Fifty Plus (50+) - Have you noticed how we've changed?

In just a couple of years 50+ er's in our little forum seem to be coming out of the woodwork, investing in more cycling stuff and enhancing their health. Everyday we read about folks doing more and longer rides, more folks commuting etc. Interesting and encouraging.

Yes, it is very encouraging jppe. Three months ago before I started riding again at 63, I asked myself can I still do those 100+ mile rides or am I fooling myself? Well, I'm up to 45 miles now and in a few more months, hope to do perhaps double that mileage.

knotty

Maybe it is because I live in Florida but the more I ride, it seems the more people over 50 I see on the roads and trails and most of them seem to be in pretty good health.

Since starting riding again, I'm still amazed how many people are riding now. On a good Sunday across the Golden Gate Bridge, it's almost a solid stream of riders going into Marin and back of all ages. When I was racing in the 70's, there was just an occasional rider or two you'd see.

knotty

I'm not sure if I've changed or not, but I know where there are a couple of hills that have shrunk;)

I have to say, I really questioned myself about buying a bike at 65. I'm sure glad I did now and I hope I could ride until I'm a 100.

I can't say for sure that it's my influence, but I'm noticing lots of my neighbors (the old ones like me) are starting to ride bikes and buy bikes and talk about biking. I love it.

A few weeks ago I rode with a group that rides every Wednesday night. As we were leaving one member noted that at 44 he was the youngest in the group. About a week after that I was having a beer with some friends that had just finished a century. There were five of us, and no one under 50. I find your observations correct. Most of "us" I have met started biking due to health. Most had ridden some in the past and quit to raise a family or tend to business. I think my case is typical, meaning my doctor said I needed to do something, and was quite correct. The wonderful result was that I decided to get into shape through riding. The better "hardware" meaning the bike(s) and all the parts and clothing are necessary to make the required hours of riding more enjoyable. Good observation.

I have to say, I really questioned myself about buying a bike at 65. I'm sure glad I did now and I hope I could ride until I'm a 100.

- my riding buddy just turned 70 last friday... he was wondering how much longer he would be able to ride... i told him that he's got at least another 30 years of riding to go!

:-)

Ten years ago you might have caught me being flippant and saying that I was eager to play golf all day after retirement. Now, I'm looking forward to riding instead. My notion of life after 50 changed drastically after I hit 55 and realized I was in better shape then than when I was 35.

In just a couple of years 50+ er's in our little forum seem to be coming out of the woodwork, investing in more cycling stuff and enhancing their health. Everyday we read about folks doing more and longer rides, more folks commuting etc. Interesting and encouraging.

I won't be 50 for another 8 years, God willing of course, but I enjoy reading and posting here even if I am a young guy. I enjoy being around folks with a 'can-do' attitude, and there's a lot of 'can-do' around here. And no whining about "fat genes" and the like.

The only time I've not had a bicycle was for the first 3 years I was in the USAF. With all the moves that a young Airman makes in those years and living in the barracks it was difficult at best to have a bicycle. I got married, moved to England and got my wife hooked on Bicycles and doing very lite touring. When the TWINS came, we bought Carriers for the back of the bikes and the kids got introduced to bicycles too.

After the USAF we came home and had the bikes with us. I found out about these new fangled MTB with all the gears, and that was perfect for pulling our Cannondale Bugger Trailer for the Twins.

By 1988, the kids and I were dropping Mom, and she was getting upset with the whole thing. Welcome to the family our Fisher Gemini Tandem. The Great EQUALIZER! This bike saw many trips and was hauled to Washington DC, Chicago Il, Dayton Ohio, and other locations were I was sent for extended stays for work. The wife would pack up the kids and the bikes into the Station Wagon and would come to where I was. Yes, she's a heck of a gal!

I am happy to have had cycling in most of my life. The 5 years I was off the bike I think were some of the worst ones I have had. My weight gain and other issues in my life soon became the deciding factor to get back on my bikes. Being off the bikes has really taken it's toll on my wife the most. Her fitness fell off much more than mine, and it's been much slower to get her back out and riding due to her schedule.

This means that I ride most times by myself. I do have a young Grand Son that loves riding on a 1/2 bike, but he's just starting out and I can't push him too far.

At 51, I am not in top form to be sure, but there are some days where I'll go out and ride for an hour or so and see something I just have to attack and try and do my personal best up some climb. I HATE hills, but some are really a challenge and I know I need to hit it to be better. I am always amazed that I still have the legs under me and wonder why I don't do more!

I have the blessing to work part time at a fabulous Bike Shop. I was asked to come to work there by the owner. He's been a friend for a number of years and when he asked me, I knew it was right for me. I enjoy talking with the customers and helping them to make the right decisions in cycling. While my concentration is MTB's and Family Recreational cycling, it seems to fit in well with the others in the shop. I learn from them and they can learn from me.

My long term goal is to Ride More, and when the time comes to retire form my main Full Time Job, that I'll be in the position to work more at the Bike Shop, and also become more of a cycle commuter.

I see what other have done here, and my hat is off to everyone of you!

Well Done!

Chris

I'm into my early 40's and plan to keep riding for the rest of my life which is something I never gave much thought to when I was in my 20's living more "in the moment". I'm also happy to say that I'm a better rider now, I accomplish more now than I ever did, and my goals are always increasing.

The only cyclists I know from where I work are two guys in their late 50's. We chat about rides, compare notes, etc., and every now and then we'll meet up and take a short ride together. Those guys serve as great role models to me for the direction I want to head in as I grow older, and I guess I can say the same for everyone here as well.

And up to now I thought it was all Bev's fault........

And no whining about "fat genes" and the like.

It's not the "fat genes" I whine about - it's the "Fat Jeans."

Seriously, I believe that if you are going to have folks 50+ exercising, you need to give them great opportunities to do that.

Around here they build the bike paths BEFORE they build the subdivisions, and they are all tied together. And despite the continuous BFN arguments and discussions over bike trails, MOST folks (particularly 50+ newbies) will not consider riding on a highway with cars. At least not at the beginning.

Yesterday, I went with my wife to an aerobics/fitness class for "Silver Sneakers" - a national program supported by three insurance companies (not mine, sadly) who pay the cost for folks on Medicare so they can join this special program at the local rec center.

Lots and lots of folks in that class, doing a full hour of cardio, strengthening, stretching and balance work. Some in their 80's. I would guess.

I went there because my wife did not want to go there alone. But, all in all, I did find it mildly challenging. So, this morning, my wife is joining a group of 6 other ladies, all in their 60's and 70's and + for a bicycle ride on our local trails.

And, I get to ride by myself, which I love.

I'm into my early 40's

Hmm!

Have you received the official 50+ waiver for posting illegally?:D

Hmm!

Have you received the official 50+ waiver for posting illegally?:D

I'll have to sign one. Some of the best posts are on this forum. Can't wait eight more years before I butt in. :)

I'm not sure if I've changed or not, but I know where there are a couple of hills that have shrunk;)

Same here, doctor j.

A couple years ago I had to walk many of the hills. Now I can spin up most of them. There have been a couple this year that I needed to stop near the top to rest before tackling the remainder of the hill. Maybe next year I'll be able to climb without stopping:)

I'll have to sign one. Some of the best posts are on this forum. Can't wait eight more years before I butt in. :)

Those were the magic words that give you membership into the 50+ group:D

Eleven years ago: 300-500 miles a year, Toys R' Us bike, no cycling specific clothing, overweight and a smoker

Today: I'm hoping to hit 4000 miles this year (currently have 2500), carbon fiber bike, too many cycling clothes, normal weight and a non-smoker

Things have really changed:)

Troy, Ohio -- At 101-years-old, Clair Duckham, who co-founded the Dayton Cycling Club in 1961, pedaled his low-riding Whiz-Wheel trike from Vandalia to Troy Sunday morning under ideal bicycling weather in celebration of his recent birthday.
The report. (http://www.whiotv.com/news/13218061/detail.html)

Also from 2001:

The Dayton Cycling Club, also founded by "Huffy" Huffman, celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2001. Membership of this touring/riding/racing group is about 700, and includes co-founder Clair Duckham, a 95-year-old avid cyclist who still rides 35 miles round-trip on his modern Campagnolo-equipped Bianchi every Sunday for breakfast.

Hmm!

Have you received the official 50+ waiver for posting illegally?:D

Bev told me it's OK.

It's not the "fat genes" I whine about - it's the "Fat Jeans."


Sorry, that was a reference to the whining I had to put up with in the Clydesdale forum, and the "upstart Crowe" who protects it. So many excuses, so little time....

I remember wondering, back when I was in my early 20's, if I would still be riding when I turned 50.

The good news is that I'm still riding (at 57), still completing double centuries within the time limits and still having fun!

Plus (ref. hill notes above) I'm climbing better than ever. I rode the Mt.Tam double with 14,500 feet of climbing over 200 miles (17 hours, 8 minutes) and headed for bigger (climbing) challenges in 2008!

Rick / OCRR

Troy, Ohio -- At 101-years-old, Clair Duckham, who co-founded the Dayton Cycling Club in 1961, pedaled his low-riding Whiz-Wheel trike from Vandalia to Troy Sunday morning under ideal bicycling weather in celebration of his recent birthday.
The report. (http://www.whiotv.com/news/13218061/detail.html)

Also from 2001:

The Dayton Cycling Club, also founded by "Huffy" Huffman, celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2001. Membership of this touring/riding/racing group is about 700, and includes co-founder Clair Duckham, a 95-year-old avid cyclist who still rides 35 miles round-trip on his modern Campagnolo-equipped Bianchi every Sunday for breakfast.

And he'll probably be back for birthday 102, too:) I know I'll be doing the ride.


I don't have the exact figures but the majority of members in this cycling club qualify for posting in the 50+ forum:D

I agree that I have changed. Before rediscovering cycling more than 2 years ago, I thought I was fit since my mode of excercise was walking 3-4 miles a day. I got on a bike and I could hardly get back to where I started
(<2 miles). This year I am just a little over 200 miles to reach a milestone of 2000 miles and more before winter sets in. I feel physically fit, healthier and have the endurance and stamina to ride 30 to 50 miles easily. I owe it to the forum 50+ members who posted here and reported their progress. Fountain of youth? Yes the 50+ forum can make a sedentary person in his 50's be young again if he gets on a bike regularly.

I won't be 50 for another 8 years....

I think The Historian has been sent to our forum to steal our signs. Be extra careful around this young kid....

I'm pretty new to the forum but I think I fit in well, in age, in fitness, in overall outlook and the fact that I'm returning to cycling after a long layoff. I'm not doing any centuries (although 50 miles is OK), nor really any training, until I get in about 1500 to 2000 base miles. That should happen sometime over the winter. Fortunately, cycling in Central Texas is almost a year-round activity. Watch out for next year!


-soma5

I've changed. So far I've lost one bicycle off of my body and am working toward losing a second.

I'm not sure if I've changed or not, but I know where there are a couple of hills that have shrunk;)

Great point. My first year and a half riding, I pretty much stayed with riding flats. Now, I intentionally ride the biggest hill in the area, once or twice a week. A small hill I used to ride was the steepest thing I climbed, and always slowed me down to 7 or 8 mph. Now, my only thought on that same hill is whether or not I want to spend enough energy to stay with the 22 mph paceline as they go up it, or save my energy for the much bigger hill ahead.

I was not one of the originals that got this section going- but I think I was here shortly after the start. The immediate thing I noticed was that there was no putting down of members- just because they had a cheap bike- Or the milage was pretty low or stupid questions were asked. That is still the same today but things have moved on a bit. We still get the newcomers that are welcomed- and we still get the continual questions about what bike to get. Difference is that it seems to be the choice between the latest Trek- top of the range Madone or the latest specialised even more Top of the range.

The other thing is that as members have stayed on the forum- Their riding distance has gone up- The hills they do have got longer and the Arguments about Triple or Compact crank still continue.

The longer someone stays on this forum- They will change but as to the 50+ group still catering for all aspects of mature riding- That is still the same as it used to be.

Stapfam, you said that very well! Kudos to everyone, and I am taking one for myself, for all the improvements!

I was not one of the originals that got this section going- but I think I was here shortly after the start. The immediate thing I noticed was that there was no putting down of members- just because they had a cheap bike- Or the milage was pretty low or stupid questions were asked.

Actually, I was one of the nay-sayers who initially didn't see any reason for a 50+ forum. I WAS WRONG!

I think that what I overlooked was the maturity level. It's nice to have a forum in which the majority of posters are secure enough within themselves that they can post honestly and confidently about their weaknesses as well as their successes.

It's nice to have a forum where I can admit that I was wrong and know that any retribution I recieve is going to be offered in the spirit of good-natured fun.

I've greatly enjoyed being able to ride again. I seem to ride about as well as I did 30 years ago! Having a younger wife to chase certainly helps. Really it was training her up that peeled 35 lbs off me and got me onto a better bike. Next thing you know I'll actually be training!

I rode up until 1993 regularly. I was training then. Had a car wreck and didn't really get recovered adequately to put in lots of miles until perhaps 3 years ago. What I've noticed about picking up the pace (other than being fit) is that I've become a much more mature and coherent rider. Easier for me to pace myself, to avoid trouble, to generally enjoy riding. I think I enjoy it now more than ever before. I really cherish every ride. I'm riding with my daughter a bit. That's fun! She's 14. Not terribly skilled, but getting better.

But back to the subject at hand.

I think bicycling is becoming the new golf. Which is great! I see folks stepping up to fancy bikes early in taking up cycling, becoming serious, studying. Folks older than I am. This is great! I sort of miss the old golf, but this cycling thing is really nice. Maybe I'll find others to ride with in my age group!

I was enjoying riding with my wife until her recent accident. She'll be back on the road soon. I'll enjoy that. I miss her. She's a good rider and we're perfectly matched. This is something I'm not used to. Had a good long-distance riding companion years ago. He died recently in a caving accident. And I had a wife I'd tour with, but we were always at odds!

Actually, I was one of the nay-sayers who initially didn't see any reason for a 50+ forum. I WAS WRONG!

I think that what I overlooked was the maturity level. It's nice to have a forum in which the majority of posters are secure enough within themselves that they can post honestly and confidently about their weaknesses as well as their successes.

It's nice to have a forum where I can admit that I was wrong and know that any retribution I recieve is going to be offered in the spirit of good-natured fun.

Very, very well said Retro-and thanks for putting it in print. I know I probably offer more personal insights here that I don't even share with many other cycling friends. I would very much agree that there is a certain degree of comfort level that permeates the users of 50+.

Same here, doctor j.

A couple years ago I had to walk many of the hills. Now I can spin up most of them. There have been a couple this year that I needed to stop near the top to rest before tackling the remainder of the hill. Maybe next year I'll be able to climb without stopping:)
Folks...she's being modest. On a across Ohio ride this summer (XOBA) Beverly was worried about a steep hill in Cleveland, coming up from the lake to the road. I went first and was already in my granny when she passed me like a bat-out-of-hell. It was a blur. I wasn't even sure who it was until I got to the top where she was waiting for the rest of us.

25 lbs dropped since June, blood pressure at 109/63, pushing MUCH younger riders if they aren't in damn good shape and working toward my first century and maybe the Triple Bypass ride here next year. People noticing I have more energy...and I turn 60 next month. Feels great being a spandex weenie!! ;-) The competition in this age group has always been a bear. Ain't it great.

The only thing constant in this world is change. Only been here for a short while, already read how people have improved both physically and in some cases emotionally. This group brings a new dimension to cycling in that it is really a community rather than a bunch of egomaniac gear heads argueing about what color bike is better or who has the best pie :D

In just a couple of years 50+ er's in our little forum seem to be coming out of the woodwork, investing in more cycling stuff and enhancing their health.
I'm looking forward to "officially" joining the 50+ team next year, but I wont wait to post here. From what I see it's a cool group of people and yes, just this year, I went full tilt into the Road Biking, finally building a Frame that I had sitting in my bedrrom just begging me. And now I'm on my 2nd build; this is a great hobby/activity/lifestyle...

Today: I'm hoping to hit 4000 miles this year (currently have 2500), carbon fiber bike, too many cycling clothes, normal weight and a non-smoker


- go Beverly!!!!! w00t!

(going on three years no-smoking, getting ready to hit 10,000 miles at the end of the month!)

- go Beverly!!!!! w00t!

(going on three years no-smoking, getting ready to hit 10,000 miles at the end of the month!)

Wow! Maybe I can shoot for 10,000 after I retire in a few years:)

So much change behind us and so much change still ahead of us.
One thing I am aware of lately is a lot of focus on getting the perfect bike, saddle, parts, clothes etc. Later comes more of a realization that it is more about what we do with the stuff and less about the stuff itself. I'll never forget what a bike shop manager told me when I was going through my first phase of buying better and better stuff. He told me that in the end it's about the legs, the lungs and the heart.

It is fun seeing all of us develop better legs, lungs and hearts...and picking up some nice stuff to use them on. ;)

The biggest change for me has been that in my latest bout of being car-free, I've managed to pay down my debts in a little over 2 years and buy a long desired recumbent cash.

I'm better off now on several levels. I can honestly say when I started reading the stuff on here I was a bit skeptical, but not anymore. Hell even I can ride a hundred miles in a day now. Would have NEVER thought that possible before BF 50+. So have I changed? You betcha. God bless and keep you every one for being the inspirations that make this the place that it is.

I've changed. So far I've lost one bicycle off of my body and am working toward losing a second.

You lost a whole bike? Are you sure it wasn't just a tire? :)

I've changed. So far I've lost one bicycle off of my body and am working toward losing a second.

I imagine you look a little unbalanced with just one bike hanging on you:rolleyes:

Congrats on losing the first bike!

So much change behind us and so much change still ahead of us.
One thing I am aware of lately is a lot of focus on getting the perfect bike, saddle, parts, clothes etc. Later comes more of a realization that it is more about what we do with the stuff and less about the stuff itself. I'll never forget what a bike shop manager told me when I was going through my first phase of buying better and better stuff. He told me that in the end it's about the legs, the lungs and the heart.

It is fun seeing all of us develop better legs, lungs and hearts...and picking up some nice stuff to use them on. ;)

I'm finding this out, more and more as I go.

So much change behind us and so much change still ahead of us.
One thing I am aware of lately is a lot of focus on getting the perfect bike, saddle, parts, clothes etc. Later comes more of a realization that it is more about what we do with the stuff and less about the stuff itself. I'll never forget what a bike shop manager told me when I was going through my first phase of buying better and better stuff. He told me that in the end it's about the legs, the lungs and the heart.

It is fun seeing all of us develop better legs, lungs and hearts...and picking up some nice stuff to use them on. ;)

You're right on target, BD.

As I improved my overall health I found myself wanting faster bikes, better equipment, etc. Now that I've bought the equipment I find myself doing the work required to keep the fitness. I bought an indoor trainer for the bikes last year and have been checking into availability of spinning classes in my area for this winter. There is always room for improvement.

There does indeed seem to be some more a** kicking posts here -- first and multiple centuries, hanging tough in pacelines with young'uns, "Ride the Rockies" on a fixie (he is God!), Ventoux climbs, major weight loss.

Myself, I was just on a brisk paced club ride yesterday on my fixie over a regular route. I thought back on my early days doing slow beginner paced club rides along the same route on a hybrid and praying I wouldn't die. There's a small bridge over a canal with maybe a 4 foot climb and I remembered how I used to dread it!

I'm still a poor hill climber but these days "hill" means "hill", not bumps. That's my project for next season. That and a multi-day tour or two. Haven't done that yet.

I've lost a few inches off the middle -- even since first my century a couple months ago -- and my thighs are rock hard. Wife says I no longer look like "a day-glo egg" in my roadie Lycra.

Of course, the biggest, most shocking change was DG finally deciding on a road bike. :D

Guy was kind of kicking our a** on a group ride. Guy does triathalons. When we stopped we polled our ages and turns out he was the youngest guy on the ride at age 51! He decided he would take it easy on us the rest of the ride due to all the senior citizens.

Kind of a shame that there are not more young riders taking up the sport.