I just joined the forum because I found this thread so interesting. I am 60 and have been riding for fitness since the early 80's. I got into cycling when I got into triathlons. I was a runner and decided to expand my horizons. It's lucky that I did since my back won't let me run long distance anymore, and I hurt my shoulder and can no longer swim distances either. So, anyway, here are the answers to the questions.
1. What type of bikes do 50+ folks ride?
I currently ride a 2011 Trek Madone 6.2 - Ultegra compact with a set of Rol Race SL wheels. I still have my previous bike - a Trek 5200. I only do road biking.
2. Do you take any special supplements/vitamins/minerals as you have grown older?
I take a few things - multiple vitamins, krill oil, Glucosamine and Condroitin, Milk Thistle, and a low dose aspirin. I was recently taken off BP meds.
3. How much do you feel you have "slowed down" if any?
I have slowed a bit, but not that much. I haven't raced in a long time (triathlons) so it is hard to tell.
4. How long have you been biking? New, around a while, biked all your life?
I biked for transportation as a kid. As I said above I have been riding regularly since the early 80's.
5. What type of biking do you do? Long rides, touring, short rec rides.
I ride mostly with my wife. We ride together from our house and we are lucky to have some great places to ride around here. We also ride with the local club on occasion, or do a club route ourselves - mostly in search of more hills or different things to see. We did the 5 Boroughs Bike Tour last year as well as the Amish Country Century in Delaware. We are signed up for a bike tour in Arizona in March. We haven't done one of those before and are really looking forward to it.
6. How often do you bike? Your approximate annual mileage?
We get out when we can. Usually that is about 4 times a week. We do spin classes in the winter, and have a Tour de France exercise bike as well. I would say we do something like 2000 miles a year.
If you haven't already, perhaps you might indicate your age. It helps others to see that folks 50+ do great things.