I've always been one of the slower climbers among those who ride a lot. Took me a long time to stop being off the back on every hill. But as I've gotten older, I've simply kept at it: riding, skiing, gym, hiking, all the usual stuff. As a result, I've kept going when others have given up on the game. Never quit is one of my mottoes, another being that denial is not just a river in Africa. 74 this year and rode RAMROD again, 153 miles and ~9500', ~11:30 ET. I was 14th oldest rider, came in 199th out of 800 or so. Another good ride in the books, though ~1:30 slower than I was 20 years ago. Getting slower is inevitable. Now I climb the steeper pitches in a 26 X 30, whereas 20 years ago is was in a 30 X 25. Got a power meter this year, of all the crazy things. As I've gotten older, I've looked for every little advantage I could find: fast 23mm tires on 24mm rims, CX-Ray spokes, aero bars of course, whey protein, TrainingPeaks account, whatever works.

I'm just saying, keep at it, don't give up. Getting old is happening, aging doesn't have to. A couple winters ago I met a 95 y.o. Alpine skier still making beautiful turns. I do OK, can still ski bumps. I think backpacking, gym work, and stretching have been really important to me. I'll go for a run today and then to the gym for Stepmill and weights.