1. What type of bikes do 50+ folks ride?
I rode a Raleigh International from about 1974 until 1994 when I abandoned it for a MTB. I still ride the MTB for commuting and general transportation, but bought a road bike about 15 months ago for fun. I rode with my son and increased mileage over the summer until the all-aluminum frame of the Allez got the better of me. I bought a Roubaix in September and found it much easier to ride for long distances. I saw a closeout on a Lynskey titanium last month and jumped on it. Selling the Roubaix now. Keeping the Allez so my younger son (17) can ride with me.
2. Do you take any special supplements/vitamins/minerals as you have grown older?
A multivitamin, vitamin C, glucosamine.
3. How much do you feel you have "slowed down" if any?
I've slowed down some, but my old road bike was 10 pounds heavier than my new one, so that helps to compensate.
The main slowdown that I've experienced is giving up other sports that I loved, climbing and running, due to too many injuries and knee soreness. I find I can keep up with my old pace pretty well, but it takes me longer to recover and heal from injuries.
4. How long have you been biking? New, around a while, biked all your life?
I first got serious about recreational road biking in 1974, stayed on the bike pretty regularly until the late 80's. I've used a MTB since about 1994 for commuting and riding with the kids. Bought a new road bike in 2006.
5. What type of biking do you do? Long rides, touring, short rec rides, commute, tour, race?
I commute to/from work in the summer about 3-4 days per week. The distance is only about 7 miles and it's mostly on a bike path. I try to get out at least one day during the week at lunchtime for a one hour ride with a friend from work and try to go for a longer ride at least one day on the weekend, weather permitting. Longer for me means 30-50 miles.
6. How often do you bike? Your approximate annual mileage?
This year I probably have ridden about 2000 miles.
7. Do you do any other type of physical activities - weight lifting, skiing, running, etc.?
I weight lift 2-3 days/week and use a rowing machine when the weather doesn't let me get outside. I gave up running a few years ago because my knees were aching all the time. They don't ache anymore since I stopped running. I used to ski pretty regularly, but just can't justify spending 5 hours driving to/from the hill for about 5 hours of skiing. I'd rather go for a bike ride.
Perhaps you might indicate your age on your reply??
I'm 55 years old.