A bicycle is a beautiful thing.
07-27-20, 11:46 AM
#51
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I'm no straight arrow. I have indulged in just about every vice the OP mentions at one time or another in my life. But the bike has always been a constant for me. It kept me sane (sorta), it preserved my health despite my lapses into bad habits, and it kept me fit.Having abandoned my wild ways a couple decades ago, I'm still riding and enjoying it more than ever. Yes, a bike is a thing of beauty.
But what's even more amazing is what it's done for me. A couple months back, I crashed rather heavily and ended up taking an ambulance ride to the ER. The EMS folks hadn't asked me for my date of birth before calling in to report my vitals and describe my injury. They said they had a middle aged man, about 59 y/o with severe hip pain and bleeding from the elbow and wrist. Folks, I'm 72 and when I did give them my BD, they re-checked my DL to be sure it was correct. What the bike has done for my life is also a beautiful thing.
If that sounds smug or self-congratulatory, I plead guilty as charged. I've earned it.
But what's even more amazing is what it's done for me. A couple months back, I crashed rather heavily and ended up taking an ambulance ride to the ER. The EMS folks hadn't asked me for my date of birth before calling in to report my vitals and describe my injury. They said they had a middle aged man, about 59 y/o with severe hip pain and bleeding from the elbow and wrist. Folks, I'm 72 and when I did give them my BD, they re-checked my DL to be sure it was correct. What the bike has done for my life is also a beautiful thing.
If that sounds smug or self-congratulatory, I plead guilty as charged. I've earned it.
Thanks for the thread.
07-27-20, 12:47 PM
#52
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“Keeping rocking it Ray9! As far as getting older goes and keeping joints and muscles healthy and fit, I get the most “ bang for the buck” at the gym doing resistance training. Ride my bike to and from the gym four times a week. Use it or lose it!
07-27-20, 12:57 PM
#53
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Good on you, Sir! I'm 70 and I ride my bike most everyday, weather permitting, I also walk on my treadmill daily, 5 miles and I lift weights, not much but enough for keeping my arms in shape, no smoking for sure. Many people that I used to work with 15 years ago that are my age are in very poor health and many can't do anything because they are heavy, still smoke, beset with diabetes now, eat like there's no tomorrow, when I chance to see them they always comment that I look like I haven't aged. I guard my health almost to the point of hypochondria. Hope I can last in good shape another ten years.
07-27-20, 01:52 PM
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I missed the political content (probably for the best), but otherwise I liked the reflective nature of the original post. I am about to turn 74 and ride 3-4 times a week, ranging from 15 to 80 miles each and it is a beautiful thing and it to keeps me alive and healthy. I love it.
07-27-20, 05:15 PM
#55
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Hi folks,
I guess it’s OK to be proud of your accomplishments as long as you’re not condescending or being a braggart. At 76 I’ve accomplished a lot that I’m proud of, but don’t talk about it much with casual acquaintances.
Except for a gap between the ages of 16 & 20, bicycles have been an integral part of my life since I was 10. I link this (and good genes) to a healthy and happy life. They have given me something to pass on to others, provided me good mechanical skills and taught me patience.🙂
In the past four years four of my neighbors have died from the complications of smoking and they smoked right up until the end. We could never understand why they kept smoking, but didn’t condemn them.🙁
To paraphrase Einstein, “Life is like riding a bicycle, you have to keep moving to stay upright.”
Cheers,
Van
I guess it’s OK to be proud of your accomplishments as long as you’re not condescending or being a braggart. At 76 I’ve accomplished a lot that I’m proud of, but don’t talk about it much with casual acquaintances.
Except for a gap between the ages of 16 & 20, bicycles have been an integral part of my life since I was 10. I link this (and good genes) to a healthy and happy life. They have given me something to pass on to others, provided me good mechanical skills and taught me patience.🙂
In the past four years four of my neighbors have died from the complications of smoking and they smoked right up until the end. We could never understand why they kept smoking, but didn’t condemn them.🙁
To paraphrase Einstein, “Life is like riding a bicycle, you have to keep moving to stay upright.”
Cheers,
Van
__________________
Remember: Real bikes have pedals.
...and never put a yellow tail on a Red, White and Blue kite!
Remember: Real bikes have pedals.
...and never put a yellow tail on a Red, White and Blue kite!
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07-27-20, 06:19 PM
#56
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Yep, nobody likes a braggart
07-27-20, 07:32 PM
#57
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I'm no straight arrow. I have indulged in just about every vice the OP mentions at one time or another in my life. But the bike has always been a constant for me. It kept me sane (sorta), it preserved my health despite my lapses into bad habits, and it kept me fit.Having abandoned my wild ways a couple decades ago, I'm still riding and enjoying it more than ever. Yes, a bike is a thing of beauty.
But what's even more amazing is what it's done for me. A couple months back, I crashed rather heavily and ended up taking an ambulance ride to the ER. The EMS folks hadn't asked me for my date of birth before calling in to report my vitals and describe my injury. They said they had a middle aged man, about 59 y/o with severe hip pain and bleeding from the elbow and wrist. Folks, I'm 72 and when I did give them my BD, they re-checked my DL to be sure it was correct. What the bike has done for my life is also a beautiful thing.
If that sounds smug or self-congratulatory, I plead guilty as charged. I've earned it.
But what's even more amazing is what it's done for me. A couple months back, I crashed rather heavily and ended up taking an ambulance ride to the ER. The EMS folks hadn't asked me for my date of birth before calling in to report my vitals and describe my injury. They said they had a middle aged man, about 59 y/o with severe hip pain and bleeding from the elbow and wrist. Folks, I'm 72 and when I did give them my BD, they re-checked my DL to be sure it was correct. What the bike has done for my life is also a beautiful thing.
If that sounds smug or self-congratulatory, I plead guilty as charged. I've earned it.
Last edited by MeadMan2; 07-27-20 at 07:35 PM. Reason: misspelling
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07-28-20, 09:09 AM
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Not only is a bicycle a beautiful thing, look what it has done for civilization. Once the Starley diamond frame bike was developed look what happened. There was and immediate call for improved roads. That meant that people could live further from their jobs and cities and commerce expanded. And two bicycle mechanics invented the airplane.
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07-28-20, 02:55 PM
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a beautiful thing....
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07-28-20, 03:37 PM
#63
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I'm 81 and I get a lot of "I can't believe you're that old". Am I bragging? Probably but it does make me feel good. Though I m a small time bike collector, my favorite ride is my Lightspeed built Eddie Merxx. I don't do any exercise but cycling in the summer. I alpine ski in the winter. And may I recommend Ayinger October Fest-Marzen for those of you who believe that bikes & beer go together.
07-29-20, 07:38 AM
#64
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You lost me at "I have a fleet of expensive bicycles ...." What the heck for? LOL To what end?
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07-29-20, 03:17 PM
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I enjoyed reading the passionate musing. Funny how some folks see a political bent and take offense.
What about all those who love their booze or weed?
What about all those who love their booze or weed?
07-29-20, 07:15 PM
#67
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The bicycle is as much a work of art as it is an engineered machine. It is pleasing to the eye in a beautifully symmetrical way. It could not have been fashioned as a tool by a rhinoceros or a giraffe or even a very intelligent ape. Only human minds working in tandem could bring it from its essence to the final piece; and we are not done yet. Putting on a futurist's hat I see the arrow of time producing a flying bicycle. Battery assist and drone technology will be married to lightweight tubing (meta materials) as well as artificial intelligence to get us off the ground. I hope I live to soar on one.
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07-30-20, 10:32 PM
#68
Junior Member
Feeling Great!
I'm no straight arrow. I have indulged in just about every vice the OP mentions at one time or another in my life. But the bike has always been a constant for me. It kept me sane (sorta), it preserved my health despite my lapses into bad habits, and it kept me fit.Having abandoned my wild ways a couple decades ago, I'm still riding and enjoying it more than ever. Yes, a bike is a thing of beauty.
But what's even more amazing is what it's done for me. A couple months back, I crashed rather heavily and ended up taking an ambulance ride to the ER. The EMS folks hadn't asked me for my date of birth before calling in to report my vitals and describe my injury. They said they had a middle aged man, about 59 y/o with severe hip pain and bleeding from the elbow and wrist. Folks, I'm 72 and when I did give them my BD, they re-checked my DL to be sure it was correct. What the bike has done for my life is also a beautiful thing.
If that sounds smug or self-congratulatory, I plead guilty as charged. I've earned it.
But what's even more amazing is what it's done for me. A couple months back, I crashed rather heavily and ended up taking an ambulance ride to the ER. The EMS folks hadn't asked me for my date of birth before calling in to report my vitals and describe my injury. They said they had a middle aged man, about 59 y/o with severe hip pain and bleeding from the elbow and wrist. Folks, I'm 72 and when I did give them my BD, they re-checked my DL to be sure it was correct. What the bike has done for my life is also a beautiful thing.
If that sounds smug or self-congratulatory, I plead guilty as charged. I've earned it.
07-31-20, 10:10 AM
#69
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Not sure why you quoted me. Don't think I said anything about politics. In any case, I'm glad you're doing well.
08-01-20, 08:38 AM
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The bicycle is as much a work of art as it is an engineered machine. It is pleasing to the eye in a beautifully symmetrical way. It could not have been fashioned as a tool by a rhinoceros or a giraffe or even a very intelligent ape. Only human minds working in tandem could bring it from its essence to the final piece; and we are not done yet. Putting on a futurist's hat I see the arrow of time producing a flying bicycle. Battery assist and drone technology will be married to lightweight tubing (meta materials) as well as artificial intelligence to get us off the ground. I hope I live to soar on one.
08-01-20, 09:56 AM
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08-01-20, 09:57 AM
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08-02-20, 12:22 PM
#75
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I admit I liked his post....you guys in your 70s are truly inspiring. No joke..I'm a 50 Clydesdale who is working on keeping it rolling well down the road. Keep up the fantastic work and a good story does wonders for folks not quite as "long in the tooth"..yet.