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Greetings! My long story & thank you!

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Fifty Plus (50+) Share the victories, challenges, successes and special concerns of bicyclists 50 and older. Especially useful for those entering or reentering bicycling.

Greetings! My long story & thank you!

Old 10-25-10, 10:36 AM
  #26  
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Glad to have you aboard. Good writing by the way. The most important thing to do when cycling is to enjoy it. I think you more than qualify.
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Old 10-25-10, 04:33 PM
  #27  
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Yay!

Jersey here too. Great places to ride around here. You're doing great.
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Old 10-25-10, 05:15 PM
  #28  
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Welcome aboard. You are off to a good start, so just keep at it. Above all, have fun!

Did you bring beer? The new "guy" always has to bring the beer.
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Old 10-25-10, 05:53 PM
  #29  
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A good story. Welcome. Come to Bucks County for a ride sometime. Not too far from you. Great roads, not flat, but beautiful. Good luck.
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Old 10-25-10, 06:52 PM
  #30  
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Originally Posted by jppe
If you thought clipless pedals improved your speed, wait until you try a 50+ jersey!
I dunno about that. I wore mine yesterday and ended up doing an easy-spin, smell-the roses (or maybe the fallen leaves) ride on the Litespeed.
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Old 10-25-10, 07:13 PM
  #31  
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Welcome to the 50+, you sound like you fit in.

And if you think clipin pedals work good, just wait until you buy some bike shoes. To tell you the truth riding Bare Foot is dangerous.
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Old 10-25-10, 07:42 PM
  #32  
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What a heartwarming surprise greeted me this morning! I needed a tissue with my coffee : )

Denver, I can only guess how much effort you put into starting the 50+ forum. And I sure am glad you did! You seem to be a very, very special person and much appreciated here!

JanMM, You remembered pie! Grazie!

MinnMan, You got me pinned. I don’t want to embarrass myself in a group. I did go on a few easy group rides. I also went and spoke with a really cool woman who runs ladies development rides. She thinks I’m ready for her Monday recovery ride. I’m trying it Nov.1st. They ride all year. I’m nervous and psyched at the same time.

Jppe, BF 50 Plus jersey is ordered! can’t wait!

berner, I’m going to be swapping saddles. And we’ll see about winter riding. I do have some downhill ski stuff I may be able to use.
Btw, clipless pedals are so cool! I love them! The LBS set me up on a trainer until I had the motions down—both feet. Then I went to an empty parking lot and practiced every scenario I could think of for an hour.

Dan B, Encouragement and a pat on the back is exactly what I needed, and exactly what I got : )

Mojo Slim, : ) I am touched.

BigBlueToe, I printed out your post and have it hanging on my wall right by my computer!

Daspydyr, LOL!!!!!!

Thank you to everyone who took the time to reply, welcome me, and share advice.
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Old 10-25-10, 08:31 PM
  #33  
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So, I guess that's a no on the beer.
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Old 10-25-10, 09:12 PM
  #34  
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Originally Posted by BluesDawg
So, I guess that's a no on the beer.
Aww! BluesDawg, Dont be Blue . . Sorry I ignored that. The last time I had a sip of alcohol was after my oldest daughter was born and I almost fell off the chair! What else can I bring? Apple pie? Pecan pie?

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Old 10-25-10, 09:21 PM
  #35  
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Oh, Newbie! BLUEBERRY! Blueberry Pie!
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Old 10-25-10, 10:02 PM
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What she said.

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Old 10-25-10, 10:22 PM
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Purely Outstanding!!! It is so neat to see someone else gain the joy of riding just for the riding.
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Old 10-26-10, 04:37 AM
  #38  
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Originally Posted by miss kenton
Oh, Newbie! BLUEBERRY! Blueberry Pie!
Originally Posted by guybierhaus
What she said.

Wilkum
OK consider it done! Fresh JERSEY BLUES, I presume? lol! Just happen to have 3 bushes in my yard, however the birds have never shared a single berry!
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Old 10-26-10, 09:23 AM
  #39  
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Originally Posted by Bare Feet
OK consider it done! Fresh JERSEY BLUES, I presume? lol! Just happen to have 3 bushes in my yard, however the birds have never shared a single berry!
Now that's the ticket!
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Old 10-26-10, 10:52 AM
  #40  
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Congratulations on your progress.

I share your 'affectionte' feelings about BF, ESPECIALLY the 50+ forum. There are some very good people here who made my entry into cycling a real pleasure and adventure.

Sounds like you're doing great....the fact that you're enjoying it so much is the key indicator!
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Old 10-26-10, 10:52 AM
  #41  
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Originally Posted by Bare Feet
Aww! BluesDawg, Dont be Blue . . Sorry I ignored that. The last time I had a sip of alcohol was after my oldest daughter was born and I almost fell off the chair! What else can I bring? Apple pie? Pecan pie?
Fair enough. You get a pass on the beer, but I'll pass on the pie.
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Old 10-26-10, 11:04 AM
  #42  
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Originally Posted by Bare Feet
Hello everyone! THEN . . . this past Friday, I had clipless pedals put on:
Welcome from me too

As you say, most here are supportive, if sometimes Teaser Geezers.

Mind you, you're teasing too in posting a first thread about being a newcomer and buying a bike o'most folks dreams!

Could I just offer a sincere word about the old pedal stuff?

Clipless - yes. Most who have tried wouldn't change back. Set the settings to 'loose', yes, good advice. The only problem with 'loose' is that it's easy to re-engage the foot into the pedal if, having released, you feel that another half rotation might be a good idea - and then you're re-clipped if for some reason something occurs.

Me and my broken femur from this time last year will strongly urge you to only re-pedal, if you have to, with your instep after having unclipped.

Enjoy your new bike and your friendship here
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Old 10-26-10, 12:24 PM
  #43  
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Welcome to the gang!

Average speed isn't always a bad thing, it's a lot like being popular in High School. There were those who were, those who wished they were, those who could have been, those who tried and failed, and those who just didn't give a damn.
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Old 10-26-10, 06:51 PM
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Old 10-26-10, 08:41 PM
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Okay Blues, : ) You get an I.O.U.

Wobbly, So sorry to hear about your broken leg . . that must've been terrible! Have you healed completely yet? That's a large bone to mend. I'll heed your warning not to accidently clip in too soon.

A. Jet, ah HS! I was riding an awesome bright yellow bike then with a big banana seat and monkey bars! Trying to tie that in to Avg speed

As far as speed and distance goes, I have a predetermined route. In the 4 weeks I've been riding, I've increased the distance twice. I think I'm ready to increase it again. Since I'm riding alone, I think its important for me to watch my speed, otherwise I find myself beginning to to settle into a more comfortable slower pace.
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Old 10-26-10, 08:59 PM
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Originally Posted by Bare Feet
Okay Blues, : ) You get an I.O.U.

Wobbly, So sorry to hear about your broken leg . . that must've been terrible! Have you healed completely yet? That's a large bone to mend. I'll heed your warning not to accidently clip in too soon.

A. Jet, ah HS! I was riding an awesome bright yellow bike then with a big banana seat and monkey bars! Trying to tie that in to Avg speed

As far as speed and distance goes, I have a predetermined route. In the 4 weeks I've been riding, I've increased the distance twice. I think I'm ready to increase it again. Since I'm riding alone, I think its important for me to watch my speed, otherwise I find myself beginning to to settle into a more comfortable slower pace.
You might inquire at your LBS about cycling clubs in your area. Riding with a club is the quickest way to learn the 'tricks of the trade'.

Oh, BTW, NICE bike!
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Old 10-26-10, 09:32 PM
  #47  
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Welcome, enjoy the forums, lots to learn here, and a great bunch of riders too! Beautiful bike, I've had my Synapse for 4 years and it is a great bike, so comfortable for long rides, which you seem to be moving toward at a good pace.

One tip I can offer is to keep riding through the winter, find a place with spin classes and do that regularly. In the spring when you go back out on the road you'll be in top shape and ready for a great season on the road.

Be safe and enjoy....
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Old 10-27-10, 12:42 AM
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Originally Posted by Bare Feet
we’ll see about winter riding. I do have some downhill ski stuff I may be able to use.
I'm in my 4th fall/winter of commuting to work, and I use a bunch of my old downhill skiing stuff, depending on the temperature. If you have something to keep you dry on the outside (cheap waterproof shell for starters, Goretex or eVent type of jacket if you want to spend some money), then whatever base layers, turtlenecks, fleece, etc. that you used for skiing will do fine as a "warm" layer.
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Old 10-27-10, 06:16 AM
  #49  
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Originally Posted by BengeBoy
I'm in my 4th fall/winter of commuting to work, and I use a bunch of my old downhill skiing stuff, depending on the temperature. If you have something to keep you dry on the outside (cheap waterproof shell for starters, Goretex or eVent type of jacket if you want to spend some money), then whatever base layers, turtlenecks, fleece, etc. that you used for skiing will do fine as a "warm" layer.
I rode a motorcycle year round for 5 years, sometimes in the low 20's. Somehow I don't think peddling with layered cloths on will be fun but I'll at least give it a try. I think walking a few miles will be how I get most of my workout in cold weather.
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Old 10-27-10, 11:18 AM
  #50  
Time for a change.
 
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Can see a few problems with this bike. You won't Know DG but I'd suggest you get in touch with him - or follow his postings- as he is the expert on white bikes. Then spoke count- Lowspoke count doen't work unless you are thinking of getting into Races- so take advantage of the girls who race here for extra tips. Red rider is one of the regulars- the other one is on holiday in Europe at the world championships trying to prove that she can ride a bit faster than anyone else.

And Bar height- This is a road bike- you are supposed to ride with your head between your knees and learn to look up.

So just a few faults that can corrected---Or you can join the 50+ group and just ride the bike as you like- at any speed you like- and where you like.

And just a tip====== Get a cycling specific top coat for winter use. Make certain it is wnd and rainproof and you will be riding right through the winter.
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