Hi. I’m a 60 year old female rider in the Bay Area, California.
1. What type of bikes do 50+ folks ride?
Several years ago I had a custom Seven road bike built for me. I love this bike! It’s titanium, has mountain gearing with Campy shifters, and a lovely set of custom wheels. The wheels make for a very nice ride.
I also have a “flat foot” or comfort type of bike that I use to ride to the gym, or tool around the local MUP trails. I wanted one of those bikes I see people ride up to an intersection and stop without having to hop off the seat. I wanted something easy to ride after knee surgery, and I've kept it. It’s a Townie. It’s my “around Townie."
2. Do you take any special supplements/vitamins/minerals as you have grown older?
I take vitamin D, and Naproxen to keep inflammation down. I’ve inherited my mother’s arthritis.
3. How much do you feel you have "slowed down" if any?
I haven’t slowed down on the bike really although I don’t take as many chances. I’m much less tolerant of riding around cars. I need more rest time in between rides.
4. How long have you been biking? New, around a while, biked all your life?
All my life. I have an early memory of really enjoying rides in the stroller, no lie. I liked the feel of the rubber tires as they rolled on the sidewalk. No surprise that I like cycling. :-)
5. What type of biking do you do? Long rides, touring, short rec rides.
I like the fitness that comes with hill climbing, and I have a favorite 30 mile / 2000 foot ride that I do once a week. Mid-week I try to get to the ranger’s station on my local mountain, Mount Diablo (for folks familiar with northern California.) I haven’t made it all the way there yet this year but I’ll keep trying.
My local area has an extensive MUP system, and the trails follow the many creeks in the area. There are nice views, I see some wildlife, and they’re generally quiet and peaceful. I see many gray-haired cyclists, most with the same giddy grin that matches mine! It doesn’t amount to much mileage but it’s a lovely way to get out of the house and do something fun.