Originally Posted by
bruce19
I'm 76 and have been riding for about 40 yrs. Over the years I've lost significant power and gained that 10 lbs............................................
I'm 72 now and 7 years ago this March I had my *BOYS* removed thanks to
PCa (Prostate Cancer) so all strength and endurance began declining immediately. Needing to stay aware of abilities I DO FIND that comparing Average Speed over the same roads while factoring in weather
is important!
The one day Cross Florida Ride from Cocoa Beach to Spring Hill at almost 170 miles is one of my measurable metrics helping to track my decline. The first 100 miles I ride
non - stop except for lights and signs (no pit stops) and I usually draft for the first 50 miles then on my own until I can grab on to a group as they pass by. The 100 miles MUST be done (my goal) in under 5 hours and the first 3 years 2016, 2017 and 2018 I did so but in 2019 with 2 stops thanks to a flat and another mech. I was unable to meet my wife at the 100 mile mark in 5 hours so disappointing but understandable.
A few years ago back home I could SOLO 100 miles non stop but now it requires multiple stops. My 72nd Birthday Ride in July was only 101 miles with my 71st at 115 miles and before that they were always Double Age plus 1 mile. Keeping track
is important and comparable for myself but not so for many.
Dr. George Sheehan a Cardiologist, first 50yo to run a sub 5 minute mile at 4:47 and died from
PCa 4 days before his 75th birthday said ---
“We are each an experiment of one.
A unique, never-to-be repeated event.”
so simply do what's good for you.