How old is too old
 

My mother is going to be 80 next January. She has never ridden a bike; she is a leg amputee since childhood. She may be coming up from Meixco to California for a visit to celebrate my birthday. Would it be irresponsible to suggest to her taking her for a spin. I know that if I asked her she would she YES!!!!

A casual ride around the block (assuming the block is flat)?

For anything beyond that, only her primary care physician could answer that question... responsibly, that is. And then there is the matter of "risk'.

Seriously, both of my folks are within a few months of 80 and are in great shape... to all outward appearances that is. They're very active and all and I suspect either would be "game" for a ride on the back of a tandem. However, the real risk here is the consequences of a simple fall. Again, I "perceive" my folk's health to be excellent for octagenarians, in fact they are most likely as vigorous and fit as most folks 20 years their junior. But the infrastructure is 80 years old and a fall = broken bones. That would be my only concern with respect to my folks given a similar situation.

Barring some medical "things"... I would say yes.

I remember when snowmobles were newer... one of my close friends grandfathers [ a neighbor] asked for a ride. If I remember correctly he was 84 at the time. I think it took almost as long for him to get on and off the machine as it did the ride we did. He loved the chance to ride it.

I do realize it is easier to keep a snowmoble upright than a bike... and generally the snow is softer than pavement.... and all he had to do was sit there... and hang on....

but the excitement for him to do it was worth what risk there might have been.

glenn

on a tandem? I'd say no. being an amputee and all, it seems too dangerous.
but on a 'bent tandem trike, heck 'ya, i'd take her out for a spin.

We say yes..bring her on the Tuesday Sanger ride and we can keep up with you (maybe).

Seriously, if you decide to take her for a ride, one thing I have done in a similar case is for me (captain) to use flat pedals and sneakers so I am ready to put a foot down quickly and hold up the bike no matter which way we might start leaning.

Nick

If she is of sound mind then let her make the decision. It would be safer on something like one of thiese...http://worksmancycles.com/shopsite_s...html/sbst.html ;)

Agree with some of the other posters. Leave it up to her and keep it a very flat, no-challenging ride, but also leave it up to her. There are risks, but with very careful planning you can probably ride with no problem. (No centuries, no hills, no curb hopping.)

If mom is willing and able, why not?
Friends of ours just quit tandeming . . . they are in their mid-80s; yes, and they had 2 tandems, one for the road and one off-road! For her 80th birthday they bought a new Co-Motion! Heck they are our idols, as we are only in our mid-70s.
Pedal on TWOgether!
Rudy and Kay/zonatandem