age groups?

[Irulan]

You aren't old for MTB, maybe only for trying to keep up with your sons. There are a lot of over 50 trail riders around here.sometime they tend to be more hardcore than the kids. The kids tend to stick to the freeride and downhill areas. So don't knock yourself!

[bikegranny]

Thanks to all of you for your response. I love reading about what you do, and think, and about all your many bikes! You make me dream dreams..............a week ago, all I wanted was to ride a sedate bike down a lane...........now I want to fly down hills and jump stumps! feel sorry for my bones!

[Cyclingfun]

Hello, Bikegranny - This is my first post to this Forum and I'm really glad to see from this Thread that I'm not a lone cycling granny... I'm 62 and just got myself my first road bike - a beautiful Specialized Ruby that thrills me just looking at her. There's not been much chance to ride her outdoors as it's mostly rainy, windy, snowy or icy here - you get my drift But as soon as a better day comes, I'll be out there! The few rides I have had have been a revelation after my heavy hybrid. Good luck to you and to all the other oldies - at least I have an idea after reading this thread how I can find you all.

[bikegranny]

Hello there, Cyclingfun-----what a great name. That's what a bike is for, right?? Thanks for posting, it's very good to know that there are lots of grannies here who ride. So I'm not actually crazy, as my daughter suggests, just have an itch for a little outdoor fun. maybe an adventure along the way, who knows? Congrats on your new Ruby, we would love to see pictures. I know what you mean by being thrilled at the sight of her. Some of the pictures I see on this site make me drool! don't know much about bikes, but can tell a great bike when I see one. Let us hear from you, and PM me anytime.

[Cyclingfun]

How great is that - my first reply!! When I get my head round how this forum works, I'll certainly put a pic or two on. No, you're definitely not crazy to give cycling a go - It's a brilliant way to get exercise without jarring joints (unless we fall off, I suppose which is what prompted me to get on my 2 wheels as my ankles were complaining about too much hiking.

[murielalex]

A few months ago, I was at a three-day cycling event. There were more than a handful of 70+ folks, and many more in their 60s, that kicked my *** on a metric century. My mom rides casually, and she's 78.

[Citycyclegal]

Hi Bike Granny,
Just saw your post and it gave me a big smile! I have been riding a hybrid since 1988, went on a tour with Experience Plus, to the Italian Lakes, last year, and decided I needed to buy a road bike for my 70th, 2014. Just purchased a bike, going for a fitting next week, and am feeling a little terrified, LOL, about the whole thing, but am determined to know how to use clip less pedals, etc. for my next trip. This is the year with no trip, but lots of learning!

[Biciclista]

I am 61 and I am still riding. I post in whichever thread I want. There are a lot of us old ladies out there.
I started "really" riding after I was 50.

[BonnieS]

I bought a road bike as a present to myself on my 50th birthday, which is coming up this year. I wanted a present that would change my life and it's clear from the cyclists on this site that cycling changes lives, no question about that.

I can't wait to start riding, I've been on the trainer all winter but I've already signed up for my first sportive, a 180-km ride deep in the country. My goal is to finish it!

[tealtreak]

You aren't old for MTB, maybe only for trying to keep up with your sons. There are a lot of over 50 trail riders around here.sometime they tend to be more hardcore than the kids. The kids tend to stick to the freeride and downhill areas. So don't knock yourself!

Thanks! good sense (;

[OakLeaf]

One of my 70+ riding buddies just placed fourth in Time Trial in the state Senior Games - good enough to go to Nationals.

His 40K time was quicker than the PR I set the year I wasn't 29 (those of you with past or present USCF licenses know what I'm talking about ).


Another two 70+ guys I ride with are the opposite end of the spectrum. Lifelong road bikers and long distance tourists, they take their time getting where they're going. They took up mountain biking for the first time in their late 60s specifically for the purpose of riding the Great Divide Trail (about 5500 miles through the Rocky Mountains from Canada to Mexico), unsupported. While they kind of agreed afterward it was a little too much too soon for them, they finished the ride (except for the very last leg to the Mexican border, which everyone advised them was very unsafe territory), and it was the experience of a lifetime.



That's how tough "old" people are, in my experience!!!

[bikegranny]

There's a riding club near me, will get in touch with them at monthly meeting in a coupld of weeks.

[bikegranny]

Awesome! it's not so much my age that bothers me. It's my general condiiton, lack of fitness, experience, long time off the bike, etc. working on it all~

[Citycyclegal]

I'm not sure I replied correctly so this may be redundant! I just purchased by first road bike in preparation for my 70th birthday next January! I have been riding a hybrid since 1988, taken many independent tours in Europe before being widowed, and now travel with tour companies. Due to circumstances, I can't travel this year, so decided to buy a road bike and learn to use clipless pedals. I am feeling both excited and terrified, LOL. I live in the city but can go to the suburbs to gather my courage, and learn how to use new shifting! I bought a Specialiized Ruby Apex, and will be fitted next week. We just had a snowstorm in Boston, so I am anxiously awaiting spring!