Fifty Plus (50+) - How do you "see" yourself on the bike?

Two things happened recently to cause me to wonder if others have an image of themselves when they ride. Not having many photos of myself, I was stunned to see my image in a photo taken at my youngest son's graduation last week. When did my son get to be two inches taller than me with such broad, straight shoulders? When did I get the folds around the front of my neck, and where the hell did all that grey hair come from? It used to be salt and pepper; now it's all salt. It really took me by surprise. Then yesterday, I was riding and passed a truck that delivers glass panes. It had a very large mirror loaded, the kind you might see in a dance studio. As I passed, I got a full view of me in my typical riding position. BAM... once again the image I saw did not match what was in my head. Good grief, is my position really that upright? Where did those extra folds of flesh around the mid-section come from? Could my legs possibly get any more pale? The rest of the ride I'm thinking about the image I have, or how I see myself when I'm riding. I was amazed that the image is still the same one I had of myself in my mid twenties when I used to ride 10 - 15 thousand miles a year. Physically, I'm not that same person, which I was foolishly holding on to in my mind's eye. Yet, somehow, everytime I throw my legs across the top tube, my brain turns on the twenty something tape, at least as far as my sense of what I look like.

While I recognize this might be a bit of an existential (my first wife would call it vain) exercise, how do you all "see" yourself when you ride? Is there a mental image you hold, perhaps without knowing? Or, do I need to sell off a few of the bikes so I can afford a good therapist?

Mirrors are your enemy.

Don't look.

Biking is my "Walter Mitty" time.

I see myself every day. I was the"poster child" for this publication from the Governor's Office of Highway Safety.

http://www.atlantabike.org/images/brochure_with_cover.jpg

EVen better I have seen myself as others see me. I watch for places where two glass walls come together at a right angle. If I needed a photo I could take one.

Couple of years ago- I did not look too bad- Then a Picture appeared advertising my big ride the following year- and I look old and decrepid. Personally I think I was entitled to be as the pic was taken at the end of 12 hours in the saddle and 100 miles of sitting on it. Then I have pictures of me taken shortly after the start of this years ride and I do look the part of a fit, accomplished Mountain biker. Legs are taught- muscles in trim and in places where a muscle that size should not be, and I look as though I am enjoying myself.

Get two pictures taken. One at the start of a ride and one at the end. Then throw the one at the end away.

Whales on wheels..

:roflmao: :roflmao:
Whales on wheels..
Okay, I give up, where's my blow hole?

Since I only resumed cycling about a year ago, my image of myself is pretty much a guy in his late 50's with too much weight around the middle and mostly gray hair. There is one statement that keeps me proud of my cycling accomplishments however small they are compared to others. After completing a full ride of the advanced section of a local MTB trail with a freind he told me to not feel bad about not being as fast as he was. I simply replied " and how many other 59 year olds do you see out here?" He responded "good point". So my image of myself is one of a man that does not allow age to interfere with his continuing improvment of his cycling capabilities. When it comes to mountain biking, I'm an older man playing a young man's sport.... and I enjoy that immensely.

Since I only resumed cycling about a year ago, my image of myself is pretty much a guy in his late 50's with too much weight around the middle and mostly gray hair. There is one statement that keeps me proud of my cycling accomplishments however small they are compared to others. After completing a full ride of the advanced section of a local MTB trail with a freind he told me to not feel bad about not being as fast as he was. I simply replied " and how many other 59 year olds do you see out here?" He responded "good point". So my image of myself is one of a man that does not allow age to interfere with his continuing improvment of his cycling capabilities. When it comes to mountain biking, I'm an older man playing a young man's sport.... and I enjoy that immensely.

+1, except for the mountain biking part.

Middle 50's guy just trying to slow down the onslaught of time...and having as much fun as I can doing it.

I feel your vain. I, too, have this much younger image of myself. In fact, I think I look younger when I see myself in the bathroom mirror than when I see photographs. Wedding pictures at my daughter's wedding made me realize (at 59) how grey I have become. Riding by big windows show I am not real sleek on the bike. But, every now and then, there's a good picture taken. And while I'm not catalog model, I dont' look bad (sometimes) for an old guy. But take heart in the fact that you are OUT there and 92.568% (my estimate) of 50+ers couldn't and aren't. Good riding to all of us.

The hardest thing about getting old - is remembering when you were young...

As for body image - give it up & just don't worry about it. You are what you are. If the young laugh at you, laugh back with the knowledge that when they're your age, they'll probably look MUCH worse than you do now!

The fact that you bicycle probably puts you in the top 10% for health. fitness, and looks of all folks your age. You want to be in the top one percent? Get lipo, plastic surgery, a kelp-only diet, a tanning bed, and a trophy girlfriend. That'll make you better looking. Think that'll make you happier? I didn't think so either... ;)

The hardest thing about getting old - is remembering when you were young...
You want to be in the top one percent? Get lipo, plastic surgery, a kelp-only diet, a tanning bed, and a trophy girlfriend. ;)

Hey, a trophy girlfriend, now that's the ticket! But I don't think the wife would be to excited about that.:(

I don't look at reflecting glass windows or stainless steel tankers that pass as I like the image I have in my head, thighs like Jan Ullrich, a waist like Georgie, a pedaling stroke like Ivan Basso's, climbing skills like Lance. Then again, maybe I'm living in a delusional world of my own.

I don't look at reflecting glass windows or stainless steel tankers that pass as I like the image I have in my head, thighs like Jan Ullrich, a waist like Georgie, a pedaling stroke like Ivan Basso's, climbing skills like Lance. Then again, maybe I'm living in a delusional world of my own.


It is a great place to live. I've been there.

I think pictures are downright deceiving!! I feel like a 30 year old in a 50+ year old body!!!! That's my image and that's all that counts as far as I'm concerned.

Fat slob oozing out all over the recliner on my recumbent. bk

Why do you guys and ladies think I never submitted a picture to the 50+ Rogues Gallery? My appearance is too gruesome to live with!!!

Lean, Fit, Aging Hipster Dufus
riding a recumbent. And having fun!

Got several thumbs up on my bike
today when I rode into the bowels
of Los Angeles. It is all good.

hmm..drove my niece up from Irvine today; that LA air is THICK! My lungs hurt just being there.

I see myself about 10 years younger on a bike. Hey, a few weeks ago a 30-something roadie passed by and called out, "Hey, girlfriend!" lol. Helmet and sunglasses can hide a lot!

I see myself as an older guy with a younger heart and the willingness and ability to hang on to an important piece of my youth.

I guarantee you that most of us look better because of cycling than we would have without it.

I guarantee you that most of us look better because of cycling than we would have without it.

Now that is a real scary thought! Hey guys and gals, PLEASE keep up the bicycling.

I see myself as a kinny young guy fighting like heck to get out of this body..... :D

I actually think the vast majority of bike riders look pretty good, no matter what their age. Maybe that's so I can think I look pretty good too! Oh well, even if I don't, I still feel pretty good and that's what counts.

How do I see myself when I ride? A trained circus bear on a bike.

Couple of years ago in the High Sierra Century, I passed a photographer right at the crest of the toughest climb on the course. I put my finger down my throat and mimicked throwing up, and of course that's the very instant at which he snapped the picture. So now I have a 5x7 of this fat gray-haired guy with a red face and my favorite jersey....

I've given this much thought lately... As the owner of a fitness center, I see all kinds of people. From the very vain and superficial to the honest and natural. I think in many ways we all see, or would like to see ourselves the way we were when we were at our own perception of our pinnacle of fitness and/or attractiveness. As much as I sometimes wish I still looked the way I did at 33, the fact remains that I am almost 52. With that in mind, Saturday morning I got up and rode my bike the five miles to work, immediately taught a one hour Spinning class, rode my bike the five miles back home, drove 3 hours to a remote area of the Sierra Nevada where I commenced a 4 hour hike to a wilderness campsite. Today, I hiked the four hours back and treated myself to Pizza and a couple of Fat Tires. I suppose the entire time, I could of had an unrealistic image of myself, but I've been trying really hard to for once enjoy the age and the way I look and feel in the present. That is more of a challenge than I ever thought it would be but a battle I think is worth fighting.

I actually think the vast majority of bike riders look pretty good, no matter what their age.
I would agree with that. I've never seen a cyclist who didn't "look right," relative to their age and fitness level. :)
Except me, when I get a glimpse of myself in a large picture window! :mad: Yuck!!!

I think pictures are downright deceiving!! I feel like a 30 year old in a 50+ year old body!!!! That's my image and that's all that counts as far as I'm concerned.

DUDE! exactomundo!

Itz when you're 'forced' into making a comparision, either with someone younger or maybe how you were, that the issues surface. SO I totally resist those comparisons.
From strictly a 'cycling point of view, things haven't really changed all that much, in fact my most noteworthy ability has actually 'improved' with 'maturation' - suckin a wheel has always been a strong suit and these days I can only say that I've perfected that art to itz highest level. I like to think of it as perfecting the art of efficiency...;)

But, hey, have you noticed that friends you haven't seen since graduation... man, they got really OLD!
Whatz with that?

BEfore I actually start pedling I see myself as just about where I was 30 years ago when I rode a lot and raced some, maybe a little out of shape. As soon as I start rifding the reality hits me, lots older, lots fatter lots slower and a lot less endurence. Greying hair and the wrinkling sking are denied daily as I shave and comb my hair.

Just remember ..... we're riding bikes and 95% of others our age are riding recliners. So if you look at it that way, we look damn good !!!!!

Couple of years ago in the High Sierra Century, I passed a photographer right at the crest of the toughest climb on the course. I put my finger down my throat and mimicked throwing up, and of course that's the very instant at which he snapped the picture. So now I have a 5x7 of this fat gray-haired guy with a red face and my favorite jersey....

I had to laugh... I have almost the same photo except what you don't see in my photo is the fact just prior to I was in near tears worrying if I can finish/complete the hill. It was actually a beautiful photo (the way it was taken) too bad I was in it!!!!

Me on a bike?: Old, fat, wide view from behind but usually having fun... until that hill on the High Sierra Century!

I was amazed that the image is still the same one I had of myself in my mid twenties when I used to ride 10 - 15 thousand miles a year. Physically, I'm not that same person, which I was foolishly holding on to in my mind's eye. Yet, somehow, everytime I throw my legs across the top tube, my brain turns on the twenty something tape, at least as far as my sense of what I look like.



Man that image plays in my mind too... especially when I get out there and really spin. I am afraid to ride past those old store windows where I used to see my slick, fast, slim, self confidently perched in the saddle. I have a feeling the old guy with a gut that I would see today would just kill the mental image.

Funny though, as much as I might picture myself as that mid twenty something... the miles just don't fly by as fast as they used to... and the recovery takes quite a bit longer... no 60 mile rides followed by a couple beers and then an evening out dancing with the ladies. Today a 60 mile ride is followed by a long soak in the hot tub and the next day perhaps doing a 10 mile rest ride.

Damn, back in my 20s, 100 mile back to back days on tour suited me just fine. You'ld think the body would just stay in shape, eh? As if.

In my minds eye, I see myself as being in much better condition and physical shape than the guy I see in the photos.

But the photos that really get to me are the ones of my wife and I with our bikes. I keep wondering what that hot babe is doing with that beat up, balding, old f*rt. :eek:

I see myself as having the body of greek statue.........
after the Romans came through.:eek:

I see myself as fifteen. My memories of riding to the old swimming hole, school, nearby towns all seem particularly vivid. Prep school, college, grad school all seem very remote.

Paul

I see myself as invisible on the highway.

Every day I ride, I feel better about the way I look because I know things are getting better on the inside.

I just came home from a ride one day last week, thinkin' I was lookin' pretty good, when I got into an animated argument with my son about the hockey playoffs. We were into it fairly heatedly when he suddenly broke out laughing, and said, "I can't debate with someone who looks like THAT." There was a mirror handy and I could see his point: old heavy greybeard in a nerdy helmet, ridiculous sunburn, unflattering sweat-soaked tank top, clingy sweat shorts, and a huge, blaze orange fanny pack. Yeah, I be stylin'.

I think that I look my age. Nobody looks at me and thinks I am younger.
However, there are things I can do which few people can do. Such as very fast long distance biking, computer chess, long distance fast hiking. I have no self esteem issues because of these accomplishments.
I raced around a six mile Michigan park road last night. It is frequented by bike clubs. I felt inspired and kept at high speed until thunder and lightening forced me off the road. Nobody passed me!
I smiled all day.

When I studied Kinesiology at university, one of the first thangs we did in Kines 100 was to have Polaroid pix taken of us in gym strip from the neck down. (he, this is the 50+ group, so you must know what Polaroids were). Then they tossed all the Polaroids in a pile and you were supposed to find your picutre. It was amazing how many people didn't have enough of a mental image of themselves that they could not find their picture.

Conversely, I've often seen many cyclists in good racing positions cruising along. At first they look like they're young racers in their twenties, but when you pull up next to them, you see that they're older than you are. If you ride in a good position with good souplesse, you will be indistinguishable from a younger rider. For that reason, I have not changed my handlebar height or reach for the past 30 years - my riding position now is what it was 30 years ago. Of course, I've got serious back pains when I'm standing or walking.

I certainly would agree that cycling keeps you looking young. People think I'm in my 30's or 40's; they're shocked to learn I'm mid-50's. The only problem is, you have to start riding in your early twenties or earlier, and you have to consistently log in the training miles in order to stay looking young. I'd say you need at least 250-300 km/wk, or between 12,000-15,000 km/yr. If you ride casually, like a couple thousand km per year, or if you started later in life, like in your 40's or 50's, forget it; cycling will not turn back the clock. I think it just freezes the clock for a few decades. Well, that's my theory and I'm sticking to it. Works for me.

- L.

I'm always surprised at the old man I see when I look in the mirror. On the rare occasions when I remember a dream, I'm always young in the dream. What does Freud say that means?

I received my new concealed weapon license yesterday, and that photo has to be the worst possible, looks right off the post office wall: Grandpa Thug.

On the bike, I don't fit any profile too well. I'm an old fart on a recumbent, but I'm clean shaven and there isn't that much belly. I'm actually a bit too muscular to look like I belong on a bike. But, I feel great and get so many thumbs up signs whenever I ride, I can't feel too bad about my bike persona. Besides, we'd all look a lot worse if we didn't ride.

I look exactly like I was 40 years ago (but for the grey). Except now my twin brother says the same thing.

Take up long distance randonneuring then you only need to worry about how you look half the time - the other half is night time and no one is looking!!!

I'm not too disappointed at what I see when I look at a glass storefront while riding - except that my back is more upright and curved than I thought...