Another reason gettting old sucks
#26
Gruppetto Bob




Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 11,645
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From: Seattle-ish
Bikes: Orbea Orca, Bianchi Infinito & Campione de Mundo
Aging and fitness - mostly by bicycle?
My opinion is that if one has decent daily health, a relatively stable life situation, riding routes and fair weather - then getting old doesn't suck. Best to throw in some weight training, flexibility exercise and brisk walking.
The weather here in Seattle was nearly perfect (for outdoor activities) from early June thru September. I had more days of cycling & hiking than I can remember (maybe ever),
. It wasn't the highest mileage in either activity, but most consistent. Any 3-4 day breaks may have been spent babysitting grandkids, which is a lot more exercise than 25 miles on the bike. Zero kayak days tho'.
When does OLD start? Surely a 65+ discussion, unless one beat themselves up physically, or got 'crop dusted' with some chemical agent, or drank Flint MI water, or lived downwind/downstream from nuclear weapons sites, chemical or industrial sites, mines, etc.
My opinion is that if one has decent daily health, a relatively stable life situation, riding routes and fair weather - then getting old doesn't suck. Best to throw in some weight training, flexibility exercise and brisk walking.
The weather here in Seattle was nearly perfect (for outdoor activities) from early June thru September. I had more days of cycling & hiking than I can remember (maybe ever),
. It wasn't the highest mileage in either activity, but most consistent. Any 3-4 day breaks may have been spent babysitting grandkids, which is a lot more exercise than 25 miles on the bike. Zero kayak days tho'.
When does OLD start? Surely a 65+ discussion, unless one beat themselves up physically, or got 'crop dusted' with some chemical agent, or drank Flint MI water, or lived downwind/downstream from nuclear weapons sites, chemical or industrial sites, mines, etc.
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#27
Senior Member




Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Seattle area
Bikes: Bikes??? Thought this was social media?!?
Readers Digest was in the house. Subscriptions were cheap. I only remember two humor columns - Humor in Uniform and another one of hand-drawn (single-cell) cartoon characters with a joke or punch line. I got Boy Scouting magazine. Mom collected Green House stamps (in paper books).
I also remember b&w HoneyMooners - with Jackie Gleason - "One of these days....straight to da moon Alice, straight to da moon." The Ed Sullivan Show was followed by a newcomer = Bonanza on Sunday night. The rabbit-ear'd set-top antenna worked pretty good on that channel.
And That's the Way It Was on .....
Good Night Chet, Good Night David.......
But I truly don't feel THAT old.
I also remember b&w HoneyMooners - with Jackie Gleason - "One of these days....straight to da moon Alice, straight to da moon." The Ed Sullivan Show was followed by a newcomer = Bonanza on Sunday night. The rabbit-ear'd set-top antenna worked pretty good on that channel.
And That's the Way It Was on .....
Good Night Chet, Good Night David.......
But I truly don't feel THAT old.
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Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.
Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.
Last edited by Wildwood; 10-12-25 at 08:45 PM.
#28
Senior Member



Joined: Aug 2009
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From: Minneapolis
Bikes: 2022 Salsa Beargrease Carbon Deore 11, 2020 Salsa Warbird GRX 600, 2020 Canyon Ultimate CF SLX disc 9.0 Di2, 2020 Catrike Eola, 2016 Masi cxgr, 2011, Felt F3 Ltd, 2010 Trek 2.1, 2009 KHS Flite 220
This guy Ned Overend hasn't got the memo about aging. What does he eat for breakfast, I wonder?


https://granfondodailynews.com/2025/...ville-results/


https://granfondodailynews.com/2025/...ville-results/
#30
Senior Member


Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 14,191
Likes: 5,326
From: Portland, OR
Bikes: (2) ti TiCycles, 2007 w/ triple and 2011 fixed, 1979 Peter Mooney, ~1983 Trek 420 now fixed and ~1973 Raleigh Carlton Competition gravel grinder
I did my age ride just a few weeks ago, 70 miles of the NYC Century. It wasn't the stamina that made me quit, it was my feet. They just hurt, and it was even worse at the rest stops. Walking in tight cleated shoes is just not normal. I took the subway home and all I wanted to do was take off my shoes during the ride, but this is the NYC subway and you just don't do that.
The issue was the shoe straps and the hard pulling up I had to do for hills. If I kept the straps tight enough to keep my feet from sliding and blistering it felt like I was breaking the bones in the middle of my foot. I saw the doc for antibiotics after my first two fixed COs. Then I had a brainstorm. This didn't happen in the old days before straps. So I laced my shoes. With grommets from Tandy Leather. Worked! I've now laced all the shoes that are "riders" and not $300 BOAs.
#31
Senior Member




Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 15,427
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From: Seattle area
Bikes: Bikes??? Thought this was social media?!?
Getting old and cycling.
Wonder if these 10 would agree it SUCKS.
Not sure the date of the article but at least one is deceased.
Top 10 Oldest Cyclists in the World - Oldest List
The tales of these ten oldest cyclists in the world are not just remarkable; they are inspirational. They illuminate the boundless possibilities that an active lifestyle holds for all ages, proving that determination and passion know no age limits. Whether one cycles for leisure, health, or competition, it is a fabulous way to enhance the quality of life as we age. Let these stories be a reminder that it’s never too late, or one is never too old, to hop on a bike and enjoy the ride.
Wonder if these 10 would agree it SUCKS.
Not sure the date of the article but at least one is deceased.
Top 10 Oldest Cyclists in the World - Oldest List
The tales of these ten oldest cyclists in the world are not just remarkable; they are inspirational. They illuminate the boundless possibilities that an active lifestyle holds for all ages, proving that determination and passion know no age limits. Whether one cycles for leisure, health, or competition, it is a fabulous way to enhance the quality of life as we age. Let these stories be a reminder that it’s never too late, or one is never too old, to hop on a bike and enjoy the ride.
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Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.
Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.
#32
climber has-been




Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 9,189
Likes: 6,073
From: Palo Alto, CA
Bikes: Scott Addict RC Pro & R1, Felt Z1
Some Strava stats from his BWR race:

Look at these children sharing the podium with Ned:

#33
Senior Member

Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 2,396
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From: Hotel CA / DFW
Bikes: 80s Colnago Super/NMx, 50th Daccordi, Pinarello's, Guerciotti's, Masi NS, 90s DB/GT Mtn Bikes, 90s Colnago Master, 96 Serotta Colorado TG, 95/05 Colnago C40/C50, 06 LS TI, 08 Lemond Filmore FG SS, 12 Cervelo R3, 20/15 Surly Stragler & Steamroller
This guy Ned Overend hasn't got the memo about aging. What does he eat for breakfast, I wonder?


https://granfondodailynews.com/2025/...ville-results/


https://granfondodailynews.com/2025/...ville-results/
#34
It's MY mountain

Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 10,190
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From: Mt.Diablo
Bikes: Klein, Merckx, Trek
https://diabloscott.blogspot.com/201...ime-trial.html
#35
Senior Member



Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 6,766
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From: Minneapolis
Bikes: 2022 Salsa Beargrease Carbon Deore 11, 2020 Salsa Warbird GRX 600, 2020 Canyon Ultimate CF SLX disc 9.0 Di2, 2020 Catrike Eola, 2016 Masi cxgr, 2011, Felt F3 Ltd, 2010 Trek 2.1, 2009 KHS Flite 220
He's quite a role model. 15 years ago he did the licensed Diablo Time Trial - (10km up North Gate Road, not the Diablo Challenge) and came in second to local pro and Diablo specialist Nate English who set the course record.
https://diabloscott.blogspot.com/201...ime-trial.html

https://diabloscott.blogspot.com/201...ime-trial.html

#36
Senior Member



Joined: Jan 2015
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From: Los Angeles
Bikes: 82 Medici, 85 Ironman, 2011 Richard Sachs
I wonder if he experiences some level of pain in the morning while taking those first steps?
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I don't do: disks, tubeless, e-shifting, or bead head nymphs. But I do hate all e-bikes.
I don't do: disks, tubeless, e-shifting, or bead head nymphs. But I do hate all e-bikes.
#37
This guy Ned Overend hasn't got the memo about aging. What does he eat for breakfast, I wonder?


https://granfondodailynews.com/2025/...ville-results/


https://granfondodailynews.com/2025/...ville-results/
#38
Senior Member



Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 6,766
Likes: 5,405
From: Minneapolis
Bikes: 2022 Salsa Beargrease Carbon Deore 11, 2020 Salsa Warbird GRX 600, 2020 Canyon Ultimate CF SLX disc 9.0 Di2, 2020 Catrike Eola, 2016 Masi cxgr, 2011, Felt F3 Ltd, 2010 Trek 2.1, 2009 KHS Flite 220
#39
Senior Member

Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 997
Likes: 61
From: Western NC mountains
Bikes: Trek Domane gen 5, Marin Gestalt X10, Diamondback Century 3. Marin Four Corners
Aging and fitness - mostly by bicycle?
When does OLD start? Surely a 65+ discussion, unless one beat themselves up physically, or got 'crop dusted' with some chemical agent, or drank Flint MI water, or lived downwind/downstream from nuclear weapons sites, chemical or industrial sites, mines, etc.
When does OLD start? Surely a 65+ discussion, unless one beat themselves up physically, or got 'crop dusted' with some chemical agent, or drank Flint MI water, or lived downwind/downstream from nuclear weapons sites, chemical or industrial sites, mines, etc.
#40
Senior Member



Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 6,766
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From: Minneapolis
Bikes: 2022 Salsa Beargrease Carbon Deore 11, 2020 Salsa Warbird GRX 600, 2020 Canyon Ultimate CF SLX disc 9.0 Di2, 2020 Catrike Eola, 2016 Masi cxgr, 2011, Felt F3 Ltd, 2010 Trek 2.1, 2009 KHS Flite 220
Like LDL numbers docs love to tout, the 10,000 steps per day fitness goal, or 6' social distancing, "OLD" is just an arbitrary number in some people's minds, with little actual science behind it. When you're 20 people 40 are old. When you're 40, people 60-65 are old, when you're 65...you get the idea. I figure life is like a football game, barring some catastrophe you get 4 quarters (1-20, 20-40, 40-60, 60-80) and if you're lucky, you get to go into overtime(80+). As most of us know by now, to get old-er you have to be tough. The trick is, just don't let the old man in. Old is a state of mind. Barring illness or disease, old sets in when you decide you're too old to ______. You adjust, adapt, change, to embrace where you are in life's pathway, but you never quit. In the words of Nike, "Just Do It".

#41
Thread Starter
Senior Member

Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Eugene, OR
Bikes: Lynskey Meraki 12 speed Di2 Ultegra and canyon Grizl AL 7
Well shoot, since I am 69 I’ve got my life expectancy done, all the rest is bonus. Time or another slow ride now. My mom is 89 still doing pretty well, so I probably will get in just a few more miles.
now if can actually work on getting my cadence back up.
now if can actually work on getting my cadence back up.
#42
Been Around Awhile

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From: Burlington Iowa
Bikes: Vaterland and Ragazzi
#43
Junior Member

Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 161
Likes: 624
From: Carrollton, Tx
Sooo,
Last year, I did 80 kilometers for my 80th.birthday. This year , I did 83 kilometers with a fellow rider for his birthday ride.
We overdid it slightly, and did 55 miles. I put the extra km/miles in my bike account so I don’t have to do the 82,83,84,and 85 rides.
That’s how this works ….. Right?
JD
Last year, I did 80 kilometers for my 80th.birthday. This year , I did 83 kilometers with a fellow rider for his birthday ride.
We overdid it slightly, and did 55 miles. I put the extra km/miles in my bike account so I don’t have to do the 82,83,84,and 85 rides.
That’s how this works ….. Right?
JD
#44
Senior Member

Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,262
Likes: 92
From: SW Ohio
Bikes: Classic lugged-steel road, touring, gravel
I'm not 65 yet but sadly riding my birthday number is over. I try to get at least twenty miles in on a ride and thirty is icing on the cake. After that I simply poop out get sore and stiff. Extreme arthritis isn't helping, either.
#45
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2025
Posts: 730
Likes: 745
I don't consider myself old yet. I am only 55 and going on 56 in a couple of months. I remember when I was 25 - 30 I was really worried about what it would feel like if I made it to 50. Now at 55 I feel like I am in the best shape of my life both physically and mentally. There are 4 things that I prioritize in my life:
No - 1 Regular strength training
No - 2 Riding my bike which is both a hobby, pleasure and exercise at the same time
No - 3 Following a good diet
No - 4 Having a daily challenge of some sort. Lucky for me I have a job that's physically challenging and keeps me sharp and focused.
No - 1 Regular strength training
No - 2 Riding my bike which is both a hobby, pleasure and exercise at the same time
No - 3 Following a good diet
No - 4 Having a daily challenge of some sort. Lucky for me I have a job that's physically challenging and keeps me sharp and focused.
#48
Senior Member

Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 9,158
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From: Lebanon (Liberty Hill), CT
Bikes: Canyon Aeroad, CAAD 12, MASI Gran Criterium S, Colnago World Cup CX, Guru steel & Guru Photon
We all have to put those birthday rides in a more positive perspective. They get longer because you have made it through another year. And, you're still spinning the pedals. Good job.
#49
Senior Member

Joined: Jun 2013
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From: SW Fl.
Bikes: 1999 DAHON Mariner, Day6 Semi Recumbent "FIREBALL", 1981 Custom Touring Paramount, 1983 Road Paramount, 2013 Giant Propel Advanced SL3, 2018 Specialized Red Roubaix Expert mech., 2002 Magna 7sp hybrid, 1976 Bassett Racing 45sp Cruiser
I don't consider myself old yet. I am only 55 and going on 56 in a couple of months. I remember when I was 25 - 30 I was really worried about what it would feel like if I made it to 50. Now at 55 I feel like I am in the best shape of my life both physically and mentally. There are 4 things that I prioritize in my life:
No - 1 Regular strength training
No - 2 Riding my bike which is both a hobby, pleasure and exercise at the same time
No - 3 Following a good diet
No - 4 Having a daily challenge of some sort. Lucky for me I have a job that's physically challenging and keeps me sharp and focused.
No - 1 Regular strength training
No - 2 Riding my bike which is both a hobby, pleasure and exercise at the same time
No - 3 Following a good diet
No - 4 Having a daily challenge of some sort. Lucky for me I have a job that's physically challenging and keeps me sharp and focused.
NOT dead yet but have cancer and treatment is kicking the crapola out of me making bicycling more of a chore than a pleasurable ride. Will keep spinning cranks as long as possible and then *check out*
Did manage 75.75 miles for my 75th B-day in July.





