older riders

[justbarb]

First official bike journey was a great success!  Since I am older and, thanks be to God, wiser, I shortened my intended mileage by about 18 or so miles.  I had enough to process:  riding with the bike loaded, new places to discover, setting up camp, etc.  33 miles was just right, as I had energy for the next day.  That, also, went very well.  Several people stopped to ask me questions, as I was the only one around who was traveling by bike, and I hope those who said they wanted to do bike traveling will do so.  Thanks to all of you for your support.  I am now plotting when and where to go next...and for at least five days.  Tailwinds to all!

[tonythomson]

Hey Barb, congrats - great fun eh?

[staehpj1]

Thanks for sharing.  I'm glad you had fun.

[johnsondasw]

  Several people stopped to ask me questions, as I was the only one around who was traveling by bike, and I hope those who said they wanted to do bike traveling will do so. 

It's always been amazing to me how many people are fascinated by bike tourers.  They want to know all about you, your route, bike, etc.  I've even had people ask me how I get up the big hills!  One of the most common laments I've heard is that "Well, I wish I had done that when I was younger, because I'm too old now."  Most of the guys saying this are in about their 40s. 

[justbarb]

I'm amazed, too, and have learned to not answer questions specifically.  When asked where I'm coming from and going to, I respond, "Oh north and south and wherever."  I also never tell people where I am camping.  We older females need to be very careful about revealing information.  Guess that's true for most people these days.  <sigh!>  I also limit my time in conversation when on the route, as lots of time can be consumed and my muscles get too cool.  In camp is another story.

[cycledancer]

Thanks to everyone who replied to my "older riders" post.  I know there are lots of over 50 and beyond out there.  Mostly men, though.  No offense....but where are the women?   I'm a female and have a husband that won't get out and ride, so I go alone.  Can't find other women in over 50 age group who want to ride for fitness and possibly plan some type of tour in the future.  I do, however, appreciate all the good words and encouragement.  I'm a wussy compared to those of you in your 70's and above, some even with challenging physical conditions, who don't let anything stop them.  I needed some of this type of role model to get myself out there.  icejan

Just to encourage you, let me say, I turned 61 yesterday, and biking (and dancing) is my great love. I rode weeklong Cycle Oregon last fall: biggest day was 84 mi and 7000 ft elevation gain! Was I proud! and tired! Rode a metric century last weekend, and another 30 mi the next day, considering a Southern Tier crossing (supported) for next spring. For me, 50-60 mi feels like a good day's cycling.
I love to walk and hike, but feel much creakier after a day of them than after a bike day. As for friends to ride with, I've found some here in Seattle, but also, when you bike here, you're never alone; lots of cyclists, and if you stop even to read a map, somebody always comes along to make sure you're okay.

[bevbiker]

I'm a 76 yr old woman -- plan to ride the Lewis &
Clark trail this summer.  Did the Southern Tier with WomanTours starting on my 70th birthday & the east coast with America by Bicycle at 73.  Not as fast as I was in my 50s but sagged less than 1/2 day on each of the above tours.  And I ride a Bike Friday.  Maybe @ 80 or so I'll try a recumbent.
bevbiker@gmail.com

[justbarb]

Bevbiker -  You are my kinda woman!  What have you found to be the biggest thrills and obstacles with your touring?  What words of wisdom do you have to pass on to those of us who aspire to bike as you have?  Barb