Fifty Plus (50+) - Great 50+ bike idea, maybe?

At the end of a group ride, our first of the season, someone had the brilliant idea that bike computers should come with a handicap function for 50+ers that would ad mileage to your total based on your age. Hey they have it in golf, why not cycling?

I have no clue as to the handicap system factor but some of you math oriented types could work on this. I can take no real credit for the idea.

So here is the basic idea. When you finish a ride with some of the young bucks you are awarded more miles based on the factor for your age. The computer mfgs. could come up with some kind of standard where you enter your age along with your tire size. Then the computer would automatically put your age factor into your miles.

What do you think? Brilliant market waiting to happen or stupid idea?

You need to go ride your bike . . .

As long as it doesn't subtract based on IQ....

Once you give away bonus miles your on a slippery slope...............the domino theory of bicycles as it were. Next there will be requests for bonus miles for spandex, clipless pedals, matching kits etc. Some of us could claim a bonus for riding on unpaved trails 2:1 or serious off road like BluesDawg 3:1. Where will the maddness end.

Better idea..........................go out and kick the younguns buts straight up.

Just listen to the horror stories about cheating on a golf handicap to get a better score for a round, especially in a club tournament.:rolleyes: I'll just ride what I can and be thankful for that blessing. Not bad thinking, just not for me.

Bill

I was going to reply, "Cheaters never win", then I remembered this was cycling we're talking about.

If you need to pretend you rode further, just change your cyclometer to a smaller wheel size, or to kilometers or something, and be quiet about it.

Put two magnets on your spokes and double the mileage.

to paraphrase a little "... a mile is a mile is a mile..."

the young bucks are really looking up to you, hoiping when they are 'old' like you, they can still be doing what you are doing :)

train safe-

Join bikejournal.com.
The top mileage riders are over the age of 65.
I rank 138 out of 28,400 riders.
66 y/o.
You need to ride more and computer less.

It's all been done for you.

There is a local Tour de Mad Dog that has developed handicaps based on age, weight, frame construction, etc. Scroll down to page 9 of this document: http://www.johnpaul.com/maddogs/rules/tdmd.pdf

Put two magnets on your spokes and double the mileage.

+1, and also the speed

This is just my opinion.... Do I really care what the "young bucks" think? When I get up each morning and look in the mirror, it's always just me standing there. I know how many miles I ride, and that's got to be enough for me, or I should take up a different activity. I must confess that this is one area of my life in which I'm very selfish. I ride for me and no one else. In a group ride or organized event, I'm not really concerned about what others think, only my own personal goals. So, comparing my mileage or time with others is somewhat useless to me. Finally, a "handicap function" has the subtle effect of pointing out, not the strengths of those who are older, but paints us as less than we are. I read the posts of many 50+ riders and don't see them as handicapped or in need of special consideration. The idea has its humorous elements, but I can't take it seriously.

Not an idea I would be interested in. I try to measure myself against the ride not the other riders.
Although I am still (after 2 solid road seasons) waiting for that magical time when I begin to kick some of these 305 y.o. asses.

Although I am still (after 2 solid road seasons) waiting for that magical time when I begin to kick some of these 305 y.o. asses.

OK...before anyone jumps on this...I can kick 305 year old ass....I meant 35.

I usually do just fine with the younger crowd, and sometimes lead. I don't feel any older than them. In my indoor group I was usually #2 or 3, sometimes even #1, and they were 20s or early 30s.

I'm not conceding anything to them just yet.

My life is simple. I don't use cyclo computers. :D

Yeah, the computers are just extra hassle & weight. I still feel like I'm cheating having multiple gears and a freewheel.

At the end of a group ride, our first of the season, someone had the brilliant idea that bike computers should come with a handicap function for 50+ers that would ad mileage to your total based on your age.

Why?