I'm Almost 65 and Just Bought 2 Bicycles....am I Crazy?

[jds holler]

I just watched a vid by a doctor/study group where they took elderly folks say 65-75 years and split the group. Half went from no exercise, to three hours a week. Other half continued with none.

The group with 3 hrs per week exercise decreased their risk of death (by ALL CAUSES) by 50%. And the exercise they were talking about was nothing serious.

Now those of us who possess eternal salvation have nothing to fear from death, but I'd wager that we'd rather not live the rest of our earthly lives debilitated by a stroke or some other life altering health crises.

I'd say that if you can ride your bikes without killing yourself, it will prolly be a great thing for your future. jd

 

[M-61]

I got a late start in life, but I'm closing in on 50K miles (road).

50,000 miles in how long?
Whatever it is continue to enjoy it!

 

[rijndael]

50,000 miles in how long?

2009

 

[M-61]

Impressive!

 

[kzin]

The cruisers may just be a gateway to spending a lot more.

But if you post here you're probably familiar with that scenario!

 

[3Phantoms]

Wife and I (67+68) enjoy the low impact nature of the bike rides. Keeps the joints moving without a lot of stress. Those faced with the uphill both ways can always opt for the E assist bikes just in case they get tired while riding!

 

[Ned Ludd]

I've given a great deal of thought to this topic in recent years. My take is that a 60+ year old human body simply can't absorb the hits that a young person's body can, no matter how great of shape the person may be in. So if you're going to do the bike thing, wear a helmet to protect your squash. You can never know when there might be a rock lying in the road or a small crack that could cause you to have a spill.

It seems unfair to me that we can't do things like we did when we were kids, like jumping on the bike without a helmet and tearing off whenever or wherever we want to go. No one wore ever bike helmets when I was a kid. But it is what it is, and taking a little extra precaution might prevent what could be a really serious injury for an adult. I know several [adult] people that have had serious injuries while riding bicycles...in fact, debilitating injuries that a youngster would likely have shrugged off in a short amount of time.

 

[Knotwild]

I will be 68 in February; I love my job, I think I'll just keep working.

 

[cwood59]

I've given a great deal of thought to this topic in recent years. My take is that a 60+ year old human body simply can't absorb the hits that a young person's body can, no matter how great of shape the person may be in. So if you're going to do the bike thing, wear a helmet to protect your squash. You can never know when there might be a rock lying in the road or a small crack that could cause you to have a spill.

It seems unfair to me that we can't do things like we did when we were kids, like jumping on the bike without a helmet and tearing off whenever or wherever we want to go. No one wore ever bike helmets when I was a kid. But it is what it is, and taking a little extra precaution might prevent what could be a really serious injury for an adult. I know several [adult] people that have had serious injuries while riding bicycles...in fact, debilitating injuries that a youngster would likely have shrugged off in a short amount of time.

.......we absolutely are getting helmets. Neither of us are daredevils anymore. It is good to be reminded now and then.

Thanks!

 

[joshb]

No! Crazy would be marrying a 20 something and trying to keep up! It’s the number one killer of rich old guys.

 

[ebb]

About 15 years ago I rode all the time and after a day on the job I came home to a cool front and the temp was so good I jumped on the bike. About 1/3 through my ride the weather from the front got bad, lots of wind and rain. I got up to the elementary school and used the signal to cross the 4 lane. Light turned green on my side and I started across the road and something in my brain said stop. I grabbed both brakes, back wheel came up about 2 inches and a school bus ran the light about 1 foot in front of me. I saw the driver looking in the rear view screaming at to boys fighting in the back of thew bus. He never knew I was there. I was still shaking when I got home soaking wet. Wife looks at me and says "cold"?

 

[gary0529]

75 next birthday - been riding for 40 + years- did Centuries when I was younger but now I keep it to 10 to 20 miles- rolling hills -no more mountains - when the weather is crappy I have a Kreitler roller in the man cave (if you want to keep your form correct go to a roller but be warned you WILL come off the rollers more than once ) to keep me movings - I ride 6 to 7 days per week and it keeps the HDL's up and my cardiologist happy. Cannot run anymore because of bad knees but the bike is just the bee's knees and it keeps the wear and tear off of the bones in my knees and my heart happy.
Congratulation and be prepared to spend a lot more to get a better bike as circumstances allow - just like shooting- buy once , cry once but buy the best you can afford and what fits you and your needs
See you on the roads

Gary

 

[DogBuster]

In July.....bought an EBike on a whim......luv it.....1600+ miles since then

Then a month ago......bought my wife same bike...but 'step through frame'

Says she can't 'wipe the smile off her face'

Fat tire bikes....26" x 4" tires....20AH battery......up to 80 miles (approx) if you assist

60 miles on throttle alone (approx) You set what level of work out you want with the 'Pedal assist'

How much......? $1720 shipped...Himiway Zebra......Weight ? 78# Great/well made bikes

If you like cycling........EBikes are kool.......

Few recent pics

 

[DogBuster]

Being in Utah......not urban/paved trails

I ride areas that make your nipples hard

 

[DogBuster]

As I said.......

Could hear my wife behind me while riding........

'Hey bear........hey bear'

 

[Clancy]

I’m still a whipper snapper to most of you guys, but I work out 5-7 times a week.

It may not add 30 minutes to my life, but hey, that might be the 30 minutes I needed to meet a great grandchild. I’ll roll the dice.

 

[Dgd6mm]

My wife is 63 and works out 5 days a week. She's stronger now and she feels she's in better shape than she has ever been. I'm only 64 and was looking at bikes yesterday.

 

[corning]

I have been riding bicycles for most of my life. I've ridden mostly road bikes. I purchased a mountain bike during the "pandemic" in order to ride with my grandsons on unpaved surfaces, and still use my road bike on paved surfaces. Next spring, I plan on riding from Philadelphia to Atlantic City to raise money for the American Cancer Society (66 miles). I'll be 70 at the time I do the ride. Life is good.

---

 

[Coyotefurharvester]

63, most days(other than winter) 3 miles on the mt.bike and than 3 mile run,jog or walk depending on how I feel. I think my Viszla likes the run better than my walk, know he likes running next to the bike. Yes, dogs must KNOW heel to run beside the bike. This does pay off hunting.

 

[Timberyote]

My Wife and I got bikes last year.

She has been riding off and on but I had a 55 year hiatus.

She's now 72 and I'm now 74.

We both love it.

Enjoy the rides, and many of them.