Fifty Plus (50+) - Special Thread For 50+yo Bicyclists

Please tell us your age.
59
1. What type of bikes do 50+ folks ride?

1. Massi steel road bike (winter /bad weather bike)
2. Alsys Aluminum road bike (Andre Sabliere frameset) Best bike

2. Do you take any special supplements/vitamins/minerals as you have grown older?

Have to take Thyroxin .No vitamins /minerals or supplements but have thought about starting



3. How much do you feel you have "slowed down" if any?

Ooh lots !..... I've gone from 196 lbs to 243lbs . Used to do weekly 40-60 mile rides now lucky to manage 20 miles a week. Mostly do 10 mile hilly loops around home



4. How long have you been biking? New, around a while, biked all your life?

Cycled through my school years with a lovely Claude Butler.Then no cycling from age 15 to 31 years of age. Went back to cycling as a mature University student 1982. Built my own bikes , became a reborn cyclist and have ridden continuously for past 28 years. I could never imagine there being a time when I wouldn't cycle. If I became disable I would pay someone to take me out on a tandem



5. What type of biking do you do? Long rides, touring, short rec rides.

Nearly all short 8-12 mile rides over hilly routes with occasional 20 mile rides on my own. Mostly fitness rides so quite quick. I would like to get a touring bike so I can slow down and take in the scenery. I'd love to go touring but always seem to have ties at home to prevent me


6. How often do you bike? Your approximate annual mileage?
I used to try to ride twice a week every week but due to caring for my Father (Dementia) this past year I have only ridden 3 times

Last night I drew up a diet program to lose 14 lbs by Dec 20th (12 weeks) I shall also start cycling again twice a week at first with four days speed walking. Looking forward to the good feeling you get from exercising, especially the biking.
I have a big stupid grin on my face every time I take the bike out .
Writing this has reinforced my resolve and will hopefully motivate me.

Enjoy your riding everyone

Hey, massi

Thanks for posting. I must humbly admit that I am not familiar with how much a stone is - I likely knew at one time, but it has been a few years since I taught math.

Anyway, welcome and feel free to join in.

Thanks! I live in Los Gatos, California. I have wondered how I have time to work many times. I doubt I'll ever really retire, I have been building and selling custom furniture in all my spare time :) It is a creative, interesting hobby which I can see doing for a long time.

Thanks! I live in Los Gatos, California. I have wondered how I have time to work many times. I doubt I'll ever really retire, I have been building and selling custom furniture in all my spare time :) It is a creative, interesting hobby which I can see doing for a long time.

Pictures!!!!!!!!!!!

Welcome.

Pictures!!!!!!!!!!!

My latest project was a custom TV stand.

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=30719694&l=e69f63999b&id=1004394216

[Please tell us your age.

1. What type of bikes do 50+ folks ride?
1987 Trek 400 Elance. Replaced drivetrain with 27 speed Ultegra off of Craigs list (spread dropouts using hydraulic press). Still have my old Cannondale Panniers and handlebar bag so I carry shoes and tools with me.
It seems to be driving the bike clubbers crazy because they talk about whether or not to remove the presta valve nut to save lbs. and I'm hauling around tools!
Our local terrain is mostly flat so it doesn't slow me down that much..

First bike in 1972 was a Nishiki Olympic (10 speed). Put a fancy crank on it in 1983, got stolen in 1987 after which I got the above mentioned Trek with insurance money.

2. Do you take any special supplements/vitamins/minerals as you have grown older?
3g Vit C, 1 multi, 1 calcium every day

3. How much do you feel you have "slowed down" if any?
After Knee procedures, "No running or jumping for the rest of your life."
I started riding regularly... Really the first time that I've been doing it for cardio since jogging, elliptical, and of course basketball were not good for my knees.

4. How long have you been biking? New, around a while, biked all your life?
Biked all life. Went on 50 milers for fun in 8th grade, never done anything longer until a couple months ago when I did a 100K for a fundraiser.


5. What type of biking do you do? Long rides, touring, short rec rides.
Started riding with a local club... That's fun. Also ride with my 23 year old and a local buddy.

6. How often do you bike? Your approximate annual mileage?
ideally, 30 on saturday, 20 on Sunday, and a couple times during the week (15 to 20)

If you haven't already, perhaps you might indicate your age. It helps others to see that folks 50+ do great things.
Turned 50 in March.

My latest project was a custom TV stand.

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=30719694&l=e69f63999b&id=1004394216

Very nice. I like the through-mortise.

Please tell us your age: 56.

1. What type of bikes do 50+ folks ride?

Currently, a ca.1990 Trek 1500 aluminum road bike with what started out as Shimano 600 components, but the brakes were replaced early because the hoods were uncomfortable, and the rear derailleur is getting replaced even as I type, after the original lost a jockey wheel while I was on the road last weekend, 8 miles from home. Also, for most of the past 4 years or so, a Fisher Marlin hardtail with slightly narrower road wheels with 1.5" tires.

Before those, in receding order, I rode a 1984 Gitane Tour de France, a 1979 Sekai S-2000 (I think - it's hard to remember for sure), a 1975 Motobecane Mirage and a 1968 Schwinn Varsity.

2. Do you take any special supplements/vitamins/minerals as you have grown older?

A daily multivitamin for seniors, and until recently, glucosamine-chondroitin. I stopped that because it doesn't seem to be helping my occasional joint issues at all.

3. How much do you feel you have "slowed down" if any?

A lot, but not all due to age. I allowed my weight to get north of 300 pounds from my early 30s to about 50. I've been working very hard to reverse that, and as incentive I've decided when I break 200 I'm going to reward myself with a new road bike to replace the 20-year old technology I've been riding. At the very least I need to ditch the DT shifters, as I'm not as flexible as I used to be. OK, I'm lazy, too.

4. How long have you been biking? New, around a while, biked all your life?

Since about age 12 or so (late bloomer - until then I was the annoying little brother who tried to follow his older brother around everywhere on his scooter). Then, very seriously in my 20s, including a little time racing Citizen's Class, then very little from 40 to 50, now trying to work my way back into it.

5. What type of biking do you do? Long rides, touring, short rec rides.

I used to do long-ish rides, for me, anyway. 3-day 270-mile supported tours on Labor Day weekends and the like. Several metrics, but no imperial centuries. Now, I'm lucky to get in 25-30 miles at a time, though we're working to improve that.

6. How often do you bike? Your approximate annual mileage?

Not enough. We seem to have time only on the weekends, which, combined with the fact that my wife and I are almost starting over, has kept us to about 100-150 miles a month.

Please tell us your age.

66

1. What type of bikes do 50+ folks ride?

a. Basso Lotto steel bike
b. Raleigh Kodiak heavy touring bike
c. Colango C40 in Rabobank colors campy gear in perfect like-new condition
d. Time VX Elite with mixed gear in like-new condition
e. Look KG 241 Tour Replica in very good condition
f. Raleigh Team Cross - like new

2. Do you take any special supplements/vitamins/minerals as you have grown older?

Vitamin B12
Focus Factor

3. How much do you feel you have "slowed down" if any?

I was going faster and faster as I got older but then the accessory fork broke on a bike dropping me on my face and gravely injuring me. Since then I'm very slow and riding very little.

4. How long have you been biking? New, around a while, biked all your life?

I started about age 50 and am now 66

5. What type of biking do you do? Long rides, touring, short rec rides.

All types from tours down the pacific coast, mountain biking, cross type rides, but mostly sport riding out to coffee shops and the like with a small group of friends.

6. How often do you bike? Your approximate annual mileage?

Until my injury 4 and sometimes 5 times a week.

Welcome to the thread, CraigB

CyclinTom - I hope you recover fully and get fully back into bicycling. Welcome

Jamming - I envy your skills. Beautiful

Welcome selinz!! Just 50, - wow, so young!!

I turned 50 today. :)

1. What type of bikes do 50+ folks ride?
Raleigh Sojourn is the main bike, also have a Worksman single-speed cruiser and several other bikes.

2. Do you take any special supplements/vitamins/minerals as you have grown older? Nope.

3. How much do you feel you have "slowed down" if any? Right now, I'm losing weight and getting faster.

4. How long have you been biking? New, around a while, biked all your life? Bike when I was a kid, then took it up again about 4 years ago to lose weight.

5. What type of biking do you do? Long rides, touring, short rec rides. Daily rides for exercise, 20-35 miles usually. And charity rides and randonneuring rides on occasion.

6. How often do you bike? Your approximate annual mileage? I try to bike daily, don't always make it. Last year, I had 6,000 miles, and I should hit that pretty soon now for this year.

Please tell us your age. 58 soon

1. What type of bikes do 50+ folks ride?

Specialized Tarmac Comp, SRAM, PowerTap spoked to an HED and a Velocomp iDash.



2. Do you take any special supplements/vitamins/minerals as you have grown older?
No. Do take a couple of prescriptions - and that really irks me.


3. How much do you feel you have "slowed down" if any?
Lifestyle not at all - I still like to play very hard. I'm heavier than I like and that impacts my cycling speed but nothing I find embarrassing. Heat, days near or in the 100's this year impacted my longer distance riding more than last year. At least I felt it more this year. I may have to adjust recovery days a bit but have no intentions of reducing the maximum intensity of my real training rides.


4. How long have you been biking? New, around a while, biked all your life?
Did at least 4500 miles a year in my twenties and most of my thirties. Was sans auto a few of those years and had more bike miles than vehicle miles. :) It was a small town and there weren't a whole lot of places to go. and then was mostly off bike until May 2009 but back on now with a vengence.


5. What type of biking do you do? Long rides, touring, short rec rides.
No touring. Longer weekend rides and shorter more intense weekday evening rides. As winter approaches I'll move the bike indoors to the trainer and take advantage of any reasonable weekends for outdoor rides. I'll also do some treadmill runs and weight lifting in the winter.



6. How often do you bike? Your approximate annual mileage?
5 or 6 days a week in season, fewer days in fall and dead of winter. In the height of summer can sometimes work in two rides on some days but one or both will be low intensity - cal burners/seat time. Will hit 5000 mile for 2010. Surgery really messed up the first 4 months of 2010 for me. Should hit 6000 to 7000 next year assuming work doesn't force a lot of travel. That's a question I have - does anyone travel (air) for work and have figured out how to include bicycling during their travel?



If you haven't already, perhaps you might indicate your age. It helps others to see that folks 50+ do great things.[/QUOTE]
58 in December 10

That's a question I have - does anyone travel (air) for work and have figured out how to include bicycling during their travel?




These guys were working on it, and welcome

http://www.wright-brothers.org/History_Wing/Aviations_Attic/UFOs/UFOs_images/Bicycle_Biplane.jpg

Welcome, StephenH

How come we have so many 50 yo joining the 50+ forum?

Welcome, StephenH

How come we have so many 50 yo joining the 50+ forum?

hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm, me thinks I'm gonna have to think on that one for a spell;
:twitchy:

I've poked my head in here but never formally said hey. Hey! I've enjoyed reading this forum because a lot of people my age seem to have kind of pooped out. You know, like they congratulate you for riding your bike as if you have done something virtuous but loathsome? In other words, even if I am insane, you all enable me to feel that I am less so.

How old are you?
52

What type of bikes do 50+ folks ride?
1994 Marin hybrid

Do you take any special supplements/vitamins/minerals as you have grown older?
CoQ10, plant sterols, fish oil, ground flax seed.

How much do you feel you have "slowed down" if any?
I used to work all day then hit the gym for an hour (not a morning person so a.m. exercise was out). The past few years this wasn't working so this summer I started bike commuting. I run on weekends and do other sports as opportunities arise.

How long have you been biking? New, around a while, biked all your life?
Since I was a teenager, but I still kind of suck.

What type of biking do you do? Long rides, touring, short rec rides.
Commute around 9 miles each way to work and do most errands and social visits by bike. I don't drive, so other than public transportation, cycling and walking are my only options.

How often do you bike? Your approximate annual mileage?
Five or six days a week, around 80 miles a week.

I guess, according to the rest of the US of A, we are all a bit insane. However, there are some countries and places where th sane ride their bikes and the insane don't - like the Netherlands. So, it is all a mattter of time and space. Welcome.

OK, as requested, here are the photos of the electrified Revive:

Front wheel with motor in the hub:

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc254/Tigger_the_Wing/Motorcycling/1-Front_Wheel_RHS.jpg

New arrangement of handlebar levers:

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc254/Tigger_the_Wing/Motorcycling/6-Handlebar_RHS.jpg

The bike with panniers, battery bag and walking sticks; and towing my mobility walker:

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc254/Tigger_the_Wing/Motorcycling/Walker_Behind_Charlie.jpg
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc254/Tigger_the_Wing/Motorcycling/Charlie_And_Walker-b.jpg

I am thrilled with it. The motor is only 200W (the legal limit here, to be allowed on cycle paths and shared foot/cycle paths) but it has effectively flattened out all the hills.

I have been out three times in three days, each time riding around 6-8km (4-5 miles) and inclusing a lunch stop and some shopping. Before, I would have been laid up for a week after one such trip, and would have taken a very long time to get home (uphill) from the town, having to stop frequently (every few minutes) to rest and take my angina meds.

Now I just pedal gently and let the motor help out when I hit an uphill so it feels like everywhere is flat!

The truly amazing thing is that I haven't touched my angina meds once. All the strain of cycling has gone and I can already feel that my joints are benefitting from the exercise. As well as osteoarthritis, I have ankylosing spondylitis and inaction results in frozen and very painful joints. I really need to exercise, but walking hurts (impact) and both walking and normal cycling were aggravating my heart conditions.

Public transport is awkward if one has to struggle on and off buses with a mobility walker and rarely goes where and when I want to go.

I am now free to visit my friends and go shopping whenever I want! :ride:

Tigger - that is so wonderful, and what ingenuity you have shown in putting your mobility package together. Good luck with your exercise program, and enjoy the ride!!

When I went out on Tuesday, a police car passed me. I little while later, while I was pulled over on the cycle path at the entrance to a park, checking my map, I had the feeling that I was being watched. I turned around, and there behind me, pulled over to the side of the road, was the police car - and the guy in the passenger seat was taking photos whilst his colleague (the driver) was laughing her head off!

As I had said to a friend as I was leaving her place earlier, I would rather people find my set-up amusing; at least I know that I've been seen!

On the rare occasions when I have to ride on the road and a car comes along, they go past on the other side, giving me a very wide berth. :lol:

Great Set Up Trigger..
Thanks for the pics.

When I went out on Tuesday, a police car passed me. I little while later, while I was pulled over on the cycle path at the entrance to a park, checking my map, I had the feeling that I was being watched. I turned around, and there behind me, pulled over to the side of the road, was the police car - and the guy in the passenger seat was taking photos whilst his colleague (the driver) was laughing her head off!

As I had said to a friend as I was leaving her place earlier, I would rather people find my set-up amusing; at least I know that I've been seen!

On the rare occasions when I have to ride on the road and a car comes along, they go past on the other side, giving me a very wide berth. :lol:

well done Tigger.................. thats G RRRR E A T !

seriously what you've done is innovative and inspirational . Glad you are enjoying your new -found mobility and freedom .Well done

Hi Tigger, Love your description of the Revive as "electrified" rather than "electric". I also have ankylosing spondylitis -- movement is the only "cure"! I hope your heart condition improves the more you get out (guess the EV allows you to do that: what's not to like?).

Hi slocoach! You have ankylosing spondylitis too? That's rotten luck. :(

Yes, no cure but exercise plus occasional short courses of anti-inflammatories have been a reasonable treatment.

Unfortunately, my first cardiologist put me on warfarin instead of aspirin and I couldn't take any anti-inflammatories for nearly three years. By the time my current cardiologist changed me to aspirin a lot of damage had been done, particularly in my hips and hands. My rheumatologist says that I will always be in pain from the damgaged joints even though the inflammation is now under control again.

I have just found that I can get diclofenac gel from my pharmacist. It is the most effective painkiller I have taken in a long while. One application per day is all it takes to bring the pain right down so I can ride as much as I want to! :D

I've even been able to continue riding after I injured my foot in a fall last week. :bike2:

It certainly is helping my heart, too. I have AF and unstable angina. The fitter I am, the less work it has to do. I've had two heart events in the last seven days. The first, I had to lie down on cool concrete for a while until the arrhythmia fixed itself after about 15 minutes.

The second, yesterday, fixed itself before I could even stop the bike! :love:

How old are you?
50

What type of bikes do 50+ folks ride?
2009 Soma Double-Cross (my all-around commuter/road bike)
2005 Intense Spider (Mountain Bike)
2008 Redline Monocog (Single Speed Mountain Bike)

Do you take any special supplements/vitamins/minerals as you have grown older?Chocolate Chip Cookies :)

How much do you feel you have "slowed down" if any?
Except for the extra aches and pains in the morning, not really.

How long have you been biking? New, around a while, biked all your life?
Mountain Biking for a while, started road biking two years ago.

What type of biking do you do? Long rides, touring, short rec rides.
Commute to work almost full-time (36 miles RT)
Some road touring, some one-day road events
Mountain Biking on the weekends, a little bit of Mountain Bike racing

How often do you bike? Your approximate annual mileage?
Almost every day. 150-180 miles/week. Should do around 7000 miles total this year.

Please tell us your age.

Just turned 50 this year.

1. What type of bikes do 50+ folks ride?

2009 Specialized Roubaix Pro SRAM
2008 Soma Double Cross
2009 Specialized Stumpjumper
2007 Specialized Langster
2007 Trek Portland


2. Do you take any special supplements/vitamins/minerals as you have grown older?

Fish oil
Garlic
Hammer Recoverite
Hammer Tissue Rejuvenator


3. How much do you feel you have "slowed down" if any?

I'm actually faster than when I was younger. ;)


4. How long have you been biking? New, around a while, biked all your life?

Been into bikes on and off for years. Came back in 2008 (hopefully for good).


5. What type of biking do you do? Long rides, touring, short rec rides.

Approx 80 road mi/week, 4-5K feet vertical gain. 1 singlespeed ride a week to build leg strength.

6. How often do you bike? Your approximate annual mileage?


3-4 days/wk, 3500-4000 mi/yr.

Please tell us your age.

That's hard for a lady to do, but I'm anonymous...right? :) I'm 58.

What type of bikes do 50+ folks ride?

2009 Felt F85
2010 Look 566
2004 Felt B2
1997 Cannondale M500

Do you take any special supplements/vitamins/minerals as you have grown older?

Stronger coffee
I Caps multivitamin
Post menopausal lady secret medication

How much do you feel you have "slowed down" if any?

I'm not quite as flexible as I once was, but I haven't a clue if I've slowed down!

How long have you been biking? New, around for a while, biked all your life?

I rode like a mad woman as a child, all the way up through my teenage years. That stopped until I was 53, even though friends had bought me the Cannondale for my 45th birthday (I didn't ride it). I finally got on the Cannondale at 53, worked through the pain, the weight loss, and here I am - dedicated and rabid!

What type of rides do you do? Long rides, touring, short rec rides?

All road riding. Mostly solo riding, some medium distance group rides, some triathlon riding, some long distance rides. I've yet to do a century, but that is way up there on my to do list.

How often do you bike? What is your approximate annual mileage?

I try to ride daily, either on the road or on the trainer. I ride 3000 - 4000 miles per year.

Your doing good, keep it up!

This is a test. I am new here and see vintage replies. Anyone out here as recent as 10-30-10?

This is a test. I am new here and see vintage replies. Anyone out here as recent as 10-30-10?

You failed the test. Off to the Rec and Family forum!! :)

Ya Dude, what Dnvr said!

I'm a couple of months short of 70.

I have been riding a 36 yr. old 10 speed, but just recently bought a hybrid, mostly to be able to ride upright and stay away from back discomfort and numb hands. I still ride the road bike when I feel the need for speed.

I take no supplements beyond a multivitamin as I dump a fair amount of prescription chemistry into my body daily.

I'm probably in better shape than I have been in quite a while, thanks to the bikes and thrice weekly gym visits.

I returned to biking about 4 years ago shortly after retirement. I biked extensively as a young man (I think), but working and raising a family seemed to occupy most of my free time.

I ride two to three times weekly (weather permitting) and normally do 20 miles on a rail trail.

Hello Dnvrfox. I had just found this site recently. I just tested because I had only seen old dates. Thanks for reply.
If this site is private, what must one do to be a member? If I said something wrong, seeing what you wrote...
I filled out your questionaire of age, what I ride, etc. I am 54 and usually ride alone. I have read several of these replies. Nice to have something like this to read and share experiences.

Please tell us your age. I am 54 and just starting to ride again

1. What type of bikes do 50+ folks ride?

I have a Trek Mountain Bike 820 with a Madone 5 series or better to be ordered later this year.



2. Do you take any special supplements/vitamins/minerals as you have grown older?

Not really



3. How much do you feel you have "slowed down" if any?

I have slowed down some since I started this spring due to cold weather and some knee pain

4. How long have you been biking? New, around a while, biked all your life?

I started riding about 15 years ago only to put my bike away after the second year. My bike hung in the garage until just last June when I started again.

5. What type of biking do you do? Long rides, touring, short rec rides.

I do a lot of different rides from 1 mile all the way up to 71 miles on roads and trails.


6. How often do you bike? Your approximate annual mileage?

Since June 13th of this year I have put on 1220 miles on my bike






Wasn't sure if I really should have posted here but hopefully my post would fall into the hands of someone who is struggling with health issues like I was. Even at 54 it is not too late to start. Biking is a lot of fun, easy on the body and does wonders for the body.

So here is my story in a nutshell for those that are on the fence at getting started. March of 2010 I ended up going into the emergency room with an obstruction in my upper digestive system. This has happened before due to some scar tissue but this time was different in the fact I was diagnosed Type II diabetes. And yes my weight was way out of line and diabetes runs in my family both sides of my parents. I left that hospital three days later with the intent to start eating right. One month later I was taken off all of the insulin I was prescribed. 4 doses per day. In mid June I was in the garage and saw my old bike hanging from the rafters and pulled it down. I started riding it. I was so far out of shape that I could not even ride the bike a half mile. Today I am averaging 15 miles per trip with my single longest trip being 71 miles. My average of 15 includes all of the 1 mile trips I did when starting. Since June I have ridden over 1200 miles and that is on an old Trek 820. I have lost 70 pounds and would like to lose another 25 yet. I am 6' feet tall and would love to be 200 again. I am within 25. I now have all kinds of energy, I am sleeping much better and have a much better attitude on life. Ask my wife she says I am not as cranky as I used to be. She even has started to ride so I find myself doing short runs so she can catch up to me.

As I said my whole reason to post is not to brag, I pray that this post lands in front of someone who needs to make a change in their life and is thinking it is too late when it is not.

Hello Dnvrfox. I had just found this site recently. I just tested because I had only seen old dates. Thanks for reply.
If this site is private, what must one do to be a member? If I said something wrong, seeing what you wrote...
I filled out your questionaire of age, what I ride, etc. I am 54 and usually ride alone. I have read several of these replies. Nice to have something like this to read and share experiences.

Oh, a $1,000 initiation fee would be nice.

But otherwise, just post away.

Thanks for joining us.

Please tell us your age. I am 54 and just starting to ride again

1. What type of bikes do 50+ folks ride?

I have a Trek Mountain Bike 820 with a Madone 5 series or better to be ordered later this year.


2. Do you take any special supplements/vitamins/minerals as you have grown older?

Not really



3. How much do you feel you have "slowed down" if any?

I have slowed down some since I started this spring due to cold weather and some knee pain

4. How long have you been biking? New, around a while, biked all your life?

I started riding about 15 years ago only to put my bike away after the second year. My bike hung in the garage until just last June when I started again.

5. What type of biking do you do? Long rides, touring, short rec rides.

I do a lot of different rides from 1 mile all the way up to 71 miles on roads and trails.


6. How often do you bike? Your approximate annual mileage?

Since June 13th of this year I have put on 1220 miles on my bike






Wasn't sure if I really should have posted here but hopefully my post would fall into the hands of someone who is struggling with health issues like I was. Even at 54 it is not too late to start. Biking is a lot of fun, easy on the body and does wonders for the body.

So here is my story in a nutshell for those that are on the fence at getting started. March of 2010 I ended up going into the emergency room with an obstruction in my upper digestive system. This has happened before due to some scar tissue but this time was different in the fact I was diagnosed Type II diabetes. And yes my weight was way out of line and diabetes runs in my family both sides of my parents. I left that hospital three days later with the intent to start eating right. One month later I was taken off all of the insulin I was prescribed. 4 doses per day. In mid June I was in the garage and saw my old bike hanging from the rafters and pulled it down. I started riding it. I was so far out of shape that I could not even ride the bike a half mile. Today I am averaging 15 miles per trip with my single longest trip being 71 miles. My average of 15 includes all of the 1 mile trips I did when starting. Since June I have ridden over 1200 miles and that is on an old Trek 820. I have lost 70 pounds and would like to lose another 25 yet. I am 6' feet tall and would love to be 200 again. I am within 25. I now have all kinds of energy, I am sleeping much better and have a much better attitude on life. Ask my wife she says I am not as cranky as I used to be. She even has started to ride so I find myself doing short runs so she can catch up to me.

As I said my whole reason to post is not to brag, I pray that this post lands in front of someone who needs to make a change in their life and is thinking it is too late when it is not.

And your post is EXACTlY the reason I started this thread. It is great to learn from and be inspired by others.

Congratulations on your weight loss, your energy and increased health and endurance.

Ain't it grand? :)

Ya, welcome friend, glad you are here.

Post a lot, reply a lot and enjoy being with friends.

I'm 58 years old
I ride a '78 World Sports, that I just purchased on MercadoLibre, on Sundays, and an early 90s Giant Prodigy around the city. This one is outfitted with racks, front and rear, and saddlebags. I often carry a back pack as well.
We don't own a car, so I use a Méxican built cargo trike when we we need to haul something.
And a Mexican brand " Mercurio" folding bike, that I can take on the bus with me, when I go out to the country, birdwatching, etc.
When I'm in the States, I ride a Giant Comfort bike(can't remember the model), and a Trek 7100, depending on where I'm staying at the time. I'd like to pick up a road bike next summer if I can find one cheap.
I ride up to 60 miles on Sunday, and, now that winter is here, would like to increase steadily toward 100. I ride every day in the city doing errands and shopping.
I take MSM for my knees, zinc for my immune system, and various others intermittently.
I am an early retired farmer, living in Mérida, Yucatán, for a small fraction of what it would take in the US. In two more years My wife can begin collecting her pension. Farmers don't get pensions.
I've been riding for over 50 years, with a ten year hiatus, when I could have used a mtn. bike, had they been available. I've ridden centuries and double centuries in my past, and would like to get back to that conditioning again. I'm much stronger and lighter than I was ten years ago.

http://s1141.photobucket.com/albums/n591/seedsbelize/bicycles/

I'm 58 years old
I ride a '78 World


Welcome.

I don't think we have any other participants from Mexico.\

My wife and I spent a week at Playa del Carmen many years ago - one of those resort places.

Welcome Farmer, glad to see you here and look forward to your post.

Keep Pumping & Cranking

Not sure I can be a regular contributor but would love to contribute some, so here goes:
Got sober at 26 and decided I needed to do something for myself. I wanted to do something good for me, but running was out of the picture, and cycling looked like fun. Bought an inexpensive, actually moderate at the time, PUCH Steely frame with OK stuff and started to ride. Wasn't long before the PUCH was too heavy, and I NEEDED a nicer bike, so I got myself a higher quality "hand made in the USA' Trek 420. Triple crank, better components sport tourer setup. Started riding longer and more often. Then after a Moonlight Ramble party, someone suggested we all do Bicycle Across Missouri. . . 540 miles over Labor day weekend. My first century. . . Finished in the mandatory 60 hrs and was hooked. Wrecked the TREK on TOSRV the next Mothers Day. Replaced it with a custom race frame bought from a local racer and moved the groupo over. That summer I got into a training group and we all did Paris-Brest-Paris over that Labor Day.
Got married, got a career, went to grad school, had a couple of kids, played at golf, and the bike got ridden less and less and less. Then my youngest started going to tutoring next door to a local pro shop. That old bug bit again!!!
Got the old Paris Sport back out, but the new stuff was too much better. I couldn't keep up with down tube shifters and a 6 speed freewheel. I had to buy a new ride! If you're gonna buy one, buy the best you can afford at the time right? Picked out a Colnago Dream Frame and fork, and the LBS owner set me up with a good used Campy Record 10spd group and nice Fulcrum5 wheels and it was "back in the saddle again!" That was 6 years ago. .

1. What type of bikes do 50+ folks ride?
I still have the Paris Sport Steely it's Vitus 753 and has been repainted 3 times and retrofitted with a 9 spd Campy Mirage group.
I have the Colnago Dream (white with red and blue stripes) with 2006 vintage Campy 10 spd. and a Brooks Team pro saddle; and last year I got a deal on a Lynskey titanium R 230 which I fitted with a Campy Chorous group. They're all nice bikes, the Lynskey is the best onthe Texas chip seal, but the Colnago and Paris Sport are still great rides.

2. Do you take any special supplements/vitamins/minerals as you have grown older?

NO! do I have to???? Actually the cardiologist (yep! too much off the bike time!) has me on cholesterol meds and a beta blocker, and aspirin.

3. How much do you feel you have "slowed down" if any?

Some, but I keep working on trying to get faster. I have a 60 yr old friend in Cali who does double centuries every other weekend. . . .I'd love to do that too, but all I really want to do is spend the time with my friends. Fast or slow, doesn't matter. As long as we can BS with each other and stop for coffee somewhere I'm happy. I've done my share of doubles, don't have to prove it anymore. "Just riding with my friends"

4. How long have you been biking? New, around a while, biked all your life?
See above . . . figure it out 58 minus 26 ?

5. What type of biking do you do? Long rides, touring, short rec rides.

Long rides, fast rides, slow rides, club rides, shop rides, solo rides. Don't care. . .Just wanna ride.

6. How often do you bike? Your approximate annual mileage?

At least 3 to 5 times a week. Average 38.2 miles. . . Actually that's what we call our club; Team 38.2 - We stop for Coffee!


One of my best friends is 69yrs old and going strong. . . Planning to buy a Vanilla frame, but he's waffling on the 5 yr wait. . . Then there are the other 2 guys in the club who are both over 70 and literally kick our butts every time we ride with them. . . Going to Italy next year, (Sienna) . . Anybody got any ride ideas?

Sounds great Mike.

Glad you are riding.

Keep us posted with your rides.

Hi! This is the first time I've been on the 50+ forum. As I was reading over a half dozen pages of posts I realized I'm in a minority when it comes to my means of bicycle transportation. I'm riding virtually the same thing I was in the 50s as a kid - Cleveland Welding Company Roadmasters with the bumper style Shockmaster springer forks. I really enjoy the classics especially wrenching on them. I build them up from parts completely customized as I would as a kid except these babies weigh in at about 60 pounds. Even with single speed gearing I like to ride with a cadence that I did when I was riding 10 to 21 speed bikes. I usually just cruise around the local area for about ten miles and try to keep the speed up a little over 13 mph average. I don't ride for health reasons, just fun. It's nice to see so many people of all ages riding bikes - it was my first means of transportation and will probably be my last. Oh yeah - I'm 60. Thanks alot.

Hi! This is the first time I've been on the 50+ forum. As I was reading over a half dozen pages of posts I realized I'm in a minority when it comes to my means of bicycle transportation. I'm riding virtually the same thing I was in the 50s as a kid - Cleveland Welding Company Roadmasters with the bumper style Shockmaster springer forks. I really enjoy the classics especially wrenching on them. I build them up from parts completely customized as I would as a kid except these babies weigh in at about 60 pounds. Even with single speed gearing I like to ride with a cadence that I did when I was riding 10 to 21 speed bikes. I usually just cruise around the local area for about ten miles and try to keep the speed up a little over 13 mph average. I don't ride for health reasons, just fun. It's nice to see so many people of all ages riding bikes - it was my first means of transportation and will probably be my last. Thanks alot.

Nice that you joined.
Post some pics over here.
http://www.bikeforums.net/forumdisplay.php?181-Classic-amp-Vintage

Glad to see you in the "Older" group.
Glad to read about your bike, be sure and post a picture when you have time.

And, hope you'll post like you vote, often!

Welcome.

I don't think we have any other participants from Mexico.\

My wife and I spent a week at Playa del Carmen many years ago - one of those resort places.

The Maya Riviera is very beautiful, and further south, there are far fewer people. Believe it or not, I used to tie up my hammock between two palm trees in what is now the center of the downtown beach area. Nobody else around, 1 or 2 hotels. White, empty beach as far as the eye could see in both directions

Over here in NW Yucatán, seems everybody who moves here, either full time or part time, is old, no matter their years. They could be in their 40s, and act like geezers. I know one other cyclist, a man of 62 and a former criterium racer. I play tennis with one or two others, and we can't find a fourth. Thanks to my bikes(and getting out of the US), I am far healthier, leaner, and younger than I was 15 years ago.

Seed, you didn't fill in your age!

I'm 68

Seed, you didn't fill in your age!

I'm 68

He edited his post and admits to being 60.

Just a "Young un."

But, you are welcome anyway.

I've been towing my mobility walker behind my bicycle. It seemed to be working well, I don't notice it except for the rattle from the walker's wheels; which are wearing out rather fast! Oops… :innocent:

So, a few days ago hubby said I could get a trailer. I decided that it would be good to get one I could use for the following three uses:

Carrying my walker
Carrying shopping
Carrying the dog*


*There are plenty of off-leash places around here for her to get exercise running alongside the bicycle, the problem is getting her there when I can't walk very far and it is illegal to ride a bike whilst holding a dog's leash.

It seemed that one of the kiddie trailers would be the best to do all jobs.

I looked on eBay. The prices were :eek: !

This morning I decided to look at the local online small ads. Not that I'd ever seen a trailer advertised, but we are also looking for a bike for one of the twins who has outgrown his current one.

There it was: a Pacific kiddie trailer, practically new, for just Au$50 (instead of the new price of Au$385). The advert had only been put in a few hours earlier! I rang them and it wasn't sold, so we went over in the car and bought it (it was too far to ride).

I'm so happy!