Folding Bikes - Where will you go with your folder when you retire?

I was recently on vacation and went to a place where I saw more folders on the road than I have ever seen. Then I realized that the people riding the folders seemed to be retired and just enjoying the life. On an even closed look it seemed their folders were also retired (take a look at the pics)

That got me thinking. Where will you go with your folder when you retire?

I've made up my mind south of France (Cannes) and north of Italy (Portofino and Santa Margherita di Ligure and Cinque Terre) - that's where me and my folder will feel at home.

I guess it doesn't hurt that the beaches look like this :D

Why do you have to wait perhaps a very long time to finally enjoy a folding bike and actually own one? I am rather close to the traditional retirement age. But I (and others now) realize that my age group for the most part will never get to retire (unless completely disabled). So I enjoy life as it comes now. Not for some imagined future or any particular place. Besides, it looks like Mexico. I think global warming will eliminate it by the time my age group is ready to go there.

Besides, it looks like Mexico. I think global warming will eliminate it by the time my age group is ready to go there.

Well, maybe then Canada will look like that. :)

Why do you have to wait perhaps a very long time to finally enjoy a folding bike and actually own one?

I do own a folder and do enjoy it but to see such folders in such a beautiful place just made me think when I retire (if I do get the chance) that's where I'm going.... to ride with other folders

Certainly some geriatric folders there, and nice scenery too.

But folderfanatic is right too about not postponing the enjoyment of life until some time far in the future when retirement or some other marker comes along. We live now, and there is no time to enjoy life like the present.

Too many people don't realise that and sell their best years into mortgages, school fees and the like, living like dogs in the meantime and missing out on the best experiences they could have had.

Happiness isn't about possessions, or a place, or a time. It is about doing things now and having relationships now which are fulfilling....

Sorry for the rambling but as an old git of 56 I thought I should just say.

Leblon (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leblon) is the name of the neighborhood that I was born. Chances are that's where I will retire with my folder. I had a "free sample" of 32 days and I can tell you, that place was created with a folding bike in mind: bike paths connecting you to the rest of the world including 4 of the most famous beaches in the world (Leme, Copacabana, Ipanema and duh...Leblon). Bus, Subway and cabs do the rest including shopping malls and restaurants. For the equivalent of US$3.00 you can reach the international Airport.

http://www.cariocahostel.com.br/gallery/images/Leblon%20Beach_jpg.jpg

http://www.cariocahostel.com.br/gallery/images/copa0_jpg.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/24/35701313_ee4e882916.jpg

A little bit of my trip to Rio de Janeiro. Can't wait to do this on a daily basis:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1112/1479946354_f0cce2c70c_o.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1256/1479946032_45faf05fd1_o.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1351/1479081025_2f2b6a75cc.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1370/1344119808_ef36fc5b37.jpg


On my way to by a Florida Lotto ticket,

14R.

^^ Dude, you look pissed off riding that Brompton. :)

^^ Dude, you look pissed off riding that Brompton. :)

That picture was taken 5 minutes after the phone call I received from my friend saying "I got the money, I will buy your bike!" :(

About 20 years ago, my wife and I took a 3-week cycling holiday in the Netherlands. At the airport, we were directed to the special 'bike building area' to reassemble our bikes (full-size at that time, not folders). We cycled right out of the airport and into Amsterdam on well-maintained, separate bike paths. About two weeks into the tour we met a Dutch couple who were also bicycle touring on their single-speed Dutch 'schooners'. We asked "where are you going?" They replied "Wherever the wind blows us! We just cycle with the wind at our backs, and we know we can always find accommodation somewhere. And when we're done, we'll just take the train home." The attitude toward bicycles in that country seemed light-years ahead of North America.

Now I'm not saying I'd retire in the Netherlands, but someplace with a similarly enlightened attitude would be very nice.

14R, somehow your photos always look magnificent. (You have to tell us the trick of snapping yourself while riding.)

14R, somehow your photos always look magnificent. (You have to tell us the trick of snapping yourself while riding.)


Thank you. Most of the pictures I take I use a small tripod and the camera on drive mode (timer + about 30 pictures). usually, 3 or 4 out of 20 are decent.

http://www1.istockphoto.com/file_thumbview_approve/1579783/2/istockphoto_1579783_small_tripod.jpg


These pictures were taken by a friend of mine though, that is very serious about photography and has a state of the art equipment. You can see some of his work HERE (http://www.flickr.com/photos/charlesyoung/page1/)

Agreed on the 'Carpe Diem' sentiments! Not to be gloomy but we could all be hit by a Truck tomorrow!

Who of us will then think -up in heaven- 'i wish i had been at the office or the job more,..?'

If any of us think 'i wish i had toured that beautiful place' on my folder or any other such meaningfull pursuits then Now is the time to do them. Or at the least plan them, for like next summer and then stick to plan!