spinconn

It is not bragging if you are simply responding to a direct question. I would like some inspiration.

So, I am requesting old timers who are doing well to give us some feedback.

By old timers I mean 70 and older because, well, I am meeting a great number of cyclists who are in their 50's and 60's who seem very young on their bikes and maybe 65 is the new 45 for cyclists. Also, even if you are 50 you gotta be inspired by an 80 year old racking up the miles.

By feedback I mean distances, times and/or speeds, or anything else you deem pertinent.

Whether you are an advanced cyclist who never left cycling and continue on strong, or a new rider who discovered a natural ability for it late in life, or anything in between, cheer us all on by telling us how you are doing.

How good do you have to be? Whatever you think is good, well that is good. Give us all some motivation.

(If you can't tell, I am recovering from a small, temporary injury that is cutting back my miles and my hours and I think some positive stories would help pass time I would otherwise spend riding)

So, go ahead and brag a little old timers. Please.

berner

I'm a youngster of 80 y.o. and ride about 3000 miles a year with longest rides up to 60 miles. Except this year as asthma has slowed me down considerably. Now Monseur Marchaud in the link is the top gun of the cycling world. His vitality and zest are what I mostly detect.

spinconn

Thank you Berner, I feel much better already.

jppe

I’m only 66 but a cycling friend is 81. Last year he rode about 15,000 miles including a 211 miler one day. His 100 milers have about 4000’ of hills and take about 6 hours.

DiabloScott

https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/500_sundays/



I've met this guy a few times - he's a local legend. He has some great stories too (bombed by the Nazis in England as a kid).
The story isn't quite right though, it was (at the time) 500 consecutive weeks with at least one Summit. He's about 580 consecutive weeks now. He told me he had to sneak up a couple times when the road was closed for fire or ice.

bruce19

OK here's my experience. I'm 73 and an ex-college QB & SS. Took up cycling in my mid-30's. When I was 67 I crashed my Masi and broke my neck. Somehow my spinal chord was fine. Trashed C1, chipped teeth which went through upper and lower lips, did a number on my nose, fractured some other vertebrae, filled an eye with blood (no damage) and ended up with C1 & C2 fused after two 5 hr. operations. Was back on the bike in 3-4 months. Shout out to Joseph Aferzon, MD. Last year I decided to ignore miles and concentrate on HIIT. I have a 6.4 mi. TT that I did a PB on at 19.1 mph. I also have a .8 mi. Strava segment that I've done 3 times this year at 24.6 mph. Another PB. And, although I am a mediocre climber on my best day, I'm climbing better than I have since I was in my 40's. I have no idea why. At this point if I do 50 miles with, say, 60 ft./mi. of climbing I can hit 15 mph without stressing. Shorter distances are faster. Generally, I consider myself pretty lucky to be able to do what I do. And, my expectation is that next year I will be faster and better. My goal is always to learn to ride with suplesse, as the French say. What I can no longer do with power I hope to do with finesse.

TimothyH

Keep in mind that older cyclists tend to be retired, children have moved out and may have downsized their homes.

Not having to cook for a brood, read bedtime stories, cut grass and commute to a 9-5 job means lots of time to ride miles, train hard and take the all important recovery naps.

At 56 I'm just starting to get there. My children are either off to college or independent. I accrue tons of vacation time and my career is at a point where my schedule can be flexible. I'm in better shape than some of my 35 and 40 year old friends and acquaintances who have small children and just purchased homes. They can't seem to find time to train or even just ride with any consistency.

Bragging? Well, last year I did a 110 mile ride @ 17.7 MPH on a 48x16 fixed gear. I also rode an 18.4 MPH century on a geared bike.


-Tim-

teejaywhy

Can't offer any cycling inspiration, but this fellow (friend of a friend) joined us on our summit hike of Mt. Elbert Colorado in July. (second highest peak in the lower 48 at 14,400', 11 mi round trip, 4400 elevation gain).

He told us he's not much of a hiker, but was in the the first group to reach the summit (2nd group 10 min behind, main group was 50 min behind). He is 81 and until recently, ran marathons. He has now cut back to half-marathons. I hope to be in as good shape when I get there.

spinconn

Holy Cow! Those are some amazing stories! That is one heck of a high bar you guys have set.

Carbonfiberboy 

74 y.o., never much of an athlete, but I've trained somewhat consistently since I was 50 when I returned to cycling after a 30 year hiatus.

Let's see - this year, notable efforts: 153 miles, 9400', 10:17 saddle time. 114 miles, 7400', 7:34 saddle time. Metric century, 4300', 4 hours.

I actually got more time and mileage in when I was working, ~5,000 miles/year. Just can't get the miles in anymore, plus I do other stuff now, skiing, hiking, gym, backpacking. I think it's better for geezers to do a lot of different things which stretch and work the muscles and bones for all they're worth. My wife an I are currently training for out annual 10-day backpack in the Cascades. We know we won't be able to do that forever, but so far, so good. I'll go in with 55 lbs., she with 40. I weigh 145. We'll have a heckuva Chronic Training Load when we come out, ready to get back on the tandem for the winter.

spinconn

Do you find at your age that HIIT is less likely to lead to over use injury, more likely, or the same?

bruce19

I really don't have a basis to know. Other than crashing (just once) I haven't had any injuries.

rumrunn6

fwiw - I take recovery naps on the floor of my office. I wait until I snore, then I figure that was long enough, get up & open my door. I'm only 60, I'm doomed

Wildwood 

I'm born 1951 so under your age requirement, but was always told to plan ahead.

My goals have always been less competitive, but physically appropriate for my outdoor interests.
Bike, hike, ski, kayak.

Ride 150 mi/week , or 12 hours/wk in season - cardio & lower body
Hike 12 mi/week, mountain trails start in our 'hood. (former USFS Wilderness Ranger)
Ski in winter (former vol patroller)
Kayak when I make the effort, not much lately.

The Community Center gym (a rare visit) gives me upper body.
Lawn and garden work on an acre lot bordering to forest = general bodywork.
Upkeep on a dozen vintage roadies keeps my mind occupied with the hobby.

6'1", currently 180 lbs (as in pic), morning RHR = 42, no Rx meds.
less facial hair these days.
Goal = stay active enough to feel good every day.
I believe in "go steady" and "listen to the body". And smile a lot.



Don't fall in Powder Bowl @ Crystal


A bit chubbier in this riding pic

Hondo Gravel

My 11 year old cat is inspired by all of you. I have a zoo lol. Dogs, cats, cattle, goats and sheep.

bruce19

Wait til you start to take one on a descent.