Recumbent - senior citizens who are greased lightening on a recumbant

On the North Branch Trail in Chicago, there are some eldery recumbant riders who are absolute speed demons. When I see eldery on uprights, they tend to be 'leisure riders', but when I see eldery on recumbants, they seem to be really in shape, people that I hope that I can be like when I am their age. Even allowing for the fact that recumbants can go faster than uprights, I'm still left with the impression that a recumbant bike must be a very valuable thing to stay in great shape in one's later years.

Has anyone else noticed this phenemenon? Any speculations on why recumbant riders appear to age so well?

:cool:

If I get to be "elderly" (a relative term ;)), I want to smoke young wedgie riders on my recumbent (I will have one then, it will be my "retirement cadillac.") :D

The simple reason that bent riders appear to age well is because the bent is so comfortable, fun, and fast that you are so much more likely to go out and get some exercise without the plagues of wedgies.

As for the speed, I will often go for rides with my mom. Before, it drove me nuts because she used to have leisurly rides and I couldn't crank it. Since I got my bent, whenever I go for a ride wither her, I give her it and ride the wedgie (I'm still only 16 so it's not that uncomfotable...yet). It works out so well. She is comfortable enough that she starts to really pedle and I get the training that I want.

My friend swears his German ZOX-26 'bent is the fastest bike he has ever owned. Because of their low wind drag, 'bents are very fast downhill or on level ground against a headwind, although a conventional bike generally has the advantage on a climb, because it makes slightly better use of the rider's muscles.

During RAGBRAI '2000, my better half and I rode with a gentleman on a bent who was in his late seventies. We'd start out at the same time every morning and ride together for a couple of miles, then we (on a tandem) would pull away from him. But everyday except the last two, he managed to beat us to the campground. Without fail, we'd pull in at a respectable time and he'd be there with his tent set up and already have a nap in! The story of the hare(s) and the turtle. We were truely amazed. He just never stopped, he peddled steady for whatever the day's miles had in store for us all.

This year he did the Hotter-than-Hell ride, a ride I don't plan to ever accomplish.

I can only hope and pray that we are anywhere near as strong and healthy as he is.

When I see eldery on uprights

Just curious. When does someone become elderly?? I would like to know when I should refer to myself by that modifier.

So, the age someone becomes elderly is _________?

When he THINKS he is.

Originally posted by ljbike
When he THINKS he is.

Well, the problem is that the riders were called elderly by someone else, not themselves. And I am sure that the person calling them "elderly" did not stop and ask each rider whether or not they thought they were elderly. He/she simply put that modifier on them him/herself.

So, the moral is: We may not consider ourselves elderly riders, but it is obvious that others do consider some of us "elderly."

Again, at what age do you consider someone elderly: _________?

I may do a poll!! :p

Originally posted by DnvrFox


Well, the problem is that the riders were called elderly by someone else, not themselves. And I am sure that the person calling them "elderly" did not stop and ask each rider whether or not they thought they were elderly. He/she simply put that modifier on them him/herself.

So, the moral is: We may not consider ourselves elderly riders, but it is obvious that others do consider some of us "elderly."

Again, at what age do you consider someone elderly: _________?

I may do a poll!! :p
It's relative, at least, emotionally. My kids think I am "elderly" at 42.

:eek:

(I could leave 'em in the dust in any exercise bout, tho.)

Ain't it funny how time flies, and young wanders away, and one day. Everyone seems younger then you. Remember, just stay in shape, hope for good luck with your health, and stay young at heart, it confuses the younger ones, and also gives them hope.

I really wish that recumbents weren't associated as a bike for the "elderly". At 50 years of age I'm no Spring chicken myself, but recumbents really should appeal to everyone, not just for those for whom age or infirmity dictate.

Am I alone in this regard?

Couldn't agree with you more, bentrox. :thumbup: Bents are cool, period! When it comes to pass that they are more affordable, I'm certain that we'll see lots more of them on the streets. Look at how many young people are making huge trips on bents!

Feet first and forward!:thumbup: