Fifty Plus (50+) - How many of us ARE there, really?

When I look at the number of people viewing the forums here and on Road Bike Review at a given time, there may be 150 in Road Cycling here, 250-300 on RBR--and only three or four on this 50+ board. Doesn't seem like older riders are rare, though. I just turned 60, and nearly all the guys I ride with, and a lot of the people I see on the road, are 50 or over. I live near Reno, Nev., and gray hair probably makes up 20 percent of the field at local events. The ex-joggers alone, people who started riding because their knees hurt, are a pretty sizable contingent. Are geezers rare in other parts of the country, or what?

When I look at the number of people viewing the forums here and on Road Bike Review at a given time, there may be 150 in Road Cycling here, 250-300 on RBR--and only three or four on this 50+ board. Doesn't seem like older riders are rare, though. I just turned 60, and nearly all the guys I ride with, and a lot of the people I see on the road, are 50 or over. I live near Reno, Nev., and gray hair probably makes up 20 percent of the field at local events. The ex-joggers alone, people who started riding because their knees hurt, are a pretty sizable contingent. Are geezers rare in other parts of the country, or what?

They sure aren't rare in St. Petersburg, FL - some of the strongest riders are 60 plus, including one ex Olympian and 10 time national (open) champion. We also have a world Masters sprint champion, and many very successful racers who are 60 plus. Another just brought home a handful of medals from the Pan Pacific games in Australia. When the fast rides are called, they are heavily represented by the "senior" contingent. For the youngsters - if you don't want to be dropped by people old enough to be your father or grandfather, don't show up on our rides! :D

In my case I first look at the commuter then mechanic board, if there is any time left I check the over 50 board. I see a large number of over 50 bike riders in the parks, my neighborhood and commuting.

Most of us have multiple interests. I spend more time on the touring board than on 50+ because I find more threads there that interest me.
Ken

Same here, I always read the commuter, classic/vintage & road bike boards & only occaisionally this one. I'm almost 65 & among the regular commuters at work, we outnumber the young guys.

I tend to hit the "View New Posts" link. This takes me all over the place. I see a thread title which looks interesting, I check it out. Fewer of them are 50+ so I come here less often. Glad we have it though.

Since I'm retired and ride a lot during the week, I see a lot of older riders. However, why aren't we older guys more friendly? There are several younger guys with whom I ride a bit, but most of the older guys tend to give the cold shoulder. The local club rides during the week are mostly 50+ folks, but they are far too "clubby." They've ridden with each other for a long time and are not very open to outsiders. I like riding with younger guys who don't work very much--I like the carefree attitude. Reminds me of the folks I meet surfing. Why do you think that younger folks are more open to us than our peeer group?

Since I'm retired and ride a lot during the week, I see a lot of older riders. However, why aren't we older guys more friendly? There are several younger guys with whom I ride a bit, but most of the older guys tend to give the cold shoulder. The local club rides during the week are mostly 50+ folks, but they are far too "clubby." They've ridden with each other for a long time and are not very open to outsiders. I like riding with younger guys who don't work very much--I like the carefree attitude. Reminds me of the folks I meet surfing. Why do you think that younger folks are more open to us than our peeer group? Grumpy old men?

Maybe because web surfing skews younger?

Maybe because web surfing skews younger?

No! Not web surfing: the real thing, surfing waves. You know, the ocean, dude.

I'm friendly - and I meet a lot of older guys who are very friendly. I haven't noticed this phenomenon around here!

I live in San Diego County, home of John Forester (74 years young), Gordy Shields (86 years young), and "Plutonium" Pete Penseyres (61 years young). I guess I'm just a kid!

I read this forum most days though I rarely post anything. I guess I’m not much of a talker. However, I have noticed that on several occasions when I posted a question, it was moved to another forum (usually the training/nutrition forum). Not to be pickey, but I was wanting input from 50+ people not the hammering 20 year olds.

I live in a small town in the south and find the younger riders to be much more friendly than the “grumpy old men.” In fact several 50+ year olds that belong to the same artist guild as I, will not ride with me because I wear ‘SPANDEX’. I just laugh and ask them if that’s why their bowl-legged and their wives are always flirting with me.

I read this forum most days though I rarely post anything. I guess I’m not much of a talker. However, I have noticed that on several occasions when I posted a question, it was moved to another forum (usually the training/nutrition forum). Not to be pickey, but I was wanting input from 50+ people not the hammering 20 year olds.



Constant, never-ending problem with moderators vs forum members. Eventually, you learn to put "I want 50+rs reaction" or something similar in your title and text.

Velo Dog, I'm over 50 and a real enthusiast I suppose by definition. Retailing is far removed from my principal profession, but this past year, I couldn't help myself; I went crazy and opened a bicycle shop and bicycle poster gallery. My renewed passion for bicycling was fueled in discovering the practicality of folders and on doing a study of the history of the bicycle. Now I carry my folder with me just about everywhere.

The 2 major forums I watch are fifty plus and commuting. I work all day on a computer and don't want spend any of my off time surfing. Maby we are in and out of the forum faster than others.
I am interested in the activities of others my own age. The club I belong to probably averages close to 50. Those that attend meetings maby more. Most club rides I go on have 40 to 60 percent over 50. There are a lot of riders much older than I that are still going strong.
Phil

I like most forums. I commute, road, tandem and cross. The MTB days are over since I left Sunland, Cal. To me each forum has its own attitude. The 50+ is okay with me.