Fifty Plus (50+) - A big deal for me

So, you geezers who ride your age, or, especially you century riders, just ignore this.

I rode home from a late night University class last night. It was about 15 miles in the dark -- mostly paved but unlit trail, but some road -- an hour and 15 minutes. (Plus I am riding an 8 mile round trip to my new p/t job.)

A few years ago, I was doing 12 to 15 mile rides almost every night, and then 20-25 miles on weekends. I had to quit for a while due to some lung problems. I've just been getting back to riding the 12 mile rides -- which are a lot of uphill at 5,000 to 6,000 above sea level, but some flat trail rides.

Anyway, this was a first step for me in moving toward total commuting. I could have driven, but I didn't. I've really been striving for that car-free lifestyle. I even ride the Huffy down the hill to the grocery store now.

Despite the distances I ride, I refuse to ignore a post wherein the poster has a new personal best. Good news needs to be celebrated.

Congrats! :beer: I hope this is the first of many commutes for you.

Keep up the improvement. :thumb:

Good Show!

Was this using your recovered bike?

Good going!

Anyone who is car free or striving to be car free is a person who has my respect.:thumb:

Good Job. I am not trying to become car free but I do use my bike more than my car. If I could just get my wife involved life would be sweet. A twelve-mile commute is just about perfect. Not so far as to get you too tired and just right to get your blood going on the way home.

I'm one of those geezers mentioned in your post. But (and?) I LOVE hearing about others' cycling accomplishments. Good going. You'll be a geezer, too, if you want to.

Another geezer here who says 'good for you.' Last year 12-15 miles was a long ride for me; this year I did a 100k--not fast, but I did it. Keep on bikin'.

Way to go, dude! :beer:

All personal bests are worth celebrating; congrats.

Once I started riding again I then set my goal on commuting -- I'm finding commuting is great conditioning. Something about riding 2x per day really feels like I'm getting a workout (or maybe it's the huge stack of stuff I drag w/me on my bike...).

Good Show!

Was this using your recovered bike?

It was indeed!

Way to go, rraabfaber!!!

-- which are a lot of uphill at 5,000 to 6,000 above sea level,

I can understand the lung problem, there is no friggen air up there.
Two words, SEA LEVEL.

I too celebrate your victory. Every step towards independence from the
automobile is a major one. It's great to live close enough to one destinations
to have the option of using the bike as alternate transportation.

Happy Trails

Last year I did a posting to try and point out that Distance riding is not easy. It takes practice and a bit of training to do it.

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=299032


Now what I cannot do is Commute to work. 30 mile one way trip is just a bit too far- but the other side is- Would I have the guts to commute every day if it was a sensible distance such as you have.

So from some of us that might do a few more miles than you in a week- or may have a few more cycling behind us- Keep it up. Before long you will find that the metric that is organised locally next year is worth a try- but with the attitude you have now- You won't need any training to do it.

Although you asked me to ignore this, congratulations. Keep it up. :thumb:

Thanks for the Kudos, folks. It's much appreciated!

(Now I just need to remember to bring the battery for my helmet light)

I'm not one of the geezers here ;) and I haven't ridden a century yet -- but here's a big high five to you!!! It must feel great in more than one way. :thumb:

Congrats on the ride. My only concern is the safety of an unlit trail - I assume it's deserted. Any chance of bandits lurking? I have the luxury of riding on residential streets at night so hopefully the "eyes on the street" offer me some security.

Congratulations on the ride. Anytime that you achieve a personal first/best it needs to be recognized. Well done.

Thanks for the Kudos, folks. It's much appreciated!

(Now I just need to remember to bring the battery for my helmet light)

I'm a little late but want to add my congratulations:thumb:

Working toward being car free is fantastic. I'm hoping after I retire I can work toward putting more miles on the bike and less on the van.

If you're riding at night be sure the bike has enough lights for others to see you. Even on the trails it's a good idea.

congratulations I just started back riding 6 weeks ago I started a 5 mi.It feels great when I increase my distance.