Cacti

Not to derail the thread, but do you still ride steeper downhill rocky trails, or did you ever? I'm 59 and new to cycling. As a skier, I know how much I've lost when it comes to the more extreme stuff. It's embarrassing to admit, but I'm much more fearful of falling now. I don't do the steeper rocky chutes or lines through the trees any more. But I've been watching some vids of downhill biking and it looks like a lot of fun! There's a path by me, but it can get steep and it's all rocks and boulders. I'd like to try some trails on my new MTB when I get it, but should I put that out of my mind right now?

Phil_gretz

Yes. I still ride, but if I come to a "steeper downhill rocky trail", then I dismount and walk down. It's no shame. I also try to keep my wheels on the ground now, as much as is practical. I've found that my most damaging falls have come from being airborne and not being able to hold or recover the landing. So, I ride more carefully. It's still enjoyable and a good workout.

It's up to you whether to take risks. My advice is to ride on trails with a difficulty that is suited to your skill level. Watch YouTube videos on the basics of MTB skills, and practice in safe places until you are comfortable with these basics. Then ride progressively more difficult rides and see how you do. Improve from there. Go over to the Mountain sub-forum and talk to the folks there, as they will be better at giving specific advice.

PoorInRichfield

Living in the Midwest, I can understand this feeling, especially when it's overcast and cold.

Do you have fleece-lined riding gear? I bought a few sets of the Chinese knock-off fleece lined gear on eBay and love them for colder weather riding. I can ride comfortably into the 40 degrees (F) and feel all warm and fuzzy inside I also try to wear high visibility clothing, always run a headlight and taillight on "strobe", and wear yellow tinted glasses to keep things safe since the sun sets early.

I plan on riding outdoors up until daylight savings time if the weather cooperates (I.e., no rain and bitter cold... I'm too big of a sissy for that). After that, it gets dark so early that the best I could hope for is a weekend ride. Like many, I invested in a smart trainer and use Zwift to keep indoor riding less boring, but nothing beats riding outdoors.

At least where I live, my incentive to keep riding is that the trees are changing colors which makes this my favorite time of the year to be outside. In addition to biking, I'm trying to take a few stops and take some pictures of my riding which makes the ride more "fun".

thehammerdog

nice bike.
yes I have all the correct stuff and in winter will ride if below 32 but above 25....wind can kill ya.
its thedarkness i hate. need to be out before 5pm back by 7pm soon by 4pm or bust
i miss 9pm sun down. 80 degrees.

PoorInRichfield

I try to look at it this way... if it was always sunny and 80 every day, we as humanoids would soon take that for granted. The change of seasons makes next Spring and the first few outdoor rides all that much more exciting!

On that note, time to start taking vitamin D3 as our bodies certainly aren't going to be making it from sunlight these days.

Phil_gretz

Buy a good set of lights? Then you will "own the night".

AlgarveCycling

I used to hate the UK for outdoor activities most of the year when I lived there. Winter, cold, wet, dark. For months. Now I live in one of the mildest climates in Europe, in the Algarve region of Portugal, we get over 300 days of Sun, Summer is never too hot, Winter is never too cold. Cycling all year round is a reality. In the coldest months, the only warm gear I need are arm and leg warmers. For about 2-3 months. Nothing more. Rain? Take the day off, not enough wet days to really affect my training and if there are more than two days in a row, indoors is an option to maintain fitness.

cjenrick

those headlights set to strobe bug the crap out of me so i usually look away,

brake lights no problem, but that bright light flashing, ii just don't see the point. and sometimes it causes my brain to seize up..
who was the genius who thought a blinking headlamp would be cool? at least make it blink with a steady beat, i just want to get a hammer out and.....rant off.

as soon as daylight savings switches back i am changing to morning rides.

Solo_rider

How lucky ! Some people live in places where they get 300 days of sun a year. Here in the west coast -or as they call it here "the wet coast"- of canada we're lucky if we get 60 days of sun (completely blue skies) a year. So, it's the complete opposite. I rode my bike the past 4 days straight because we've been lucky with some nice weather lately and I want to take advantage of whatever nice days we get but I know soon the rain will come back and riding will be limited to a few days per month. I hate the rain more than words can say. For me, rain means no riding, period. There's no way around it.

kgcabs

105 degrees today were I live....can't wait for Fall!

rsbob 

I started mtn biking in earnest at 58 after being a roadie for my entire adult life. Mtn biking is like downhill skiing, where road biking is more like cross country. I love the challenge, the skill building, getting a fun payoff for arduous climbing and the fraternity of mtn biking. It is exciting, scary, and great fun when you are in the groove. I gave up road biking when I really got into mtn because it is so darned exciting. The thing with it is you need to keep at it to keep your skills sharp or you could make mistakes resulting in injury. The first two years I never did a ride without a crash, one rather severe. The next three years I backed off a bit but still had a great time. Hitting 65 I am more cautious and walk steep sections, some are almost too steep to walk, and don’t take risks so I don’t end up in the ER.

With COVID, and after the lockdown here traffic was greatly reduced, so I got back into road where chances of going to the ER are less.

will go back to it when there is a vaccine and people start acting in socially responsible ways. Guess I won’t be returning soon. Sigh

joesch

Which lake do you sail ?

Mojo31

Grapevine. Have to put up with the PITA cyclists that ride 3 abreast around the park when I want to get to the boat. 😜

joesch

Nice, I enjoy riding Grapevine and sometimes Horseshoe and Northshore. Whiterock is my training area.

friday1970

Yep, time is becoming more and more precious. Now, I just take my bike to work and wait for the 5PM whistle. Then I change in the bathroom and ride from the office. Thankfully, the excellent I275 Trail and Hines Drive near Detroit is very close to work.

Mojo31

We live south of Arlington so either ride country roads of one of the area’s linear parks. Need to head to WR one day. Road it a lot when I was at SMU, but that was many years ago.