Last year the weather warmed up in early March and seemed to stay that way right up until we hit June. I got the bike out early and in no time I was riding at least 3 time a week. I looked forward to the next ride as soon as the last one ended, I rode at least 2 times a week right up till the end of January when it just got to cold. Even then I rode a couple times in February hoping that we would have another beautiful March. That didn't happen, March was cold, snowy and wet and April was not much better. May has been much better except that up until about ten days ago the good days were work days or needed for other less enjoyable pursuits. I am just now starting to feel like I am getting my mojo back but, it seems like I am 2 and 1/2 months behind plus turning 60 has been screwing with my head. I have read other threads here about the weather not cooperating this season so I guess I am wondering if anyone else is having a tougher time this year?

I had to make more of a mental commitment this year, with spring's 'later arrival'; the longer bout of disagreeable weather grew my belly more than in past years! Judging by the fit of my work jeans, though, I think I've already kicked MOST of it already! But what I've found is: RECOVERY is a little tougher this year. Maybe I should stretch more post-ride....

As far as turning 60 goes, all I can tell you about that is to do what I did when I turned 40 and 50 -- OWN it, flip the bird to the world, roaring your age at the treetops. Silly, maybe; primal, yeah. Successful -- so far! I just hit 54, and could NOT CARE LESS. Age is a number, dude, unless you let it be more.

Think less. Ride more.

I do my best thinking on the seat of a bicycle.

As to turning 60...don't let it get to you. When I think about it, I just need to remind myself how few people my/our age can do what we are doing. That helps. I'm actually looking forward to this August when I turn 62. Then, I qualify for Social Security. Sure, it may go away at some time, but not likely for people our age. It's reassuring that another safety net will be there to supliment my work 403(b).

I'm about to turn 67 and I'm riding better than I have in 10 yrs. When I think about age, which isn't often, I just tell myself to be the best (fill in number) year old I can. Thanks to weather riding has been more sporadic than years gone by but it is what it is. I think if you just focus on each ride and enjoy it for what it is rather than focusing on what it's not you will find life easier.

I have nothing but time since retired last November . I find myself less fit due to weather this year but that is ok with me .

Job, family, weather and other commitments, have definitely lead to a reduction in the number and duration of rides this year, especially on weekends. I'm still somewhat disappointed how this year is turning out, but that's life, and I can't be to selfish.

My solution, is to commute more. I started earlier this year and commuting at least 2 to 3 days a week. This helps knowing I won't have time to ride on most weekends.

I didn't start riding seriously until I couldn't run anymore at about 50, and I improved every year until 62-63. I'm 68 now and definitely slowing down, though it's partly because I just don't have the dedication to ride 20 hours a week anymore. I still enjoy it, but when I get to the intersection, I'm just as likely to turn right and ride half a mile home as to go left and get in another nine miles.
A semi-interesting point: my dad was always physically active, a runner and exerciser in the '50s, long before it became trendy. When he was 60, his doctors cautioned him to slow down. He didn't, and lived another 25 years. I do a lot more than he did, and my doctors tell me to keep at it, maybe add a little more.

I also turned 60, last July. I can vouch for what the OP is experiencing. I felt it coming on for the past few years. At 58 I was strong as an ox and quite energetic. At 59, I noticed it wasn't quite as easy. At 60, I entered a world i hadn't visited before. I still commit to 20 miles per day, which is quite easy to accomplish--just have to dedicate the time. Maybe it is psychological, but i don't think so. Not completely anyway.

A little creative mathematics can help here. I'm 63 (base 10) but if I use base 20 I'm only 33!
I can stay young forever just by changing the base.

Charlie

I'm lucky as I started retraining at Thanksgiving last year and have been able to find enough decent days to get in the rides I've needed. I really helped to have a flexible enough work schedule to be able to sneak in some weekday riding when the weekend weather didn't cooperate.

And I agree about the 6-0. I turned 60 and it the first time I've really thought about hitting an "historic mark"!!

You'll get there. Don't rush the training as quickly and as much as you probably want to. Getting to where you probably want to be will take a little time so patience!!

Lay off the Viagra.

(Sorry ... couldn't resist).

I turned 63 this year and for awhile the age thing was really getting to me. But then I thought, "Nothing I can do to change the age thing, just try to get into as good a shape and I can and go for it."

Weather has been good, so I've been riding a lot and I feel pretty good getting ready for the Eastern Sierra Double Century this coming Saturday (may see Vic - Biker395 - there too). He could be extra fast if he's taking his Viagra, but probably still not as fast as Stefan . . .

Anyway, 200 miles with 10,200 feet of climbing; shouldn't be a problem!

Rick / OCRR

That's only ~5,000 for a century. That's not bad at all. GMR to the village is more than that, and out-and-back is less than half that distance. It's forecast to be really, really warm this weekend, (at least down here in SoCal, I'd expect the Owens Valley to be as hot or hotter). You might want to take/carry extra water. Maybe two extra bottles on a rear-seat holder.

Good riding. Awaiting a post-ride report.

True volosong,

Last Sat. I rode 104 mi. with 10,400 ft. of climbing, so I'm honestly not worried about Eastern Sierra climbing. On the other hand, I have been caught in some really fierce head-winds on ESD, so we'll just have to wait and see how that goes.

Will try to remember to write a report. And take my camera and my Garmin . . . or else it didn't happen.

Rick / OCRR

It seemed harder last year, when I rode my age (59) without building up gradually. That ride seemed really "I'm getting too old for this" tough.

But I rode a lot this spring, and now I'm doing that same ride every week, and it feels the easiest it's been for years.

Other possible reasons it seems easier:

1. I've learned to keep my effort below a certain threshold.
2. I've discovered this drug called "caffeine." One cup every 30 miles.

I'll be there!

Thats what she said!tLittle things like diet make a difference.I rode the other day on an empty stomach.I was zonked early.Back in my twenties that would never happen.

BTW, Stefan and Tiger will be staying up in Mammoth with me. Probably the last time I see them is when we pull out of Bishop!

Stefan, I agree. Tiger not so much. Unless she has gotten a lot faster since the last time I rode with her. I just hope it's not too toasty climbing Sage Hen.Rick / OCRR

Rick / OCRR

Good luck to RickOCRR and Biker395 on the Eastern Sierra double this weekend.

I will turn 61 in July. This spring I have felt better and stronger than I have for several years. The past couple of years I have been riding with a faster club, and riding longer rides. It may take us a bit longer to get to a new level of fitness, or to recover, but it definitely feels good to do so.

like!!!

I have gotten a few more really nice rides in since my original post and I suspect that's what I really needed. Last spring was nothing more than a pleasant surprise, certainly not the norm in this area and right now the weather is perfect and should be for most of the week. That means rides on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Now about that 60 thing, pretty much have owned it and flipped it the bird as DX-MAN suggested. Had a physical recently and even though I am still overweight my numbers other than BMI look really good. Blood pressure is getting close to the borderline mark but, the doctor said it's nothing to worry about, just ride more. A lot of great advice and encouragement here and believe me it's all greatly appreciated, thanks.