age groups?

[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]

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!

[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!

[Custardcup1]

I am really glad to know there are some "older" women on this forum. I am 64, will be 65 in June, and sometimes I feel I am just too old to be doing this.I have been biking for 3 years but it seems I always have some sort of injury that puts me out of commission for a month or two. Nothing really serious, just sprains and aches and pains. I love biking and don't want to stop, but it seems I just can't get really fit to put on the miles.

[Crankin]

Citycyclegal, I am heading toward 60 and I would be happy to ride with you. Talk to me at the workshop.

[marni]

dear Beth,

I am giving myself a new road bike for my 65thbirthday. My best riding buddy friend, whom I only ever see on Woman Tours cross country rides did the Southern Tier (San Diego, California to St. Augustine Fl ) t4 years ago for her 72 birthday. She is still riding.

Personally I intend to ride into my grave sometime in my 90's or older.

welcome to the group.

[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.

[Catrin]

I only learned how to ride after my 50th birthday I am now 53 and still riding. I tell people I am "aging backwards", for that is what it feels like! I've certainly had my share of injuries since I started my cycling/fitness journey but I am not complaining.

[ClockworkOrange]

Hi bikegranny and welcome to a great site.

I have been a member on here for several years but for various reasons, have not been on here posting for a while, however, after reading your thread, you made me feel all enthusiastic again, so thanks for that.

Like many others, I started riding when I hit the Big 50, had several injuries but still enjoy riding, although not as mad as I use to be. I will be 63 next month and so want to ride far more this year.

I ride around on a rather retro bike but I love it.

Look forward to hearing more about your rides and adventures, no matter how small.

Ride safe.

[PamNY]

I'm 62 and plan to ride forever. I like Catrin's phrase "aging backwards" because that's how I feel since I started cycling. I agree with Marni about riding into my 90s and -- who knows? -- beyond.

There's lots of good advice on this forum about fitness in general, so I'd encourage everyone to post specific questions or concerns. One important thing I learned here was the importance of core strength in cycling. I had no idea it mattered so much.

ETA: I have never seen any hint of "ageism" in this group. I suppose age is a factor in injury, recovery time, etc. but no one should feel constrained from posting here because of age.

[AppleTree]

I just talked to a woman at Bike Expo who rode across the United States on her 70th birthday. She was so amazing, it gives me great hope that I can be even half as energetic and enthusiastic at that point in my life. I feel like cycling is helping to keep me young...always a new adventure to look forward to.

[shootingstar]

Always helps to make sure you fit the bike and the type of bike that you ride regularily and riding position. Makes a difference for aches and pains that may take longer to go away, especially on longer rides.

[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!