My 2 sons are going for a ride together today. The older son is using my Klein. This will be his first real road ride, till now he has only used it to ride to the gym. I wish I could go along but I'd only ruin the ride for the two of them because I'd never be able to keep up. Those guys are in shape!

Maybe I'll make them ride with me for my birthday in October.

It sounds frustrating. By the time they got interested in riding, you aren't able to keep up anymore. But, at least they are riding. Riding is something you now share. You can talk about rides with them and that is good. Still, it would be more fun to ride with them.

RG,
You got your sons to ride and that is a great thing to do. Keep up the riding and I am sure you will be able to enjoy a ride with them.

Bill

Frustrating isn't a word that I'd use. I'm really proud and happy for them and I wish I could share the experience with them. The younger of my two sons rode his first century last September - in about 5 hrs and 15 minutes. The older son hasn't done any road riding but has ridden a 45 lb. freeride bike quite a bit. He's able to climb some hills with ease that I just can't struggle up.

If it's not too late and you know the route maybe you can join them at the end?

With all things physical as you grow older your ability degrades. As they grow older thier ability improves. There is this one magical day when you are on the same level. I only hope you were able to share that day.

One of my sons lives close by. He's a Cat 2 so there is no riding with him. I'm going to shame him into it, however.

I guess I'm pretty lucky - the boys look forward to getting me out and kicking my butt. Seriously good, encouraging rides. I do decline quite a few rides for the say reason the OP does - ya just have to let them run sometimes.