65-85+ Thread
#2701
Senior Member
I heard a discussion on public radio that tourist destinations like Santa Monica are now forced to rethink the need for more targeted regulations due to an increasing number of accidents caused by negligent use of motorized scooters and also, ebikes that are capable of speeds up to 28 mph. They can be seen on crowded sidewalks and bike lanes and pedestrians who've been run down are getting together with the intention of filing class action lawsuits. Obviously there's a market to serve here, being those who want to get somewhere faster than by walking and with less effort than cycling. I realized though that ebikes probably shouldn't interest participants on this subforum as members don't come here because they're over 65 but because they're still enjoying riding bikes despite their age. For us, doesn't the idea of having an ebike seem a bit like adding a motor to training bike in the garage to make pedaling easier? That would make no sense....
#2702
Mother Nature's Son
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Sussex County, Delaware
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Bikes: 2014 Orbea Avant MD30, 2004 Airborne Zeppelin TI, 2003 Lemond Poprad, 2001 Lemond Tourmalet, 2014? Soma Smoothie
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My Ochsner project
2006 Schwinn Super Sport DBX, aluminum
2014 Orbea Avant MD 40 that I bought new in 2016, Carbon fiber
My first time checking out this thread. I reached 66 in September. I bought my first road bike in 1971, Motobecane. Bicycling has been an important part of my life since childhood. I have really committed to stepping up my mileage the past two years. Last year, for the first time, I kept track of my mileage and reached my goal of 6,000 miles, did my first solo century and had a streak of riding a bike for 218 consecutive days. I am not keeping the mileage this year but I estimate I am in the low 3,000s. I am a mechanically challenged person but I have been trying to do most of my maintenance on my own for the first time. I have made some mistakes and had some frustrations but it has been a really good thing to challenge myself with. My confidence is building, slowly. I have been hybridizing a 1991 Ochsner road bike, steel frame, that I purchased new in 1992. It has been going along pretty well but still has a couple of issues. Following are pictures of a couple of my bikes.
#2703
Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: North central Ohio
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I'm old to bike riding, but new to eBikes. Mine is a class 1 which means it can't exceed 20 mph. States are introducing regulations for pedal assist that make sense to me. They are to be street ridden when in assist mode and only on sidewalks if the assist is disengaged. The main positive that I see is that it extends riding range (and therefore movement) with less stress on joints and cardio.
#2704
Senior member
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Oakville Ontario
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Hey gang, can ya make room at the table for another oldster? Celebrating my 65th today. Too bad Denver isn't around to participate it this space, but I am connected with him elsewhere on the interwebs. He's still doing well.
#2705
Junior Member
Jim
#2706
Senior Member
The name of the forum is specific enough but I sometimes wonder if it would be even more accurate if known as, "Anyone Riding Bikes >50 Years." I'm guessing that applies to anyone here.
#2707
Senior Member
I'm 69 and hate it when we keep adding these young guys!
#2708
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: Maine
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Bikes: Fuji Allegro, Miele Mountain Bike, Trek Domane AL 2
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[QUOTE]I'm 69 and hate it when we keep adding these young guys!
65, a youngster. I'm looking at 72, but 65 seems like last week. Time really flies as you get older.
65, a youngster. I'm looking at 72, but 65 seems like last week. Time really flies as you get older.
#2709
Senior Member
Time seems to pass quicker the older you get. Scientists say there is a reason for it but I can't explain all I've read. Part of it has something to do with the lack of new events and experiences as we get older. Remember how long it took to get to Christmas when you were a kid? These days those kind of things happen even quicker than we want them to. Make the best of what you have left.
#2710
Mother Nature's Son
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Sussex County, Delaware
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I like life over 65
Sure there are adjustments to be made that come with age but it sure beats the alternative. I love riding my bike at least as much now as I did in my younger years. I believe that bicycling has been a large factor in my relatively good health. The adjustment that seems the hardest to make for me is my increasing reaction time/ lowered physical co-ordination. I spill, drop, knock over, run into and misplace things much more than I used to. I think that it comes with a lowered level of focus and concentration. I am trying to learn and perform more of the mechanical/maintenance aspects of being a bicyclist. Mechanical/ fix-up type things are something that have always been a challenge for me. I think it is a good way to challenge myself and to continue the learning process. I make a lot of mistakes and I get really frustrated at times. However, I feel really good when I finish a task and it is a successfully completed. I have been helped a lot by posting questions on Bike Forums and getting feed back from others. I even figured out, on my own, the problem I was having with the cassette/rear derailleur not functioning properly. It was simply a matter of the rear rack I had mounted interfering with the cable and the derailleur/cassette not lining up properly. I already have a seat post mounted rear rack that I will use instead. It is the bike I use for commuting, going to the library, store, etc. I have purchased a pretty good selection of tools and have organized a spare room as my bike working area. I am 66 now and if I make it into the 80s I hope to still be pedaling.
#2711
Senior Member
Something that seems to work for many-- you want something... write it down. So, want time to slow down to make life last longer? Write it down. Set up a schedule. Current thoughts on activity are that you need 30" or more a day of exercise. How about striking out into the wild on your bike on some of those exercise days? My schedule is every 3rd day-- that's two recovery days. Your schedule may be different but if this were your schedule, you can put it on a calendar. You'll always know what day it is and you'll always be looking forward to an activity you like in the near future and it puts others on notice to take notice as to what to expect, 'cause... you got plans.
#2712
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2017
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Bikes: Diamond Back Apex, Mongoose IBOC Aluminum Road Bike, SR road bike
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An Honorary Member?
Meet Bob, who is 90 years old, working on 91. I met Bob around two years ago at McDonalds. Don't worry, he rarely eats there, but hangs out with a small group of friends that come and go throughout the day. Bob gave up his drivers license a couple years back, and relies solely on his bicycle to get around these days, unless a friend offers to take him somewhere.
He rides approximately six miles a day, from his home to McDonalds and back. That's a one mile trip each way, and usually three times a day. His first ride starts at about 5:30 AM.
Bob is completely computer illiterate, and doesn't even own a cell phone, let alone a smart phone, so I'm submitting his application here for him. I will probably show him the thread later via smartphone.
Bob's bicycle? A 21 speed Marin that he found in a thrift store for $20. Yes, he knows a quality bike when he see's it.
Photo taken with my cell phone.
Meet Bob, who is 90 years old, working on 91. I met Bob around two years ago at McDonalds. Don't worry, he rarely eats there, but hangs out with a small group of friends that come and go throughout the day. Bob gave up his drivers license a couple years back, and relies solely on his bicycle to get around these days, unless a friend offers to take him somewhere.
He rides approximately six miles a day, from his home to McDonalds and back. That's a one mile trip each way, and usually three times a day. His first ride starts at about 5:30 AM.
Bob is completely computer illiterate, and doesn't even own a cell phone, let alone a smart phone, so I'm submitting his application here for him. I will probably show him the thread later via smartphone.
Bob's bicycle? A 21 speed Marin that he found in a thrift store for $20. Yes, he knows a quality bike when he see's it.
Photo taken with my cell phone.
#2713
Life is good
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Not far from the Withlacoochee Trail. 🚴🏻
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Kudos to Bob and welcome. I'm just a 73 y/o kid — with 74 coming up in a few more weeks.
__________________
The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. - Psalm 103:8
I am a cyclist. I am not the fastest or the fittest. But I will get to where I'm going with a smile on my face.
The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. - Psalm 103:8
I am a cyclist. I am not the fastest or the fittest. But I will get to where I'm going with a smile on my face.
#2714
rebmeM roineS
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Metro Indy, IN
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Bikes: Bacchetta Giro A20, RANS V-Rex, RANS Screamer
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An Honorary Member?
Meet Bob, who is 90 years old, working on 91. I met Bob around two years ago at McDonalds. Don't worry, he rarely eats there, but hangs out with a small group of friends that come and go throughout the day. Bob gave up his drivers license a couple years back, and relies solely on his bicycle to get around these days, unless a friend offers to take him somewhere.
He rides approximately six miles a day, from his home to McDonalds and back. That's a one mile trip each way, and usually three times a day. His first ride starts at about 5:30 AM.
Bob is completely computer illiterate, and doesn't even own a cell phone, let alone a smart phone, so I'm submitting his application here for him. I will probably show him the thread later via smartphone.
Bob's bicycle? A 21 speed Marin that he found in a thrift store for $20. Yes, he knows a quality bike when he see's it.
Photo taken with my cell phone.
Meet Bob, who is 90 years old, working on 91. I met Bob around two years ago at McDonalds. Don't worry, he rarely eats there, but hangs out with a small group of friends that come and go throughout the day. Bob gave up his drivers license a couple years back, and relies solely on his bicycle to get around these days, unless a friend offers to take him somewhere.
He rides approximately six miles a day, from his home to McDonalds and back. That's a one mile trip each way, and usually three times a day. His first ride starts at about 5:30 AM.
Bob is completely computer illiterate, and doesn't even own a cell phone, let alone a smart phone, so I'm submitting his application here for him. I will probably show him the thread later via smartphone.
Bob's bicycle? A 21 speed Marin that he found in a thrift store for $20. Yes, he knows a quality bike when he see's it.
Photo taken with my cell phone.
__________________
Bacchetta Giro A20, RANS V-Rex, RANS Screamer
Bacchetta Giro A20, RANS V-Rex, RANS Screamer
#2715
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The Cabot Ride the Ridges was fun and challenging. It’s a pretty relaxed event with not a lot of hoo ha. I’d guess there were about 75 folks in the 60K ride I was in. It was about 40 degrees at the start so I wore a pair of old stitched up Kuhl hiking pants. Definitely not stylin’. Beautiful day, though, and some great views from the ridges. When I’m riding on my own I stop to check things out, take photos, eat something, think deep thoughts, etc. but even in a non-competitive ride like this you get into the mindset that you’ll be damned if you’re gonna let more people pass you than is absolutely necessary. So other than stopping for a water refill I just kept going. Finished in 3:15 and according to the phone app I used, 4100 ft. of climbing.
#2716
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My goal now is to ride gravel bike rides/races in all 50 states and it has to be at least 50 miles.
2017 I rode
Pony Express 75 miler
Crush and Run II Litiz PA
Maple Century Honesdale Pa. I live in Pa. and this ride has lots of hills
2018 I rode in 8 different States 8 months in a row.
March Dirty Pecan Monticello Fl. I dropped back to the 60 miler got lost 2 miles from the finish line and ended up riding 80 mile
April Bootlegger 60 miler @ Lenoir NC. This ride was a close 2nd to the best ride on the East Coast Lots of scary white knuckled downhills was the oldest finished of the 60 mierl
May Farmer's Daughter @ Chatham NY Bonked on this ride from being under trained and riding with some riders fast and stronger than me. Bail out ride back tot he finish and 40 miles
June Funks Bottom Little Prairie Oh free ride kind of bare bones though and no food at the finish line
July GRUSK Gravel Ride up Spruce Knob. 1st rest stop was at 30 miles and kind of bonking till I arrived there quit @ 60 miles and so didn't finish the 80 miler. Still a very n ice ride and in the boonies for sure, If you go do the $25 a night dorm and buy the food option as there is nowhere close to buy get food.
August Rose Mt. Rumble Lyneborough NH Didn't like this ride at all as it was way too much macadam. The only way I would do this ride again is if I was a local.
Sept. Cabot Ride the Ridges A fun ride for sure
Oct. Gray Gray's Gretna Grinder(5k) Mt. Gretna PA. This was a very cold ride but boy did they have a big turn out for the conditions. Free ride I bought some socks and buy your own food at the finish line.
2017 I rode
Pony Express 75 miler
Crush and Run II Litiz PA
Maple Century Honesdale Pa. I live in Pa. and this ride has lots of hills
2018 I rode in 8 different States 8 months in a row.
March Dirty Pecan Monticello Fl. I dropped back to the 60 miler got lost 2 miles from the finish line and ended up riding 80 mile
April Bootlegger 60 miler @ Lenoir NC. This ride was a close 2nd to the best ride on the East Coast Lots of scary white knuckled downhills was the oldest finished of the 60 mierl
May Farmer's Daughter @ Chatham NY Bonked on this ride from being under trained and riding with some riders fast and stronger than me. Bail out ride back tot he finish and 40 miles
June Funks Bottom Little Prairie Oh free ride kind of bare bones though and no food at the finish line
July GRUSK Gravel Ride up Spruce Knob. 1st rest stop was at 30 miles and kind of bonking till I arrived there quit @ 60 miles and so didn't finish the 80 miler. Still a very n ice ride and in the boonies for sure, If you go do the $25 a night dorm and buy the food option as there is nowhere close to buy get food.
August Rose Mt. Rumble Lyneborough NH Didn't like this ride at all as it was way too much macadam. The only way I would do this ride again is if I was a local.
Sept. Cabot Ride the Ridges A fun ride for sure
Oct. Gray Gray's Gretna Grinder(5k) Mt. Gretna PA. This was a very cold ride but boy did they have a big turn out for the conditions. Free ride I bought some socks and buy your own food at the finish line.
#2723
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This store just closed down the week before on the Bootlegger lol I stopped going 25 mph on a downhill and rode back up for the pic. A photo group was there with their bi pods taking pics.
#2725
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Nasty downhill section on the Pony Express that I didn't hear at the riders meeting. Not my pic as I locked up both brakes newbie style and slid off of it. White knuckle 4 me