Gerryattrick

76 years old and still ride 20 to 25 miles three times a week, alternating with 3 to 4 mile hilly walks on other days, plus on my feet eight hours one day a week as a bike mechanic. I am not fast but I do try to push myself on much of my typical ride especially on the outward stretch.

I have no idea of how old I should feel as I have never been this old before, but there is no doubt that things are harder to recover from than they were five years ago, and, although I don't time my rides, a bit slower.

I am probably fitter and heathier than most people of my age according to my GP because older people generally do not do a lot of exercise, but "feel" is a strange concept to describe when comparing oneself to others as I do not know how others "feel" or how it can be assessed objectively. Undoubtedly there are people my age who would like to feel as young/old as I do and others who would regard it as a step backwards. I just try to enjoy the times I feel good and work through the times I don't.

13ollocks

There's that whole concept of "Swedish Death Cleaning" - ostensibly getting rid of stuff while you still can, to minimize the hassle for your loved-ones after you're gone - but I think it's really about uncomplicating your life. I've been slowly getting rid of stuff, with the ultimate (albeit unlikely) goal of having one "good" example of everything (I'm only 60, so not planning for death any time soon, but heading toward retirement and relocation with a minimum of "stuff"). I've got two bikes, two watches, three guitars, one camera + lenses. It's a slow process, but it actually feels great to get rid of something I don't really need.

jadmt

man with two watches never know what time it is.........true story....the day I retired I stopped wearing a watch and have not put one back on even for an hour....

13ollocks

The counterpoint: man with two quartz watches always knows what time it is, within a few seconds
I love the idea of just ditching a watch, but even when I'm retired, I'll still need a watch so I'm not late to group rides.....

Jay Turberville

Stopped wearing watches when I got my first pager. Never missed it. But I started back up when I got my first Pebble smart watch - which paradoxically helped me to use my smartphone less. These days I wear a Garmin for the fitness tracking and use as a cyclometer. Sometimes I'll even use it to check the time.

irwin7638

I've never kept stats or even cared. I ride to enjoy it, not to compare myself to some mythical standards. At 71, after 50 years of cycling, I've noticed that I need more rest than in the past. That's it. It takes a little longer to recuperate from strains and overexertion, so I just get more rest. I still take several 3-5 day trips on my bike each year and average about 100 miles a week year 'round, in Michigan.

My 71st birthday.

Marc

Trakhak

Approximately an hour....

SpedFast

That's pretty impressive for Michigan. Good on you!

JohnDThompson 

I do today after shoveling a foot of snow off my driveway and sidewalk.

spclark 

I did the driveway and short walk to front door yesterday after work, so I could get my car into the garage, about 8" worth.

This morning it looked like nothing out front had been touched -



- so I cleared it again (6 more inches on driveway) then the 50' doublewide drive. And the 30" deep, 48" wide plow berm at the curb.

Then I shoveled off the foot+ of snow on back porch, but had to pile it on the steps 'cause there's nowhere I can throw it after the snow from earlier in the week got pushed off.

I don't feel old today but my left shoulder is telling me "ENOUGH OF THAT" so I'll leave what's left (the 6' pile off the back porch steps) for tomorrow.

Transparency in action: I have a small TORO 4-stroke 'pusher' otherwise I'd just let the snow stay where it falls.

Single stage, I have to push it by hand but the rest of the 'relocating' is done by its rubber paddles. Does a nice job too, and starts just fine with one pull on the recoil starter. I suffered for 15 years with an older 2-stroke TORO (STINKS!!), burned out two starters before I decided it was time to just recycle it for bike frames.

seypat

Related to yet another thread the OP started, how many old guys are still getting "busy?"

spclark 

Define "busy" please.

I try hard to stay 'busy' most of my waking hours. I think my mind stays 'busy' too much the rest of the time.

More important – to my way of thinking at least – is to keep moving, doing something to stay engaged, attentive, occupied.

seypat

"Busy" would mean being able to get it up and have sex. The OP started a poll in general about doing one(cycling) or the other, but not both.

spclark 

Oh... yeah, I recall seeing that threadwhen it appeared but I hadn't started in reading it just yet. Thanks for pointing out something I've apparently overlooked....

ofajen

I would also say I feel very grateful to be doing ok. My doctor reminded me last month that it is both a degree of good luck so far plus a lifetime of good choices including habitual exercise.

Otto

downtube42

I've felt my age recently, as sciatica has limited my physical activities. Aches and soreness showing up in new places - left hip, right shoulder. Ibuprofen, acetomenaphin, and heat are managing the original pain, but not enough to get me moving normally again. When it's bad I can't even walk a hundred yards without stopping. Feels like I'm teetering on an edge; I need to get back moving and soon.

I have to wonder if this is typical for 63 y/o people who are sedentary.

rsbob 

Sciatica really sucks. Had it and it was miserable. I ended up getting a steroid injection deep in my hip (ultrasound guided) which just about provided instant relief. It probably won’t work for everyone, but it is well worth looking into - consult your physician to see if it’s an option.

downtube42

Telehealth appointment Tuesday. New year, new health plan. We'll see how that goes.

rydabent

Im 85, and look and feel like Im 65. I feel very fortunate. In the summer time I ride anywhere from 20 to 35 miles every other day.

My doctor even tells me I am in the 99th percentile for an 85 year old.

I have even picked my demise, found laying on the side of the bike path cooling out at the age of 102!!!!

Wildwood 

Did you buy the Hunqapillar new?
I think it is an unproven fact that Riv buyers have: a. higher expectation of the usage + b. belief in longevity of their machines. Two qualities found in balanced, long lived humans, as well.

you should submit that pic to Riv - almost guaranteed GP would show it somewhere, emblematic of his philosophy at your (our) age. Especially with the smile.
Roll On.


edit: Never owned a Riv. But almost - back when a Bay Area resident, who visited their premises. And, after seeing my tourer, was fitted on a 63cm frame, that was too large, IMHO. But I listened.

irwin7638

Yes, I did buy it new. I had it powdercoated a couple of years ago, after many miles touring on a variety of bad roads, it's a blast.

Timberwolf

I'm now 3 weeks away from 75.

I started ride again 2 years ago after a 56 year hiatus, and yes I made mistakes like forgetting to put my feet down at a stop.

The bike I bought is a Devinci Blackbird MTB and I love it.

I built a light heavyweight bike in 1962 and put a fixed wheel on it. 48 tooth chainring and a 12 tooth cob - 4:1.

I enjoy riding with my wife, Grandsons and my Step Daughter and her Husband.

I need 2 knee replacements, but cortizone injections are doing a great job. The cycling is relatively easy on them.

LeeG

Thank you, I’m going to remember that.



at least I hope to remember it.

Biker395 

gif4445

At age 61, I felt better than when in my 40's. After back problems and getting back into coaching HS basketball, at 66 I feel at least that old. Making changes soon.