Fifty Plus (50+) - riding hills with a new attitude

A couple of weeks ago I began hill training again for the season. I'm now 58 and 50 pounds overweight, or more exactly 50 pounds over my riding weight in my twenties.

Rode my old favorite route, about 1200 feet climbing before it levels off with beautiful views of the San Francisco Bay Area and the Golden Gate. But I was frustrated because I was the slowest person on the road, other cyclists kept passing me, plus I was remembering back to my speeds and strength in my twenties.

Then about halfway up an epiphany, I'll ride today at my pace, at my strength today, no comparisons to the others on the road, and especially no nostalgic comparisons to my older self. I relaxed, dropped down a few gears, stopped a couple of times to rest when needed, and just plain enjoyed the ride. Did it again a couple of times since, with the same attitude.

Sure I'd like to lose the 50 pounds, and sure I hope by the end of the season I'll be pulling faster up the hill. But I'm greatful to be able to ride up there at all. I just enjoy this too much to be frustrated, and slowing down helped me to enjoy it more.

A couple of weeks ago I began hill training again for the season. I'm now 58 and 50 pounds overweight, or more exactly 50 pounds over my riding weight in my twenties.


Then about halfway up an epiphany, I'll ride today at my pace, at my strength today, no comparisons to the others on the road, and especially no nostalgic comparisons to my older self. I relaxed, dropped down a few gears, stopped a couple of times to rest when needed, and just plain enjoyed the ride. Did it again a couple of times since, with the same attitude.

Sure I'd like to lose the 50 pounds, and sure I hope by the end of the season I'll be pulling faster up the hill. But I'm greatful to be able to ride up there at all. I just enjoy this too much to be frustrated, and slowing down helped me to enjoy it more.

+1

Right on!

Ever since my heart thingie in 2004 and 2005, the operation, etc., it has seemed for me to take forever to get back into some decent shape. My wife's continuing problems with her post-herpetic neuralgia and her bum knee, and all the medical appointments (I go with her) related has also cut into my time considerably.

Perhaps it is just getting a bit more "mature" (I better not say older, or that Fox guy will get me) each year - I don't know, but this year has been really hard as far as getting into the shape I used to be in just 3 years ago.

Then following the expolits of Will Dehne has been exciting, but also depressing, as he is just one year younger than I but is in such much better shape!

So, like you, I have just decided that I will simply enjoy my rides, go as I can, try to increase my speed a bit, challenge myself when I can, and just take the pressure off of myself and ride for enjoyment, and be happy that I am alive and can ride and take long walks, etc.!

I have a distinct memory of riding my first 10 speed bike and looking down at the chain rings and thinking to myself,"I wonder why they put that small chain ring on this bike and does anyone really use it?":rolleyes:

I have a distinct memory of riding my first 10 speed bike and looking down at the chain rings and thinking to myself,"I wonder why they put that small chain ring on this bike and does anyone really use it?":rolleyes:

Do they make a quadruple? :D

I have a distinct memory of riding my first 10 speed bike and looking down at the chain rings and thinking to myself,"I wonder why they put that small chain ring on this bike and does anyone really use it?":rolleyes:
You have never ridden with David Nakai of the San Diego Longriders. I have yet to see him use the inside chainring, and I have yet to see a hill which slows him down. I have also never seen him without a smile on his face.

I got out this morning myself - started out at a cautious pace because I'd just put a new stem on the bike & I wasn't sure how comfortable I'd be. As it turned out, I rode for several hours because the bike was so comfortable! I mainly just enjoyed cruising and rode all over the city. On the way home, I felt so good that I kicked it up to 25 mph and enjoyed the rush! When it's right, it's right!

A couple of weeks ago I began hill training again for the season. I'm now 58 and 50 pounds overweight, or more exactly 50 pounds over my riding weight in my twenties.

Rode my old favorite route, about 1200 feet climbing before it levels off with beautiful views of the San Francisco Bay Area and the Golden Gate. But I was frustrated because I was the slowest person on the road, other cyclists kept passing me, plus I was remembering back to my speeds and strength in my twenties.

Then about halfway up an epiphany, I'll ride today at my pace, at my strength today, no comparisons to the others on the road, and especially no nostalgic comparisons to my older self. I relaxed, dropped down a few gears, stopped a couple of times to rest when needed, and just plain enjoyed the ride. Did it again a couple of times since, with the same attitude.

Sure I'd like to lose the 50 pounds, and sure I hope by the end of the season I'll be pulling faster up the hill. But I'm greatful to be able to ride up there at all. I just enjoy this too much to be frustrated, and slowing down helped me to enjoy it more.

That is one healthy attitude. Good post.