65 and new to cycling

[kajero]

There is a thread on bikeforums.com devoted to riders over 50. It is really fun. Inside of that thread is another one for riders 65+. I wish we had one of those here!

I also gave up on average mph meaning anything. You can ride all day at 14 mph but if you have to keep stopping for streetlights and what not you will never actually ride at an average of 14 mph!

There is one trail I ride that has very little stopping for anything. I can always average 14-17 mph on it. Another trail I ride that is very similar to it I can never get beyond 12 mph. There are just too many stops signs and lights. It is also busy and if you get behind a group, you often to have follow at their speed until you can pass them.

And if you ride around the Chain of Lakes in Minneapolis, MN, the trails have a speed limit of 10 mph (as if anyone follows THAT).

So to me, average speed is relative. Just ride and enjoy!

[Trek420]

There is a thread on bikeforums.com devoted to riders over 50. It is really fun. Inside of that thread is another one for riders 65+. I wish we had one of those here!

We have several large threads titled "Is there anyone/someone here over 30 ... 40 .... 50 ...." I just can't find them at the moment.

[AppleTree]

There is a thread on bikeforums.com devoted to riders over 50. It is really fun. Inside of that thread is another one for riders 65+. I wish we had one of those here!

I also gave up on average mph meaning anything. You can ride all day at 14 mph but if you have to keep stopping for streetlights and what not you will never actually ride at an average of 14 mph!

There is one trail I ride that has very little stopping for anything. I can always average 14-17 mph on it. Another trail I ride that is very similar to it I can never get beyond 12 mph. There are just too many stops signs and lights. It is also busy and if you get behind a group, you often to have follow at their speed until you can pass them.

And if you ride around the Chain of Lakes in Minneapolis, MN, the trails have a speed limit of 10 mph (as if anyone follows THAT).

So to me, average speed is relative. Just ride and enjoy!

I would second the idea of having a dedicated thread for 50+!! So who do we ask to get that? Not just a thread, but a regular topic, like the "new riders" or "touring" topics.

[sarahkonamojo]

Sasha,
I will just try to help here... you need a new bike!
Along with a lot of base miles, a new road bike will find its way into your life.
So start saving up and looking around and keep riding.
S

[sashadieken]

Sarah,
I'm hearin' ya! I'll be saving up and maybe start looking in earnest next Spring.
(Actually Sasha is one of our dog's name, other one is Dieken.)
Shelley