When are you too old to ride?
#51
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sacramento, California, USA
Posts: 40,865
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Canyon Exceed, Specialized Transition, Ellsworth Roots, Ridley Excalibur
Mentioned: 68 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2952 Post(s)
Liked 3,106 Times
in
1,417 Posts
Likes For caloso:
#52
Procrastinateur supreme
That's my take too... at 70, still working full time with not enough time to ride much more than my commute, my plan is to dial back work to 3 days a week in order to build up my stamina. A few weeks ago my 72 year old buddy and me rode 33 miles with 2000 feet of climbing, and it felt darn good afterwards... first time in a long time that I experienced an endorphin buzz. I can't run, swimming is out due to separated shoulders, walking is OK but not half as much fun as being on the road. Call me an addict, I don't care.
Likes For CrankyFranky:
#53
Newbie
I'm 68 and didn't start riding until I gave up running 7 years ago following a hip replacement. Last year to supplement my riding (2,500 miles/yr) I tried Spin Classes and was surprised at how much they helped me.
Between that and some relatively easy strength conditioning exercises at the gym I've kept or slightly increased my stamina each year. Like others have said will just keep riding as long as I can.
Between that and some relatively easy strength conditioning exercises at the gym I've kept or slightly increased my stamina each year. Like others have said will just keep riding as long as I can.
Likes For tobey:
#54
Full Member
Join Date: Nov 2019
Location: Greater Chicago Area
Posts: 250
Bikes: 1987 Schwinn Mirada, 1989 Trek 420, 1995 GT Timberline, 1979 Schwinn Super Le Tour, Co-Op DRT 1.3
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 103 Post(s)
Liked 85 Times
in
49 Posts
At 64, I recently realized I can't do the things I used to do. Now, I ride shorter distances, ride a little slower, use a lower gear when standing on steep hills. Makes me wonder what the future will be like. Recumbent? E-bike? There will come a day when I'm too old to ride at all. Alternative sports? Shuffleboard? Walking? Blogging?
Likes For Miradaman:
#55
Member
There’s a woman I’ve seen twice now on the greenways near my home - she has to be in her mid 90s. First time she was riding a fairly large hybrid / comfort bike in the opposite direction, and we exchanged smiles. I was riding with my kids in tow, and get a lot of smiles. Second time she was stopped and resting. A friend and I were riding our English roadsters, and she gave us a thumbs-up. A beautiful sight. Lots of age related things can probably stop one from riding, but age itself doesn’t seem to be the main one.
#56
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Near Lancaster
Posts: 548
Bikes: Carrera Virtuoso and friend
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 129 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 47 Times
in
38 Posts
I thought it was time to give up a few years ago. Was talking of 3 wheelers and stuff; I'd had one or two setbacks, stiff neck, shoulder rotator cuff tear, hernia, BCC cancer removal, but worst of all, cataracts and extreme short sightedness. My confidence in riding, driving, even walking, was precarious. Thought I was losing my mind almost.
Lens replacements followed by YAG laser over the last couple of years . . . .what a difference! And my Russian glaucoma-doctor is a Bond fantasy . . . .Gym bikes, road bikes, shopper bikes, love 'em all!
Lens replacements followed by YAG laser over the last couple of years . . . .what a difference! And my Russian glaucoma-doctor is a Bond fantasy . . . .Gym bikes, road bikes, shopper bikes, love 'em all!
Likes For peterws:
#57
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Land of Enchantment
Posts: 468
Bikes: Domane SLR7 Project One
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 152 Post(s)
Liked 173 Times
in
105 Posts
I was at my local bike dealer today talking about Trek Project One bikes. He was telling me one of the few he has sold was to a 75 yo rider. Said the gentleman's hand strength wasn't what it once was so he wanted to upgrade to Di2 shifting and hydraulic discs to make shifting and braking easier for him. I thought that was a neat story for someone taking advantage of the latest tech to keep riding.
My take, if you have that kind of money to drop on a Project One type bike and you want one why wait until it becomes a necessity? Might as well get it a little earlier in life so you can have more years to enjoy it.
My take, if you have that kind of money to drop on a Project One type bike and you want one why wait until it becomes a necessity? Might as well get it a little earlier in life so you can have more years to enjoy it.
Likes For August West:
#58
☢
That's my take too... at 70, still working full time with not enough time to ride much more than my commute, my plan is to dial back work to 3 days a week in order to build up my stamina. A few weeks ago my 72 year old buddy and me rode 33 miles with 2000 feet of climbing, and it felt darn good afterwards... first time in a long time that I experienced an endorphin buzz. I can't run, swimming is out due to separated shoulders, walking is OK but not half as much fun as being on the road. Call me an addict, I don't care.
I'm 68 and didn't start riding until I gave up running 7 years ago following a hip replacement. Last year to supplement my riding (2,500 miles/yr) I tried Spin Classes and was surprised at how much they helped me.
Between that and some relatively easy strength conditioning exercises at the gym I've kept or slightly increased my stamina each year. Like others have said will just keep riding as long as I can
Between that and some relatively easy strength conditioning exercises at the gym I've kept or slightly increased my stamina each year. Like others have said will just keep riding as long as I can
#59
Senior Member
I’m in my 60s with two stents in my hart and a double bypass. I’ll stop riding when I’m dead, no worries!
Last edited by tim24k; 11-24-19 at 03:23 AM.
Likes For tim24k:
#60
Banned
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Lincoln Ne
Posts: 9,924
Bikes: RANS Stratus TerraTrike Tour II
Mentioned: 46 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3352 Post(s)
Liked 1,056 Times
in
635 Posts
The important thing here is keep on riding a long as you can. You will be rewarded with better health. As I said before, if you set you rust.
Likes For rydabent:
Likes For Doug64:
Likes For alloo:
#63
Procrastinateur supreme
I was at my local bike dealer today talking about Trek Project One bikes. He was telling me one of the few he has sold was to a 75 yo rider. Said the gentleman's hand strength wasn't what it once was so he wanted to upgrade to Di2 shifting and hydraulic discs to make shifting and braking easier for him. I thought that was a neat story for someone taking advantage of the latest tech to keep riding.
My take, if you have that kind of money to drop on a Project One type bike and you want one why wait until it becomes a necessity? Might as well get it a little earlier in life so you can have more years to enjoy it.
My take, if you have that kind of money to drop on a Project One type bike and you want one why wait until it becomes a necessity? Might as well get it a little earlier in life so you can have more years to enjoy it.
Di2 might become necessary if I decide to switch from my road bars to another type of bar. I do love my road bars, but it is hard to attain a neutral wrist position. Shifting brifters of either Shimano or Campag type do impart strain also. But I will persue orthopedic solutions first.
The other point - about not waiting to treat yourself to a better and lighter bike - is also something I endorse. Why wait if you have the money? $2500 is less than a day's cost in most nursing homes! If you ride wisely and often, you may postpone that outcome.
Being a cheapskate, I waited far too long. I had a steel bike made for me in the 1980s, when gearing was still 2 X 6 f/r. I finally decided that if I wanted to climb hills again, I really needed modern gearing - and while I could have rebuilt my old bike with modern components, I figured why not simply...buy a more modern and lighter bike? So I did that, four years ago. I bought a used but high-end bike with 3 X 10 gears which was in great shape. But you can really get great gearing and light frame rigs for around $2200 or so. My riding buddy just bought himself a nice lightweight Trek with 2 X 12 for around that. You deserve it if you love to ride!
My particular locale is not conducive to recumbents or trikes, - traffic density and driver habits should be weighed when thinking about your options. So, without moving away from my city, I'll try to continue with upright bikes. Three decades ago I could sustain 19 mph over a full hour. Now, it's more like 10-12. Who needs fast when slow but steady gets you the same results?
Every medical article I read underscores staying active as a key strategy. If you embrace that idea and make sure that the medical professionals who serve you know your priorities, it serves to guide their recommendations. Some doctors need more persistent reminders, as more than a few think that it's time for us to sit down past a certain age.
Last edited by CrankyFranky; 11-25-19 at 07:13 AM. Reason: topic flow
#64
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 5,791
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1020 Post(s)
Liked 463 Times
in
293 Posts
Riding is my drug of choice.
I will stop riding when I am dead...thank you very much.
#65
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 5,791
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1020 Post(s)
Liked 463 Times
in
293 Posts
@CrankyFranky, I have been experiencing constant pain at the base of my right wrist. It makes it uncomfortable to shift down my rear derailleur. So far it has only been an issue on rides longer than 50 miles.
I will see the doctor next week.
I am curious, what are your symptoms and what was your diagnosis?
Thank you.
I will see the doctor next week.
I am curious, what are your symptoms and what was your diagnosis?
Thank you.
#66
a77impala
I’m 75, have ridden 82,000 plus miles since 2006. Over the years I’ve had a broken cheekbone, shoulder and hip, this year I’m at 4,300 miles and counting. I also suffer from spinal stenosis and use a cane when walking, but these issues do not prevent me from riding. My cycling allows me to be active with no pain and will keep cycling as long as I possibly can.
Never give up!
Never give up!
#67
Version 7.0
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SoCal
Posts: 13,127
Bikes: Too Many
Mentioned: 297 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1340 Post(s)
Liked 2,482 Times
in
1,457 Posts
I do not want to challenge the cycling gods so I am quoting these.
#68
Procrastinateur supreme
@CrankyFranky, I have been experiencing constant pain at the base of my right wrist. It makes it uncomfortable to shift down my rear derailleur. So far it has only been an issue on rides longer than 50 miles.
I will see the doctor next week.
I am curious, what are your symptoms and what was your diagnosis?
Thank you.
I will see the doctor next week.
I am curious, what are your symptoms and what was your diagnosis?
Thank you.
I first went to the hand specialist two years ago complaining of bilateral wrist pain - she looked at my X-ray and said that I had CMC degeneration and that pain which originated there was becoming "referred pain radiating out on the back of both wrists. I tried the usual generic wrist support and NSAID for a few weeks and the pain vanished. Then it came back six months ago and I haven't shaken it off. But I've also been typing a lot at work. Anyhow, on revisiting the doc she said that 1) lots of other joints in my hand were degenerated and 2) cortisone in my CMC wouldn't do anything to help. I asked for some topical diclofenac to try, since my gut doesn't like systemic NSAIDS any longer. She was skeptical that it would reduce my pain, but gave me a script. It requires one to put a big glob on the area and let it soak in, pretty awkward. I'll go back to have her make other recommendations, and again remind her that riding is my primary exercise. I'm tempted to go ahead and purchase the Push-MetaGrip-Thumb-CMC-Orthosis devices, however expensive. Looks as if they are on sale for a few days.
But Hey - if you pain only shows up after 50 miles, count your blessings!
And good luck!
ps there is a thread on CMC arthritis in this subforum. Annnndd - while it is a bit early, the one hand that I was treating with the gel for a few days seems to be less painful than the one I wasn't treating... so I'll keep it up and try it 2 X day on both wrists for a week. Will report back
Last edited by CrankyFranky; 11-25-19 at 11:32 AM. Reason: forgot to add
#69
Junior Member
I don't think you are ever too old to ride, if you can at all. If anything, riding keeps that boundary pushed back.
One of my grandfathers was born in 1896 and grew up riding horses for transportation. He never had much money, and got by on a bike as much as a car. He wasn't a "commuter", a "roadie", or anything like that. He just used bikes for transportation. In his upper sixties, living here in central west Texas, he took a notion to go back to "God's country", south Texas, about a 300 mile journey. He strapped what he had to his bicycle, loaded up his suitcase on the back of the bike, and headed out. He made it down there in about five days.
You're never too old to ride.
One of my grandfathers was born in 1896 and grew up riding horses for transportation. He never had much money, and got by on a bike as much as a car. He wasn't a "commuter", a "roadie", or anything like that. He just used bikes for transportation. In his upper sixties, living here in central west Texas, he took a notion to go back to "God's country", south Texas, about a 300 mile journey. He strapped what he had to his bicycle, loaded up his suitcase on the back of the bike, and headed out. He made it down there in about five days.
You're never too old to ride.
#70
Junior Member
Rowing
At 64, I recently realized I can't do the things I used to do. Now, I ride shorter distances, ride a little slower, use a lower gear when standing on steep hills. Makes me wonder what the future will be like. Recumbent? E-bike? There will come a day when I'm too old to ride at all. Alternative sports? Shuffleboard? Walking? Blogging?
#71
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 156
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 25 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 10 Times
in
7 Posts
I'm 69 and have no problems riding and do not plan to quit in anytime soon. I have ridden 10,000 + miles this year. We live in a retirement area and I sometimes do group rides where most others are older than me. One 82 year friend doesn't ride with our group because our pace of 15-16 MPH is too slow for him. Another 87 year old keeps up with us just fine.
When I have difficulties I plan to go to trike and then an E trike. Then maybe a trainer in the nursing home?
When I have difficulties I plan to go to trike and then an E trike. Then maybe a trainer in the nursing home?
At 64, I recently realized I can't do the things I used to do. Now, I ride shorter distances, ride a little slower, use a lower gear when standing on steep hills. Makes me wonder what the future will be like. Recumbent? E-bike? There will come a day when I'm too old to ride at all. Alternative sports? Shuffleboard? Walking? Blogging?
#72
Full Member
I'm 66-1/2+ and recently increased my distance to hit 2,500+ mi/yr. on my mtb. Next summer I'm planning to start backpacking again (8-10 mi. trip ups to 10,000+ ft. elev. after not having backpacked for 10+ years).
You're only as old as you feel. And you only feel/get old if you stop doing things to keep your body (and mind) limber and conditioned.
Keep doing what you're doing (riding and any other exercises/activities you may do) so I'm not out here all by myself
You're only as old as you feel. And you only feel/get old if you stop doing things to keep your body (and mind) limber and conditioned.
Keep doing what you're doing (riding and any other exercises/activities you may do) so I'm not out here all by myself
#73
Junior Member
Too old, think not. I'll be 87 in February and get 20 miles on most days, strive for 25, and have been known to touch 35. Hope to be posting here when I'm 90??
#74
Junior Member
I’m 64 and remember when that seemed old.
Wife and I just got new hybrids last month and we plan to ride a lot. So far 10 miles is about the limit but that will increases.
Wife and I just got new hybrids last month and we plan to ride a lot. So far 10 miles is about the limit but that will increases.
#75
Junior Member
At 64, I recently realized I can't do the things I used to do. Now, I ride shorter distances, ride a little slower, use a lower gear when standing on steep hills. Makes me wonder what the future will be like. Recumbent? E-bike? There will come a day when I'm too old to ride at all. Alternative sports? Shuffleboard? Walking? Blogging?