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

This thread was started in August, 2004, by DnvrFox, shortly after founding the 50+ Forum. The purpose was to give 50+ riders (new, returning, experienced) some idea of the range of what other 50+ riders do in their bicycling.

Some folks come to the 50+ forum with the perspective that most 50+ bicycling is 5 mile rides on a comfort bike. Others believe that 50+ bicycling is a $7,000 carbon frame bike with Dura Ace components ridden by someone in a $200 helmet and $500 of lycra/polyester jersey and shorts and $300 shoes with $200 clips.

Both are right. Read on for yourself.

Over the years, many, many posts have been added. It is one of the most viewed thread ever on the 50+ Forum. It was not a "sticky," then it was a "sticky," then it wasn't a "sticky," and, finally, it is a "sticky" again.

Feel free to browse through the many responses, and to add your own if you like. It is possible that no one will acknowledge your post - but don't feel insulted.

This is likely the most comprehensive collection of 50+ bicyclist information ever compiled, anywhere. Enjoy. Some folks have acknowledged reading every single post - whew!!

Below is the original post.

(DnvrFox, the original poster to this thread, no longer posts in the 50+ forum.)

DnvrFox, the OP
I thought there might be some interest in a thread such as this. If not, it will go the way of all threads - just die away.

So, here is my first contribution.


Some questions:

Please tell us your age.

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



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



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



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



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




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




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

I thought there might be some interest in a thread such as this. If not, it will go the way of all threads - just die away.

So, here is my first contribution.


Some questions:

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



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



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



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



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




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




Perhaps you might indicate your age on your reply??

50 - 1. Fuji Finest but looking forward to the day to upgrade though this has been a fine bike.
2. No - I do drink Cytomax on my rides though.
3.I'm sure I've slowed down some - my cycling has been erratic over the years.
4. When I'm serious - I'm fairly serious - when I'm not I'm not (see answer 3) Rode my bike alot as a kid.
5. When I'm in my groove during the summer I average 38 mile rides - and do about 120/week
6. 2-3 times per week - I'll do over 2000 miles this year

Hi,
I ride an Airborne Carpe Diem most of the time. It's a nice bike.
I take a bunch of supplements and vitamins. I'd contribute a few bucks towards a statue for the guy who came up with the idea of taking glucosamine. Yeah, I'm slower, don't recover as fast. My knees are a mess. I am 54 and have been riding bikes for 50 years. There have been times when I didn't ride; but I liked it when I was a kid; and I keep coming back to it. Last week I did a 5 day trip. Two days of riding, a day off in Camden, Maine, and then 90 miles over 2 days to get back home. I picked up a RX earlier today, it was about 25 miles. I do about 10mph over rolling terrain. In Maine we call that flat. We do a weekend ride on Saturday. Most weekends it's a little longer than the previous ride.
I usually ride a couple times during the week. Sometimes more, depends mostly on how my knees are holding up. I did a thousand miles last year. I have to guess, but I'd say it will be about 1,500 miles this year. I wanted 2K, but the weather in Maine has been cool and rainy all summer. I am building up to a dream trip. A bike across Italy. I could do it now, but I want to have enough stamina to do the ride with style (we are talking Italy, after all) and have a little oomph left at the end of the day to go play tourista. That's my goal. I have 2 years left to get in shape for it.

*****
Some questions:

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

I ride a schwinn world tourist & Bridgestone xo-1 dressed
to the max for comfort and utility (both bikes)


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

Yes, a handful of meds plus special vitamin supplements and
minerals.


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

Yes, I've slowed a BUNCH due to arthritis. Had both knees
replaced and both eyes had catarct lens replacments.


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

Off & on till 1998 when Arthitis got to bad. Was glad to
get back on a bike this year as part of recovery.



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

Due to my Arthritis my riding is all utility or fun.



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

Daily when weather permits. I'd guess that between my bikes
and the stationary winter bike about 2000 a year.


7. Do you do any other type of physical activities - weight lifting, skiing, running, etc.?

No, none of the above. I'm doing good on some days to walk.


Perhaps you might indicate your age on your reply??

Oh yes, I'm 58 this year.

*****

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

Trek 5200 road bike most of the time, and a Specialized Stumpjumper for the trails.

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

Niacin (for cholesterol), folic acid, vit E, C, calcium, B-12, fish oil, selenium, and a small aspirin.

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

Not much...I'm in much better shape now than when I was 35 (and an overweight smoker). This year I focused on getting my weight down - it was OK before, but now I'm down 10 lbs, at my lowest weight in at least the last 15 years (6' 172 lbs), and can climb much better as a result.

FWIW, I'm 51 years old. At my 50th birthday party someone said something about me being "over the hill". One of my biking buddies chimed in and said, "Yeah, he's always over the hill before the rest of us". It made my day!

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

Rode a lot when I was a teenager, got out of it until I turned 40, been on the bike(s) ever since.

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

At least one week-long tour each year - Bicycle Tour of Colorado 3 times, OATBRAN (across Nevada), Oregon Coast, San Francisco to LA with the AIDS ride, etc. Plus local centuries and rides that I lead for my club, and the occasional race (I won 2 gold medals at the local Senior Games time trial last year).

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

Average 3 times per week, shoot for 4000 miles per year (probably average around 3600).

7. Do you do any other type of physical activities - weight lifting, skiing, running, etc.?

Weight lifting in the fall and winter, downhill skiing in the winter. Running...almost never.

[Updated May 3, 2013]
First of all my age: I'm now 68 and in pretty decent shape for my age. :beer:

1. What type of bikes do 50+ folks ride?
2001 Litespeed Tuscany road bike :love:
2011 Felt Z4 road bike :love:

I see WAY too many people, both older and younger than me, riding recumbents. Their reasoning is that a road bike would be too hard on their bodies (back pain, bumpy roads, too much weight on their hands and arms, etc.). Come on people, get a grip. Road bikes are FUN and great for exercise and fitness.

2. Do you take any special supplements/vitamins/minerals as you have grown older?
Vitamin A, multi B, B12, C, D, E, calcium and a few other herbal supplements. And because I have a heart problem (hereditary from my dad :() my cardiologist has me taking 40 mg simvastatin before bed, 81 mg aspirin, and 2000 mg of flush-free niacin (in the morning).

3. How much do you feel you have "slowed down" if any?
None, I've gotten stronger than my former 240 pound, outta shape self used to be.

4. How long have you been biking? New, around a while, biked all your life?
I had a Schwinn LeTour from 1985-89. Rode about 75-100 miles a week on the flat roads of central Florida. Work schedule required that I give it up until 1999. I decided that my life and health were more important than any job. Now I ride 100-150 miles a week mostly on the Suncoast Trail in Florida.

5. What type of biking do you do? Long rides, touring, short rec rides, commute, tour, race?
Long rides and short rides. No more commuting now that I'm retired.

6. How often do you bike? Your approximate annual mileage?
Three to four days a week, 25-45 miles each ride.
My best year was ~4500 miles.

7. Do you do any other type of physical activities - weight lifting, skiing, running, etc.?
Walking and some very limited weight training. My wife and I do yoga a couple of days a week.

03 Fuji Marseille Steel
Crap load of Vit/Minerals
Getting better
around 6 yrs.
20-50 miles
100 miles a week
Walking and manual labor at work.
52 in Jan.
My goal is to collect 1 more day of retirement then i will have paid into it for 31 years when i retire at 60,thats one reason why i ride.

1. What type of bikes do 50+ folks ride?
Serotta Legend Ti, Lemond Poprad, Moseman Tandem

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

Take a multi-vitamin and a mineral every day 'cause I don't trust my diet!

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

I don't think I've slowed down too much. I'm stronger now than I was 15 years ago but probably not as strong as 20 years ago. Since moving to CA (in 1997), riding more, and losing weight I've dropped my time on the local benchmark climb from about 27 minutes to under 22 minutes.

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

I've ridden bikes since I was a kid, stopped during HS and college, picked it up again when I was about 25. Between 1987-1996 I didn't ride as much while the kids were little.

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

Most of my rides are in the 60-80 mile range. I do about 4 or 5 organized centuries a year. I ride with a racing club and do about 5 RRs a year and get my a$$ handed to me in the Master 45+ group. Next year I'll be racing with the 55+ old farts, so maybe I'll have better results!

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

I usually bike 3-4 times a week. One or two times during the week and rides both Saturday and Sunday. I don't record my mileage but estimate that I average over 7,000 miles per year.

7. Do you do any other type of physical activities - weight lifting, skiing, running, etc.?

Cycling pretty much takes up most of my recreational time. I enjoy hiking and try to go skiing a couple of times each winter. I hate running!

I turned 54 this year.

RonH, could you elucidate a bit more on your decision to use Saw Palmetto?

I have always been leary of herbal supplements.



Saw Palmetto works for me also. It helps with the natural
aging process men have with the prostrate and the urge to
"P" all the time. In Europe I understand that doctors tell
patients to use Saw Palmetto as a medicine.

I've used this supplement for 10+ years now with great results
and no downside.

I take 500mg one a day at B'fast. As to side effects.....NONE
that I've noted. I can tell when I forget a couple of days
though. Oh yea.....I can tell.

You (or others) may have to take more than one up to three
each day to get the desired help. As you might suspect it's
all how...your...body finds the need. Either way don't be
afraid of this supplement as, on balance, it's helped more
men than not. You'll know after a few weeks what your level
is so be patient. When you receive the help you need......
YOU WILL KNOW IT and say ahhhhhhhhhhhhh!!

One other thing......
It's unclear if Saw Palmetto will help with dreaded prostrate
cancer......

I thought there might be some interest in a thread such as this. If not, it will go the way of all threads - just die away.

So, here is my first contribution.


Some questions:

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



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



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



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



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




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



7. Do you do any other type of physical activities - weight lifting, skiing, running, etc.?




Perhaps you might indicate your age on your reply??


Cannondale Saeco CAD 3, Co-Motion Co Pilot, TREK 8000
No
Not at all
14 years
Long rides, short rides, week long tours
20+ times a month
Walk my dog 3-4 miles a day

I am 55 going on 56. Just learned how to ride a bike 17 days ago (grew up in Ney York, always took subway as a kid). Bought a Electra Townie 3 and I tought myself to ride immediately, unfortunately did not know how to use the coaster break or front brake so also learned to stop with my feet. Now building up my endurance. Started with a mile now up to 3, will be up to 5 miles by the end of the month. I try to ride everyday. Major exercise is Tai Chi, elyptical machine, and a lto little weight training. I was really out of shape and overweight, still am but can feel fantastic results in only 17 days. Daily vitamine with Leucopen, also 1000 mg of vit C, 2000 mg of fish oil (omega fatty acids), Condratin, and a suppliment called "Green Earth"from GNC.
Roger

Everyday might not be good as a day off helps things.

I'm a 52 yr old female, my husband is 51. I try and ride my bike at least 4 days a week on my lunch hours for about 10 miles, on Saturday, my husband and I ride the tandem about 30 + miles. Then on Sunday we each ride separately. I have been doing an average of 30+ miles. I like to get in a little more but sometimes just don't feel up to it (to hot, to windy etc). My husband probably averages around 60 + miles on each ride. Last two rides he has done over 100. My husband and I also go to the gym 3 days a week and work on strength training for about 1 1/2 hrs. I usually do about 12 different machines and do 6 sets each.
During the week I get up at 4 am to do bicycling on the trainer anywhere from 20 - 45 minutes depending on whether I am going to the gym that day. Then I walk my dog for 40 minutes, at lunch I ride my bike. We take supplements (vitamins) and when we bike ride I use Citomax. I have just started using Endurolytes Power to try and stop the foot cramps at night. We ride road only, no mountain biking. We have been biking for about 7 years. I never really rode as a kid, maybe 2 dozen times so it was a new learning experience for me.
My husband rides a Holland roadbike and I ride a sort of cross bike, it was specially made for me, road bike frame with mountain bike components. My husband and I are definitely in better shape now then we have ever been in our lives. We are hoping that eating right and exercising will keep us out of a rest home.

will keep us out of a rest home

Some days a "rest home" sounds pretty appealing! :D (like today)

Have you ever actually visited a rest home--it's not a pretty sight. I'm sure all of them aren't like the one my mother was in and some take really good care of their residences but I still don't want to end up in one. If I have to be placed anywhere, take me to a motel and check me in. For about the same price you get your room cleaned every day, can make free local calls, have your own TV, someone will check up on you. You have access to maybe a pool, a workout room, continental breakfast -- a lot of nice things and your family will even probably want to come visit you so they can use the facilities too. :D

Have you ever actually visited a rest home--it's not a pretty sight. I'm sure all of them aren't like the one my mother was in and some take really good care of their residences but I still don't want to end up in one. If I have to be placed anywhere, take me to a motel and check me in. For about the same price you get your room cleaned every day, can make free local calls, have your own TV, someone will check up on you. You have access to maybe a pool, a workout room, continental breakfast -- a lot of nice things and your family will even probably want to come visit you so they can use the facilities too. :D

Oh yeah, I have visited many. My wife and I do musical concerts in nursing and retirement homes. My cousin died in one. My dad died in one. All the way from great to awful.

Just kidding a bit. Sorry to upset you - didn't mean it that way.

Didn't sleep much last night - the word "rest" just caught my attention!

RonH, could you elucidate a bit more on your decision to use Saw Palmetto?

Do you have varicose veins, or is the Horse Chestnut a preventative?
Here is a link (http://www.drweil.com/app/cda/drw_cda.html-command=TodayQA-questionId=3477) to one of hundreds of articles about Saw Palmetto. I don't have an enlarged prostate and don't plan on it either. ;)
I have varicose veins (hereditary - from my Dad). The horse chestnut is hopefully keeping them from getting worse. Here's (http://www.drweil.com/app/cda/drw_cda.html-command=TodayQA-questionId=3421) an article about it.



I have always been leary of herbal supplements.
I've always been leary of prescription meds. I'll always try folk and herbal medicine first.

Here is a link (http://www.drweil.com/app/cda/drw_cda.html-command=TodayQA-questionId=3477) to one of hundreds of articles about Saw Palmetto. I don't have an enlarged prostate and don't plan on it either. ;)
I have varicose veins (hereditary - from my Dad). The horse chestnut is hopefully keeping them from getting worse. Here's (http://www.drweil.com/app/cda/drw_cda.html-command=TodayQA-questionId=3421) an article about it.



I've always been leary of prescription meds. I'll always try folk and herbal medicine first.

Thanks, Ron. Glad to hear it is working for you.

UPDATED 10/18/04

Please tell us your age.
57

1. What type of bikes do 50+ folks ride?
LITESPEED ARENBERG (90%)
TREK 5500
****CALFEE TETRA TRI (BARELY RIDDEN) - - SOLD THIS.
Bought a Lemond BA
Also bought Schwinn Le Tour 100th anniversery model

MY FAITHFUL SCHWINN VARSITY I No Londer Ride.

2. Do you take any special supplements/vitamins/minerals as you have grown older?
YEP - VITAMIN E, & B1 (FOR NERVE DAMAGE REPAIR), glucosomine and chondroitin, 400mg 2x/day ,
SR 'ONE A DAY' AND FIBER METAMUCIL (SP?) in TABLET form.


3. How much do you feel you have "slowed down" if any?
ACTUALLY FASTER, RACED 20 MILES IN 73, AVGED 21.7 MOH, HAVE ACTUALLY HIT 24.4 SAME DISTANCE LAST YEAR (HAD A TAILWIND).
BUT HILLS ARE QUITE A BIT HARDER.


4. How long have you been biking? New, around a while, biked all your life?
WAS ON AIR FORCE SQUADRON RACING TEAM. (FUN)


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

STRICTLY ROAD, CALFEE TETRA TRI WAS TOO HARD ON BACK AND LEGS, TREID MOUNTAIN BIKE BUT HURTS SHOULDER (SURGERY FOR LABRAL TEAR 2 YEARS AGO- DIDN'T HELP MUCH)

6. How often do you bike? Your approximate annual mileage?
I'M AT 2205, TRY TO RIDE 75/WEEK

7. Do you do any other type of physical activities - weight lifting, skiing, running, etc.?
RUNNING TOO HARD ON KNEES, SOME WEIGHTS, BUT WALK ALOT!!!!! HUNT HARD - ARCHERY AND GUN.


Perhaps you might indicate your age on your reply?? - AGAIN PHYSICALLY = 57, MENTALLY FEEL BETTER THAN I DID AT 35.

BIGGEST THING I HAVE TROUBLE WITH IS 2 THINGS. 1, THE STRENGTH TO BACK OFF AND TAKE IT EASY FOR PROPER REVOVERY. AND 2, LOOSING FRIENDS AS THEY DON'T HAVE THE 'MENTAL' STRENGTH TO STAY WITH PROPER EXCERISE.

Sorry for the quick reply above. Had to get off the computer.



I have varicose veins (hereditary - from my Dad). The horse chestnut is hopefully keeping them from getting worse.
I have BAD v veins in my left leg. No pain or discomfort, just looks bad. Talked to a vascular surgeon about it two years ago. He said it would require surgery (stripping the veins) and they could come back in another area of the leg. Told him no thanks. Last month I talked to another doc about laser treatment for them. He said the right leg was a candidate but the left leg would require surgery. Same story, same answer.
So I'm still taking the horse chestnut hoping it will stop the spread and keep the vein size and appearance under control.
If you're interested here is link to a picture (not me - found on the web) of what my left leg kinda looks like. http://www.cosmetic-lasersurg.com/_borders/varicose1_1.jpg

If you have or are developing them see a doctor. The laser thing can be done in the morning and you can be riding the next day. Surgery requires several days in the hospital and no riding for a couple of weeks. Neither treatment option offers any guarantees that v veins won't show up somewhere else in the legs at a later time.

It you have or are developing them see a doctor. The laser thing can be done in the morning and you can be riding the next day. Surgery requires several days in the hospital and no riding for a couple of weeks. Neither treatment option offers any guarantees that v veins won't show up somewhere else in the legs at a later time.

I am fine, but my wife has varicose veins.

Some idiot MD stripped her leg when she was 19 yo! She was a nursing student, and I guess he wanted to practice.

SO far, the best thing for her has been biking, which has improved her legs quite a bit. She will stay far away from another stripping.

Incidentally, I am finding this thread facinating and fun to read.

One of the best things you can do for your kids and grand kids is maintain a good level of health. Biking is one thing that makes this easy for me.

Incidentally, I am finding this thread facinating and fun to read.
Me too. :)

We have identified 46 of us who are 50+, including 9 who are 60-64.

I will be 65 soon, so I almost fit the next category. 65-69.

A couple of thoughts on some place (forum, thread, whatever) dedicated to folks 50+

1. Folks who are 50+ and who are considering starting a fitness program are at times quite unsure about themselves, what they can do, what goals might be appropriate, training techniques, etc. When they discover a forum such as BicycleForum in their search for answers, it may be comforting to see that they are not alone - that there are others engaged in similar pursuits.

I see a number of introductory posts like "At 52, I am old, but want to start getting exercise. etc., etc." Some folks think they are way over the hill at 50, likely because they feel that way. A senior place allows them to discover what other folks their age and older are doing in the way of fitness.

2. Some of the younger folks on the forum believe that someone 50+ is "elderly" and pretty much also over the hill. Likely this is the example that they have at home in their own family. I think it is eye=opening to some of them to see that folks 50+ go on centuries, tours, can ride Litespeeds and Airborne and bent's (not just "comfort" bikes) and bike 1000's of miles each year. Some weight lift, run and do other things. It is nice to have a place where they can see the combined "force" of 50+ riders at least in this forum, and may also give the younger folks the impetus to get their own family non-exercising members involved in some fitness activities.

3. Much of the perception of what folks 50+ can and should do fitness-wise, in the fitness world, in the press, in MD's eyes, is generally very light modified exercises - that kind of thing. The things that folks 50+ do as expressed in this forum just blows that concept away.

But anyway, these are my thoughts.

Make that 47 of us.
Please tell us your age: 64

1. What type of bikes do 50+ folks ride? Touring: 84Specialized Expedition, 83Centurion Pro Tour, 86?Nashbar Sport Tour, 86?Motobecane Grand Tour; Road: 04Torelli Gran Sasso, 92?Bianchi Trofeo, 78Motobecane Grand Jubile, 70s Alpine, 71Raleigh SuperCourse, 85Miyata SevenTen, 76?Gitane, Fuji Grand Schwinn WorldSport, 79Centurion LeMans; Mountain: Spalding 18; CycleCross: 80Colnago



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

Multi Vitamin once or twice weekly.

3. How much do you feel you have "slowed down" if any? Probably have lost 1/3 of my speed & stamina from my late teens/late twenties prime.



4. How long have you been biking? Rode a lot growing up. Commuted daily for 5 years in the 60s, commuted daily 4 years in the 80s & just resumed commuting daily 3 years ago.



5. What type of biking do you do? commute & recreational rides.




6. How often do you bike? 6 days a week. Your approximate annual mileage? 3,000



7. Do you do any other type of physical activities - Built my present home over a 5 year period, since then gardening & yard work, home maintenance + rowing/fishing, hunting my 2 dogs.

OK, I'm male, 53, and have been logging miles (124,000) since 1982.

1. I ride 2 high-racer twin 650c recumbents, one steel and one titanium. I also ride an aluminum tandem with my wife, also 53.

2. I take a multiple vitamin, an enteric aspirin, BP medicine, and a TBSP of Metamucil daily; all prescribed by my doctor.

3. I was a Cat 2 racer in my 30s and very successful Masters racer. Now as a fat old guy, I feel I've lost 2-4 mph on the average.

4. I rode continuously until 15 and then started biking seriously at 31. 124,000 miles since 1982.

5. recreational rides.

6. I ride 5 days a week in the summer and 2-3 days a week in winter. I'll ride 5000+ miles this year.

7. I golf, work outdoors and ride a Fluid^2 trainer in the winter.

Hi Ron could you please send me the details of that 50+ cycling book ? My son sent me some book tokens for my birthday & that would seem like a good choice I'le more than likely have to order it though ,thanks
greywolf

If it's OK with you I'll jump in with the book and author as I just got mine last week.
Cycling Past 50-Joe Friel
I just did a search and came up with all sorts of places that had it.

If it's OK with you I'll jump in with the book and author as I just got mine last week.
Cycling Past 50-Joe Friel
I just did a search and came up with all sorts of places that had it.
Thanks, Iwill try & get one this week
:beer: greywolf

Thanks, Iwill try & get one this week
:beer: greywolf

Last time i checked it was on sale at Amazon

Last time i checked it was on sale at Amazon
Thanks Denver but I've got book-tokens so I think I'll have to source it localy . :)

Been watching this thread for a while and thought I'd finally put my 2 cents in.

I'm as 55 year old grandfather who could not agree with Oldspark more, not only are grandchildren the greatest, but they are the greatest reason to keep going.

I have Cycling Past 50 and it is an excellent book.

I ride an EZ Sport Ltd "Bent". I've been riding for the last year, however only seriously for the last 4 months. Due to the temps in AZ this time of the year I can only ride early on weekend mornings (have to work on the other days). I will be adding more rides as we get closer to the end of September and the temps start dropping.

Four months ago I started by going around the corner twice (hurt myself last year and had not been on the bike since November 03). Last Sunday I did my longest ride 30 miles (averaged 12.08 mph, not fast but steady).

Just signed up for my first Metric Century on November 7th, Ride for the Children.

Add me to the 50+ list. I am 53. Also gone 'bent and loving it! I have no idea as to the miles. Never had a speedometer or odometer until I got the 'bent this spring!

'bent Brian

Add me to the 50+ list. I am 53. Also gone 'bent and loving it!



I see WAY too many people, both older and younger than me, riding recumbents. Their reasoning is that a road bike would be too hard on their bodies (back pain, bumpy roads, too much weight on their hands and arms, etc.). Come on people, get a grip. Road bikes are FUN and great for exercise and fitness.
I'll ask it again since bnet1 rides a bent. What is it with older riders and bents? I just don't get it. I tried riding one once, and just like mountain bikes, it wasn't my kinda bike. So what's the big fascination with bents?

. What type of bikes do 50+ folks ride?

I ride a 2003 OCR 3. I have added new wheels and profile century bars.

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

Chondroitin, multi-vitamin, B12, Folic Acid,calcium, vitamin E

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

Bike speed is about 34 km/hr average during my races. (Olypmic Tri)

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

Biking on and off all of my life. But have consistently ridden for the past 4 years.

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

I usually ride 40-60 kms, 6 days a week in the good weather and 2 days a week in the winter months, weather permitting. I usually complete 2 centuries per year and a number of metric centuries.


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

Annual mileage is 7500 kms.

7. Do you do any other type of physical activities - weight lifting, skiing, running, etc.?

I run, bike, swim, lift weights, play ice hockey 4 times a week, golf, fish.


Perhaps you might indicate your age on your reply??

52

Last time i checked it was on sale at Amazon
Ordered the book to-day, might have to wait 15 working days for it to arrive .

I'll ask it again since bnet1 rides a bent. What is it with older riders and bents? I just don't get it. I tried riding one once, and just like mountain bikes, it wasn't my kinda bike. So what's the big fascination with bents?

Well, there are bents and then there are bents. They are much more diverse than road bikes. There are long wheel base, short wheel base, low-racers, high-racers, to name a few styles. They are made of chromoly, carbon fiber, and titanium. The low racers are faaaaaassst on the track and flats and the high racers can keep up with uprights in all but the hilliest terrain.

I own 2 high-racers. The first is a Volae Team that is chromoly with a carbon fiber seat and Dura-Ace components. The second is a Bacchetta Aero which has a titanium frame, carbon fiber seat and cranks, and Ultegra drivetrain. Both run 650c wheels. The Team has Ksyriums and the Aero has Spartacus Pro wheels.

I got in to bents due to prostate cancer. Even though I can now ride uprights again, I don't except for a Santana Sovereign that I ride with my wife. In fact, I finally sold my last 2 uprights this summer. One was a Serotta Colorado and the other was an Eisentraut Rainbow, both Campy equipped with all the bells and whistles. I just don't need them any more. I have no problem riding a bent with a group of young racers on uprights, even at my ripe old age of 53. I generally place in the top 3 of group sprints and instigate a lot of breakaways.

Any more questions? ;) BTW, for the uninitiated, here's a pic of my Aero:

http://home.insightbb.com/~dtresenriter/aeroS.jpg

Ordered the book to-day, might have to wait 15 working days for it to arrive .

Heck, if you are retired I guess it would never come! :D :D :D

Am mid 60s ride an 04 TREK 1000c, nice bike, suits me, priced right, was offered more than I paid for it several times while in Europe, liked it well enuf to say no. thanks.

Take aspirin, multi vitamins and Folic acid, plus Hi Blood preasure meds all on DRs instructions

Def not slowing down, how do I know?.....just finished several months in Europe on my bike and heading to SF end of month to ride the PCH to Malibu then to Joshua Tree to do some climbing,back to Europe in April for 4-5 months biking and climbing

Started biking at 5 yrs, stopped for a time while in the USAF and was transferred almost every 90 days, but resumed and have been riding since

Like to do touring, short rides, no races, use bike rather than vehicle for short errands around town

Try to do 15-20 miles a day minimum, year round, longer on weekends when buds have a day off to ride with me. Did 1200 Kilometers in Europe before I lost the bike putr

Here is my contribution to a neat idea for a thread. Nice to know I'm not alone as an over 50 cyclist. My non-cycling friends think I'm a little nuts and need to grow up. What do they know?

1. What type of bikes do 50+ folks ride?
I ride a 5 year old Litespeed Classic, Ultegra with Mavic Ksyrium wheelset. I also commute on a Cannondale MTB Caad 2 set up with fenders and lights. I had a tandem and sold it recently. I also have an older Trek from the 80's that is set up for flat rides with a fixed gear.


2. Do you take any special supplements/vitamins/minerals as you have grown older?
No supplements at all. I just eat right and watch my cholesteral levels which tend to be high although I'm skinny looking but well toned legs.


3. How much do you feel you have "slowed down" if any?
Definately a bit. I usually take 7-10 miles on a long ride to start feeling good. Still a pretty good sprint but suffer on the hills (don't we all?)


4. How long have you been biking? New, around a while, biked all your life?
Started riding on a decent bike when I was 14 years old. Rode a lot as a young person, gave it up for a while after college to start to raise a family. Really picked it up seriously again in the 80's when I saved up enough to get my Trek 770 (that is the bike that is now the fixed-gear). Went crazy 5 years ago when I got my Litespeed (with the blessings of my lovely spouse;)


5. What type of biking do you do? Long rides, touring, short rec rides, commute, tour, race?
All kinds. Commute to and from work depending on distance from my job. I also ride club rides during the cycling season (hey it's Ohio and you can't ride much in February) as well as a couple rides each weekend. During the summer I've ridden as much as 250 miles in the week. I like rides that are from 40-75 miles but have done lots of century rides. Did a little racing but Crits scare me. I don't like to break collar bones (did that ONCE on a commute home - long story).



6. How often do you bike? Your approximate annual mileage?
I ride during the season at least 3 times a week. I'm currently looking for work after a downsizing so I do ride during the week when I get sick of looking for a decent job. All my friends are jealous - of the afternoon rides not the unemployment part of course. Had a late start this year and have the lowest mileage in a long time with coming up on 2200. Usual yearly mileage is 3000-4000.


7. Do you do any other type of physical activities - weight lifting, skiing, running, etc.?
I ride the wind-trainer in the winter, hike and some weight training although I hate that part. Never really liked skiing after badly twisting my ankle while X-country skiing once.

I'm 52 years old and my friends think I look much younger. Helps not to have a mid-age bulge in the gut.

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

I given my youngest son a Klein Performance roadbike and a Gary Fisher Sugar3 on my 74th birthday. I am now riding a Giant Revive semi-recumbent and a Giant Halfway folder.

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

Multivitamins, vit E, selenium, and fish oil.

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

I used to ride my road bike 50 km/day when I was in my fiftiies, bow I ride 15 km/day.

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

Since I was 4 years old. I biked all my life.

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

I used to comute but now mostly for exercises.

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

I bike practically every day. About 4-5 thoundsands kms/year.

7. Do you do any other type of physical activities - weight lifting, skiing, running, etc.?

Walking.

The fascination with 'bents? They are cool pieces of engineering. There is a whole plethora of configurations and types. They are fast. They are extremely comfortable. And they are a blast to ride. I'm one of 3 'bent riders in a local cycling club. I can easily keep up with all but the fastest young riders on club rides, including hills. The most important thing is I'm having fun. Isn't that what cycling is all about anyway? And nothing gets sore anymore!

'bent Brian

52, raced cat 2 in the 80's, ride for fitness now at roughtly 5 hours/week on a MB, no drugs, run and x-ski during the snowy months, can still climb my favorites, have ridden pretty steadily for 24 years except for a 4-5 where I focused on inline skating or running

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

I given my youngest son a Klein Performance roadbike and a Gary Fisher Sugar3 on my 74th birthday. I am now riding a Giant Revive semi-recumbent and a Giant Halfway folder.

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

Multivitamins, vit E, selenium, and fish oil.

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

I used to ride my road bike 50 km/day when I was in my fiftiies, bow I ride 15 km/day.

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

Since I was 4 years old. I biked all my life.

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

I used to comute but now mostly for exercises.

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

I bike practically every day. About 4-5 thoundsands kms/year.

7. Do you do any other type of physical activities - weight lifting, skiing, running, etc.?

Walking.
1. I ride the same as under 50 ride.
2. Any age should be taking that stuff.
3. Faster and longer. LOL
4. As a kid,stopped, did some more,stopped,did more and didnt stop.
5. Ride for fun and health.
6.100 miles a wwk,4days.
7. I work 5 days a aweek and walk fast for most of the 8 hour days,some heavy lifting.

Heck, if you are retired I guess it would never come! :D :D :D
True ,I've got some leave coming up , hope I get it before then or I will have to wait even longer ! :lol:

Some questions:
Please tell us your age.
50, 51 soon...
1. What type of bikes do 50+ folks ride?
piece a **** mtn bike from walmart plus fenders, rack and computer.... but it gets me there!!!
2. Do you take any special supplements/vitamins/minerals as you have grown older?
not about getting older, take multi vit and calcium/magnesium/zinc since i don't drink milk or eat much meat.
3. How much do you feel you have "slowed down" if any?
Nope, sped up since i returned to my natural form of transportation, the BIKE
4. How long have you been biking? New, around a while, biked all your life?
I have used a bike for transportation several 5 year periods in my life, college, young parent, back to college, short commutes, this time I won't quit again!!
5. What type of biking do you do? Long rides, touring, short rec rides, commute, tour, race?
Commute. And chores. I am thinking about trying to get up for a century.... club rides don't do anything for me... I can't keep up and have fun, too...
6. How often do you bike? Your approximate annual mileage?
Currently about 5-6 days a week, about 2000 miles per year...
7. Do you do any other type of physical activities - weight lifting, skiing, running, etc.?
YOGA!! but I only do this and biking because it is fun!! I guess i do have to admit I enjoy the fact that the combination has allowed me to lose 70 lbs.

7. Do you do any other type of physical activities - weight lifting, skiing, running, etc.?
YOGA!! but I only do this and biking because it is fun!! I guess i do have to admit I enjoy the fact that the combination has allowed me to lose 70 lbs.

WOW!!

1. What type of bikes do 50+ folks ride?
a '04 Custom Steel by Albert Eisentraut and a '01 Giant OCR1


2. Do you take any special supplements/vitamins/minerals as you have grown older?
one-a-day and some Potassium when I ride or workout


3. How much do you feel you have "slowed down" if any?
I started riding after 15 years of not doing anything.. so now I am in the best shape of my life.. In the past 3 years I lost over 100lb..

4. How long have you been biking? New, around a while, biked all your life?
4 years, after a short break of 30 years...


5. What type of biking do you do? Long rides, touring, short rec rides, commute, tour, race?
about 40-75 mile rides, with 3000' to 5000' feet climbs



6. How often do you bike? Your approximate annual mileage?
twice a week between 75 and 120 miles a week


7. Do you do any other type of physical activities - weight lifting, skiing, running, etc.?
I lift weights 4 times a week.. (I lift heavy)

I'll answer by the same number order you gave; by the way I'm 51.

1) I still ride my steel road race bike I use to race on 20 years ago! With tight racing geometry.
2) I do not take any special suppliments, in fact take less now then I did 20 years ago because I learned most of it is rip off.
3) Yes, I have slowed down; but due to time constraints with family and work commitments, I no longer ride 1,000 miles a month like I did in my race days, now I average 400 to 450 miles a month. So most of my slowing is due to training and a small percentage of that is due to age.
4) I've been riding bikes all my life; I started riding seriously when I was 17 but then stopped to buy a car and do the girl scene, then got back into again competitively at age 19 and raced until age 35. All during that time I also used the bike to commute in addition to my training miles.
5) I ride a rode bike exclusively, did dabble with MTB for about a year back in 87 but didn't like it. Most of my riding is what I call short to medium distance-3 days out of the week I'm doing 18-30 miles each day and one day out of the week I'll do 60-100 miles; and I still commute. Up intil 6 months ago I lived in California (since 15) and most of my riding there was in the mountains even up intill the time I left, now I live in Indiana and it's mostly flat here.
6) My monthly mileage average is between 400 and 450 miles.
7) I weight train about 3 days a week (when I'm not on the bike), but don't push a huge amount of weight to look like the Hulk-my body type wouldn't look like that anyway!!