...because at ages 74 (for Pam) and 79 (for Don), we just told them we’re getting out of Dodge (actually, northern Indiana). Not forever. Just for a week or two…or three. We’re heading to Florida to scout out potential places where we can spend our winters, thanks to tips from the Bike Forums' Fifty Plus posters.

Yeah, we’re driving down, not flying. Because that’s the way we want to do it, so we can take along our bikes and also explore a few bike trails. Because we’re grown-ups. Because we’re not senile – yet! And because we can!

“When are you coming back?” Look for us when you see us.

“What if something happens?” We both have cell phones and debit cards. And lots of experience from years of travel.

“Why now?” Why not now? Maybe wait a few years and hope we’re still relatively healthy?

“What do the doctors say about it?” Don’t know; didn’t ask ‘em.

“Have you really thought about this?” Just long enough to decide it’s something we want to do.

Ha ha. Are they afraid you're going to spend too much of their inheritance?
Happy travels!

More power to you!
With an elderly mother to look after and two kids in school, I feel a little trapped in my current rut, albeit a velvet rut. I fantasize about retiring to someplace with a lower pollen count and somewhat more predictable climate than we have in here in Oklahoma.

On the positive side, they care enough to ask.
Enjoy your trip(s).

We've been spending our kids inheritance for several years.

Teach your children well.

Teach you parents well.

Hmmmmn think that was a song, eh.

Just humor them, they're children. Until they get the lawyers.

edit: Seems natural questions for concerned children.
On the overly serious side.
I was in the senior housing industry 10 years as my last final career (sales & business development); and see 2 sides in your info.
1. Planning for the future and acting on best alternatives is positive. Best not to be delayed to maximize the dreams you hold today.
2. Moving away from family (are they all living in your present area?), friends and existing support systems can be a slippery slope.

My final comment to the problems that every family with Seniors and family issues had was = 'whatever you decide for Plan A, have a family acceptable Plan B'

I hope you find a wonderful place to enjoy your winters!

Tomorrow is not promised and life is for the living! May you pedal many more miles with smiles!

Isn't Florida noted as being one of the most dangerous cycling states?

Of course, likely quite a few cyclists down there too.

Wife and I are from Fort Wayne, we've spent the past three winters (Jan-Feb) in Miramar Beach. My wife doesn't ride but I have 5,000 miles in those three winters. All three kids/families are alive and well.

[QUOTE=CliffordK;20244620]Isn't Florida noted as being one of the most dangerous cycling states? /QUOTE]
I think that's true. Plus, for those who think age 79 is pushing it for being behind the wheel, think what ages you might encounter in FL! Nevertheless there are some nice roads in the central part of the state, north of Gainesville and up to the GA line.

I said the same things to my mom when she took off in her 80s.
And she was just fine.

You took care of your kids (and maybe grandkids, as well). Now it's time to take care of yourselves, including "go where you wanna go, do what you wanna do."

For those that think Fl. is really dangerous for cyclists, that is true when you look at the statistics. There are many trails to ride on within the state. Just be careful and use some common sense. That will take care of a lot of the danger. Have ridden on roads for the last 3.5 years and done 14000 miles. Nary and accident for me as of yet. Am careful and observant of my surrounding. It could happen anytime. The only accident I have had was on a rails to trails bike path. Electrolytes got out of balance and conked me out. Woke up in the hospital.

The kids will get over it Enjoy what is left of your life. It is too short.

Our kids are so used to seeing us leave, that they don't even say good bye any longer/

Go for it. I would.

I wished my dad had done so. Retired earlier, gone traveling with his third wife (whom I love as dearly as my own mom). But he was a workaholic and didn't last long after retiring.

Ditto one of my longtime friends. Worked her tail off teaching at two different colleges, along with her part time job. No kids, had been single for many years. Finally retired, had enough money and pretty good health to enjoy it. But she just doesn't enjoy retirement.

I'd love to be retired with money. Instead I'm just older with no money and no real desire to return to the rat race. I spent 25 years as a caregiver for my elderly family -- two grandparents, then my mom -- often in addition to working other jobs. No regrets, but I have nothing in the bank to show for it.

When I resumed cycling in 2015, finally recovering from a back and neck injury that had disabled me for more than a decade, my now-79 y/o mom would fuss and fret over taking unnecessary risks. Pppbbbttt! She used to have a gypsy spirit and would happily have spent her life roaming around freely. But osteoporosis, a broken down body and finally dementia stole her freedom the past 10 years. Now she's in a nursing home, with more needs than I could take care of at home even with help from visiting nurses and aides.

The experience taught me that there's no time to wait for the right moment. That moment is passing every day.

Go enjoy yourselves. Send us a postcard once in awhile.

Florida is a large state. How dangerous the roads are depends on where you're riding. I'm surrounded by miles of beautiful country roads with very little traffic. And even hills. (Just rollers by most standards, but hills nonetheless.)

Not sure why your kids would worry. You're old enough to take care of yourselves. Enjoy.

My theory is the kids can tell me how to live my life when I can tell them how to live theirs.

Try Northwest Florida out, plenty of beautiful white sand beaches, and retiree friendly. Lots to do year round, and even if its just heading to NAS Pensacola to watch the Blue Angles practice during the week, you can take in other activities nearby. Much less crowded than the peninsula is, in any areas. Costs here are less than south and central Florida, also.

Bill

at least they are concerned which would indicate they care and are involved

May the road rise to meet you, May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, The rains fall soft upon your fields.

Have fun!

This.

Florida has a lot of semi-rural roads and just little-used roads where you won't see three cars in an hour.

The cities are full of idiots and snowbirds (remember---almost every really stupid criminal you saw on "Cops" and every YouTube video star who got really hurt doing something really absurd came from Florida.... and likely drove there.) Nothing against snowbirds, but a lot of them (like my father, until he had one wreck too many and couldn't get insured) are maybe a little old to by driving in crazy traffic ... something else a lot of Florida cities can boast.

Get out of the cities and you can ride all day with no fear but sunburn.

Happy Trails!

That is a favorite blessing in my household, not surprising, given my wife's Irish ancestry.

Works for me.

it's been said, during our final days, it's not the things we've done that we regret, it's what we haven't done. here's wishing you good luck, lot's fun adventure, especially new bike rides!

BTW do you know the warning signs of a "transient ischemic attack" (TIA) (aka mini-stroke) & what to do if either of you have one? my 88yr old Mom had one when she was approx. 80. my Dad went into the post office & she stayed in the car. when he returned she couldn't speak, or write. what she was drawing got all scribbly. he took her home & gave her an aspirin. that was not the right thing to do

cpl tips here:
https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates...ings-not-to-do

my Mom recovered. anyway, your kids can't protect you or help you quickly when you are so far away. you'll be on your own. that would scare me too. both my folks are fine today & lead active lives & live in their own home. but they don't go on extended trips by themselves anymore. mostly cuz my Dad can't decide which coat to pack. ;-) but seriously, we all know all to well what "getting the call" means. check in with them daily giving them specific locations, names & phone numbers. don't make a big deal about it, just make it matter of course. this way, if you go missing they know where to start looking