Fifty Plus (50+) - First Group Ride!!!!

Since the onset of the joint issues. We have a small group that rides on Tuesdays/Thursdays in the pm when DST is in effect. We met at one of the riders houses yesterday and did a 65 mile loop from there. The conditions were tougher yesterday as the winds in the afternoon were probably around 15 mph.

Last summer I was always pushed out front and lead the group around for 35-40 miles. It was a terrific way to push up the anerobic levels doing intervals while the others sat on wheels. It was always a great workout for them and for me.

I learned yesterday that I have a long, long, long way to get back to riding form. After 35-40 miles I repeatedly got dropped. Every incline felt like a mountain and I just could not hang on their wheels.

Now I'm really unclear as to how long it's going to take to get back to doing rides with real hills. It especially throws a kink into trying to plan for the mountain tours in Colorado this summer. It was very reminiscent of my first days/year on a bike.

At least it was a good day to burn off more of the winter coat I've been wearing. And at least I was back out on the bike and on the road again!

It's not going to be a long summer but you will lose the Spring.

This summer will be a recovery time- at least for the early part But if you can do 65 miles now- then it won't be long before you get back to form- Till then you will have to satisfy yourself with just being normal.

I suppose it is a trait of high achievers to be concerned about a loss of performance upon accomplishing an amazing feat of recovering from a major setback. Congratulations! :thumb: (and give yourself a break)

I know your pain. I'm in the same boat.

I suppose it is a trait of high achievers to be concerned about a loss of performance upon accomplishing an amazing feat of recovering from a major setback. Congratulations! :thumb: (and give yourself a break)

+1

You go out and ride 65 miles with - what I assume is a fast group - and complain about how awful you are doing?

Come on. 99.9995% of the population your age couldn't do that, period. And 99.9999% couldn't do it while recovering from a serious illness.

Hey, Joe - count your blessings. :)

SMILES, NOT MILES!!

You did good Joe.....

I suppose it is a trait of high achievers to be concerned about a loss of performance upon accomplishing an amazing feat of recovering from a major setback. Congratulations! :thumb: (and give yourself a break)

+1 BD nailed it.

Just keep in mind that it's much, much easier to regain lost fitness than it is to get it in the first place.

Sounds like you are doing great.... well done!

Just keep in mind that it's much, much easier to regain lost fitness than it is to get it in the first place.

+1
We lose fitness faster than we build it back - but we can regain that lost fitness.