Old far.....fossils need a separate virtual club?

[Chris NewbyFraser]

Being into my sixties, I often find that subjects covered by my fellow hubbers are discussed from the point of a younger, stronger rider. Is there a need for a separate space for us older folk? Things like smaller gears, comfier saddles, easier routes, (nappies) etc. Getting old is a reality. Being open about it is a way to gain more knowledge.

Let me know if I should start something.

Fat Fossil (aka Chris)

[porqui]

In a nice way - speak for yourself - so not really.

 

Still like to give the young ones a go.

 

Do yourself a favour and follow Wimpie van der Merve on Strava - amazement!

 

I have a 70yr + friend that most young ones would struggle to keep up with and skills they can only dream of.

 

My biggest issue is getting the breaks fixed up the rest not really a problem.

[Patensie]

My great uncle went for a ride from Longlands (then a farm) just outside Stellenbosch to buy some dohicky at Friedman and Cohan in Strand. Doesn't sound like much, but it was on his 80th birthday, 1988.

[ChrisF]

From one Chris to another Chris ....

 

 

Some of us are past the age where we can keep up with the younger folk.

 

But then again, last weekends event (Fine Breede MTB) was a VERY stark reminder of age ....

 

- 18km ride was won by an 11 year old kid ... okay, so the more serious riders did the 30km 

- 30km podium had 3 kids of between 14 and 16 years old !!! .... Okay, so the real racers must have done the 60km ...

- 60km was won by a gent of about 20 years old (others they mentioned the age, this one I am judging on looks)

 

 

So those in the second half century of age probably wont win any of these races .... so what ?

 

 

I averaged 18km/h during the Fine Breede MTB, doing the 18km route, my personal best.  And YES, it was nice to do a faster ride.  But next year I may take my camera along and stop to take photos, as I most often do.

 

I am not chasing segment times.  Though I do track my own performance and every so often do test myself - mostly to check heart rate against time, ability to climb hills, that type of stuff.

 

 

 

I absolutely admire the younger crowd and the way they push themselves.

 

And I have made peace that my reasons for cycling, and my performance levels differs from theirs ....

 

 

I have started the odd thread about granny gears .....  And some strong riders have contributed valuable information !!  Much appreciated !

 

 

No need for a "separate section" though.  We are riders just like the rest on the hub.  And it is nice to be part of the normal discussions - though one needs to filter what you read.  And sometimes I qualify my comments, as my experiences are from a different perspective.

 

 

The way I see it, there are many different stages or types of riders

- training wheels and balance bikes

- kids doing the SPUR league

- high school kids taking the honours on fun rides ... GOOD for these ones getting away from computer screens !!

- The "younger crowd" split between dedicated riders and the occasional riders getting their careers on track

- then the group that got their careers on track and now get back into cycling

- then the middle age group that led the good life and their health cried out and cycling forms part of their recovery .... uhm, ja, why do I recognise that guy in the mirror ...

- and then the ebike crowd, often the older crowd who can no longer do their longer rides and now use the ebike to still get where they would like to ride.  That said, significant number of younger faces on ebikes as well.

 

 

Respect to each and every rider !  

 

 

For now I ride slower and shorter distances, but still under my own steam.  

[Me rida my bicycle]

As far as I have seen is that age doesn't matter I am still young mid 30s and reasonably fit (average ride 40-50km mtb)

but I have a couple of friends over 50 that I would like to be as fit as they are and even a tannie that would leave most youngster in the dust on the fast technical single track down.

 

It's all relevant how long you have been riding, how fit you are, if you are overweight and whats your health like.

 

My neighbours sun wanted to join me on for a ride he was going to show me being half my age and size he barely made it back home and it was a rustige ride.

 

It's also what do you want to get out of your riding for me it's a break away from reality for those couple of hours my mind is clear and concentrating on having fun.

[Hairy]

I am sorry.... I have a friend who is in her 60’s and this young lady will ride the legs off a rider half her age, and I mean male riders, on the dh sections

[Spokey]

I read threads like this and am ashamed that my bikes have been gathering dust in the garage, I need to hit the trails when next home in SA!

[Dexter-morgan]

I read threads like this and am ashamed that my bikes have been gathering dust in the garage, I need to hit the trails when next home in SA!

Send some bikes this way

[keithbe]

I have the pleasure of riding with a varied aged group on Sundays. The +60 ladies and gents are the ones I need to push myself to keep up with. Then there's a 71 year old male...ascends at a pace I can only dream of at this stage.

 

When it comes to on the trail mechanicals the experienced riders skills rival those of the YouTube clan.

 

Kudos and respect to all. I hope and pray I'll still be around pedaling in the years to come.

[Albatross]

https://community.bikehub.co.za/topic/172475-the-over-50s-support-thread/page-9?do=findComment&comment=3285275

[WaynejG]

Yep, at 52 years old I will never end up on the podium. Good with that. However I like to compete in my age group and see where I finish. O ja, and I never want to be last.

 

Sent from my SM-G955F using Tapatalk

[Thomo]

Everything FatFossil mentions is probably true, but only applicable once you acknowledge and make it an issue.

And let's face it, for most of us that's never going to happen. LOL

Keep those pedals turning and keep the the youngsters in their place.!

[Harryn]

Looks to me like the OP’s idea for a really constructive and engaging thread have been scuppered by an old fart type pissing contest, which is a pity.

[keithbe]

Looks to me like the OP’s idea for a really constructive and engaging thread have been scuppered by an old fart type pissing contest, which is a pity.

From what I can ascertain the OP has support with the thread he'd like to kickoff. That being the positive feedback from the responses...until the one that came though on the eve of Monday. Which isn't Friday.

[Kranswurm]

Looks to me like the OP’s idea for a really constructive and engaging thread have been scuppered by an old fart type pissing contest, which is a pity.

Stop being an old fart

[King_Crispy]

Looks to me like the OP’s idea for a really constructive and engaging thread have been scuppered by an old fart type pissing contest, which is a pity.

Sounds like you also have a ticket on the Pity Wagon.

Why the need for separate anything?

I'm 10-15 years older than most of the guys I ride with and I give most of them a hiding, and I ride a singlespeed.

If the music is too loud, you're too old.