, and I just competed in a mountain Bike race in November!

awesome! Where/when was it? I am getting the bug, but exterra (which is here) is out of my technical ability (strictly xc at this point)