churnman

(posted to General Cycling, was advised of this forum)


I have been a recreational cyclist for more than 30 years.Due to the time constraints of employment, I was unable to become as serious asI would like. Now in retirement, age 66, an opportunity to acquire a trackbike, on the cheap, has arisen. A newish local velodrome gives classes on trackridership Am I too old to take on this sort of thing?

drlogik 

Unless there are distinct physical issues that prevent you from riding in a circle, I say go for it! I, too, am considering the same as there is a new track not 20 minutes from me. On another note, I recall when I was a young lad skiing out West and riding up the gondola a "very old" couple got on. They were speaking German and I spoke a little also. I introduced myself and they did as well. I asked, as any young inquisitive kid would, "If you don't mind me asking but how old are you?". The man replied, "we are both 79 and from Switzerland".

As I watched both of them strap on their skis I followed them for a while down the slope. I had never seen anyone ski with the grace and smoothness that they did. It was truly beautiful. I thought to myself, "when I'm 79, I'm going to be skiing just like they are".

For a while there as I was raising my boys I let my weight get ahead of me. I am now 50 pounds lighter and feel 20 years younger. I am a man on a mission.

This post reminded me I need to call and find out when classes at my velodrome start. Get on with livin'!!!



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fietsbob

where is the nearest velodrome to Cleveland?

longbeachgary

No

himespau 

Any chance you can take a class or 2 on a rental bike before deciding it's for you and buying the bike?

andr0id

No with a few caveats.

Are your bike handling skills rock solid and what's up with your medical insurance?

There is always the possibility of crashing on a bike and that possibility goes up when people are racing.

Masters tend to be much more safety oriented than younger riders, so that is a plus and the track is usually a better place to crash than on the road. Usually you just slide a bit and dust yourself off.

Not trying to be fatalistic, but you should have thought about it and have a plan of sort.

I wish there were a track in Austin. I get up to ride in Frisco sometimes and it is great fun.

Altimis

Just beware of fixed pedaling, your knees may work a bit hard on it at your age

Its unlike freewheel/geared bike, you can coasting when you getting tires or your legs fatigue so you can dropping to smaller gear

After all, you pretty much fit enough to ride track! just enjoy it

ggpepper

You should ask TejanoTrackie, he's about 130 and still going strong......just kiddin' TT

Trakhak

You might want to post your questions in two additional subforums on this site: https://www.bikeforums.net/masters-ra...l-disciplines/ and https://www.bikeforums.net/track-cycl...training-area/.

Bandera

You might want to post in the sub-forum where many active track racers "of a certain age" with very good results and lots of coaching experience post : Masters Racing (All Disciplines)

Being in your age cadre I'd get certified and get back into track racing if we had a local velodrome.
Track racing is the heart & soul of cycling as a sport and will improve your skills, power and speed for recreational road riding.
With very few left turning busses, pot holes or distracted drivers and being in the company of riders who have demonstrated adequate mastery of the environment the track is safest place to go all out on a bicycle.

Join a club, rent a bike, take the new rider courses and see if it's for you.

-Bandera

TejanoTrackie 

I'm in my 70s and have been riding and racing track bikes for 40 years. The only difference between when I started and today is that I'm slower, but then so is my same aged competition. There is very low risk in simply taking a track riding class and riding for fun and fitness, but the risk goes up significantly in mass start competition, so I now confine myself to individual time trials. The one thing you need to learn is not to try to coast when riding fixed, which can toss you over the bars, and I'd get that down pat before riding in the company of others.

TimothyH

Someone once said that gray hair is a "Crown of wisdom."

The section in Red/Bold is a very interesting perspective and very wise.


-Tim-

kingston 

I'm in my 40's and tried track racing two seasons ago. I was too slow to be competitive against all the younger guys in the cat 5 races and didn't like the intensity of the efforts. I ended up selling my track bike for almost what I paid for it so it wasn't that big of a loss. I'm glad I tried it, but it wasn't for me. YMMV

daryldeal

you only live once, id say go for it and share your pics here!

seau grateau

If you can ride a bike, you can ride track.

mrjohnmalton

In Cleveland.

Cleveland Velodrome - Ohio?s Only Velodrome Complex

seau grateau

That sounds like a crazy track, 166m and 50 degree turns. Your flying 200 would be like 1 1/3 laps.

TugaDude

I'm excited to hear that new tracks are being built. Some existing tracks struggle with upkeep.