Fifty Plus (50+) - Newbie

I am new to the forum and I have been reluctant to post as most of you are much more into biking than I will ever be. I just would like any advise any of you could offer to help me enjoy my new found hobby (or sport). Let me introduce myself: I am a 58 (soon to be 59) year old male that needs to expand my cardio workout activities. I suffered a heart attack last November and have decided to change my life. I now do a brisk walk every night 2 miles (36 minutes) on the treadmill or 3.5 miles (1 hour) outside. I am lifting weights 20 to 30 minutes 3 times a week and now I plan on riding a bicycle two or three times a week. I plan on starting out small 10 to 15 miles at a time eventually increasing to 25 to 30 miles. I will probably stop at different locations along the shore to enjoy the views and the wildlife. I just purchased two Raleigh Venture 4.0 bikes (one for my wife). I really would like to get as much out of this as I can. I enjoy the exercise that I currently do and can only imagine that biking would be the most fun. Any advise will be appreciated.

CHEERS,
:beer:

Doesn't sound like you need any advise -- your doing all the right things. One thing I might suggest if you plan of doing 15 - 20 mile rides is make sure that you get bike shorts (if you haven't already), they will make a world of difference. Starting out slow is the best way to go, you will be surprise how quickly you get up to more mileage, but don't try to rush it, listen to your body. I'm sure you and your wife will have a great time riding around, it's a whole new way of looking at things. Have a great time and keep us posted and post some pictures if you can.:D

Hi and Welcome
When I got older (50) I switched to a hybrid style bike and I really enjoy it.
I've got lots of good info from this forum, hope you will too.
Wayne

10 or 15 miles right out-of-the-box might be a little ambitious. Don't feel bad if it takes a while to build up to that. My advice is to try to find a different route every time that you ride and don't keep score about how far or fast you're going. If you do that, far and fast will eventually come.

You may not be into biking and may not class yourself as a biker- But 10 to 15 miles 3 times a week shows that you could be. I can assure you that if you are new to biking- You have a bit of pain to come. 10 miles on a new saddle on a new bike is going to hurt. Don't give up as that is probably the worst pain you will get. Can't suggest a cure for that except only ride when the pain allows- normally about 3 or 4 days after the last ride- and go at your pace. Do not get tempted into chasing the 12 year olds down the road. They may not have the stamina for a ten mile ride- but they can wear you out in 3.

Welcome and don't feel that you are not as serious as some of us are. We all had to start somewhere and for some of us, that was not too long ago. Now when do you do your birthday ride? and hopefully you say next year, what pie? and is it homemade?

Don't be surprised if you find that bicycling consumes more of your life than you might expect.

I too started at age 58 with a mtn bike. Before I knew it I was riding many miles, and in 4 months, I rode the Ride the Rockies - 350 miles of Colorado passes and high country in 7 days.

Now, I also have 2 "road bikes" and a trrainer bike, and ride about 4,000 miles per year.

As Retro Grouch has said, 15 miles at a start may be stretching it a bit. Start slow.

Once you get comfortable on the bikes I can recoment taking them on the ferry over to Block Island.
Perhaps even up to Cape Cod for a ride on the trail along the Cape Cod Canal.

Litespeed: "make sure that you get bike shorts (if you haven't already), they will make a world of difference"

Are there any long pants that you would recommend for cooler weather?

I really appreciate all the response (so quickly). I plan on riding to a state park (only 5 miles from my house) Then ride 5 to 10 miles around the park before returning home. Of course I will rest (if needed) at some point, maybe enjoy a cool bottle of water & a snack prior to returning.

Maddmaxx, funny you should mention Block Island as that was the first place my wife mentioned.

Again, thanks to all of you for your welcome and advise.

Cheers

Welcome. There are all types of bikers in this forum.

Now when do you do your birthday ride? and hopefully you say next year, what pie? and is it homemade?

Birthday ride: Next month
Pie: Blueberry
Homemade: U BETTCHA

Welcome, and I hope and I think the riding will be all pleasure!

Hi CTYankee....it's all been said above. Post your experiences and questions and people will be happy, in fact, more than happy, to offer advice and encouragement. People here with all degrees of commitment, experience, and all styles of riding. And now you're one of us, too.

Litespeed: "make sure that you get bike shorts (if you haven't already), they will make a world of difference"

Are there any long pants that you would recommend for cooler weather?

Cheers

There are lots of options to keep the legs warm. Interestingly you'll still perspire so the trick is to use materials that wick the moisture away from the skin and breathes. If it's a material that doesn't breathe the moisture can stay trapped and you can get chilled.

My preference is a pair of tights that I wear over bike shorts. You can also find leg warmers that are super long socks that go from your ankles up and over the knees.

You should find that will not need as much clothing as you might think as the energy used to ride will help keep you a little warm.

Canari is an entry level brand.

Nashbar, Performance Bike, Long Cycle and Price Point are all some web sites you might check out for various options.

You're in for a lot of fun, welcome and take it easy.

Welcome.....to the wonderful world of endless cycling options/enjoyment.
Your post heart attack recovery is impressive.

We're serious about our riding, but just as serious about humor and good natured kidding.

Welcome aboard CTYankee.

CTYankee, that's a dynamic bike you purchased. In addition to road riding, you might want to consider some light, gravel trails such as those found in the Rails to Trails Conservancy site. There are two that I ride, and they're great fun. No cars, just folks enjoying nature.
Welcome to the forum, hope to see you posting again soon.

Good sign - blueberry pie. Gotta get to know this man....

I'm from Mansfield Center, CT (near UCONN). Have you ever ridden with Pequot Cyclists from down around Groton/New London/Norwich area? I've ridden with them a few times in the past couple years. It's an older crowd (I'm 60) and the rides are pretty mellow although you can ride at whatever pace you choose. I've found them to be quite sociable. Their Sun. and Weds. rides are fun rides.

Wow, what a great group! Thanks to all of you. I look forward to a long and healthy life of cycling. I did find two sites to search for rides. My bikes arrive this week, too bad the weather report is so poor.

Cheers

Welcome to this group of all kinds of personalities and all ready to help a fellow bike enthuiast...and you sound enthused.
as for the clothing for "cooler" temps, my advise is try different thicknesses on several rides and see what keeps you warm. As Jppe says, you may want to do something over the bike shorts, or just try some of the warmer stuff you have in the closet...sweat pants or whatever... that was my technique and now I now how much I need to wear down to 40 degrees, that is my limit.... so far.
As far as distance, as all have said, start slow and don't push so much that you wear yourself out and don't like it. I have been riding forever and still only do 10-15 for my exercize rides.

For keeping warm, your best bet is to "layer". This traps air in between each piece of clothing and actually makes you warmer. Trying to just have on one very heavy piece isn't as effective and if by some chance you were to start to get too warm, you wouldn't have any way of cooling down. Visit a local bike shop if you can and they can give you lots of helpful advise. Pretty soon you will be visiting them more then you realize just to see what you might need.
I don't think a weekend goes by when my husband and I don't stop at some bike shop "just to look". You will end up making a lot of new friends too that will love to talk about their bike and give you advise. You will have some really fun rides ahead of you--enjoy!!!:D

I agree about the layering in cold weather. I use up to 4 layers on top, but just shorts and leg warmers on the bottom with soft wool socks. A skull cap helps a lot. If you use a bike jersey with rear pockets you can stuff extra clothes in there if you shed layers. Some people wear a Camelbak and some of these have a lot of storage.
You might want to get "fitted" to your bikes. You don't have to pay someone for this, but learn about bike fit and take the time to set the bikes up for comfort.

You might want to get "fitted" to your bikes. You don't have to pay someone for this, but learn about bike fit and take the time to set the bikes up for comfort.

Thanks, the place where I ordered it from is the largest in the area and is reputable. When I pick them up on Sunday they will not only fit them to both of us, they will go over everything I should be aware of and how to do routine maintenance. In addition, they will install the bike rack on my vehicle.

When I first re-entered cycling, after a several decade layoff, I rode with one simple rule in mind. "Ride as long, far, and hard as you want." For me this was based on my knoweldge of self which included the reality that I don't want much of anything that isn't fun. So, I simply rode when it was fun and didn't worry about anything esle. After about 6 months I found that I was getting in better shape, riding harder and longer rides while still enjoying them. Eventually, I reached the point where fun now includes challenging myself to really get the heart rate up there and/or the leg muscles burning. So, as someone just starting I'd encourage you not to worry too much about goals except for one... make sure you're having fun. Over time the rest will start to take care of itself.

I'm no doctor but I did stay in a Holiday Inn last night. Think with your exercise plans you should run this past your cardio doc to see if it fits into your recovery. Not being mean just think that the posts like this seeking quasi medical advise should be handled by a professional.

Welcome.

While you're relaxing in the hot tub or bath after a long ride, you may want to read Cycling Past 50 and Younger Next Year. I found them very informative.

I'm no doctor but I did stay in a Holiday Inn last night. Think with your exercise plans you should run this past your cardio doc to see if it fits into your recovery. Not being mean just think that the posts like this seeking quasi medical advise should be handled by a professional.

Welcome.
My cardiologist not only gave me his blessing he stated he wished others would follow my example. (I was given a clean bill of health and a green light for normal activity including shovelling snow :mad: ) I'm sorry if you thought I was looking for medical advise (nothing could be further from the truth - even if there was a cardiologist among you). I pay the professionals for that. I just want to get the most out of cycling as I can and I thought what better place than a forum. Fortunately, I was right as the information that I have been given has been very much appreciated. The reason I gave my personal information is to help others understand my goal.

Cheers,
:beer:

I'm not afraid of death; I just don't want to be there when it happens: Woody Allen

I'm sorry if you thought I was looking for medical advise (nothing could be further from the truth - even if there was a cardiologist among you). ]

You will find that we have a knack of offering advice very freely and frequently!!! Must be the parents in us........

My cardiologist not only gave me his blessing he stated he wished others would follow my example. (I was given a clean bill of health and a green light for normal activity including shovelling snow :mad: ) I'm sorry if you thought I was looking for medical advise (nothing could be further from the truth - even if there was a cardiologist among you). I pay the professionals for that. I just want to get the most out of cycling as I can and I thought what better place than a forum. Fortunately, I was right as the information that I have been given has been very much appreciated. The reason I gave my personal information is to help others understand my goal.

Cheers,
:beer:

I'm not afraid of death; I just don't want to be there when it happens: Woody Allen

Several of us here have had heart conditions and I think most of us will agree that gentle exercise helped us get back in the swing of things. Problem is that Gentle exercise gets boring after a while- so before long we are taking in the hills- doing the extra milage or pulling the higher gear. If you do get worried about what you are doing- get a Heart rate monitor. Some of us use them and there have been plenty of post's about them. I also presume that you are on a Beta Blocker to slow the Heart rate and this could affect the effort you can put in before you start getting tired. They slow the Heart rate and keep your performance level down a bit.

Main thing to do is get out and ride. Don't worry about an apparantly low level that you are at initially- Just get the body "BIKE FIT" before you try anything too exerting.

Thanks Stapfam I appreciate the advice. I plan on a slower pace at start - plan on taking my time doing the 10 to 15 miles. I use a heart monitor while on the treadmill now so I am familar with them. And yes I am taking a beta blocker and aware that it takes more to increase my heart rate. I do not plan on pushing myself to the point that I hurt myself, I want to enjoy life- not end it. I still don't understand why oilman thinks I am looking for quasi medical advice - I am getting all the advice I need from my cardiologist.

CTYankee,
Welcome to the 50+ forum. You will find a wealth of information and opinion here. Any question you ask will yield a lot of answers... with any luck, some of them will be right. :D

You asked about long pants. Here is a company that I have bought clothing from and was quite happy with the quality. They make cycling clothing in the USA for use in all weathers, on any part of the body.
Aero Tech Designs (http://www.aerotechdesigns.com/about_us.htm)

Add another endorsement for CYCLING PAST 50 by Joe Friel. Lots of good info there. You can get it at any of the big bookstores or from Amazon.

Enjoy your new bikes and keep us up to date on your progress.