Fifty Plus (50+) - 50+ BF Observation

In reading through the posts this spring and spending a few moments to reflect - the tenor of this group has dramaticly changed since when I started participating 2 summers ago.

1) There seems to be less pariticipation from them ladies
2) More hard core roadie talk
3) Less weight loss talk

Some things remain the same
1) Lots of new bike and bike envy talk

Would be interested in the perspective from the long time core contributors. It will also be interesting to see what the influx of new people (which always happens over the summer months) will bring.

Every time I come to this forum I ask myself whether or not I have something better to do or am I just faffing - killing time rather than doing the laundry...:rolleyes:

No comment here on whether or not things are better or worse - just different.

It started going downhill when the Diegos were banned. :)

But seriously: I hand't noticed; but then, my participation is on again, off again and has more to do with my mood & what else I have to do than anything here.

It started going downhill when the Diegos were banned. :)



Ah - so thats when we jumped the shark.

Rare posts from Beverly, Solvang, Yen and the like. Don't know why.

Beverly retired, Solvang had a few medical problems last year.

Rare posts from Beverly, Solvang, Yen and the like. Don't know why.

My business picked up and I've not ridden outside much. Don't see much point in posting my trainer rides unless they're amazing, and they haven't been.

Thus I'm here less than I used to be, or want to be, but OTOH, my business is going great guns, so it's hard to complain.

In my case, since I've been here all along, any change was gradual enough to go unnoticed.

It is obvious, however, that some of the women members are not posting as often.

I've pondered this.

There definitely a life cycle a n00b experiences here. There are about 40 questions we all want to know, starting with "What bike should I buy?" to "Should I really shave my legs?" (it's irrelevant whether you actually shave your legs, its enough just to wonder if it would make you faster).

When you ask that final question you have moved from n00b status to that of a fully-addicted cyclist.

After that you're either hard-core, or a shutterbug, or are fortunate to take exotic and/or beautiful rides that make good copy.

If none of the above apply, you tend to stop posting.

For example, I generally go on 2-3 hour rides that average 13-14 MPH.

What makes me hard-core is that I'm thinking about shaving my legs and racing, either of which would get me in deep doo-doo with my wife.

Speaking of which, I'm out to practice ridiculous superstitious ceremonies to honor the mother of my children and the mothers of my grand-children.

Y'all have a Happy Mothers Day!

...my business is going great guns, so it's hard to complain.

Are you hiring? :)

Are you hiring? :)

Chancing it aren't you?

No way would I work for anyone that can kick butt as hard as Red does.

And I have noticed that things are different to a few years ago BUT I think it is me that has changed.

My riding no longer takes in the adrenalyn rush of Mountain biking- The tandem hasn't seen a bit of mud all winter and even my road milage is going down. Things evolve- but I think I am beginning to stagnate- get caught in a rut- take the easy line on rides. Mentally I don't think it has affected me but physically- it has.

I'll tell you what's changed. I've looked at some bikes and admired them deeply, and they weren't even white. Can't explain that one, just reporting it. :)

My impression is that the vast majority of new and some returning cyclists transpose all their car owner attitudes onto the bike. It has changed a lot over the past decade or two because everyone has one of those damned cyclocomputers. It becomes all about speed and mileage rather than about riding.

We always seem to have an annual cycle here. In the fall, there are more posters, we begin to have more time to post. Then comes the winter training cycle followed by the gradual lengthening of days and the "I wonder what's new at the LBS" phase. Then we get back to riding, racing or picture taking. Vacation and ride reports haven't peaked yet.

Some of our more active posters from years past have slowed down a bit, but there are many new posters becoming more comfortable about posting, questioning and expressing their own attitudes. When I check to see who is logged on, I sadly admit that I don't recognize some of the names...........my bad. Let's go new members, post at will. One of the things that we brag about here is the kinder more gentle attitude of your fellow members............we won't bite. By the way, Tom...........how's the eye...........:D

Along with more hard core roadie talk, I've noticed a trend toward more high dollar bikes and upgrades.

It has changed a lot over the past decade or two because everyone has one of those damned cyclocomputers. It becomes all about speed and mileage rather than about riding.

Not everybody.

My wife asked how many miles we rode today. I told her "I don't know because I didn't start the computer." I find that I ride much farther and faster when I estimate rather than use a computer for keeping track.

Someone needs to write a poll!!

My impression is that the vast majority of new and some returning cyclists transpose all their car owner attitudes onto the bike. It has changed a lot over the past decade or two because everyone has one of those damned cyclocomputers. It becomes all about speed and mileage rather than about riding.

Being a newb, I do see your point, although I use my computer for compairson factors in my riding, I don't SET Goals though. I've been driven out of Motorcycle Sport Touring by the "cost of the machines", the HUGE cost of maintaning a motorcycle and the cost of on the road housing for touring. I still have a NEED to be "In Motion", LOL, I can't stand to say, go FISHING, boring to the max. I needed something that Moved my physcial and spirt.

Even though it would take me 10-20 times longer to get to the places I've seen by motorcycle on a bicycle, I can actually SEE myself working toward that goal because I'm still amazed how far my FAT, beat up, getting older body can get me on a bicycle. :love: So ya I like the computer but it's nothing like trying to make my bicycle into a car:D

I find that I ride much farther and faster when I estimate rather than use a computer for keeping track.

+1

I also find I weigh less if I never step on the bathroom scale.

It started going downhill when the Diegos were banned. :)



Ah - so thats when we jumped the shark.

No, the Jump the Shark Moment occurred when the Diegos Club started taking their shuckin' and jiven' seriously and thought their silly jabbering was clever, amusing and/or cute. The downhill slide gained momentum when they cried like babies after being told to stop by the Mods and came up with even more mindless patter (Pie anyone/ Should I or Shouldn't I buy this or that gizmo?) without the Diego alter egos.

That's my 60+ observation. ;)

No, the Jump the Shark Moment occurred when the Diegos Club started taking their shuckin' and jiven' seriously and thought their silly jabbering was clever, amusing and/or cute. The downhill slide gained momentum when they cried like babies after being told to stop by the Mods and came up with even more mindless patter (Pie anyone/ Should I or Shouldn't I buy this or that gizmo?) without the Diego alter egos.

That's my 60+ observation. ;)
I came here as the Diegos were on the outs. I just pulled up some of their old threads. I thought they were pretty funny.

Very seriously undermedicated, but funny.

No, the Jump the Shark Moment occurred when the Diegos Club started taking their shuckin' and jiven' seriously and thought their silly jabbering was clever, amusing and/or cute. The downhill slide gained momentum when they cried like babies after being told to stop by the Mods and came up with even more mindless patter (Pie anyone/ Should I or Shouldn't I buy this or that gizmo?) without the Diego alter egos.

That's my 60+ observation. ;)

And here I thought it was when Pcad got booted last year. He now has his own Q&A routine on the FOO channel

And here I thought it was when Pcad got booted last year. He now has his own Q&A routine on the FOO channel

Actually the average quality of the posts on the 50+ list has improved since it has become less dominated by posters who want it to be an annex of Foo, filled with cliquish, Fooish chatter. At least bike envy, silly as it is, is bike related.

The Diegos were banned about 2 years ago. Most of the changes noted by the OP occurred well after that. I think people, for whatever their reasons, are attributing way too much to the Diego situation.

When I think about how much the world has changed in the last 24 months, the changes here pale in comparison.

Can someone explain the Diego thing? I don't understand.

Can someone explain the Diego thing? I don't understand.

Yeah, what he said! Who the hail are the Diegos?! :crash:

Count me as a recent addition, too, because I couldn't find 48+ forum a couple years ago. :) I do agree that, of the few forums here I visit, this is the most enjoyable and comfortable place to hang for a bit. :thumb:

Rare posts from Beverly, Solvang, Yen and the like. Don't know why.

Maybe Solveg doesn't post because people confuse her with a mock-Danish town known for it's cookies. ;)

I've read, and very occasionally posted here, for about 2 years. I have always felt like a noob and, once in a while, this forum takes on the character of a bad high school reunion complete with cliques who only talk with those they have known for a long time, or with those with whom they feel some sort of affinity. Lots of in-jokes and back-slapping. Lately, this forum seems flat to me. I read it once in a while, but honestly I get much more out of the road forum in terms of talk about biking - even though there are a lot of toxins to filter over there...

Yeah who are the Diegos?

I need to know,,,well want to know. Are they anything like PCad in the Roadie Section? A hundred posts and nothing said.

The Diegos were banned several years ago. They are best left there. For those who think that the forum is somewhat less than what they desire................start some threads so that we can see what you would like to discuss. Batter up.

I have never been a prolific poster, and lately haven't been riding much, so not much for me to post about. It's rained so much around here lately, that when it does shine, I've got to catch up with the grass and other things which need done outside. Got to the point where I put dual purpose tires on the mtn.bike because it rains so much that the trails aren't fit to be ridden. Of course, that doesn't stop some in this area, just hoping the few jerks don't cause the trails to be close to those who obey trail etiquette. The most fun I've had biking lately was the Thunder Over Louisville fireworks show which precedes the Derby. Lots of fun riding the mtn.bike on downtown streets, and lots faster than trying to get around by car! Great fireworks too! It does seem the ladies have fallen off in posting lately. But maybe once the riding season gets in full swing, and the monsoons end, things will pick up.

A forum is the sum of the posters, no more and no less. The character of the 50+ forum has changed over the years, changed back, changed again etc., etc. No one can control that, and no one should try.

There are folks who are positive contributors, there are folks who hate the forum, and don't mind saying so, there are folks who feel "in" and folks who feel "out."

So, what is new?

Isn't this just like life?

Don't like it - then go somewhere else.

Want more bicycling content - then post more bicycling content.

Tired of it? - then go away for awhile.

What I just don't understand is someone so filled with hate or whatever who continually puts down the forum. Why waste the time? There are something like 60+ different forums in BFN. There are other major cycling forums besides BFN. Go somewhere you feel comfortable. Perhaps your personality type requires you to continuously criticize? Well, please do that somewhere else!

I don't participate much more in the road forum because I just don't fit in, and I don't enjoy it. My choice. But I don't go there and tell them how awful they are. Because they are not, they are just different than I am.

Have a great day.

My original comment about the Diegos* was tongue-in-cheek, folks. Hence the smiley immediately after.

I think Dnvr summed it up best just above.

----

*For those wondering "who were the Diegos?": They were a group of fictitious posters (aka "sock puppets"), each with the surname Diego, who said outrageous things. Two of the main ones were a smarmy lounge-singer/Rat Pack wannabe and the other a law'n'order authoritarian based very loosely on the main charcter from the old Dragnet. Basically a running inside gag here until the mods shut them down.

I never knew who was behind them -- if it indeed was one person.

+1 on what Dnvr said... I am one of those that do not post much, but I am not much of a conversationalist either. I read posts that interest me and once in a 'blue moon' post something and enjoy the ride.

I post my ride reports, and occasionally comment on other posts that interest me, but I have no complaints with the 50+ forum or it's forumites. Seems like a fine group with good input and a positive conversational tone.

But then, I'm neither a noob nor a fanatic, so maybe I just don't get it!

Rick / OCRR

Rare posts from Beverly, Solvang, Yen and the like. Don't know why.

I check in now and then but I haven't posted much. I did a little math and realized I was spending hours and hours just reading, hopping from post to post to post, and getting little else done -- things I'd like to do where sitting by the wayside. I still love this forum and we're looking forward to the 50+ ride in Aug/Sept. Most importantly..... I'm still riding! :thumb:

Lots of new faces here, but I still see the ones I knew. :)

I have been around for about two years. I think the BF 50+ slowly evolves but hasn't really changed that much in the time I've been here. I'm not sure I trust my memory on this topic anyway - there is quite a bit here, and if you want to focus on the tech tips, they are here; if you want to focus on the high-end bikes, they are here; and if you want to focus on serious ride reports; they are here.

If anything my impression is that lately we have not heard so much from folks "in the middle: " there have been some excellent ride reports from serious riders/racers, and some great questions from new/returning riders -- but maybe not so much from folks "in between" posting about great 20 or 30-mile rides. Just my impression, though - maybe I haven't been looking.

One other thing - there are a fair number of 50+er's active on other parts of BF -- touring, long distance, road, commuting, folders, tandem, and -- especially -- C&V. But 50+ is still a great home for many of us.

all people bring pleasure to this forum. some by posting and others by leaving.







:rolleyes:

My take, is that its just not too useful or interesting to post my 20-30 mile rides. Longer rides maybe, but usually I am too tired to post long ride results. Topics come and go based on current events. But overall, although I have not seen a lot of topics that pique my interest lately, I still lurk and browse. And someday, I hope to do a ride that I think is interesting to you all to post.

Than again, I truly appreciate that this is a place like a an old time bar where folks can talk freely about losses and disappointments of life. We all have them and all need support when they happen.

Like Yen, I check in every once in a while, too. Been busy. Bike Forums can be a huge time suck.

I truly appreciate that this is a place like a an old time bar where we can cheat at poker, spit on the floor, and shoot strangers.

This is what I always think of when I think of an "old time bar."

This is what I always think of when I think of an "old time bar."

yeah, but without the hangover

Are you hiring? :)

I sell real estate. I'd love to hire an assistant but you'd have to take minimum wage. :( I'm not making that much money...yet.

Women's forum? someone mentioned this and I was wondering but don't see an entry for this forum. I would like to direct someone to this area. can someone direct me?

Women's forum? someone mentioned this and I was wondering but don't see an entry for this forum. I would like to direct someone to this area. can someone direct me?

It is hidden as a deep, shameful dark secret should be!!

I would pm East Hill (50+ Forum Mod)

Hello, Yen!

Rare posts from Beverly, Solvang, Yen and the like. Don't know why.

Can't speak for the others but I've been busy riding, doing touring captain duties for my cycling club, bike patrol for the local metro parks and house projects that never got done before I retired:)

My impression is that the vast majority of new and some returning cyclists transpose all their car owner attitudes onto the bike. It has changed a lot over the past decade or two because everyone has one of those damned cyclocomputers. It becomes all about speed and mileage rather than about riding.

Hmmm...I have one of those damned cyclocomputers and it didn't make me one bit faster:) The only good thing about it is I can complain about hills when I see those grade percentages. I think my fellow riders appreciate it since they often ask what grade is this hill we're climbing.

My take, is that its just not too useful or interesting to post my 20-30 mile rides.


Most of my rides are regular weekly club rides and I seldom post about them. There's the 30 mile Friday morning ride to lunch, the 40 mile Sunday morning ride to breakfast and the Saturday morning biking program for the local metro parks.

Hello, Yen!

Me, too. I'm hoping to see some of those great ride reports from you this year, Yen:thumb: