Fifty Plus (50+) - My riding buddy

Last week I enjoyed a special ride. My youngest son, Kevin, came home to surprise his mother on Mother's Day . . . and to show off his new ride -- a Trek 5000. He stayed an extra day just to ride with his "old man" so I took him on one of my favorite loops, a 26-mile ride with a couple of challenging hills, and some great stretched so he could put his new bike to the test. (Proud dad here -- doesn't my son look spiffy in his new Colorado jersey!)

Found out my 50-year-old legs could not keep up with my 23-year-old son. We decided to open up and pound out the last 8 miles to home. I kept my son in my sights, but could not close the gap and ended up about a quarter mile behind. Decided it wasn't too bad, considering I was riding a Sirrus Comp while Kevin was on a CF road bike many pounds lighter.

We've enjoyed a few rides together, including a family biking vacation on the San Juan Islands in the Pacific Northwest about 10 years ago. We decided a couple months ago to try a century ride (it will be the first for both of us), so we're working out details for a Sept. ride in Wyoming. Any ideas for routes?

Staying within a quarter-mile over a 26 mile course, with him on a true road bike, is pretty darn good! That's within 1%.

Very heartwarming post.

My two sons have been asking me ride with them but we can't seem to get it done. Their schedules are hectic. In our case, they ride hybred/mtb and I have the roadie(s).

Staying within a quarter-mile over a 26 mile course, with him on a true road bike, is pretty darn good! That's within 1%.

Actually, I set the pace for the first part of the ride. I was chasing for the last 8 miles . . . still, I'm happy!

gee...can't tell you two are related from that pic...:rolleyes:

Great Story!!! My 2 sons are in Florida, I'm in KY, wish they one day will ride my favrite trails here in KY.

Memories are sure precious aren't they......

You weren't 1/4 mile behind him, you were 27 years ahead of him.

You weren't 1/4 mile behind him, you were 27 years ahead of him.

What you also did not see is how hard he was breathing by the end. In the minute or so it took you to catch him- he probably had his breathing under control.

Without trying to knock your son- You showed up pretty well against a youngster. Only thing is that he was drafting you for the early part of the ride so had enough energy to leave you at the end. You will have to ride with him more often to learn some of the new Cheating techniques that are coming in- Like getting a better bike than Dad has got.

You will have to ride with him more often to learn some of the new Cheating techniques that are coming in- Like getting a better bike than Dad has got.

My wife is now nervous every time I go by a bike shop . . . even thought I assure her I'm really happy with my Sirrus.

A quarter mile gap doesn't sound like too much to me:)

Doing the century with your son sounds great. Have you looked into rides sponsored by local cycling clubs? You would have SAG support and food stops available.

If riding with your son is like riding with my son (which I'm blessed to be able to do regularly) he was being kind to the old man. Which is exactly what he should be doing, he has you to thank for everything.

It's grand to be able to ride with them is it not?

See Terrierman's post on the Bicycle as Time Machine. Maybe we should start a sticky on riding with family. I rode from San Francisco to Los Angeles with my daughter in 2005. That was special.