Great grandma beginner

[smittykitty]

You go girl!

[sashadieken]

I even dreamed about bicycling last night--going up ramps and stairs in a very tall building

I was mainly planning on using the bike to go into town and grocery shop. It's an 8 mile roundtrip on the back road with an elevation gain of around 400 feet. (My "big" ride the other day had an elevation gain of 908' for comparison.) I carry big waterproof panniers on the back and a largish bag on the handlebars. I can't think the extra weight is much of a detriment since I myself am about 40 lbs overweight!

I'm going to try to add a photo:
[IMG]
Untitled by dogcollarsp, on Flickr[/IMG]

The reason I know the elevation gain is that I bought a Garmin 450 and mounted it on the handlebars so I wouldn't get lost! I did this after my husband and I were mushroom hunting last month and he got lost and we didn't find him until the next day! He is 82 and on insulin and Coumadin and half blind so it was dicey. If anyone wants to read one son's report, it's here: http://www.splattski.com/2012/sar/index.html

Is it crazy to have the idea of riding the century at my age (which is 65, much younger than my husband)? I'm sort of imagining I could work up to it by next summer.

[hebe]

Well done! I am quite sure you could do a century if you put your mind to it. I started riding at 44, the hardest thing was getting going. No advice on cleats I'm afraid. Enjoy your riding

[Tri Girl]

LOVE the bike!! Super cute (and really functional). Woot!!!

[MGM]

Is it crazy to have the idea of riding the century at my age (which is 65, much younger than my husband)? I'm sort of imagining I could work up to it by next summer.

Not crazy all all! There ARE 65 year olds doing centuries. You sound like you have quite a bit of stamina to build on.

[velo]

You absolutely can do a century. I think that's a wonderful goal! As far as clipless pedals and shoes go... everyone I've ever known has said that it was the single best decision when putting in serious miles. Toe clips are an option, but I personally find them difficult to get out of (pulling the foot straight back). YMMV. Your bike looks lovely... wishing you many happy miles together.

[lovelygamer]

No advice because I am a newbie @ 38 years old. I hope to do a century too-perhaps a local one next fall. You are doing great though! I love your bike. Good luck and stay safe.

[Kathi]

Yes, with proper training, you can do a century, or a bike tour. I'm 64, just completed a 300 mile bike tour over 5 days in Nebraska. Longest day was 70 miles. There were women, and men, older than me on the tour and they rode every mile. I also know a 74 yr old woman who completed a ride across country last year. Because the ride began in March and she was living at a ski resort she did all of her training on a bike trainer indoors.

Nothing wrong with the current bike you're riding but for 100 miles of riding I suggest you get a well fitted road bike that is lighter and has better gearing for climbs.

[sashadieken]

Thank you, everyone, for your comments and encouragement! I think I will put that plan in motion. I'm sure the journey is going to be interesting and I'll learn a lot about biking and about myself as well.