banerjek

I was out for a recreational ride on my new trike a couple weeks ago when I passed a group of cyclists on bents. I was going only slightly faster than they were, and when they kicked it up a notch after I passed I just kept my regular pace to avoid burning up my legs. They weren't drafting, just riding a little ways behind.

About 10 miles later, I stopped for a break and so did they. One guy told me something like "hey, you really move that thing. We were pacing you for about 10 miles and you were going 22-23 the entire way".

As he told me this, it occurred to me that the only way he could have paced me for that long was if he rode the same speed as me. Since he appeared to be in his late 50's or early 60's, I was much more impressed with him than me and was thinking that I hope I can be that kind of rider when I'm his age.

I wanted to return the compliment, but couldn't think of a way to do it in a way that wouldn't come out wrong. In the end, we talked about the lightning with a fairing he was riding and summer ride plans.

To riders in the over 50 crowd, was there anything I could have said or should I just keep my mouth shut?

shokhead

22-23 for 10 miles,was it downhill?

curiouskid55

Reminds me of getting my vitals checked before giving blood at the red cross. The nurse looks at my pulse and blood pressure, then looks at me , then looks at my personal info, then looks back at me , and says "Are you some kind of athlete or something?" I think what she meant was " Man you look like crap for someone in great condition." Be careful about making assumptions based on first impressions. Age is one of the dumbest ways that we pigeonhole people. But only one of many.

banerjek

Not as far as I could tell. 22-23 is a brisk pace, but it's hardly racing speed. Also, don't forget that the aerodynamics for a trike are better than a regular bike.

reneuend

I'm only 44 this year so I'm WAY too young to comment!

It sounds like he was trying to just make polite conversation. But, I'd be impressed with your speed too, so who am I to say?

RoboCheme

To me, a trike is something that I had when I was five. The only other "trikes" that I'm aware of are the ones our elderly folks use to get around with the basket between the two rear wheels. Please describe what your trike looks like. A pic would be great. Thanks.

fmw

As someone in that age bracket I think you could have said. "Thanks. If can I can clock people at that speed when I get to be your age, I'll be a happy man." I think anybody would take that as a compliment.

Bockman

sort of a mutation of the old backhanded compliment... "You have the lowest resting heart rate of any fat guy I know!"

banerjek

It's a 2004 Catrike Road shown below. This pic was taken immediately after I brought it home to show others what it looks like, so don't think I cruise along over 20mph on the roads in baggy clothes and Tevas with no helmet, mirrors, or gloves.

The Road is designed for touring rather than performance, so it has more ground clearance and a more upright seating position than some of the really fast trikes. It doesn't climb particularly well because I can't stand on the pedals, but I'm faster than a road bike against wind or downhill. Acceleration is excellent because of the 20" wheels, relatively light weight (31 lbs before junk is added), and the fact that I can push against the back of the seat. Handling gets twitchy and there are some pedal steer issues when bombing down hills. Holding speeds over 20mph for extended periods of time isn't a big deal.

It's an absolute blast to ride, particularly at its handling limits. I never liked steep descents with hairpin curves on my road bike, but it's one of my favorite things on the trike. I've only flipped it once, but had it on 2 wheels several times. The bar end shifters on the ends of the control levers allow for quick shifting and the disc brakes are strong enough to throw you over the front. It's a toy, but it's a far cry from the trikes you're thinking of.

Cabrales

I think we try to be too nice nowadays. You should have gone for the smug answer: "Yeah, today is my training day". Or the cocky answer "I figured I'd take it easy to see how long before you all cought up". Or the utterly obnoxious answer "You know old timer, I could have dusted you anytime I wanted"

oilfreeandhappy

Lay it on us old-timers. We can take it. Those snide comments are what keep us going!