Getting Old
10-19-15 | 10:40 AM
#26
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,389
Likes: 25
Turning 57 this coming Friday. Still commuting to work but the weather has been exceptional, just above O C or 32 F for you Americans, in the morning. The commute home today might be a bit uncomfortable because rain is in the forecast. Last year, I was able to commute well into November. There are a few commuters that don't let the winter stop them but I am not one of them. Minus 40 C which is minus 40 F, is really uncomfortable. Also, the streets are icy. I have a cold weather outfit that is one step under a space suit which makes me look like the Michelin man. I can't even get on my bicycle while wearing it. My winter commute consists of waddling like a penguin to a bus stop.
10-19-15 | 11:10 AM
#27
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 317
Likes: 1
From: Edmonton Canada
Bikes: Too many to list here
The cold weather does have a few benefits. For 6 months, insects completely disappear. After a fresh snowfall, the view can be very beautiful and it gets very quiet, even in the middle of the city. I get motivated to do the inside projects. In the summer, I like to stay outside as much as possible.
I find hot weather to be very uncomfortable. Anything over 30 C or 86 F is really unbearable. A few years ago, I was walking around in Las Vegas and the temperature was over 100 F. I realized about half to where I was going, I was getting heat stroke. Lucky, there was a bar in the right place. When I entered the bar, the waitress seated me immediately and brought me a jug of ice water without me even asking. I must have looked like I was very stressed.
10-19-15 | 11:20 AM
#28
Seat Sniffer
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 5,905
Likes: 3,041
From: SoCal
Bikes: Serotta Legend Ti; 2006 Schwinn Fastback Pro and 1996 Colnago Decor Super C96; 2003 Univega Alpina 700; 2000 Schwinn Super Sport
I'm too old to ski at high speed through the woods. It can be very strenuous. But since beginning to snowshoe and ski some years ago, I enjoy winter and have camped down to -20F and been completely comfortable. Last year I went to a nearby state forest right after 10" on new snow with not another soul about. Snow deadens sound so that the woods were very quiet and peaceful and I had a very enjoyable 2-3 hours.
There are several types of xcountry skis (no surprise). There are very skinny skis that would be used at a ski area with prepared tracks and such skis are very fast. Another similar but wider ski, which does not fit in prepared tracks, had some shape to enable some turns in mellow terrain and will also work well in 6-10 inches of snow. This second type is often called XCD for Cross Country Downhill. Just like buying a bike, it is best to have an idea of what a bike of a ski is to be used for. It would be best to go to a xcountry ski area and rent before buying. Actually, for occasional use, renting is a better option. Give it a go.
There are several types of xcountry skis (no surprise). There are very skinny skis that would be used at a ski area with prepared tracks and such skis are very fast. Another similar but wider ski, which does not fit in prepared tracks, had some shape to enable some turns in mellow terrain and will also work well in 6-10 inches of snow. This second type is often called XCD for Cross Country Downhill. Just like buying a bike, it is best to have an idea of what a bike of a ski is to be used for. It would be best to go to a xcountry ski area and rent before buying. Actually, for occasional use, renting is a better option. Give it a go.
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Proud parent of a happy inner child ...
Proud parent of a happy inner child ...
10-19-15 | 11:20 AM
#29
just another gosling
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 20,556
Likes: 2,667
From: Everett, WA
Bikes: CoMo Speedster 2003, Trek 5200, CAAD 9, Fred 2004
"Old" should always be regarded as 10 years older than you are now. It's that simple. Really.
When there's snow in the mountains, I ski alpine, XC, backcountry, and snowshoe. But I ride every Sunday in winter when it's not icy. It's just a matter of proper clothing.
When there's snow in the mountains, I ski alpine, XC, backcountry, and snowshoe. But I ride every Sunday in winter when it's not icy. It's just a matter of proper clothing.
10-19-15 | 11:50 AM
#30
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 29,415
Likes: 13,445
From: In the foothills of Los Angeles County
If it ever snows again you can try it at Mount Pinos, there is a store that rents the stuff right near Lockwood Valley road. It's cheap and the first time I tried it we practiced on the golf course in Pine Mountain.
You would probably also like snowshoeing, I think it's a blast.
You would probably also like snowshoeing, I think it's a blast.
10-19-15 | 12:34 PM
#31
Old Fart In Training
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 2,268
Likes: 23
On the very Few weekends It drops Into the Mid 40's and a breeze comes up I stay home and Vegitate...
Cup~O~Hot Chocolate, Or Two Fingers of WoodFord Reserve,
A good Horror flick on the Idiot Box.
Slippers, Jammies and a robe,
My Dog Next to me,
Wife on the Other side....
~
It's good to 'Pace' yourself, Find a balance,, you know, All Things In Moderation~
I may be getting old but I ain't stupid
Cup~O~Hot Chocolate, Or Two Fingers of WoodFord Reserve,
A good Horror flick on the Idiot Box.
Slippers, Jammies and a robe,
My Dog Next to me,
Wife on the Other side....
~
It's good to 'Pace' yourself, Find a balance,, you know, All Things In Moderation~
I may be getting old but I ain't stupid
Last edited by osco53; 10-19-15 at 12:39 PM.
10-19-15 | 07:50 PM
#32
Full Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 282
Likes: 30
You are not the only one getting old. Social Security starts in January. It was rather cool here in north Fl. this morning. (mid 50's) What hurt was the wind of 15-20 mph and more is slated for tomorrow. Not too bad riding with the wind, but sure is tough against it. Times in the past would not have given it a second thought. Now, I thought about it until about 10:00 and finally said "time to go" Did 25 miles today.
10-19-15 | 10:43 PM
#34
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 11,013
Likes: 24
From: Tucson, AZ
Bikes: Custom Zona c/f tandem + Scott Plasma single
Quit XC-skiing back in 1978 when left Michigan behind and moved to sunny/warmer Tucson, AZ
Never regretted the move!
As for 'age', I'll be only 83 in December.
Pedal on!
Never regretted the move!
As for 'age', I'll be only 83 in December.
Pedal on!
10-20-15 | 08:36 AM
#36
Full Member
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 371
Likes: 191
From: Central PA
Bikes: 1984 Cannondale road w/ MANY upgrades, 2017 Trek Fx7.5 Hybrid, 1953 Rudge "Path Racer", a 1956 Hercules "Royal Prince", 1974 Peugoet U08, 1960 Schwinn Corvette, and an unknown year, unknown frame lot's a fun single-speed!
10-20-15 | 09:16 AM
#38
Heck on Wheels
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 1,055
Likes: 3
From: USA Midwest
Bikes: In Signature
I would laugh at you, but then some Minnesotan would laugh at me, and the Canadians would laugh at them. Where would that end? Probably some Finn or Norwegian wondering what all the whining was about.
Cold is relative; when I lived in Florida it once fell into the upper 60's and everyone put on sweaters.
Yesterday's 31°F morning commute made today's 42° seem balmy.
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"I had a great ride this morning, except for that part about winding up at work."
Bikes so far: 2011 Felt Z85, 80's Raleigh Sovereign (USA), 91 Bianchi Peregrine, 91 Austro-Daimler Pathfinder, 90's Trek 730 Multitrack, STOLEN: 80 Schwinn Voyageur (Japan)
"I had a great ride this morning, except for that part about winding up at work."
Bikes so far: 2011 Felt Z85, 80's Raleigh Sovereign (USA), 91 Bianchi Peregrine, 91 Austro-Daimler Pathfinder, 90's Trek 730 Multitrack, STOLEN: 80 Schwinn Voyageur (Japan)
10-20-15 | 09:38 AM
#40
www.ocrebels.com
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 6,186
Likes: 8
From: Los Angeles area
Bikes: Several bikes, Road, Mountain, Commute, etc.
I was happy to get back to cooler weather after suffering three weeks of 100, 100+ or nearly 100. Riding with just shorts and jersey on Saturday in high 50's and low 60's felt cool . . . but wonderful! Sunday, riding in the 40's I had more clothes on, but the rain and fog were fun in their own way too.
Getting old? I'm 65 and not feeling old yet, though hopefully that day will eventually come . . . not soon though.
Rick / OCRR
Getting old? I'm 65 and not feeling old yet, though hopefully that day will eventually come . . . not soon though.
Rick / OCRR
10-20-15 | 10:20 AM
#41
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 86
Likes: 0
From: Leavenworth County, KS
Bikes: 2013 Specialized Sirrus Elite, 2014 Secteur Elite
Dad died of C at 61. Each day is a blessing and being able to sing, ride, walk, swim - whatever - is a blessing, no matter the temperature.
Sang with my group I lead Tuesday, Thursday, and today to great bunches of people. Did a 24 mile ride in-between, along with some shorter rides. Went swimming. 2.5 mile walk most mornings this week, did resistance exercises and stretching. Life is great at 75yo
Sang with my group I lead Tuesday, Thursday, and today to great bunches of people. Did a 24 mile ride in-between, along with some shorter rides. Went swimming. 2.5 mile walk most mornings this week, did resistance exercises and stretching. Life is great at 75yo
10-20-15 | 02:28 PM
#42
Banned.
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 205
Likes: 2
From: Still looking for myself
10-20-15 | 04:42 PM
#43
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 149
Likes: 0
From: Duluth, MN
Bikes: Raleigh Tamland 1
You won't be cold for very long XC skiing. I'm on beta blockers for my heart and one of the side effects are cold hands and cold feet. Even though I'm 100% Swede and used to winter camp at -20F without a heater, now my hands feel like they are on fire for the first 20 minutes of skiing or riding in cold weather. Then, magically, they warm up (with exercise!) and I often can go without gloves down to zero.
10-21-15 | 09:00 AM
#44
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 15,382
Likes: 8,301
From: Seattle area
Bikes: Bikes??? Thought this was social media?!?
Southern summers a no go for my system, maybe I remember too vividly the South before widespread use of residential air conditioning.
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Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.
Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.
10-21-15 | 09:02 AM
#45
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 15,382
Likes: 8,301
From: Seattle area
Bikes: Bikes??? Thought this was social media?!?
10-21-15 | 02:42 PM
#46
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,389
Likes: 25
Well I can agree with you on summers here in the South where I live, I also agree on a hot summers day and talking with others, and saying how did those people do it? how did they live down here without air conditioning???even thou I remember our family having just a big box fan sucking out! but we did it just like everybody else,,and I'll tell you, even thou we don't get snow , it does get cold, some people from up North say they feel colder here than where they live,But I suffer through it every winter , but maybe it's gonna be different this year ,,, I retired this year and I don't have to go out if I don't want to,,,,, Happy Riding.........
10-21-15 | 06:32 PM
#47
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 348
Likes: 3
From: central ohio
Bikes: better than I deserve
"getting old
Beats the alternative."
I, too, tend to think outside the box on this one. When I first heard this expression, lo those many years ago, I was foolish enough to think that the alterative was getting younger.
Now that I am wiser and more experienced, I still think that, with an explanation. I think it is possible to stay the same age or even get younger, measured by physiological and psychological factors such as strength, speed, endurance, flexibility, mental clarity, open-mindedness, the ability to enjoy each day, and so on. The calendar is only one measure of age, and not a very good one at that.
Beats the alternative."
I, too, tend to think outside the box on this one. When I first heard this expression, lo those many years ago, I was foolish enough to think that the alterative was getting younger.
Now that I am wiser and more experienced, I still think that, with an explanation. I think it is possible to stay the same age or even get younger, measured by physiological and psychological factors such as strength, speed, endurance, flexibility, mental clarity, open-mindedness, the ability to enjoy each day, and so on. The calendar is only one measure of age, and not a very good one at that.
10-23-15 | 07:27 AM
#49
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 549
Likes: 44
From: Houston area
Bikes: Catrike 700; Bike Friday Llama single; Bike Friday Tandem Tuesday; Easy Racers Ti-Rush recumbent; Catrike Expedition; Rans Seavo tandem
Lots of retirees move south for good reasons. It gets cold up there....
10-23-15 | 07:31 AM
#50
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 786
Likes: 427
From: Eastern PA
Bikes: Trek 4900, Cannondale Cx-4, Falcon San Remo, Peugeot PX-10LE
Old is tomorrow......My feet get cold when the temps hit mid 40's and warm up again in the spring. I wear wool socks all winter. Now, with the Mrs. going through those lady changes, I don't know if I should wear gym shorts or a winter jacket to bed at night.
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“Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the former."
― Albert Einstein
“Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the former."
― Albert Einstein