Originally Posted by
MidLife50
I'm like the OP. I'm almost 58, have just started riding after 20yrs+ and am almost always focused on having a plan. Not because I'm afraid of getting lost, but because I want to know what to expect. I need to know the weather sure, but also approximate distances, routes and thinking through likely traffic situations. It's not a bad thing to be prepared, and I also let my family know where I'm going and when I might be expected back. It's just being considerate of others.
I'm pretty new, so I like to plan my rides, also. As a fairly new rider (since April), I don't have the stamina and ability to handle hills that the more experienced riders do.
Hopefully, as I get more miles under my belt, I get more fit (able to do more miles and bigger hills), and I get more comfortable with traffic, I'll be able to do more riding without planning.
So, it looks like more experienced riders are more likely to do unplanned rides.
GH