Originally Posted by
thunderworks
This thread points out a really interesting, but at the same time disappointing, reality. The original poster went at a pleasant 17mph pace with lots of wind . . .well, I'm 63, in good shape, ride a lot (5,000+ miles/yr) . . . and would love to ride leisurely at 17mph. My riding buddies (all of us are in our 60's - I'm the youngest) are all in relatively good shape for our age - and I guess that's my disappointment. I'll never get appreciably faster, and it will be an ongoing struggle to stay in the riding shape I currently have. It's a bummer. The caveat "at my age" really says a lot. None of it good.
Thunderworks - I wouldn't worry too much. My Dad is almost your age and has been sedintary for years. I think he's 59, probably 300+ lbs, and he couldn't care less. It's quite sad actually. He's part of the reason that I ride, run and try to stay healthy. I've sworn that I'll never become like him. I would do anything to ride with him just once, at any speed. My point here is, you're doing a hell of a lot more than most. Just keep rolling.