Fifty Plus (50+) - How Important are Goals in Your 50+ Cycling?

You may post responses to as many different statements as you like. Your answers will be public.

"How Important are Goals in Your 50+ Cycling?"

OK, I pretty much hijacked another thread about goals, but we did get a lot of interesting responses.

So, I am posting, with trepidation, another poll.

Please send all of your comments on how you would have done a better poll or asked better questions directly to me as a PM. That way I won't be tempted to get upset and respond publicly. Upset is not a good health environment for a 65+'r.

And, I am sorry, but it is not possible to edit or rewrite questions once a poll is posted, and every poll is limited to 10 questions.

Who's trepidation?

But I always have a goal that I strive for at some time in the year. Normally around the middle of the year and then I can relax a bit and Enjoy the rest of the summers riding. Then I have winter to think about the next goal and once I have made it- It is out on the bike- down the gym- anything I can do to get fit to meet the goal.

Still trying to see if next years goal will be possible. Not only the riding goal- but the arranging of a holiday and riding mates to be able to do it.

Who's trepidation?

He rides a white bike. You should know him!

I think they are more important if you are new to the sport or have returned after a layoff, as my case.

The other problem is goal measurment. One of my 2006 goals was to become a better climber. Have I met that goal? I would say yes because I have not had to get off and push the bike up one hill this year.

I guess I'll have to answer that I place some significance on goals. However my goal was to get to the point of where I could take relaxing 1 to 2 hour rides. Not a typical goal-driven objective.

My #1 goal was to enjoy a relaxing ride on a bike. And that is still my goal, every time out.

#2 goal is to ride enough to maintain & develop fitness and comfort on a bike to achieve goal #1.

When I first started bicycling at age 58, I was VERY goal oriented. I was going to "Ride the Rockies" in three months of training, and I did, which is pretty amazing, considering all. Also, I've done the "required" Centuries.

I regularly ride - for pleasure - 100 to 150 miles per week. But that is NOT a goal, it is a routine. I like to go up hills and challenge myself rom time-to-time, but again, that is for pleasure, not as a goal.

So, I do quite a bit of bicycling, but I have no specific goals about my bicycling. I guess my goals have turned into habits. I figure that, at almost 68 yo, if I continue riding 100 - 150 miles per week as long as I can, if I continue weight lifting (another goal turned into a habit) and walking 15 miles or so a week (another habit) that I will stay pretty darn fit. BUt, I don't chart or measure anything except I keep a running track in my head of about how many miles I have ridden and/or walked, and how many workouts I have done each week.

I had not thought of that, but most of my previous goals have indeed become habits! Interesting. In fact, if I DON'T do my "habits" my body gets very upset! Is that a sort of goal? :D

I think that maybe I am in "maintenance" mode!

I had not thought of that, but most of my previous goals have indeed become habits! Interesting. In fact, if I DON'T do my "habits" my body gets very upset! Is that a sort of goal? :D


You could say your goals are to maintain the goals you've reached:)

My 2006 goals were to ride a century and ride at least 2000 miles. Checked those off.

My 2007 goals were to do a week long bike tour, ride at least 3000 miles and become a better climber. I did two tours this summer, have 2927 miles as of last week and I believe I've improved on the hill climbing. I haven't avoided hilly routes and there were only a couple hills that I walked. A few I had to stop and rest before finishing but I didn't walk them:rolleyes:

My biggest reason for riding is I enjoy it and I do it for health benefits.

He rides a white bike. You should know him!

Does he always wear a black hoodie and carry a big sickle thingie? That guy's been following me around.

Heart warming vignette that I'll be able to get away with for a little bit longer maybe--

How to maximize the "smiles per miles" ratio, whcih should be our goal around here:

I hopped on my bike for some R&R time yesterday. Got 1/3 mile down the road. Oops, I forgot my bike bag. Better go back and get it.

As I rode around to my garage, I encountered three neighborhood girls, one immigrant girl, and one garden hose. The situation got out of hand very quickly.

The final tally: smiles 175 +/- a few, miles, 0.6. Do the math.

Calories burned: about 20. We all gotta make adjustments.

Goals are very important to me. I set very specific goals for my racing and more general goals for my overall riding (i.e. - - going off some stunt or feature that I've chickened out on before, going faster in a section of a familiar trail, etc.) I honestly think I'm faster now than I was in my forties for having worked on stepping up my game a bit every year.

One of my goals this year is to podium in my first-ever Sea Otter.

Heart warming vignette that I'll be able to get away with for a little bit longer maybe--

How to maximize the "smiles per miles" ratio, whcih should be our goal around here:

I hopped on my bike for some R&R time yesterday. Got 1/3 mile down the road. Oops, I forgot my bike bag. Better go back and get it.

As I rode around to my garage, I encountered three neighborhood girls, one immigrant girl, and one garden hose. The situation got out of hand very quickly.

The final tally: smiles 175 +/- a few, miles, 0.6. Do the math.

Calories burned: about 20. We all gotta make adjustments.

How many calories is burned by one smile? Likely about 10 or so?

A new weight loss reduction program - or book - "Smile Yourself Thin"

My goal is not about the miles or speed on a bike but about how often I can commute on my bike. Durning the winter I try to ride about 50% of the time if I can, and the spring summer and fall I try to ride as much as 90% of the time. I have yet to meet that goal on a regular bases. Only once this summer I was able to ride every work day of the month.

In 2005 and 2006 my goal was to ride seven double centuries, and I did that, but I was unsuccessful in 2007, with only four doubles to date, and the Fall Solvang Double coming up on Oct. 20th. So, if I finish Solvang Fall under the time limit that will be five for 2007, and retain my Thousand Mile Club status (for the fourth straight year), i.e. 1,000 miles of doubles per year.

In 2007 I only rode one double with the "Extremely High Difficulty" rating. In 2008 my goal is to ride at least seven doubles, including two (Mulholland and Heartbreak) with the same high rating, two of which will also count for King of the Mountain points. So (if I can survive Breathless Agony - only 114 mi. 14,000 ft. of climbing) I will earn the CA King of the Mountain jersey.

In 2007 I rode the Mt. Tam double, even though it took me 17 Hrs. and 8 minutes to complete. Still, with so much climbing it was good training for the doubles on my "Goal List" for 2008!

Good to hear that lots of other 50+ riders are working on their climbing for 2007 - 2008!

Rick / OCRR

I ride for the enjoyment of riding. If seeking a good time can be
called a goal, enjoyable riding is my goal. Any health benefits are
incidental, I have a Schwinn Airdyne in the basement for CV
benefits etc. I cant enjoy the foliage, wildlife, waterfront or
much of the other calming visuals available to me on a ride if I'm
constantly monitoring Heart Rate, Cadence, Time and Speed. I find
all that to be too distractive to my purpose for riding. As a youngster I
used to ride all over the neighborhood just for the exhileration of the
ride. I had no idea how far or fast I went and didn't much care. I
monitor my mileage now mostly out of curiosity...high miles must
have been a fun year. I've taken some long rides and reported them
but really never felt driven to do so. It's usually more like a spur of the
moment thing....good weather and no important commitments could
lead to "Honey, I think I'll take a long ride tomorrow."

I guess if I was more mature, I'ld use my bikes in a manner to effect
definate physical benefits to myself....but alas, I'm just a boy with his
toys trying to escape a world full of seriousness for short periods of time.

Even before I began actually riding again, I had the goal of making it to the town of Fairfax, California because that used to be the jumping off point to places further north for those centuries and double centuries.

Goals give me something to strive for both in distance and physical condition improvement.

knotty

My biggest reason for riding is also for the enjoyment. But, I do put more effort into it and therefore I feel I get more out of it,if there is a ride I am striving for. My sister and I have decided to do a local 12 hours race here next Fall, that is the kind of motivation I need to push myself. Riding for enjoyment is easy for me, but I would also like to be able to cover more miles, with the same amount of effort, and it seems to take a carrot dangling out there for me to do that.

In 2005 and 2006 my goal was to ride seven double centuries, and I did that, but I was unsuccessful in 2007, with only four doubles to date, and the Fall Solvang Double coming up on Oct. 20th. So, if I finish Solvang Fall under the time limit that will be five for 2007, and retain my Thousand Mile Club status (for the fourth straight year), i.e. 1,000 miles of doubles per year.

In 2007 I only rode one double with the "Extremely High Difficulty" rating. In 2008 my goal is to ride at least seven doubles, including two (Mulholland and Heartbreak) with the same high rating, two of which will also count for King of the Mountain points. So (if I can survive Breatless Agony - only 114 mi. 14,000 ft. of climbing) I will earn the CA King of the Mountain jersey.

In 2007 I rode the Mt. Tam double, even though it took me 17 Hrs. and 8 minutes to complete. Still, with so much climbing it was good training for the doubles on my "Goal List" for 2008!

Good to hear that lots of other 50+ riders are working on their climbing for 2007 - 2008!

Rick / OCRR

You cwazy.

You cwazy.

Yes Terrierman,

That's possible. But remember too, that's a cultural definition :).

Within the CA Double Century "culture" it's pretty much normal, even for old folks like us.

I'll probably keep doing doubles as long as I'm having fun riding them, and I seem to be
having more fun each year! :D

Check out: www.caltriplecrown.org (http://www.caltriplecrown.org)

and: www.caltriplecrown.com

Rick / OCRR

That Rick is a real slacker. Only 2 with Extremely high Difficulty. Seriously, I like to see a nice guy do so well. Rick, Breathless Agony will be a cruise for you, I mean, I did it, so you can do it easily.

Yes big john,

I did Breathless Agony in 2005 and 2006 but didn't ride it in 2007. I know its do-able, I just hate the last 8 miles to Onyx Summit!

See you on Angels Crest on GMR sometime!

Rick / OCRR

Yes big john,

I did Breathless Agony in 2005 and 2006 but didn't ride it in 2007. I know its do-able, I just hate the last 8 miles to Onyx Summit!

See you on Angels Crest on GMR sometime!

Rick / OCRR

Yeah, that last 8 miles is one of the hardest pieces of road I've ever travelled. I got to the point where I could actually see the top, riders standing around, etc. In my mind I still almost quit, but forced myself to go on because Sarah and Cathy were up there waiting for me, along with some Rice Crispie treats.

I think the word "goal" is sometimes pretty hard to define. I prepare for cycling events with the intention of enjoying the ride and not dragging my friends down or embarrassing myself. I don't really consider that a goal.

I don't believe I've ever used cycling to accomplish something outside of the actual cycling experience.

I see good health as a bonus, not a goal. I would still ride...even if it was unhealthy.

When I got my exercise by being a Soccer Referee goals were very important. Now that I ride a bike its more for fun.

I don't believe I've ever used cycling to accomplish something outside of the actual cycling experience.



You must have read the Dharma Bums one too many times. Get with the program, wierdo.

I have developed these biking related goals for me:
Goal #1 I do everything I can think of to make my standard 50 mile/day ride faster and easier.
Goal #2 I am planning to do anual cross America tours until my body/mind will not let me.
Goal #3 I hope to succeed in getting my son and one of my friends to join me in #2.

Yeah, that last 8 miles is one of the hardest pieces of road I've ever travelled. I got to the point where I could actually see the top, riders standing around, etc. In my mind I still almost quit, but forced myself to go on because Sarah and Cathy were up there waiting for me, along with some Rice Crispie treats.

Yes big john,

Funny you should mention that! :) When I was nearing the top of Onyx, I could hear voices, but due to the low oxygen levels, and overall "used up" state of my mind at that point, I thought they weren't "real." I remember thinking "Now I know I'm really out of it!"

But then (a few vertical feet later) I actually recognized a voice (Lynn Katano), and at that moment it became clear to me that I was really going to make it. It was like grasping victory out of the pits of hopelessness, or at least it seemed like that at the time. Yeah, must have been the altitude!

For those 50+ riders not intimately familiar with Breathless Agony, pls. ref:

http://www.cyclingpros.com/onyx.htm

Notice how "onyx" is actually part of the web address. Is that sick or what? :D

Rick / OCRR

You must have read the Dharma Bums one too many times. Get with the program, wierdo.

:roflmao::roflmao:
One of my life's heroes, Japhy Ryder.

:roflmao::roflmao:
One of my life's heroes, Japhy Ryder.

We know that, son. It's all in your dossier.

I think the word "goal" is sometimes pretty hard to define. I prepare for cycling events with the intention of enjoying the ride and not dragging my friends down or embarrassing myself. I don't really consider that a goal.

I don't believe I've ever used cycling to accomplish something outside of the actual cycling experience.

I see good health as a bonus, not a goal. I would still ride...even if it was unhealthy.

+1, this is how I feel. I did start cycling to get in better shape for off-road motorcycles, but gave that up in 1990,or so.
I want to stay fit enough to enjoy the long adventure rides I love so much, but I don't mind finishing last. I guess that would be my goal, to keep doing hard rides as long as I can.

Interesting results. Most of you are more "goal" oriented than I would have predicted.

Would "performance goal" have been a better descriptor, and if I had used "performance goal" would your answers have been different?

I have always been goal oriented especially as a salesman, salesmanager,and business , had to be too be successful and stay ahead of the competition
I was goal oriented when I did alot of running always for the fastest time in marthons and 10 K
weight lifting the same as much weight as possible
raising a family about the same with morals and values as well as now with my grandchildren.

cycling pretty much so, Averaging 100-150 miles aweek and maintaining a a high average speed
I guess I have been goal oriented my whole life,funny never really thought about it.
I just have always strived to go past 100 % and find a way to achieve what ever results I needed regardless of what it is.

At 55 I don't know if I am as still goal oriented but I still drive myself to do the best in everything I do.
I have had to let up somewhat on my cycling do too arthritis, instead of hammering, more spinning and lighter reps with my weight program there are some other health issues from when I served in the military that have come back to haunt me so I just try too do the best I can and my biggest goal now is for Everyday to be a Great day enjoy my family, children, grandchildren and my wife.

I'm just loking for a solid workout in my riding. I was working up to 25's and just got tired of recumbutt. I've dropped back to 15's and am much more comfortable with it. I do try to increase the intensity of the workout within the 15 mle framework. So far it's working well. Lost 60 pounds and have increased lung power and endurance a lot. For a guy who is pushing 60, I really am doing ok. bk

Recumbutt?

Interesting results. Most of you are more "goal" oriented than I would have predicted.

Would "performance goal" have been a better descriptor, and if I had used "performance goal" would your answers have been different?

Yes, if it was contrasted with recreational or fitness goal.

Although for me, my primary goals were performance goals too ... just modest ones. Last year I couldn't ride 5 miles. My "performance" goal this year was to be able to ride 25-30 miles, which I exceeded by topping 40 on four occasions.

Interesting results. Most of you are more "goal" oriented than I would have predicted. Would "performance goal" have been a better descriptor, and if I had used "performance goal" would your answers have been different?

Yes, at least for me, all goals are "performance" goals. For those that said something to the effect of "Just riding and enjoying life is my goal (or something similar)" I would reply, "That's not a goal!"

Still, maybe it is for some folks, so I'm not saying that's wrong . . . it's just not what I would consider to be a "goal."

Rick / OCRR

Since I got back into cycling (way back in 1991), I've always enjoyed challenging myself with "performance goals"...I find they're a good motivator for my training, a good way to measure my progress, and a way to keep it interesting.

This year, I've decided try my hand at bike racing and I'm currently on vacation in St. George, Utah, competing in the Huntsman World Senior Games (http://www.seniorgames.net/).

In the last two days I've won a bronze and a silver medal, with two more events to go. I've posted a thread here (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?p=5431746) with descriptions of the events and pictures of this incredibly beautiful area.

Leigh get off your butt and go find a goal...
Well is getting up and wacking out a few miles before hitting the coffee shop a goal?
No
Well what about doing a few tours a year is that a goal?
No...that;s escaping
Well can't escaping be a goal
MMmm...

As I rode around to my garage, I encountered three neighborhood girls, one immigrant girl, and one garden hose. The situation got out of hand very quickly.

Wow. I'm imagining a Benny Hill sketch!

You know the story of the grasshopper and the ant? I'm an ant for much of my life. On the bike, I'm a grasshopper.

However, having said that, when I break a previous record for speed or distance (or weaving handless), I get pretty jazzed. And, as a grasshopper, I look forward to the day when I wander across states eating things.

You know the story of the grasshopper and the ant? I'm an ant for much of my life. On the bike, I'm a grasshopper.

However, having said that, when I break a previous record for speed or distance (or weaving handless), I get pretty jazzed. And, as a grasshopper, I look forward to the day when I wander across states eating things.


I'm a big fan of Eastern metaphor, but I have no idea what in the hell yer talkin' about, lady... :o

I'm a big fan of Eastern metaphor, but I have no idea what in the hell yer talkin' about, lady... :o

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Ant_and_the_Grasshopper

Apparently also known as the "ant and the dung beetle"....

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f8/The_Ant_and_the_Grasshopper_-_Project_Gutenberg_etext_19994.jpg

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Ant_and_the_Grasshopper

Never mind... :)

My "goals" are typically, getting to work, getting the groceries, going to Target or going out on a recreational ride to see a sight or just get away from things.

Just food for thought:
I spend 3 hours/day out of 16 waking hours on a bike. My friends spend much more than that proportion golfing, watching TV and other non-exercise recreation. (we are retired)
I used to spend much more than that proportion sitting in cars, airports, bars, restaurants, watch TV and reading.
For some reason the 3 hours/day biking draw attention and are called obsessive as where as the other activities do not draw such comments.
Is it the result of Group-think? If someone does not conform to Group-think he/she is subject to critical comments?

It seems that there must be a goal in order for me to ride. That goal can be getting to work, going shopping, coming home, taking my daughter someplace. Without a mission, I don't have the motivation to ride. Don't get me wrong - I love cycling - but there has to be a trip involved. I regard cycling exactly as I did when I was 12.

I've met a lot of my goals recently. In addtion to commuting to and from my new office, these have included riding to the dealer to pick up one of our cars, riding to my child's school for a meeting, and going shopping for a week's groceries. I'm always learning new routes and exploring them. It's a constant process of discovery and adventure.

Paul

Is it the result of Group-think? If someone does not conform to Group-think he/she is subject to critical comments?

If John Ashcroft was still around, I would have reported this post to him. You need to be carefully watched.

Just food for thought:
I spend 3 hours/day out of 16 waking hours on a bike. My friends spend much more than that proportion golfing, watching TV and other non-exercise recreation. (we are retired)
I used to spend much more than that proportion sitting in cars, airports, bars, restaurants, watch TV and reading.
For some reason the 3 hours/day biking draw attention and are called obsessive as where as the other activities do not draw such comments.
Is it the result of Group-think? If someone does not conform to Group-think he/she is subject to critical comments?

You are stating thst this group can actually think! Whoa - I doubt it!:D

It appears that you have some rather excellent company in the "I like goals" group. Keep it up.

In 2006 I had a goal of riding to work at least 4 days a week and pretty much met the goal. There were some days that it was great and other days that were hard. I had a couple of hard climbs to and from work and would usually be beat by the end of the week. Take a couple of days off on the weekend to get ready for the next commuting week.

2007 I retired and had a couple goals but did not start out with those goals. I wanted to do a 200 km brevet and set a goal of 4000 miles on the road. 200 km brevet was one of the toughest rides that I have done because of the cold, rain, snow, sleet, hail and heavy winds. I was able to finish in 12 hours which I think was really great considering the conditions.

Still striving toward the 4000 mile goal. If I make it fine, if I do not fine. The goals are minor in relationship to the other more important things in life, spending time with my loving and patient wife, being involved with my son, who is in the Navy and now has a great assignment at the Naval Post Graduate School, Monterey CA. Hope to go see him and take the bike to ride on the way out in different states and in California.

You are stating thst this group can actually think! Whoa - I doubt it!:D

It appears that you have some rather excellent company in the "I like goals" group. Keep it up.

Denver-
I will share with you a few dark thoughts. I like this 50+ forum and feel among friends here with common interests. Remember that I come from a town of few cyclists and friends who do not bike.
Biking is only a minor portion of my life but not unimportant.
For my other interests I go to other forums. For example: Financial Forums, Real Estate Forum, Traveling, Chess, etc.
I find it distracting to be called single minded or obsessive just because you guys see only the biking side of me. I will not bother you guys with my other interests. This is a biking forum. That does not mean that we posters have no other life.:)