Fifty Plus (50+) - Not all cyclists are created equal

Yesterday I was doing my usual 35 mile ride and came upon a youngster at a traffic light. He looked like he was ~20 years old and was wearing his pro team kit. He had huge leg muscles. :o I said hello and commented about the headwind (tropical storm Jeanne was headed our way). I figured he would take off and leave me in the dust before we'd gone more than a hundred yards. I took off as the light changed waiting for a blur to rush past me. Not so! After I'd gone about 1/4 mile I looked in my mirror and saw he was waaaay back there. Looked like he was struggling more than I was. That sure made me feel good. :)

I guess he got his huge leg muscles at the gym.

The moral of the story: You have to earn strong leg muscles by riding lots of miles and climbing lots of hills. You can't buy them at the gym. ;)

Probably the pro team kit slowed him down.

Or, maybe YOU should have entered our criterium here in Parker on Saturday.

Good job.

I think you are so fast, that no one could keep up.

I know what you mean. My riding partner and I (55 and 59 respectively) rode the Rosarito-Ensenada ride on the 25th. It felt really good going up the hills and passing a lot of younger folks hiking a bike.


jim

The moral of the story: You have to earn strong leg muscles by riding lots of miles and climbing lots of hills. You can't buy them at the gym. ;)

Like the old saying goes, experience and treachery will win out over youth and naivety every time. :)

The north coastal portion of San Diego County has a broad spectrum of cyclists, including many I pass easily and others who leave me in the dust.

Any leg muscles I ever got from a gym, didn't do me any good on a bike.

heh! I'm 26 here (hope posting here is allowed :) ), and sometimes I pass up those ppl in their pro team kit, just to be passed by a 50+ shortly after. Whenever that happens, I don't take it as an insult @ all and I say to myself : I will be like that person when I'm 50+. Even if the person isn't faster then me, It's kind of like an inspiration to keep on.

Good work Ron and other 50+

i see many 50+'s (not waistline, but age) >> blowing the wheelsets off of the younger riders. I see many, many guys in their 40's kicking @$$ and taking names on my fast weekend club rides. This encourages me rather than bewilders me, because i know that these 40 something's will be 50 something's.....and i, who will be turning 40 in 2 months am getting better and better.

These guys are much more focused. I see many more 50 somethings in the gym and riding @ 5am than the 20-30 crowd.

now if he was on a recovery ride.....

Yep, there are "show" muscles you get at the gym & there
are hard "work" muscles that you get from riding or hard work. Work muscles are better because.....well, they "work".

Well all you guys are so athletic - make me feel inadequate. I started to cycle about a year and a half ago, for a health reason. Before that I was VERY out of shape. I am 56 and getting better and stronger, but it seems that everyone can pass me at will, regardless of muscle size, age, bicycle, etc. Unfortunately, the fellow at our LBS sold me a team jersey. It actually feels quite good, much better than T-shirt. After reading the views people have with respect to others' equipment, clothes, etc., I may either need to buy a different shirt (which clothes would be acceptable?) or do some other sport, where beginners maybe more tolerated. Any suggestions?

Well all you guys are so athletic - make me feel inadequate. I started to cycle about a year and a half ago, for a health reason. Before that I was VERY out of shape. I am 56 and getting better and stronger, but it seems that everyone can pass me at will, regardless of muscle size, age, bicycle, etc. Unfortunately, the fellow at our LBS sold me a team jersey. It actually feels quite good, much better than T-shirt. After reading the views people have with respect to others' equipment, clothes, etc., I may either need to buy a different shirt (which clothes would be acceptable?) or do some other sport, where beginners maybe more tolerated. Any suggestions?

Everything you might wear is "acceptable." Any speed you can go is "acceptable."

Bicycling has a well-deserved "snobbery" aspect, which anyone with any sense ignores.

I just came from a short (9 mile) ride wearing my sandals, regular shorts and a sleeveless sort of ripped up shirt. Works for me. In cooler weather, I go out in levis and a sweatshirt.

Don't get hung up on all the biking paraphernalia.

Beginners are tolerated, and, as in any other activity, you will find your own niche where you fit.

Mostly, have fun!

....
After reading the views people have with respect to others' equipment, clothes, etc., I may either need to buy a different shirt (which clothes would be acceptable?) or do some other sport, where beginners maybe more tolerated. Any suggestions?


Bravado.

Cycling talk is heavily laden with it. Its all bullsht, you know. Reading these dicussion boards, one would think everyone is like Mario Cippolini.

I dont think you should wear a team jersey unless you can give an impression that you could ride with a team. I find T shirts get clammy and uncomfortable, so always wear either a plain cycling jersy or a soccer shirt.

Go ahead and wear your team jersey...... Or better yet one from your favourite company. Maybe a "Corona" shirt or something that represents your views on things other than cycling.
Hockey

When you pass someone, consider the possibility they are on a recovery ride. Try riding and talking with them for a while if conditions permit.
Tom

Well all you guys are so athletic - make me feel inadequate. I started to cycle about a year and a half ago, for a health reason. Before that I was VERY out of shape. I am 56 and getting better and stronger, but it seems that everyone can pass me at will, regardless of muscle size, age, bicycle, etc. Unfortunately, the fellow at our LBS sold me a team jersey. It actually feels quite good, much better than T-shirt. After reading the views people have with respect to others' equipment, clothes, etc., I may either need to buy a different shirt (which clothes would be acceptable?) or do some other sport, where beginners maybe more tolerated. Any suggestions?

I hope that you are being facetious, ComPH. I wear a cycling jersey for the same reason as you - they're comfortable and well engineered for riding. I would ignore those who preach that unless you're Lance that you are somehow disrespectful of the biking tradition - that's total BS. Here's my test: would I rather that someone (anyone) rides a bike at least once in a while, or would I rather that they only drive their SUV? I think us cyclists need all the friends that we can get :D

-Jim

I would ignore those who preach that unless you're Lance that you are somehow disrespectful of the biking tradition - that's total BS. Here's my test: would I rather that someone (anyone) rides a bike at least once in a while, or would I rather that they only drive their SUV? I think us cyclists need all the friends that we can get :D

-Jim
For all of you out there using T shirts or football jersys to ride in-- Get a proper cycling top. They are far more comfortable than other clothing for cycling. Doesn't matter if its a "Team" top or a plain colour. The only thing is bright colours get seen.

Talking about tops and their designs, does any one know where I can get a "HAS BEAN" top. They were around about 10 years ago and are based on a can of Heinz Baked beans for the design. Either that or any other suitable tops for an older rider that is gradually getting past his best by date?

Bravado.

Cycling talk is heavily laden with it. Its all bullsht, you know. Reading these dicussion boards, one would think everyone is like Mario Cippolini.

Well said.

Rainbow stripes, polk-a-dots, and the like, expresses something very specific and IMHO should not be worn by anyone who didn’t earn it. Wearing team colors if you aren’t on the team always seemed inappropriate to me. I do however tend to wear something that makes some sort of statement, or even endorses a favorite product.

I try to get at least 100 miles a week in on the road as training for mountain biking or Adventure Racing. Many rides are done as recovery or long slow endurance rides. I don’t worry about who dropped who unless I’m in an organized race. To do otherwise is bad Karma.

Well all you guys are so athletic - make me feel inadequate. I started to cycle about a year and a half ago, for a health reason. Before that I was VERY out of shape. I am 56 and getting better and stronger, but it seems that everyone can pass me at will, regardless of muscle size, age, bicycle, etc. Unfortunately, the fellow at our LBS sold me a team jersey. It actually feels quite good, much better than T-shirt. After reading the views people have with respect to others' equipment, clothes, etc., I may either need to buy a different shirt (which clothes would be acceptable?) or do some other sport, where beginners maybe more tolerated. Any suggestions?

ComPH, when you say "team jersey" are you talking about a pro team like US Postal, CSC, Liberty Seguros, etc., or the local shop-sponsored team?

I need to get a jersey advertising Coruba Rum ,I'm deffinatly on that team !

It's a Farm-Frites jersey, I don't think that the team exists any more, but it is not a shop jersey. I think it was sitting there for a long time and he saw an opportunity to unload it. He charged me about $70 for it, so I don't feel like not using it,but I don't want to be black balled by the high performance guys either....

Go ahead and wear your team jersey...... Or better yet one from your favourite company. Maybe a "Corona" shirt or something that represents your views on things other than cycling.
Hockey
Remember to look at the date when posting.

I dont think you should wear a team jersey unless you can give an impression that you could ride with a team. I find T shirts get clammy and uncomfortable, so always wear either a plain cycling jersy or a soccer shirt.

I will agree about wearing the correct Type of cycling top, and and even go so far as to say, do not wear any other type of top. A good quality cycling top is designed to fit you when on the bike. Those pockets on the back are not just a design feature, they are necessary for the small items like hankerchief and wallet, that you can't put anywhere else because you don't have pockets in your proper lycra cycling shorts. The tops are made of a special material that will "Wick" away the body moisture so keeping you dry, when all that effort goes in. On top of that they are a nice bright colour so that you can be seen.

One of the ways you can support your favourite "team", is to look like them. Bloody good advertising for that team, that may also give them some profit in royalties to keep them going. I wonder how many of you have been to a Football match and seen the two opposing teams of supporters all dressed in ordinary clothes. They will be in their teams colours, and I wonder how many of those supporters even know how to kick a Football.

I now want a "Team" top, but Cant find one for the team that I support. That team, The "Has Beans" that was around in the mid 90's

Well all you guys are so athletic - make me feel inadequate. I started to cycle about a year and a half ago, for a health reason. Before that I was VERY out of shape. I am 56 and getting better and stronger, but it seems that everyone can pass me at will, regardless of muscle size, age, bicycle, etc. Unfortunately, the fellow at our LBS sold me a team jersey. It actually feels quite good, much better than T-shirt. After reading the views people have with respect to others' equipment, clothes, etc., I may either need to buy a different shirt (which clothes would be acceptable?) or do some other sport, where beginners maybe more tolerated. Any suggestions?


I suggest you wear what you like. Ride to satisfy yourself, not arrogant braggarts or know-it-alls.

Ignore those who have a need to pontificate about the equipment, technique or clothes that are "acceptable" for beginners or anyone else.

"I suggest you wear what you like. Ride to satisfy yourself,..."
Thanks for the support. For you fast guys, I already feel humbled and self-concious when you are passing me. Furthermore, when I hear ridicule from youngsters, it is more understandable, but when I hear it from 50+ folks, I feel I am maybe commiting some more serious no-no. I depended on the LBS to suggest what to wear and what will make me and my humble skills more acceptable to others that are more skilled at the sport. Anyway, I am done whining, enouth of you guys are understanding and supportive, I am fully intending to ride, enjoy it and provide pleasure for those who are laughing at me - just remember, passing me is not really a big accomplishment.

My only thing is that I really hate seeing those yellow, polka dot, and rainbow stripe jerseys. Only because they mean something really special. Other than that, wear whatever.

I care not at all what anyone else wears. I care not at all what anyone thinks of what I am wearing.

My only thing is that I really hate seeing those yellow, polka dot, and rainbow stripe jerseys. Except when the rider has the rainbow stripes at the end of the sleeve. Then its pretty cool.

Except when the rider has the rainbow stripes at the end of the sleeve. Then its pretty cool.

SteveE - posting in 50+ - :eek:

SteveE - posting in 50+ - :eek:I'll try not to make a habit of it. :o

I was never a very good runner..I remember having a conception when passed up by 70 year old women.. Faster pace caused more pain in the knees...
But about some super racer type appearing to be struggling...I have gotten ticked when non - cyclists ( ie- like, two year olds on trikes) pass me by while on my racer bike...Then occured to me..Gosh, you just did 88 miles..Fair amount of climbing. Why would you want to..Time to cool down...Never know what said person has just done..Maybe, not in the mood...

I'll try not to make a habit of it. :o

That is what the nun said when given a bolt of black cloth!

Sorry to geordie and Craig but I gotto show this shirt, And I gotta get one.

Now this is a shirt that has a message to by pass recovers, whether it be the ride or the op

Sorry to geordie and Craig but I gotto show this shirt, And I gotta get one.

Now this is a shirt that has a message to by pass recovers, whether it be the ride or the op

I have a Triple Bypass Race shirt, albeit from a a different year. I picked it up for $5 at a thrift shop and wear it all the time. I was stopped at a light once and a fellow cyclist congratulated me on competing in such a grueling race! (And yes, I straigtened him out.)

Jim

No ComPH there are NO special rules regarding your choice of riding gear. The great thing about bike riding is you get to wear what ever you want to wear.
In a free country you are free to do as you wish and screw anyone who tries to challenge that freedom by implying that you are some sort of nob because you don't like what they like. How incredibly elitist to suggest that someone should wear some spurious type of 'standard crappy kit' while riding so as not to offend the 'super cool' nobodys. I think that sort of juvenile behaviour belongs on the playground of a kindergarten and should be strongly discouraged there also.

Mate be proud that you are ballsy enough to do what YOU want to do particularly when it refers to something as personal as what you wear whilst riding your bike.
To all the elitist knockers "eat our shorts" (nicks).

Well all you guys are so athletic - make me feel inadequate. I started to cycle about a year and a half ago, for a health reason. Before that I was VERY out of shape. I am 56 and getting better and stronger, but it seems that everyone can pass me at will, regardless of muscle size, age, bicycle, etc. Unfortunately, the fellow at our LBS sold me a team jersey. It actually feels quite good, much better than T-shirt. After reading the views people have with respect to others' equipment, clothes, etc., I may either need to buy a different shirt (which clothes would be acceptable?) or do some other sport, where beginners maybe more tolerated. Any suggestions?

I don't know man. I figure I am somewhat like you. (53) Only I used to bike a lot, quit for a long time, got a big ol' belly, went back to biking, lost 40 pounds. Now I am getting pretty strong again. I recently bought a "colorful" jersey. What it is about that... when I am riding, and I see "color", I chase it. I figure color indicates a competetive spirit. Kind of like fishing with a colorful flashy spinner. A fish sees it and just reactively heads for it. I don't know about the snobbery. I figure an athlete is entitled to a certain amount of pride. And I respect a guys commitment to his sport. Sometimes that means a hardware upgrade or two. But when an old fossil like me, passes a guy on a 5000 dollar bike, wearing a postal team outfit... eh... I forgot what I was going to say.

I'm fat, 52, and ride an Electra Townie. Despite this, I sometimes surprise the 20-something students from the local U around the lakes. A few of them must think that the purchase of a zooty bike and colorful clothes turn them into Lance A.. It doesn't happen often, but I enjoy it when!

In cold weather I wear bike specific stuff, black tights and white tops for visibility.
In balmy weather I wear whatever I want to wear, from trousers with suspenders to athletic shorts to knickers.
When I see a die-hard roadie-racer in a really colorful costume, it looks cool; and, when I see a newbie in the same costume, he looks like a newbie in the same costume.
I can live with that.
Some of the BMX boys look a little silly to me, but I attribute that to the second sign of old age. :)
I can live with that, too.
I notice some of the riders at one of my local bike stores have different sets of costumes depending on the bike and the activity.
They dress to fit in wherever they go.