Originally Posted by Digital Gee

I'm returning home today from my mom's memorial service in Melbourne, Florida. It was a very special trip. The service was heartwarming and my dad did really well through it all.

Afterwards, at some point we were all talking and he was telling us about what he wanted to do next in his life (he's 86). There was talk of travel and such, and then he revealed that he'd been thinking of getting a bike.

Thinking I was being helpful, I began telling him of all the advances made in slick 3-wheel bikes, but he cut me off. He wants a 2-wheeler, dammit! I backed off and advised him to visit the nearest LBS whenever he was ready. I made the offer to do some internet research as well, although he's pretty savvy on the web and probably doesn't need my help.

I did tell him that there were lots of bikes these days that allow for the rider to put his feet on the ground easily while still seated, but he was concerned that these were all "girlie" bikes.

So, we'll see. I'd love to see him riding again (but worry about falls, since he has had dizzy spells in recent months). Most important, I love seeing him full of life, laugher, and making plans on how to write the next chapter in his life.

We're all going to miss Mom, he the most of all. I think that he thinks that putting some miles on a bike might be a good way to deal with lonliness.

I think he's right. And next year, I'm going to challenge him to ride his age on his birthday!

Originally Posted by jdon

That is great DG. My father just returned to riding a bike last summer at the age of 80. He zeroed in on the Trek Lime for some reason and loves the bike. I almost had the same feeling in the stomach when you first let go of your childs seat teaching them to ride. He is slow accumulating miles but he is up to about 10 now. He has no objectives or goals other than to stay right side up and quit when he is tired.