Road Cycling - What cycling can do.

Today, first part of my ride -met up with a group of racers. Two have been involved in the Race Across America... So, do these guys ever move.. Going up 7 % grade for about 2.5 miles, these guys go up at least ten miles an hour.. I didn't . One of fastest of group I ride with kept up until the hill...
But the catch, these guys are like 45- 65 years old. Retired. All they do is ride, I guess... One of my ride friends, moves pretty good, got wasted by 50 year old plus riders. My ride friend is twenty years younger... Said won't do that again... Even the older, heavier riders beat out the twenty year olds.. Is this possible??

I read once years ago about a bunch of RAAM riders who used to compete in their youthful days.

When they got a bit older (in their 50s I seem to remember) they decided to try again just to relive the old days. They didn't give themselves a chance of posting great times, it was more a memories kind of thing.

They surprised themselves when all four of them posted better times than they did when they were 'young and fit'.

Last time I rode across Australia we had a 65 year old guy who'd been racing all his life. There's no way I'd try to take him on. He was very quick.

I think a lot of older riders have wisdom and experience that younger ones don't. They know the tactics to use to stay fresh and to use their energy just at the right time.

you live longer, unless some mugger, a drunk driver, or a lunatice doesn't take a shot at you, youre safe to live and enjoy your bike riding

As you age, your body eventually adapts to the bicycle and the climb that may have caused you so much pain at age 20, is nothing at age 50. I guess the older you get, the more your body gets used to cycling, and it becomes easier for you to do.


Or maybe I have no idea what im talking about, and im just a complete idiot?
:confused:

Sometimes, I feel I am gaining speed. After yesterday, not feeling so hopeful, ever be fast, really fast.. I have a low tolerance for pain... Sometimes of flats I can hold 17-20 for maybe 20 minutes. Sustained climbing above 10- doubt ever will do that...

Cycling is a good exercise, keeping you fit, heart healthy, mind fresh!

Cycling also is a great stress reliever, especially when you are riding such long distances and really concentrate on all the riding. Then, you won't think about too much else.

Cycling also helps guys to meet girls right???

I've never met any girls from cycling... :( actually i've only met one guy from cycling. I did join some club over the internet just because it seemed like the thing to do, but they not gotten back to me about anything yet and i'm too lazy to call them. I doubt i participate in many group rides if any anyways. I doubt i could keep up.