I get the " it's great that you still can ride a bike at your age" in work......

On my 50th bday I took a 50 mile ride feeling really good about myself and stopped at Taco Bell. The child at the counter said "Do you want the Senior Meal?" or something like that. Deer in Headlights was how I looked I think.

We where chatting at the bike store I volunteer at, the people there ranged in age from late teens to 50+(me). As usual the talk is mostly about bikes and riding. But this day somebody asked about ages, when I siad my age, a recent college graduate exclaimed with a 'WHAT YOU'RE 55! BUT YOU RIDE A SINGLE SPEED!' I didn't know there was an age limitation.

Well, of course there is.... in her head.

Were you pedaling fast or fast for your age? That's what I hear very often. "Your a good rider for your age".

I just console myself with the knowledge that one day, those kids will be my age... if they're lucky.

Of course there is because that is the social more that has been imposed on us. It's called marketing, and that's why the majority of us here are labelled Babyboomers, and the kids are Gen Ys, Xs, Zs and As. The marketing people want to segment the marketplace to "target" their products.

A list of the most offensive ads and commercials for 2012 in Australia has just been released. One was for a Lynx product and it was found to have breached the advertising code of ethics because it was found to discriminate against the elderly:

The other Lynx ad, which showed a woman polishing two deflated sports balls belonging to an old man, was taken off air after it was found to discriminate against the elderly, one of only three ads on the ASB's list found to have breached the code of ethics.

Read more: http://www.heraldsun.com.au/entertai...#ixzz2FKhJHwG5

I remember Joe Namath, "Broadway Joe" of the NY Jets, who promised to win Super Bowl II or III vs the BALTIMORE Colts, once wrote a book (or was reputed to have done so) titled: "I Can't Wait Till Tomorrow (Because I Get Better-Looking Every Day)!" I still carry that title around in my head, because that's what cycling does for you (as long as you started young enough).

I think that the older you get, the easier women are to find, but then I've always had an appreciation for "older" women. When I was 19, I always preferred women in their 30's. Now, I guess "older" women are about my age now! Women tend to outlive men, so the competition gets easier as you get older. Forget about the young babes; they tend to be gold diggers, and you have to be either rich or powerful to attract them (see "Henry Kissinger" or "Aristotle Onassis"). Plus I find the older quality women prefer guys who are really fit, so that's where the cycling comes in, and where you have a distinct advantage over those sleazy sedentary lounge acts.

If you're an older single guy, and you're having trouble attracting women, here's a neat strategy: buy a BMW motorcycle with a sidecar. Get a dog. White or yellow labs are good. Put a scarf on the dog (and maybe a set of those wind goggles for dogs, "doggles") and put him in the sidecar. Cruise around. This should give you plenty of hits, with that chick magnet of a dog! Good luck!

Luis

While winding up a three month ride around 8 European countries, my wife and I stopped in a bicycle museum that we found by accident while looking for a bike shop in Nijmegen, The Netherlands. We were still in our bike shorts wondering through the fantastic displays. As I passed a young woman who was sitting on the edge of one of the exhibits she said in English, " you really have nice legs." After I got my jaw back into its proper place, I said, "thank you." That was when her jaw dropped, because I think she thought I was Dutch, and may not have been able to understand English. She stuttered a little and said, " I.... mean they look really strong." My wife, who was within earshot, did all she could not to burst out in laughter, but it made my day:)

Exactly!
And outstanding - thanks for the post!
Happy Holidays

I think this fear of getting old must be a uniquely American thing. In Europe, and South America, men of a "certain age" are considered interesting.

Our obsession with youth can lead tosome pathetic, or funny depending on your POV, results. Like the older guy with jet black hair, wearing a wife beater shirt and letting his grey/white chest hairs show through.

For those who fear getting old, I suggest a quick read of Ecclesiastes 3:1. :)

A few years back I took my young son to a local restaurant. Our waitress was the typical 20something and, being a typical male, I imagined that if I was single I would have a shot with her. She was pleasant and (in my imagination, as it turned out) flirty throughout the meal. When she brought the check she paused and then said, "I just wanted to say how nice I think it is for you to bring your grandson out to dinner."

Sadder and wiser...

Daughter and I went for pedicures at a local salon. The receptionist told me how nice it was to bring my little sister....

Daughter was not digging it, although I was, and I worked it the entire session. Gotta take the advantage when I get it.

i was at the gym a while back. A tidy young blonde said 'you look familiar, have we met before?" Okay, I'll play: " i don't think so, if we had I'd definitely remember.'
'I know', she said, "were you at such-and-such school yesterday?' 'Nope, not me.' 'Oh, i thought you there picking up your grandkids.' Damn...

As I always say, when I grow up, I wanna be just like you!! :thumb: :beer:

Reality: It's not to be faced, it's to be ... interpreted... ;)

Oh, my... way too existential for this early in the day. ;)

You are the one with the - how young is she? - wife.

shudda asked her out

Yes, I can see it, Deb. :) You need to tell the daughter unit to get on her bike and ride more!

OK so let me get this straight...these waitresses who flirt with me, even when Mrs Connell is sitting right there...you're telling me it isn't because I'm turning into a stud-muffin as I get older? They're just doing it because I'm "safe"?

Oh. Think I'll go ride my bike.

Well, you're half right...you're safe AND they like nice tips.;):p

You're a tip-muffin!

I maintain reality is over-rated.

I dropped 25 pounds this fall; I look in the mirror and think what a good lookin' guy I am.

I got that for the first time when I was only 46.