I've been reading this forum for a few weeks and decided to post (my first ... make it good Jim).

Doctor told me to never run again due to my knee but suggested riding would be a great cardio exercise. I am really enjoying the posts and great advice. I don't want to sound like Shultz from Hogan's Heroes but "I know nothing." Hope you don't mind me posting for advice in the coming months.

I was sad when I received the news about running but I have to say I'm excited to start riding especially after I've read numerous posts here. At first I felt my age might make me an outsider but it seems riding knows no age. Please be kind if I ask dumb questions and hopefully I'll be a quick learner.

The 50+ First Annual Ride would be fantastic ... to meet everyone personally, to be able to ride that far and to visit Colorado (I've heard nothing but great things about the people and it's beauty). Some day?

Be good.

Welcome to 50+; sounds like you're in the right place.

I used to run, but it involved too much......running. As soon as I realized that I switched to biking.

Welcome to 50+, Jim. Ask all the questions you want, there is plenty of knowledge and experience here and we are glad to help. Good natured ribbing and other shenanigans tend to flow as freely as the advice.

Welcome home Jim.

Welcome and did you bring pie?

Jim,
if you are in shape to run you have a head start on a lot of people that just got back into cycling. You will also find the people in here are more willing to help a new person than just about any other sport forum you could get into.

Welcome to 50+.

I understand giving up running for cycling. I gave running a try a little over ten years ago and my knees just couldn't take it.....so it was back to the bike.

Don't feel shy about asking questions. You'll get lots of good advice here.

Welcome Jim.
I never could get excited about running. Even back when I was in my 30s.
Started cycling again at 54. Best decision I ever made.
Now, what took you so long to find us?

Jim: Let me echo the welcome of others. "You know nothing"? I don't think so. You know enough to post on the most civil forum on BikeForums.

Jim, Welcome to bike riding.
What bike do you have?

It's possible to damage knees cycling, but it usually involves spending a lot of time pushing big gears with great vigor at a slow (crank)speed.

Running: It's how you chase someone who just stole your bicycle.

Fresh lean meat to kill! Just kidding, welcome to BF 50+ Jim.

I got simular news from my doctor 11 years ago when I was training for the Masters 45+ Track and Field season. He said that my goal should be to only have my ankle replaced once and at 44 yrs of age I needed to do something to put it off as long as possible. Hence, my transition into cycling. My bad ankle is no worse than it was then and I'm content with everything cycling provides me. At first it was riding for 15 miles, then riding longer distances, then riding faster, then riding with others and now training and racing along with all the bikes and stuff that comes with the progression.

Go ahead and fire away with your questions. We're not mean, just crotchety.

Jim,
As said by the others, welcome to BF and especially the 50+ forum. Ask away and someone will be along to help you with any questions.

Bill

Another big WELCOME to the right place to get answers... those answers may be mixed in with a lot of other diatribe, for lack of a better word. But that is part of the fun of the forums. If you do not have a bike yet...let me suggest looking at a lounge chair on wheels. That would be a recumbent....I know I am jumping in when you have not even asked a question yet BUT you said you know nothing so I am being ?helpful?......................................................peace

Welcome aboard Jim, nice to meet you, now go riding

From running to cycling....

See, age does bring wisdom.

As it has to a lot of us "EX" runners. I ran competitively till I was 34- gave up all sport for 10 years while raising a young family- and then took up cycling in 1990.

A Few things things to remember--PIE is important---The first bike you buy will only be to tell you what the next bike should be-- Enter the sport gently till the body adapts- And take it easier if the knee is not cured after about 10 years.

Welcome Jim!

Canada is a pretty big country. Where are you from? I ride a week every summer based from my family's cottage in the Rideau Lakes region of Eastern Ontario. We're about halfway between Kingston and Ottawa.

I'm also planning a trip to Banff in 2010.

BTW, cycling can be done in winter. Happy to provide tips.

There is no way you can ask a question that hasn't already been asked........so fire away.

That's what I'm counting on...

The big difference in cycling verses running is the level of enjoyment.

You'll get plenty of input on any question you aske here. Information may be a little scarce, though

Seriously, lot's of good sharing goes on here.

I've been bothered by a weak, slightly painful knee for the last few years. Doc never did a formal diagnosis, though speculated arthritis. I returned to biking this summer and got very serious about exercise. Lost 40 lbs. Was careful to pamper my problem knee to avoid further damage. Result?

No more knee problem! Or at least a HUGE improvement over where I was before. Don't know your case, but do know that there may be hope.

All right..........going from banging on the bottom of your feet to banging on the bottom............

never mind.............

There are no dumb questions, only dumb people who don't know the answers. Wait a minute... That's not right...

SP

Thanks everyone, you've made me feel welcome.

Specific answers to some of your comments:

ROBERT FOSTER - based on the responses I definitely agree that this forum will provide great support and help.

10 WHEELS - No bike yet ... plan is to ask questions and internet educate myself, then attend big bike show in March in Totonto.

STAPFAM - I love PIE (that's not an acronym for something is it?)

TSL - live just east of Toronto, Ontario, about 3 hours from Rideau Lakes and yes I'd love to get your winter riding tips.

IPPE - Nice swing, what's your handicap?

TNTYZ - thanks for the encouragement on the knee.

Be good.

You have a head start on those that do not understand PIE- so whats your Favourite?

Follow the link to find out more.

https://50pluscyclist.googlepages.com/traditions