Fifty Plus (50+) - I have a riding buddy! and I am getting stronger

I've been trying to talk my neighbor into riding since I started. She's 57 and I figured we could be slow and get into shape together. She has a Walmart mountain bike that had been in the garage for a long time, but the tires were still good. She didn't know how to change gears so I showed her the basics I learned here and we rode about 4 miles before she gave out. We were going at a slower pace than I normally ride and maybe it was that or having company, but I felt great the whole time. I did get off and walk with her on some of the hills but I could have done them easily.

I think she's going to have sore thighs tomorrow, but we're supposed to have wind & rain tomorrow so she'll have an excuse to take the day off. But once she gets over the soreness, I think this is going to be a lot of fun.

I'm glad you've found a riding buddy. I'll bet you find you encourage each other in ways you had never imagined. Introduce her to the forum if you haven't already. I have found all kinds of great advice and stimulation from the posters here.

Yes, I did send her the link for the forum. I hope she joins.

It's always nice to have a riding partner. I've learned a lot from my riding friends.

Great sport - alone or together can be equally rewarding in different ways.
Skiing,
Kayaking,
Hiking are also my favs.

She's going to need your assistance to best enjoy her riding experience. If you can help her adjust the bike to where she is most comfortable, then the odds are better of her continuing to ride with you. Wal-mart bikes usually don't fit people very well, they make them in only one or two sizes. You have to be lucky to get a good fit. Then on top of that, no one adjusts the seat or handlebars for you.

In general their bikes are not very good, but some do get a lot of use out of them.

Just like for other hobbies, the bike itself can contribute to a less enjoyable riding experience. If it doesn't fit well, if it isn't set up correctly, if the cheap derailleurs don't shift right, if the wheels go out of true, etc., then it can be more of a hassle than a pleasure to ride. Anything you can do to make it more comfortable will help keep her riding.

I've been trying to talk my neighbor into riding since I started. She's 57 and I figured we could be slow and get into shape together. She has a Walmart mountain bike that had been in the garage for a long time, but the tires were still good. She didn't know how to change gears so I showed her the basics I learned here and we rode about 4 miles before she gave out. We were going at a slower pace than I normally ride and maybe it was that or having company, but I felt great the whole time. I did get off and walk with her on some of the hills but I could have done them easily.

I think she's going to have sore thighs tomorrow, but we're supposed to have wind & rain tomorrow so she'll have an excuse to take the day off. But once she gets over the soreness, I think this is going to be a lot of fun.

AuntieM, thanks for telling us! It's nice to know when someone I've tried to help is actually doing better.

Road Fan

Big problem is getting people out to ride with you. I have plenty of neighbours that have bikes but there is no way they will come out with me. Even though I would do an easy ride with few hills or slopes and keep the speed down. Tried again on a couple of them last night but the weather is now too cold- apparantly.

So keep your neighbour interested with rides that are do-able for a month or so. Then you can start to find the interesting rides that take in a cafe for PIE.

Well done on finding a new riding partner- but don't be fooled into thinking this is going to be easy to keep her riding. Mind you- in a years time when she gets the New Racing bike and has to wait for you at the top of the hills- You might regeret this friendly act of yours.

LOL Stepfam, I can only hope.

Road Fan, when I read the forums here, I feel like I'm so lost, but when I was riding with her, little things you all have told me or I've heard you tell others kept coming back to me.

Just makes me smile when somebody finds a new riding buddy. Please encourage her to keep it up, and the miles will pass faster than you know.

"...and we rode about 4 miles before she gave out."

That may have been too much for a first ride! If she is too sore the next day, it may be difficult to get her out again. You may have to promise shorter rides (and pie) to restart her enthusiasm!
Go out and ride a bunch of miles BEFORE you ride with her. If you're worn out a bit, it'll be a lot easier to stay with her.
You have to keep it FUN! She's already handicapped equipment wise. Those tires are terrible for the road.