Sometimes (mostly) I think I will be a n00b forever....

[slowmotion]

I'm 61. I took up cycling seven years ago. I stopped smoking five years ago. I had a double heart by-pass three years ago, suddenly.

I rode up Ditchling Beacon six months later. No need to worry at all.

 

[RegG]

Definitely DONT GIVE UP!

I will be 62 in January and started cycling seriously again back in March on a 15 year old MTB. I upgraded to a Giant Defy road bike in May as I was fed up of being overtaken by 'roadies' older than me..... I still get overtaken but what the hell - I enjoy what I am doing at my own pace and I know I am gradually, if slowly, improving. Health wise, the doc has taken me off blood pressure pills as the exercise is doing me so much good.

It doesn't matter how fast or slow you are - if you enjoy riding, keep at it! But don't drink too much at each pub!

 

[Yazzoo]

As long as you're enjoying it who cares! I don't think I'd even attempt riding where you live, hills are alien to us Suffolk-ers!

 

[iancity]

I'm 47...nowhere near your age, and my last few rides (all flat, think my Garmin shows total elevation is 115ft for 90 miles) have averaged around the 11.5 mph. I know I am really slow, it frustrates the hell out of me when people overtake (the schoolboy riding with no hands texting his mate as he went past me was a particular bugbear!) but you know what...I still enjoy it...I still get a huge sense of satisfaction when I reach the end, and although the stats are poor, so what, I feel great and know that I am doing my body a whole lot of good rather than just sitting there

 

[winjim]

Running not cycling, but you get the idea

 

[Widge]

Oh wow....many thanks for all your timely encouragement and motivational kindness.
I'm sorry my post might have come over a bit maudlin and self-indulgent. I have only just managed to get out and ride this year after a miserable year off, nursing a case of epydidimitis (Google it - it's a right pain-in-the-b@lls! ). Iv'e had a few weeks of partial remission from the pain which is promising-but of course - found I had lost any semblance of bike fitness. (not that I ever had MUCH!). I think I was overtaken by one too many 12 yr old riding a Barbie Bike in flip-flops and just felt a bit hopeless.

Hopefully my condition will continue to let up and maybe I can enjoy a season of riding to the full again soon.

And yes - have been gently reminded it's not all about the stats and speed. Enjoyment will always be key for me.

Thanks again, all.

Much appreciated
Widge

 

[jonny jeez]

Oh wow....many thanks for all your timely encouragement and motivational kindness.
I'm sorry my post might have come over a bit maudlin and self-indulgent. I have only just managed to get out and ride this year after a miserable year off, nursing a case of epydidimitis (Google it - it's a right pain-in-the-b@lls! ). Iv'e had a few weeks of partial remission from the pain which is promising-but of course - found I had lost any semblance of bike fitness. (not that I ever had MUCH!). I think I was overtaken by one too many 12 yr old riding a Barbie Bike in flip-flops and just felt a bit hopeless.

Hopefully my condition will continue to let up and maybe I can enjoy a season of riding to the full again soon.

And yes - have gently reminded me it's not all about the stats and speed. Enjoment will always be key for me.

Thanks again, all.

Much appreciated
Widge

May I make a suggestion. it might not be "your thing" but If as part of your recovery you fancy a break and fancy getting back in the saddle, why not load up a couple of panniers and go for a long weekend ride in France or The Uk. Take a tour of a couple of lovely B+B's, and ride as slow as you can whilst you take in the scenery.

touring is a wonderful way to indulge in gentle riding...the weather is still pretty good right now.

Good luck.

J

 

[Widge]

Top Idea, jonny.

Living so near Brittany Ferries in Plymouth I have several times now taken myself off on a 2day/ overnight 'Have-It-AwayDay' to Roscoff in winter and spent a pleasant day pottering and a fun-packed ferry cruise! Admittedly I have taken my clunky old MTB each time rather than my (newer) red road bike.....but it is always great fun!

https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/j...-go-mad-on-bat-island-mini-cycle-tour.119545/

I had been planning something a bit more epic this year...but will see how I feel in a month or two!! I may just pop over again for some beer and muscles (erm...shorely that should read Mussels?-ed.)

Best
w

 

[fossyant]

My dad is 70 and has just nicked my younger brothers old MTB. He loves it and has been exploring around the caravan down all the lanes. He has clocked up easily an 8 mile ride. I'm impressed as his knees are shot but on the bike he is fine. He is really enjoying it. Goal is a pub crawl on bikes with me and my brother in law, who also has just taken up cycling having been a cyclist hater. He had a hip replacement but has taken it up after I said it would be great for him to build muscle around the hip to support it.

Keep it up lad.

 

[fossyant]

I am the family's crash test dummy though. But it didn't stop my dad taking it up again. I've learnt he was a tear away when he was a lad on his bike

 

[jonny jeez]

Top Idea, jonny.

Living so near Brittany Ferries in Plymouth I have several times now taken myself off on a 2day/ overnight 'Have-It-AwayDay' to Roscoff in winter and spent a pleasant day pottering and a fun-packed ferry cruise! Admittedly I have taken my clunky old MTB each time rather than my (newer) red road bike.....but it is always great fun!

https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/j...-go-mad-on-bat-island-mini-cycle-tour.119545/

I had been planning something a bit more epic this year...but will see how I feel in a month or two!! I may just pop over again for some beer and muscles (erm...shorely that should read Mussels?-ed.)

Best
w

Looks like you are way ahead of me (nice write up by the way).

I've done a few tours now , some of them those endurance type of lo g distance things and some just very social rides from restaurant to restaurant. I've enjoyed each thoroughly (there are a few if my blogs on the travelogues section) and for different reasons in general but always they offer the same freedom of not returning, just riding on and not having to worry about getting home for anything....which makes getting home all the more special...eventually