Sometime I think I'm too old
#1
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Thread Starter
Sometime I think I'm too old
When out buying bicycling gear, or looking at new bikes I feel that I wont get the use out of them, to justify putting out the money. I'm thinking about just wearing out the things I have now and call it a day. Doe's anybody feel this way, or am I just thinking crazy? I'll be 73 in August.
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George
George
#2
The Recumbent Quant
When out buying bicycling gear, or looking at new bikes I feel that I wont get the use out of them, to justify putting out the money. I'm thinking about just wearing out the things I have now and call it a day. Doe's anybody feel this way, or am I just thinking crazy? I'll be 73 in August.
I don't know what your bank accounts look like, but spending money on bicycles and the related toys have got to be one of the best bang-for-the-buck purchases. The more you ride, the longer you'll be riding.
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I went out for a Wednesday club ride this week. I am not retired, but many of the people on the ride were. I didn't check IDs, but I would guess that at least 4 or 5 of the riders were around your age or possibly older. All of them were strong riders and while they kept a mostly leisurely pace, I did find myself bringing up the rear by the end of the 35 mile ride., despite being 15 to 25 years younger than most of the people on the ride. I found it most inspiring as it showed me that it isn't necessarily all downhill after 50.
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This is precisely the time in your life you should using your money for the things you want- when you are healthy enough to use them! Do you imagine yourself on your deathbed saying, "Boy am I glad I didn't lay out the 75 bucks for that pair of Pearl Izumi shorts I wanted, now I can rest in peace."
#5
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FWIW ... you may well have a LONG way to go on that new equipment. I used to ride in the Santa Monicas with a guy well into his 80s. The dude not only rode all around in some pretty mountainous terrain, he typically did it in the company of beautiful women.
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Never, I say never admit to being old. Keep doing every day what you can do. Buy that new bike or trike. Never give up. Once you do, you start that slide that ends up you know where.
BTW I bought my trike when I was your age, and am enjoying the hell out of it!!!!!
BTW I bought my trike when I was your age, and am enjoying the hell out of it!!!!!
#8
just keep riding
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Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
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So what are you saving it for, your heirs? Let them inherit your bikes and gear instead of the money.
My goal is to live long enough to spend ALL my kid's inheritance.
My goal is to live long enough to spend ALL my kid's inheritance.
#10
Plays in traffic
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My father, who in his mind has been dying for 21 years now, likes to tease salesmen about "lifetime" warranties.
"I don't have that long to go. Don't you have anything longer, like ten or twenty years, so I don't have to worry about my wife?"
or
"It must be pretty shoddy if it's only going to last a year or two."
George, of all the things your executor will have to deal with, a nice bike and some good kit is probably the least of the concerns. As for good kit, you need to be buried in something, right?
"I don't have that long to go. Don't you have anything longer, like ten or twenty years, so I don't have to worry about my wife?"
or
"It must be pretty shoddy if it's only going to last a year or two."
George, of all the things your executor will have to deal with, a nice bike and some good kit is probably the least of the concerns. As for good kit, you need to be buried in something, right?
#11
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My father had a pacemaker installed at 91. He asked the doctor how long "that thing would run on its battery" and the doc said "Oh, about 10 years". We all started laughing. He's a triple cancer survivor (melanoma, prostate, leukemia) and treats every day as the first day of his life. He said "10 years will do".
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#12
Senior Member
I always wear out things and call it a day, aside from a new pair of jeans (and undies and socks of course), none of my clothes are less than 10 years old, and my lone suit is over 20 years old. My bicycle looks to outlive me with most of it's original components in place.
Of course I don't do this because of age, but because of the moths fluttering out of my billfold whenever I open it...
Of course I don't do this because of age, but because of the moths fluttering out of my billfold whenever I open it...
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When out buying bicycling gear, or looking at new bikes I feel that I wont get the use out of them, to justify putting out the money. I'm thinking about just wearing out the things I have now and call it a day. Doe's anybody feel this way, or am I just thinking crazy? I'll be 73 in August.
Aarrgghh!! I don't think I could stand to live that long. If I had extra income I would buy new equipment ASAP, but we have decided that we will use any xtra funds for mutual trips, etc. So, I just keep the 1999 Lemond, along with the 2006 Specialized Rock Hopper, the 2002 Windsor Leeds, the wife's 1998 Specialized HR, her 2004 or so Trek hybrid, the two tricycles for my son, and the Spec HR as a trainer in the basement. I find I can't ride them all at once.
#15
Senior Member
#16
The Recumbent Quant
If you want a new bike, buy a new bike. If you are worried about balance or feel that you can't risk a fall, get a trike. (There are a lot of trikes that are actually quite cool, if that's what you're looking for).
I don't care what you ride. I don't care how you ride. Just go ride, *#$& it!
Cheers,
Charles
p.s. Don't forget to have fun.
#17
Time for a change.
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This is precisely the time in your life you should using your money for the things you want- when you are healthy enough to use them! Do you imagine yourself on your deathbed saying, "Boy am I glad I didn't lay out the 75 bucks for that pair of Pearl Izumi shorts I wanted, now I can rest in peace."
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Spike Milligan
How long was I in the army? Five foot seven.
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https://www.poets.org/viewmedia.php/prmMID/15377
#19
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Thread Starter
I guess I've had a lot going on and feeling, or wishing it would end. I like what tsl said lol. Thanks everybody, for all the replies and safe riding to you all.
I know I don't post much anymore, but I sure enjoy reading the threads you guys start and keep going. Keep up the good work.
I know I don't post much anymore, but I sure enjoy reading the threads you guys start and keep going. Keep up the good work.
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George
George
Last edited by George; 05-17-13 at 10:38 AM.
#20
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... can't take it with you, might as well enjoy the good things in life while you're here ...
#21
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When out buying bicycling gear, or looking at new bikes I feel that I wont get the use out of them, to justify putting out the money. I'm thinking about just wearing out the things I have now and call it a day. Doe's anybody feel this way, or am I just thinking crazy? I'll be 73 in August.
So, if you have the money and want to buy something do it. There is no moral, ethical or financial reason why you shouldn't have the best lifestyle you want with the money you have. On the other hand, if you get joy from an old friend they use that. That applies across the board, not just with bikes.
#22
aka Tom Reingold
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Great stuff, folks. Some of it is funny, too.
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“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
#23
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OP, there are no guarantees in life. You could be 20 yo, buy the most expensive bike gear and then one day you get hit by a car and it is all over in a flash.
OTOH, you could be 75 yo, buy an expensive Colnago and ride it for another 20 years.
Buy what you like and enjoy it...stop worrying about the Grim Reaper.
OTOH, you could be 75 yo, buy an expensive Colnago and ride it for another 20 years.
Buy what you like and enjoy it...stop worrying about the Grim Reaper.
#24
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If you think you are to old, you are. Take up shooting, only takes about 1.5 to 2.5 pounds of pull, and you can lay down while enjoying the sport.