This is a topic I had in BNA that was well used and was continuing even coming up 6 years since it began. This is about feeling old and slow on the bicycle due to getting old personally or after an injury, operations or some other medical event that one has to endure, getting back on the bike and doing the best you can under the circumstances.
This topic has nothing to do with old worn out bicycles but old worn out cyclists lol.
What prompted me to start this topic originally is back in 2020, still during Covid times but I just not long had a left hip replacement, when I was ok to get back on the bike, I met up with a couple of blokes from an old BUG I was involved in during the early 2000’s but halfway into the ride I had to bail as my lack of fitness was dragging me down and I was also holding them back so I said my goodbyes and rode home with the tail between my legs.
I had just turned 60 back then, felt like 80 but I do keep riding and by myself usually as that way I don’t have anyone else on my mind except how I’m doing. 66yrs old now and older and just as decrepit lol.
I don’t have an E-bike, only a touring bike and MTB so as long as I don’t go too slow that I fall off, I’m trying not to succumb to an E-bike just yet.
So anyone else here have an Old & Decrepit story they wish to share, put it down under this post. I thought I’d bring it over here if it’s ok for members to talk about any ongoing issues.
Turned 51 this year. I’ve never been fast, never raced, don’t really do group rides that often. I’ve given up on ever being fast, just gonna concentrate on enjoying riding I think. Definitely have a lot more aches and pains than I used to but nothing serious. My main goal is to be fit enough to be able to do a 100km ride with no notice, like wake up and go “righto, doing 100km today”. Did that a week or so back with no problems, so I guess I’m doing okay.
That said, I did have a decent stack last week on my commute when a random fibre optic cable got tangled in my front wheel, so I’m still pretty sore from that. I’m generally the most cautious rider around so don’t usually get injured unless it’s someone else’s fault…
Being able to go fast is overrated IMO. Pro racing is just a marketing tool for the manufacturers to sell more overpriced cycling equipment. That takes away one of the best benefits of bikes, which is their frugality.
I’m 58 and like you I’m focussed on being more capable, rather than fast. It has been at least 6 years since I’ve even had a computer on my bike.