Caught up an MTB rider at the top of a climb yesterday and had a chat. Obviously an older gentleman so I asked if I could enquire about his age. 83 came the reply! He looked really well, had made the climb without stopping and told me he rides there three times a week weather permitting. Lovely guy, said he had ridden all his life and intended to carry on.
I mentioned I was nearby 66 and his reply was 'you're an effing youngster' 😀
My mum and dad are 80 and 81 respectively and are out on their bikes all the time. Like the gent you bumped into, they've both just ridden all their lives and have no intention of stopping
We'd had a discussion about them upgrading to e-bikes and I took them to a couple of bike shops so we could have a look at them, but in the end they weren't that fussed and are just going to carry on as they are.
They're on their hols in Majorca at the moment and they always hire bikes while they're away to get around
My mum and dad are ace! 😃
i regularly see guys in their 70’s riding or building and maintaining trails. they are legends. fast and skilled riders, too. i believe most of them also ski.
it is certainly something to aspire to.
Riding to Paris next month with my "oldest" friend for his 80th birthday. Had suggested he considered treating himself to an ebike. You'd think I'd shat on his carpet 😃
I used to do the occasional XC race 20 years or so back. I raced a Giant NRS with XT drivetrain and Reba Team forks, it was basically one level below what you would expect an Elite rider to ride. I was grinding up a climb when an old guy who looked like he was in his70s came cruising past on a Specialized Hardrock which must have cost about 10% what my bike cost. From the look of him, I'd say he had 50 years or more experience under his belt, not an ounce of fat on him. I had a look around the paddock after the race hoping to have a chat with him but couldn't find him. If I'm still as fit as him when I'm 70, I'll be happy.
We have 70 year olds at our club still dishing out the pain, plenty of mates have retired and are fitter and riding more in their 60s than ever before.
I hope my health and attitude are as good when I'm their age - partly why I'm focusing on it more now
Passed an old guy as he was heading down from Stanage Pole to Redmires on a gravel/tourer the other day - looked to be around 80