Freedom 55
#1
Conquer Cancer rider
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Toronto
Posts: 6,039
Bikes: Fun bike, city bike, Bike Friday, Brompton (also fun bikes)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Freedom 55
Five years after qualifying to join this forum, I'm opening my parachute from work next week after a staggering 26 years. No job to go to, and I'm far from convinced that I want a full-time job to go to, although a couple of days a week would be rather nice, to stop me getting bored.
But I've got an awful lot of biking dreams, from New Zealand to the Rockies to GAP/C+O, to the new Paris-London trek. And after a cancer scare a few years back, I want to enjoy myself while I'm fit enough to do so. The buyout package definitely helped.
It's such a shame that an era when you have so much time on your hands coincides with an era where you don't have the regular pay check coming in to fund those plans.
It's also a shame that Freedom55 comes in December, when the weather is bad and getting worse, and not in March, when I can look forward to improvements. But such is life.
Any not-too-expensive tips to see me through the winter? (Please don't tell me to ride my bike -- I'm too much of a wimp for that.)
But I've got an awful lot of biking dreams, from New Zealand to the Rockies to GAP/C+O, to the new Paris-London trek. And after a cancer scare a few years back, I want to enjoy myself while I'm fit enough to do so. The buyout package definitely helped.
It's such a shame that an era when you have so much time on your hands coincides with an era where you don't have the regular pay check coming in to fund those plans.
It's also a shame that Freedom55 comes in December, when the weather is bad and getting worse, and not in March, when I can look forward to improvements. But such is life.
Any not-too-expensive tips to see me through the winter? (Please don't tell me to ride my bike -- I'm too much of a wimp for that.)
__________________
Zero gallons to the mile
Zero gallons to the mile
#3
Senior Member
'Staggering' 26 years? 45 and counting, here. You must have had a government job!
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Santa Barbara CA
Posts: 734
Bikes: rivendell romulus terratrike rover
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Good Luck Boudicca. I took me 4 years or so to learn how to handle retirement in a healthy fashion.
Now I love it especially the biking and the freedom to just ride whenever I want to.
Charlie
Now I love it especially the biking and the freedom to just ride whenever I want to.
Charlie
#5
Conquer Cancer rider
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Toronto
Posts: 6,039
Bikes: Fun bike, city bike, Bike Friday, Brompton (also fun bikes)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I am refusing to call it retirement, Charlie. I'm too young to retire.
But then if I'm not looking for another job, what else can I call it?
And I find 26 years pretty staggering. More than a quarter of a century.
But then if I'm not looking for another job, what else can I call it?
And I find 26 years pretty staggering. More than a quarter of a century.
__________________
Zero gallons to the mile
Zero gallons to the mile
#6
Banned
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Lincoln Ne
Posts: 9,924
Bikes: RANS Stratus TerraTrike Tour II
Mentioned: 46 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3352 Post(s)
Liked 1,056 Times
in
635 Posts
After 47 years with the same company, and being 70 I retired. And yes retirement is freedom. I describe it as the freedom that a 17 year old has on summer vacation between his junior and senior year.
Besides the freedom to do what you want any time you want there is other benefits. When I was working as a maintence engineer, I got into a lot of company and government offices. I was limited to what I could say and do. Now I am able to voice my opinion on local state and national politics as I see fit. I volunteer at church and a few local groups that rebuild bikes for kids. Yes---you are truly free if you have some money saved, and a fair income like I do from SS and company retirement. Unfortunately that is getting to be the case less and less.
Besides the freedom to do what you want any time you want there is other benefits. When I was working as a maintence engineer, I got into a lot of company and government offices. I was limited to what I could say and do. Now I am able to voice my opinion on local state and national politics as I see fit. I volunteer at church and a few local groups that rebuild bikes for kids. Yes---you are truly free if you have some money saved, and a fair income like I do from SS and company retirement. Unfortunately that is getting to be the case less and less.
#7
just keep riding
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Milledgeville, Georgia
Posts: 13,560
Bikes: 2018 Black Mountain Cycles MCD,2017 Advocate Cycles Seldom Seen Drop Bar, 2017 Niner Jet 9 Alloy, 2015 Zukas custom road, 2003 KHS Milano Tandem, 1986 Nishiki Cadence rigid MTB, 1980ish Fuji S-12S
Mentioned: 15 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 173 Post(s)
Liked 33 Times
in
22 Posts
Ride your bike.
#8
Have bike, will travel
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Lake Geneva, WI
Posts: 12,284
Bikes: Ridley Helium SLX, Canyon Endurance SL, De Rosa Professional, Eddy Merckx Corsa Extra, Schwinn Paramount (1 painted, 1 chrome), Peugeot PX10, Serotta Nova X, Simoncini Cyclocross Special, Raleigh Roker, Pedal Force CG2 and CX2
Mentioned: 46 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 910 Post(s)
Liked 288 Times
in
158 Posts
Why not spend a few years improving your fitness and seeing the world. Then search for a job, if that's still important. Many people start second careers at this stage of life.
__________________
When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
#9
Conquer Cancer rider
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Toronto
Posts: 6,039
Bikes: Fun bike, city bike, Bike Friday, Brompton (also fun bikes)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
That's sort of the plan. Sadly the spouse is not yet in see-the-world mode, but I have no problem with travelling alone.
__________________
Zero gallons to the mile
Zero gallons to the mile
#10
Have bike, will travel
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Lake Geneva, WI
Posts: 12,284
Bikes: Ridley Helium SLX, Canyon Endurance SL, De Rosa Professional, Eddy Merckx Corsa Extra, Schwinn Paramount (1 painted, 1 chrome), Peugeot PX10, Serotta Nova X, Simoncini Cyclocross Special, Raleigh Roker, Pedal Force CG2 and CX2
Mentioned: 46 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 910 Post(s)
Liked 288 Times
in
158 Posts
Then a few times a year, pack up the bike and do some touring. Travel south to the Katy Trail in April or some other destination with mild weather. During the summer your touring destinations will have fewer weather restrictions.
A few years ago, I traveled globally on business. I would travel for as many as 20 days at a time. The wife adjusted to it more easily than I would have expected.
__________________
When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
#11
Conquer Cancer rider
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Toronto
Posts: 6,039
Bikes: Fun bike, city bike, Bike Friday, Brompton (also fun bikes)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I would identify and reduce any health risks now that you have time to focus fully on fitness and diet. This can best be done at home. Your wife and you can share an interest in healthy cooking. You might also get her involved in a fitness routine that you both can share.
I'm the wife in this particular relationship. Jus' sayin, coz you peoples always assume that fellow posters are of the male persuasion, which is not always the case.
__________________
Zero gallons to the mile
Zero gallons to the mile
#12
Senior Member
Freedom 55
If you want to do crazy stuff on a bike, visit Crazy Guy on a Bike. There's nothing so weird that someone hasn't given it a go. They also break it down by cost so you know what to expect.
If I were retired that's what I'd do.
If I were retired that's what I'd do.
__________________
Momento mori, amor fati.
Momento mori, amor fati.
#13
Have bike, will travel
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Lake Geneva, WI
Posts: 12,284
Bikes: Ridley Helium SLX, Canyon Endurance SL, De Rosa Professional, Eddy Merckx Corsa Extra, Schwinn Paramount (1 painted, 1 chrome), Peugeot PX10, Serotta Nova X, Simoncini Cyclocross Special, Raleigh Roker, Pedal Force CG2 and CX2
Mentioned: 46 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 910 Post(s)
Liked 288 Times
in
158 Posts
Yes, I should have said "spouse".
__________________
When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: SW Florida
Posts: 250
Bikes: Focus Cayo Evo , Cannondale Adventure
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
With a name like Boudicca you could only be a woman, and a powerful one at that. A little tough on your daughters though.
#15
Senior Member
Good fortune in realizing your bicycling dreams... though I'm not too sure about bicycling from New Zealand to the Rocky Mountains...
#16
Conquer Cancer rider
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Toronto
Posts: 6,039
Bikes: Fun bike, city bike, Bike Friday, Brompton (also fun bikes)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
(Yes, poor phrasing on my part. Many apologies.)
__________________
Zero gallons to the mile
Zero gallons to the mile
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Nanaimo.B.C. The We't coast of Canada
Posts: 1,287
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
You'll find that one of you greatest pleasures about being retired is being able to roll over and go back to sleep when hubby goes out the door on his way to work. Enjoy the everyday is Saturday gig.
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Toronto , Ontario , Canada
Posts: 542
Bikes: Colnago EP with Campy chorus
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 23 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Good for you on your retirement . I worked 30 years at the same place and retired at 55 also . I could've work for another 5 years and get full pension . Life is too short to wait another 5 years to retire .
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Burney CA
Posts: 87
Bikes: 2013 Windsor Wellington 3.0 1987 Trek Elance 400, 2000 Schwinn SuperSport SL nine speed. Marin MTB.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Everyone I know retired and myself included says "I have so much to do now that I am retired, I don't know how I had time to go to work".
#21
Senior Member
We have a group around St. Louis of retirees who ride 3 or 4 times a week on week days when the weather is good. I'm looking forward to joining them more often in about 6 years.
However just yesterday I submitted my retirement paperwork for a part time job that I had for 16 years. I taught night classes at a local college. It cut into my riding time, but I could afford nice bikes from the paycheck. I'll get about $200 a month when I turn 60 in June. I already get a military retirement check.
My wife gets to fully retire first in a couple of years. She's a nurse and has to do things like lift 400 lb patients while I just sit behind computer screens all day long.
However just yesterday I submitted my retirement paperwork for a part time job that I had for 16 years. I taught night classes at a local college. It cut into my riding time, but I could afford nice bikes from the paycheck. I'll get about $200 a month when I turn 60 in June. I already get a military retirement check.
My wife gets to fully retire first in a couple of years. She's a nurse and has to do things like lift 400 lb patients while I just sit behind computer screens all day long.
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Ottawa, Canada
Posts: 117
Bikes: Domane 4.3 and Trek Crockett 5 disc
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I have no interest in retiring in the "old" sense of the word, most people who did that where on a cold slab not that much long after the "big date". On the other hand, maybe I can emulate my dogs...eat, sleep, play, walk, sleep, eat...you get the picture...
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Green Valley AZ
Posts: 3,770
Bikes: Trice Q; Volae Century; TT 3.4
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
Do not spend money but rather time, attention and creativity. Every day do what you want to do. If you aren't sure what you want to do try something that might qualify. When in doubt, opt for activities that put you in contact with people you do not know. If still in doubt, try something entirely foreign to your experience. By the time March arrives you can easily have had a hundred new experiences.
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Fort Worth, TX
Posts: 1,846
Bikes: 2006 Specialized Ruby Pro aka "Rhubarb" / and a backup road bike
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 13 Times
in
4 Posts
There is always a place where your efforts as a volunteer would be greatly appreciated.
I've told myself that I will become more involved with some non-profit organizations I currently volunteer for when I am no longer encumbered by full-time employment. We'll see -- there is also something to be said for not being tied down.
I've told myself that I will become more involved with some non-profit organizations I currently volunteer for when I am no longer encumbered by full-time employment. We'll see -- there is also something to be said for not being tied down.
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Burney CA
Posts: 87
Bikes: 2013 Windsor Wellington 3.0 1987 Trek Elance 400, 2000 Schwinn SuperSport SL nine speed. Marin MTB.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
With that said, I did stumble into a job, I build Motobuggys, which is part time that I schedule as I choose. It almost doesn't feel like a real job. The work is on my terms and it's fun.