There is a time in your 30s when your juvenile thing would probably be better on the shelf. Then when you turn about 60 you'll want to use it again.

I guess I've said this before, but it bears repeating: When I hop on my bicycle after work, I become an 8 year-old boy in a 52 year-old body. My cares melt away with each stroke of the pedals, and a sense of adventure takes hold. I can ride like that for hours; exploring, taking photos, stopping for ice cream... Maturity is for old people. Borrowing an aphorism from the motorcycle folks: You don't stop riding when you get old - You get old when you stop riding.

When I roll out on the beach time slows and the horizon disappears.

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=506258

Oh yeah. That is a wonderful photo. I would print that up and hang it on a wall, for inspiration when you're not riding.

"The only age is Not Dead Yet"

As seen on a bathroom wall in Denton, TX.

I dunno, I'm 54, and haven't really felt the need to grow up yet. :D I seem to be gradually growing older though, I just can't seem to get around that. But it's mostly just about hair, either losing it or over-growing it, so nothing to get stressed over. ;)

Growing Up Vs. Growing Old

Just today, I came upon this previous exchange:

My most reflective (to me) post about cycling and living was this one:

:thumb: :thumb:

Never give up. Never grow up. Just say yes to life. Did 40' of one-legged pedaling intervals on my rollers yesterday, then went to the gym and lifted heavy. Today I skied 26,000' of vertical. Tomorrow it's back on the rollers for an hour, then lifting for PRs. Saturday we might ride a century on our tandem, team age 136. Yeah, by the middle of next week we'll be fried, which is good.

As to immaturity. There's an old saying.....He who lives with a child has a Zen master in the house. This is the immaturity to which I aspire.

This

And this.

Burbling on about how old one is and how things used to be is a sure sign that one is becoming a bore.

Guess I'm one not afflicted with.....

PETER PAN SYNDROME

I embrace my age and the fact that my body is deteriorating around me is a fact of life. I have no intentions of living forever, nor do I even want to. I ride for the "in the moment enjoyment" and will accept my passing with opened arms.

I take a slightly different view.

Sometimes old people talk of their past with a lot of laughter, and because they've led very interesting lives. Nothing wrong with that.

I believe that boring old men (or women), were boring young people who have just grown old.

I agree. My past exists to be an example to me. As being completely sober since April 5, 1981 without so much as a sip of alcohol or a single toke, I give thanks to God. This morning I give a motivational classroom study on staying sober to a group of teen addicts in recovery. My past life serves as a sign of hope to them. Boring? I cant afford to be boring with this bunch.

At 54 (...almost 55) I still think I can do things like I used to when I was 25. But my body ends up hollering at me afterwards! :(

With regards to the older crowd (I'm talking about guys pushing 80, who could almost pass as a father figure to me), I see some who are walking with a cane, or using a walker, and sadly some are in assisted living centers. NO WAY would I want to end up like that! I aim to fight the aging process tooth and nail for as long as I can! There is only one guy I know of (also a member of my Masonic lodge) who is 78 years old, in great shape, and he and his wife both work out at the local Y every few days. That's the way to be, if you ask me! :thumb:

You're making unwarranted assumptions here. Bodies fail. Minds fail. Not always in sync. Consider that these old folks you see walking with canes and walkers are actually out in the world, despite the pain (or whatever else) drove them to adopt they assistance they use.

And they're not at the end yet. We tend not to see that part of other peoples' lives.

Oh, yeah....well said good observation. I like it.

You don't stop riding because you get old. You get old when you stop riding.

My wife, my bikes and my dogs keep me young.

Sorry if that came across the wrong way... :o

I just hope I'm still healthy and active 30 years from now (I'd be almost 85!), and hopefully still riding a bike!

It's amazing what hitting 70 does to one's perspective. Every time I'm slowed down while walking by some old person, it's impossible to avoid thinking, 'That could be me in a few years....' But 50, 55, even 60 are soooo young. :)

I am empathetic, but I have much left I'd like to accomplish before I go. I ran a 5K in the mountains yesterday, ran a 5K in the flats to the gym afterwards to cool down. So what, ,,,,it's just a stupid pet trick. Maybe I have brain cancer and don't know it.

I don't think its your attitude or how active you are at a practical age, it's what you are accomplishing that has some meaning in the world. Otherwise, it's just the same self-masturbating of our 50 year old ME culture.

The only value I can place on repeated physical effort is to acquire the energy and health to do other things that have some real meaning. I know, what a bummer...

We have all seen people grow old. Many do it faster than they need to. They retire to their easy chair and watch TV. They rust out and die in a very few years.

Keep active, and never say I shouldnt do that because I am old.

This is one of my favorites: I believe Chili Davis said it.

Growing old is mandatory;
growing up is optional.

:)

You can grow old at any age. I prefer not.

We all grow older but I chose not to grow up :thumb: