At 80 years of age, I have been riding bicycles since I was 6 years old, but some years ago I realized I needed diversification which was weight training because if you do the same exercise continuously, it stops being a challenge. I also have ridden trikkes a 3 wheeled carving vehicle. For the last 2 years, I have increased my endurance and unusual at my age, my legs musculature by riding a Me-Mover, a 3 wheeled pedal operated SPV. I didn't know much about the scooter, but I soon learned my body needed to acclimate to the propulsion method.
I realized all of the years of cycling did not work all of my muscles, such as my core which the Me-Mover gives a great workout. Bottom line, cross training should be a prerequisite IMO especially for us elderly cyclists.

right on! that me-mover thing looks dangerous. aren't you afraid of falls at your age? no offense, just thinking about how I might modify my outdoor plans 20 yrs from now & I'm thinking recumbent

Prerequisite for what?

rumrunn6 right on! that me-mover thing looks dangerous. aren't you afraid of falls at your age? no offense, just thinking about how I might modify my outdoor plans 20 yrs from now & I'm thinking recumbent.

Been riding the Me-Mover for over 2 years, never had any mishap, as a matter of fact, I can take this "dangerous" machine places I would never go on my road bicycle. I've gone off-road, over debris, caught in a rainstorm, rode through puddles over the tops of the wheels, over fine sand, roughly broken pavement.
Ironic how opinions are made without a road test of another self-powered-vehicle. I still ride my road bicycle which feels easier to ride because of the increase in the endurance of riding the Me-Mover which requires more energy to propel.

I-Like-To-Bike
Quote:
Originally Posted by CrazyIvan View Post
Bottom line, cross training should be a prerequisite IMO especially for us elderly cyclists.
Prerequisite for what?

Prerequisite to using different muscles than the same ones spinning on a bicycle.
Been riding bicycles for over 65 years, using the same muscles over and over which leaves other muscles left alone such as my core. Cross training gives our bodies the opportunity to use different muscles. I still love my bicycle, but I have a closer attraction to my body that needs to be challenged besides sitting and spinning for lots of years.

Stops being a challenge? Not yet. Try mt biking, fat biking in the winter, pedaling a 60 lb bikepacking rig off road. All good. Cross training? I do trail work, yoga, work, and life in general. Use it or lose it.

"ignorance, the root & stem of all evil" CREDIT: Plato