irwin7638

That was a mouthful just writing it down, but since I'm officially qualified to talk about it, I thought I'd try. Having seven decades behind me I really don't know what to say. Things don't seem much different except that I either need or get more rest. Being an old guy, I just had blood drawn and analyzed, the lipid and metabolic panels look just like they did when I was 30 , weight and blood pressure the same. Medically, I'm boring. How much is the result of exercise, genetics or diet is as much your guess as mine. I just have to l live with it.
Today I rode to work at the local high school where I substitute 3 days a week. It's a 6 mile ride and, since it's April, in Michigan,


I'm still wearing a base layer some days and we had a little sleet to deal with, nothing to think about. After a day joking around with teenagers who get a kick out of the "crazyoldguyonabike," there was a quick dash through the trails along the creek and mid day traffic downtown for a brief meeting followed by a stop for happy hour before going home. It added up to 20 miles of riding between places and working up a bit of sweat enjoying clean breezes and the sounds of birds slowly migrating back while spandex hamsters play pretend racer, communing on Zwift to avoid 40⁰. We could just sit around inside worrying about getting older, but, apparently, cyclists don't qualify.

BobbyG

If you're gonna go kicking and screaming, you might as well put a bicycle between your legs! go, Go, GO!

delbiker1 

Good on ya, I will be 70 in September, would like to still be riding regularly, if I reach the 80's. I have my issues, but certainly consider myself to be in good shape. When my Mom was 84, she had to start with a new primary care provider, and he told her he had never had a person her age as healthy as she was at that point. For me, this year has been a bit of a struggle, but I am getting close to being what I call ride strong. No ride over the weekend due to a strong nor'easter being camped out. We have sunshine today, but still quite windy and chilly, more like cold at the beach. I will get in a casual ride some time today. I just finished mounting new brake levers on my Fuji Ace that now has moustache bar and bar end shifters. It makes for a really errands, casual run around town bike and will be getting in some miles today.

Helderberg

I am 73 and still like to ride as often as I can but will admit that the colder weather does slow me down. I enjoy the 80's and 90's we have here in the summer but the hills can be a bear. Glad you are still out on your bike and most importantly, enjoying it.
BE safe and keep going.
Frank.

DougG

At 75 and a fellow Michigander, I'm with you on the lousy weather we've been having (up to this last weekend, that is). I do remember one day in March when I went out riding in full summer kit, but in general I'm less inclined to be uncomfortable on the bike. I'm also systemically in good health and just take a couple of the usual generics for cholesterol and b.p. In fact, before some recent minor surgery, the anesthesiologist asked me a whole litany of questions of the "Have you ever...?" variety, plus meds etc., and then commented "You're a pretty healthy guy!".

The other things that I've come to terms with is that, although I still own my carbon road bike and my old trusty hybrid, I am getting more and more under the influence of the Dark Side and expect to do most of my riding this year on my Specialized Vado SL 5.0. And yes, with the proper settings it is possible to get a very good workout on an e-bike!

indyfabz

I rode across the country unsupported with 12 others back in '99. One member of the group turned 77 during the trip. I found out later that he lived to be 91. During WWII he spent two years in a Nazi POW camp as a member of the RCAF.

79pmooney

69 here. My mom stopped riding at 86. So I have no excuse for not gong the next 17 years. All my bikes are good for that distance easily. (And I need to get some miles on that Peter Mooney. New paint, gorgeous and it's kinda gotten stuck at not much more than 50k miles.

gobicycling

I'll be 83 in November, my wife will be 85, and we both still ride non electric bikes. Enough said.

John E

At almost 72, I am a youngster by your standards, but I agree, "We don't need no stinkin' motors."

Random11

You're looking good, Irwin. Thanks for starting this thread. As a senior citizen myself, I love to hear about older riders who are keeping at it.

Trsnrtr

I’ll be 71 in less than a month and my wife turned 70 six months ago. I rode over 7,000 miles last year and she was over 5,000 miles.

We’re not stopping anytime soon.

gthomson

LOL will admit I had to look that word up, but then I'm only in my fifties That sounds like a nice day and a great way to live. Work part time and enjoying bike rides and social interaction at happy hour. I'm sure it will be all the more pleasant when nicer weather comes.

The weather is finally improving where I am as well so very happy to put on a few extra layers and head out on the ride to get a break from a long winter of Zwifting.

John E

A local bicycling "force of nature" here in San Diego was Gordy Shields, who lived to 95 partly because of his exercise regimen.

https://sdbikecoalition.org/event/go...morial-ride-6/

I had the honor of meeting Gordy a few times. With our shared passion for cycling and Scots DNA, we hit it off immediately.

bruce19

Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.Though wise men at their end know dark is right,
Because their words had forked no lightning they
Do not go gentle into that good night.

Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright
Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight,
And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way,
Do not go gentle into that good night.

Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight
Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

And you, my father, there on the sad height,
Curse, bless, me now with your fierce tears, I pray.
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

----Dylan Thomas