Cycling body vs. "real world" body
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Lebanon (Liberty Hill), CT
Posts: 8,473
Bikes: CAAD 12, MASI Gran Criterium S, Colnago World Cup CX & Guru steel
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1743 Post(s)
Liked 1,280 Times
in
740 Posts
Cycling body vs. "real world" body
Every once in awhile I muse about this. I'm 68 and hang out on Tuesday happy hours with a bunch of men and women at a local watering hole. I am invariably about 10 yrs older than everyone else. I am almost always the only cyclist in the tavern. I am down to 5'9" and weigh 180 lbs and in pretty good shape. At the bar most everyone else is 10-20 lbs overweight. Some of the 25-35 yr old's aren't but most are. People think I'm some kind of "specimen" because I look more fit and younger than what they expect. And, them I might add. On Saturday morning I go out with my club for our weekly ride and I look around and, once again, I'm the overweight old guy. At this point I just laugh at myself and remind myself that we just "ain't normal." Anyone else having those kinds of experiences?
#2
Beicwyr Hapus
Most of my drinking pals are around my age (67), but most are friends I made playing various sports, none cycle, but all stay active in their various sports and all are healthy and young looking for their age. And happy!
No magic in cycling just in staying active, whatever activity you choose.
( plus luck in the genes you were given)
No magic in cycling just in staying active, whatever activity you choose.
( plus luck in the genes you were given)
Last edited by Gerryattrick; 02-17-15 at 06:49 AM.
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Des Moines, Ia
Posts: 158
Bikes: Trek Domane 5.2, Trek 520, Surly Straggler, Trek Roscoe 8, Fisher HK2
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
It is nice to bounce between the two worlds to maintain a good perspective on life.
Mike
Mike
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Porter, Texas
Posts: 4,125
Bikes: Trek Domane 5.2, Ridley Xfire, Giant Propel, KHS AeroComp
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1648 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
well, my cycling body is the only body I have... so.. it is what it is...and like you I am not exactly skinny for a cyclist. I am a bit taller than you and a bit lighter, but at 170 lbs, not skinny in this world.
#6
Senior Member
Within my riding group, we have all sorts. The coach is old, waify, superfit. On the Computrainer last night, 1 hr 10 min for the course I did last week at 1 hr 15. The uber clyde of the group, 1:01. Waify racer female late 50s. 1:08.
Different is all relative. I like what Mike above said. And It's okay to revel a little in the fact that yes, you could smoke them.
Different is all relative. I like what Mike above said. And It's okay to revel a little in the fact that yes, you could smoke them.
#7
feros ferio
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: www.ci.encinitas.ca.us
Posts: 21,793
Bikes: 1959 Capo Modell Campagnolo; 1960 Capo Sieger (2); 1962 Carlton Franco Suisse; 1970 Peugeot UO-8; 1982 Bianchi Campione d'Italia; 1988 Schwinn Project KOM-10;
Mentioned: 44 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1390 Post(s)
Liked 1,322 Times
in
835 Posts
I bounce between these two worlds on almost every bike ride I take. Living in north coastal San Diego County, I encounter lots of elite triathletes and cyclists, as well as the beach cruiser set. I get passed by some folks, and I pass others.
__________________
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 1,968
Bikes: '09 Trek 2.1 * '75 Sekine * 2010 Raleigh Talus 8.0 * '90 Giant Mtb * Raleigh M20 * Fuji Nevada mtb
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
At the bar most everyone else is 10-20 lbs overweight...On Saturday morning I go out with my club for our weekly ride and I look around and, once again, I'm the overweight old guy. At this point I just laugh at myself and remind myself that we just "ain't normal." Anyone else having those kinds of experiences?
__________________
FB4K - Every October we wrench on donated bikes. Every December, a few thousand kids get bikes for Christmas. For many, it is their first bike, ever. Every bike, new and used, was donated, built, cleaned and repaired. Check us out on FaceBook: FB4K.
Disclaimer: 99% of what I know about cycling I learned on BF. That would make, ummm, 1% experience. And a lot of posts.
FB4K - Every October we wrench on donated bikes. Every December, a few thousand kids get bikes for Christmas. For many, it is their first bike, ever. Every bike, new and used, was donated, built, cleaned and repaired. Check us out on FaceBook: FB4K.
Disclaimer: 99% of what I know about cycling I learned on BF. That would make, ummm, 1% experience. And a lot of posts.
#9
Other Worldly Member
Join Date: May 2012
Location: The old Northwest Coast.
Posts: 1,540
Bikes: 1973 Motobecane Grand Jubilee, 1981 Centurion Super LeMans, 2010 Gary Fisher Wahoo, 2003 Colnago Dream Lux, 2014 Giant Defy 1, 2015 Framed Bikes Minnesota 3.0, several older family Treks
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 194 Post(s)
Liked 136 Times
in
53 Posts
I'm 60, ride 20 hours a month pretty regularly. 5' 10" and 200. Don't drink, smoke, & eat healthy. I'll never see that 153 pound 21 year old body again. I recently went to winter base (maintenance) training on the beach with my fat bike. That has had more than expected consequences in leg strength and cardio. My friends say I look "trim", "fit". Whatever.
__________________
Make ******* Grate Cheese Again
Make ******* Grate Cheese Again
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: northern michigan
Posts: 13,317
Bikes: '77 Colnago Super, '76 Fuji The Finest, '88 Cannondale Criterium, '86 Trek 760, '87 Miyata 712
Mentioned: 19 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 659 Post(s)
Liked 595 Times
in
313 Posts
Every once in awhile I muse about this. I'm 68 and hang out on Tuesday happy hours with a bunch of men and women at a local watering hole. I am invariably about 10 yrs older than everyone else. I am almost always the only cyclist in the tavern. I am down to 5'9" and weigh 180 lbs and in pretty good shape. At the bar most everyone else is 10-20 lbs overweight. Some of the 25-35 yr old's aren't but most are. People think I'm some kind of "specimen" because I look more fit and younger than what they expect. And, them I might add. On Saturday morning I go out with my club for our weekly ride and I look around and, once again, I'm the overweight old guy. At this point I just laugh at myself and remind myself that we just "ain't normal." Anyone else having those kinds of experiences?
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Alpharetta, GA
Posts: 15,280
Bikes: Nashbar Road
Mentioned: 71 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2934 Post(s)
Liked 341 Times
in
228 Posts
I don't know about that - nobody considers me "a specimen" as far as I know. I'm 152 lbs, and have gained weight since I started cycling. I suspect that some of my co-workers think I'm a freak for riding to work, but that's as far as that goes. You're probably benefiting from the overall impression of health and vitality among your more sedentary companions.
#13
Seat Sniffer
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: SoCal
Posts: 5,625
Bikes: Serotta Legend Ti; 2006 Schwinn Fastback Pro and 1996 Colnago Decor Super C96; 2003 Univega Alpina 700; 2000 Schwinn Super Sport
Mentioned: 18 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 944 Post(s)
Liked 1,974 Times
in
565 Posts
I was just discussing this with a friend today.
To a non-athlete, it's all about what you look like. And clothes hide a lot.
To an athlete, it's all about your performance. Your body is a tool and it's a matter of what you can do with it.
So people look at you and say ... "You look fine. Don't lose any more weight!" But they don't understand that those extra 10 pounds really make a difference on a long day climbing in the mountains, and to us, that is what counts.
To a non-athlete, it's all about what you look like. And clothes hide a lot.
To an athlete, it's all about your performance. Your body is a tool and it's a matter of what you can do with it.
So people look at you and say ... "You look fine. Don't lose any more weight!" But they don't understand that those extra 10 pounds really make a difference on a long day climbing in the mountains, and to us, that is what counts.
__________________
Proud parent of a happy inner child ...
Proud parent of a happy inner child ...
#14
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Lebanon (Liberty Hill), CT
Posts: 8,473
Bikes: CAAD 12, MASI Gran Criterium S, Colnago World Cup CX & Guru steel
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1743 Post(s)
Liked 1,280 Times
in
740 Posts
I was just discussing this with a friend today.
To a non-athlete, it's all about what you look like. And clothes hide a lot.
To an athlete, it's all about your performance. Your body is a tool and it's a matter of what you can do with it.
So people look at you and say ... "You look fine. Don't lose any more weight!" But they don't understand that those extra 10 pounds really make a difference on a long day climbing in the mountains, and to us, that is what counts.
To a non-athlete, it's all about what you look like. And clothes hide a lot.
To an athlete, it's all about your performance. Your body is a tool and it's a matter of what you can do with it.
So people look at you and say ... "You look fine. Don't lose any more weight!" But they don't understand that those extra 10 pounds really make a difference on a long day climbing in the mountains, and to us, that is what counts.
#15
On Your Left
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Long Island, New York, USA
Posts: 8,373
Bikes: Trek Emonda SLR, Sram eTap, Zipp 303
Mentioned: 34 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3004 Post(s)
Liked 2,433 Times
in
1,187 Posts
I compare my current level of fitness to that of 4 years ago.
#16
Semper Fi
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 12,942
Mentioned: 89 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1172 Post(s)
Liked 358 Times
in
241 Posts
I was always a big guy, hit 209 as a freshman in college, was an offensive tackle, shot putter, discus thrower and surprisingly an XC runner, and motocross racer, in HS. I had hit 278 in 2011 with all the surgeries and each recovery period. Prior to the 16th, and final surgery, I was pretty much bed ridden with the intestinal fistula forming constantly and having to wear an ostomy bag, then my final recovery period got extended with in MRSA infection in the surgical wound requiring 2 rounds of IV infusion therapy. So it was inactivity over a long period and no riding, bad nutrition habits took over, and frankly, I didn't much care what happened to me. Riding, and a strict nutrition plan for kidney disease setting in, both got me back in to things, and active again. I managed to loose 100 lbs in just under 2 years, and have kept it off, thankfully.
Recently I returned to Facebook and posted a picture of me with my bicycle, wearing my regular kit of shorts and a jersey. A friend I have not seen in 15 years refused a friend request so I sent him the request again, with a message explaining who it was. He accepted and sent back a message to me saying he didn't recognize me. Funny thing was he said "Man, you are a stud, I didn't know you", this got me laughing as I am far from ever being a "stud" in any manner, shape of form.
I am feeling better than ever and do not miss the days of weight work and being huge, big arms never got me much of anything (OldsCool, don't throw things at your screen, its just my way of dealing with things now,) and I have more energy than ever. Doctors tell me my Parkinson's Disease would be worse on me than it is, so far, if I hadn't began riding and shed the weight, 100 lbs was a millstone around my neck that was dragging me under, I am glad its gone.
Bill
Recently I returned to Facebook and posted a picture of me with my bicycle, wearing my regular kit of shorts and a jersey. A friend I have not seen in 15 years refused a friend request so I sent him the request again, with a message explaining who it was. He accepted and sent back a message to me saying he didn't recognize me. Funny thing was he said "Man, you are a stud, I didn't know you", this got me laughing as I am far from ever being a "stud" in any manner, shape of form.
I am feeling better than ever and do not miss the days of weight work and being huge, big arms never got me much of anything (OldsCool, don't throw things at your screen, its just my way of dealing with things now,) and I have more energy than ever. Doctors tell me my Parkinson's Disease would be worse on me than it is, so far, if I hadn't began riding and shed the weight, 100 lbs was a millstone around my neck that was dragging me under, I am glad its gone.
Bill
__________________
Semper Fi, USMC, 1975-1977
I Can Do All Things Through Him, Who Gives Me Strength. Philippians 4:13
Semper Fi, USMC, 1975-1977
I Can Do All Things Through Him, Who Gives Me Strength. Philippians 4:13
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Portland OR
Posts: 7,639
Bikes: 61 Bianchi Specialissima 71 Peugeot G50 7? P'geot PX10 74 Raleigh GranSport 75 P'geot UO8 78? Raleigh Team Pro 82 P'geot PSV 86 P'geot PX 91 Bridgestone MB0 92 B'stone XO1 97 Rans VRex 92 Cannondale R1000 94 B'stone MB5 97 Vitus 997
Mentioned: 146 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 392 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 49 Times
in
31 Posts
You can be fit and trim in the non cycling world, then put on some Cateilli euro race cut jerseys and you're a fat sausage.
I was at REI with my wife and she said "look there is a bright biking shirt on sale and it is a large, try it on". I comply. "Is it supposed to be so tight? your nipples show". Thanks, dear. I explained to her: that is a Castelli Gabba jersey, size large is meant for a 170 lb man with a 38 chest, and I already have that jersey. "You wear that outside?". I explained further, patiently. It is cycling, you are supposed to hurt yourself, suffer, loathe your fatness unless you have none and that means none, and seek redemption by riding for three hours in cold rain. "Ooo look at those shoes"'
I was at REI with my wife and she said "look there is a bright biking shirt on sale and it is a large, try it on". I comply. "Is it supposed to be so tight? your nipples show". Thanks, dear. I explained to her: that is a Castelli Gabba jersey, size large is meant for a 170 lb man with a 38 chest, and I already have that jersey. "You wear that outside?". I explained further, patiently. It is cycling, you are supposed to hurt yourself, suffer, loathe your fatness unless you have none and that means none, and seek redemption by riding for three hours in cold rain. "Ooo look at those shoes"'
#19
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Lebanon (Liberty Hill), CT
Posts: 8,473
Bikes: CAAD 12, MASI Gran Criterium S, Colnago World Cup CX & Guru steel
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1743 Post(s)
Liked 1,280 Times
in
740 Posts
Here's my rule....when cycling, if your body fat % is in double digits you are obese and should sell your bike and all your gear.
#20
1931alloyboy
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: ON. Canada
Posts: 49
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
As others have said before me..........be thankful for your genes. Only one body per customer so look after it. Of course everyone reading this already knows there is no secret. Calories in should equal calories expended. 122 lbs and 5' 9" since 1951, as my grandpappy used to say.....work eat sleep work eat sleep etc.
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,075
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 27 Post(s)
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Just in case anyone's curious about what "normal" is, here is a link to a BMI calculator.
Calculate Your BMI - Standard BMI Calculator
As of this morning, I'm 5 pounds into the "Overweight" zone (and 10 pounds over my goal weight).
Calculate Your BMI - Standard BMI Calculator
As of this morning, I'm 5 pounds into the "Overweight" zone (and 10 pounds over my goal weight).
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 139
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I had an industrial accident in October and surgery to put things right in December. After two months on the couch, I was overweight and weak. So, for the first time ever, I joined a gym. Fitness is returning, but it was frightening to see how easy it all slips away.
#23
www.ocrebels.com
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Los Angeles area
Posts: 6,186
Bikes: Several bikes, Road, Mountain, Commute, etc.
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 83 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
2 Posts
I'm on the heavy side of normal with a 22.9 BMI. Thanks for that link KenshiBiker!
Could be better, but of course, could be worse too. What Victor (Biker395) said is very true too; when riding in the mountains every once you don't have to pull up the climb is a help!
Unfortunately, my fat % is 18-19% (depending on the day) so I'm no where near the single digits that bruce19's rule recommends .
Rick / OCRR
Could be better, but of course, could be worse too. What Victor (Biker395) said is very true too; when riding in the mountains every once you don't have to pull up the climb is a help!
Unfortunately, my fat % is 18-19% (depending on the day) so I'm no where near the single digits that bruce19's rule recommends .
Rick / OCRR
#24
Banned
I and my father went from thin to a rounder shape, but because I cycled from my pre teens onward I skipped the type 2 diabetics inflicting him.
#25
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
Im 76. A lot of others that post here are like me. We have health such that physically we are much younger than our years. Granted we are very fortunate to have good genes, but keeping active thru cycling helps keep us that way. As I have stated here many times, if you set you rust. Never give up, do everything you are physically able to do.
I might add that cycling is a great way to exercise since it doesnt pound the heck out of your body. And-----------I have to add that riding a bent as I do, I dont suffer all the pain and discomfort of a DF bike. Bents equal all gain and no pain.
I might add that cycling is a great way to exercise since it doesnt pound the heck out of your body. And-----------I have to add that riding a bent as I do, I dont suffer all the pain and discomfort of a DF bike. Bents equal all gain and no pain.