Hello! Just thought I'd finally join.

[How Old?]

I have been lurking on this website for quite some time and thought I would finally take the plunge and post a greeting.

I started cycling about this time last year and could only manage an average speed of 9.5 mph. I was 67 years old at the time and was riding an 'ordinary' bike. Last summer I changed to a hybrid bike and in the autumn, started riding a road bike. I now have my very own road bike (all the others were borrowed) and it is a Trek Domane 4.3 - I love it. My speed has increased to 12.5 - 13 mph but the countryside around here is what is called undulating and I am absolutely hopeless going up hills. It's probably my fault for all the bad weather we have been having as it coincides with getting my new bike.

The other day whilst riding my bike, I was passed by a car and a boy leaned out of the window (with his father laughing at the wheel of the car) and shouted 'Where is your rocking chair, Granny?' Is he right, should I just be sitting in a rocking chair? I feel so much better and fitter since taking up cycling that I would be reluctant to give it up just yet.

 

[4F]

Of course he is not right and congratulations for the excellent improvement. Sounds like the boy and his father are some of the many idiots that frequent our planet, ignore them and carry on enjoying the countryside

 

[Mo1959]

Welcome to the forum. As long as you are fit enough to keep cycling who cares if you are 17 or 67. I bet the cheeky little blighter in the car probably couldn't cycle the length of himself. He was probably actually jealous of your fitness.

I'll be 54 in May and occasionally question if I should still be pushing myself to exercise so much then I remind myself that my next door neighbour who is 70 still cycles nearly every day and can leave me standing so there is still scope for improvement yet!

Definitely think the "use it or lose it" saying is very true so carry on and enjoy your cycling.

 

[guitarpete247]

There are some right plonkers out there. Keep going and ignore them.
I'm glad it's you that has caused this bad weather, I thought it was me .
Oh, and .

 

[snorri]

II feel so much better and fitter since taking up cycling that I would be reluctant to give it up just yet.

Welcome to the forum and do keep on cycling regardless of what some child says .
Just don't spend time on Cycle Chat when you could be cycling.

 

[Peteaud]

Welcome

I went mountain biking last year with a couple of 60 + old guys who left me standing (i am in my 40's)

 

[Inspector Clouseau]

Hello & .
Don't even think about giving up. Sadly, we all get comments like that from moronic halfwits...

 

[Pat "5mph"]

Rocking chairs are antiques, should not be sat on
Enjoy your cycling: true we all get shouted stuff from time to time.
The other day a couple of pedestrians targeted me, the woman shouting "on your bike , son!"
Weird - was already on it, plus I am most certainly neither young nor a boy

 

[paul04]

Welcome to the website. you carry on and enjoy the cycling

 

[voodoochilli]

The other day whilst riding my bike, I was passed by a car and a boy leaned out of the window (with his father laughing at the wheel of the car) and shouted 'Where is your rocking chair, Granny?' Is he right, should I just be sitting in a rocking chair? I feel so much better and fitter since taking up cycling that I would be reluctant to give it up just yet.

Fair play to you, I can only hope you be as cool as you when I reach my 60s. As the last poster pointed out, I think it's a common thing to be judged by others for trying to better yourself. I have found out recently that this applies to anything we do, be it cycling, writing a book, learning something new, or whatever, and my little misanthropic theory is that people on the whole like to put others down because they just don't like us trying to climb out of the stereotyped boxes they put us in. Ignore those morons and have fun on your bike!

 

[Hitchington]

Hello and welcome!

 

[deptfordmarmoset]

I'd give them as much respect as the pair of them are capable of respecting.

Welcome aboard and carry on!

 

[Saluki]

Hi & Welcome to the forums. You are definitely not too old and I'll bet that kid and its owner couldn't even cycle around the block without having to stop for a McDonalds!
Its great to have you here and I look forward to reading your posts.

 

[GetAGrip]

Hello and welcome to CC!
Just get out there and keep those pedals turning. Enjoy every second. It won't be long 'till we get our summer, with it's long warm sunny days

 

[How Old?]

Thank you all for the welcome and encouragement. I'm not ready to hang up my lycra yet. I like the lycra as it smoothes out the wrinkles!!