Greetings,
I've been a member and participant of several other sections of this forum for years. I'm now 51 and thought I'd check out this 50+ section. I filled out the 50+ stickie and get that a number of folks may be new to riding later in life or stopped riding when they were young and are now getting back into it, but for someone that has been riding all my life and have passed the magic 5-0 number I'm wondering what this section has to offer. I'd appreciate if folks would chime in on what this section is all about. In perusing the thread titles, many seem to the same topics as other forums. Thanks for your thoughtful answers!

I just joined the other day and wondered this also when I saw this. I am 51, I did not know I fit into a group like this. Is that denial that I am aarp material

I actually became an AARP member at 48 because I married an older women and they let spouses join regardless of age!

This group covers a broader spectrum of cycling-related topics than most BF forums, and more lenience is given in that regard. Threads are typically only locked or moved if a request is made. The focus is on issues that affect our age group more than the younger folks, but again, that is almost everything. The discourse tends to also be at least a bit more civil/mature than some of the other forums. We have members that range from casual Sunday riders that stop often to "smell the roses" to national-caliber racers that only stop past the finish line. We also have people with expertise in almost any area imaginable.

So, just join in on the conversation, and see if you like it. You are most certainly welcome here!

Not all of us are new riders or returning. Check out some of the threads here and you will find we cover all grades and types of riders and all types of riding.Mountain bikers may be a bit thin but they are there. Fancy doing your 11th attempt at 100 mile offroad in one day at 59?- It is there. Fancy doing century rides up mountains- it is there. Just want to do a metric in less than 4 hours on a hilly course- it is there. Racing- time trials- crit riding- It's here--Double centuries and several members aspiring to them and many do them on a regular basis. In the main we are experienced riders that probably designed the "T" shirt.

What you will find is that many people need your experience for the new pastime they have taken up- Or how to improve themselves in a field that you may know something about. You never know- you may gain experience from some our members. But the main thing here is that we can discuss- admire- participate in all forms of cycling without the abuse that comes from some of the other forums-- Because that seems to be the way they have adapted into.

And as you are of that age. What is your cholesterol count?- had a PSA test? and the other test we don't like talking about.

Let us know the type of riding you do- What type of bike and what Pie- and you never know- there might be something of interest here for you.

The 50+ is just a different group of folks, discussing many of the same topics on other Forums, but with more geezer health questions. Higher percentage of women would be my guess. Also a more civilized group, it's hard to get slammed here. Only just more than a handfull of competitive members, but lots of us push to the limits at times and the significant accomplishments you'll read about are genuine and heartfelt - never to massage an ego but to share a joy. Oh yeah, threads about grandkids. Take what suits you and visit regularly, over time (if you keep cycling) you'll become a contributor.

Most times there is a level of civility that comes with the maturity years bring. I would mark this as the most significant difference. There is generally a greater acceptance of a wider range of cycling interests that receives respect form most who frequent this particular forum.

The most riveting thread I've ever read was a 50+ member who was on a 100mi/day cross country trip that he updated daily. It included a cyclist's death, the agony & ecstacy of the daily mileage, raw emotions from the month long tour, the success of completion, descriptions of every road and town along the way, etc. What a story it was!

Right on the head! Not , if any, "experts" in this forum that will try to shove things down one's throat. Try it...you may just like it. Besides, everyone still cruises the other forums.

Pretty much agree with NOS88. A lot of the discussion is what you'd find elsewhere on this board. Just a nice group of folks whao have developed something of a community.

I think this 50+ forum is so that we'll understand each other's jokes and obscure references

Everyone stated it perfectly. I have found this forum very accepting of other's viewpoints and the maturity of the men and women who post. It is a joy to be part of this "family", and I know that I will always get insightful and honest feedback based on years of life experience and the maturity that comes with overcoming life's ordeals. It is a very encouraging group of people who share a common interest and are joyful that they/we are still riding.

Gray hair is what I think this group has to offer.

You have to get a colonoscopy before we can let you in on it...

or very little or no gray hair.

There are many subjects openly discussed here that might be looked upon askance in other forums, e.g.: Effects of BP meds, Lipitor, ED meds, supplemental testosterone, etc.. colonoscopies, presbyopia, enlarged prostates, menopause, gout, osteoporosis, etc..

Fifties? Meh. The sixties is when it start getting interesting...

If you don't feel the need to post here, you don't have to.

Basically it's so we don't have to read all the younger lingo, horrible grammar, and that kind of crap

Either that or they kicked us out of the main forums for being cranky old farts.

Pick one.

I prefer to think of it as the blond hair of my youth returning.

You get to read my posts!!

No Occupiers

"If you're not a liberal at 20 you have no heart, if you're not a conservative at 40 you have no brain."

- Winston Churchill

Still a liberal at 59.

We do not have to explain anything... What was the question again?

What's a liberal? I'm not sure if I am one or not.

Yup. Most of the topics are the same. It's the quality of the responses that make the difference.