When are you too old?

[Dave W]

Just wondering at what age cycling becomes too much effort. When does it become impossible to cycle up those hills? When do you stop improving?
I wouldn't know because I'm so young and athletic still.

[531colin]

Define "improving"...?
If "improving" means going further or faster, or with less effort, or on rough tracks, or steep hills, then I was going backwards long ago.....

[tatanab]

It is all in the mind where I am permanently 21.

[jezer]

It's all a state of mind. If you could do it last week you can do it this week. I'm 65 and I feel fitter that I have ever done. I am doing more miles now I am retired than I did in the past, and I can usually keep up with the fast group on our club runs. Perhaps they are being kind to me and showing deference to an OAP

[CREPELLO]

Arguably, with the advent of electric assistance, you can carry on until the last hill, as long as your eyesight is good enough!

[LollyKat]

Have a read of this thread: viewtopic.php?f=1&t=75778



He carried on into his 90s

[[XAP]Bob]

And we recently had a thread about a 100 year old who cycled regularly (not as far though)

[al_yrpal]

Meeting old guys in our local DA. Some of them are mid 80s wiith both hips replaced and they are cycling out to a pub 25 miles from home for a lunch. At 70 I don't push myself but that's mostly not being as fit as I could be.

Al

[jezer]

I'm going to France on a CTC tour in July. I have done a few in recent years, and I feel I am often one of the younger ones. Perhaps that is wishful thinking, since I am clearly an OAP. I visited my grandchildren yesterday, during a 60km ride, and my daughter in law said I looked like Keith Richard with my bandana and dark glasses. Crikey, that's scary

[Cunobelin]

I was fortunate enough to meet Ron Beams, a real elder statesman, a pivotal member of the recumbent community and an advocate for cycling, up to the age of 99. He sadly failed to make the magic 100

The Midweek Wayfarers had 14 members over the age of 80 and several in their 90's

His 99th Birthday!

If I have half the skills and ability that these cyclists have at their age then I will be happy

[Mick F]

A chap climbed Everest recently, he was 80, but there's another chap on his way up even older.

What age is the oldest to cycle LEJOG or JOGLE?

[Sooper8]

My uncle was still cycling around town, doing a bit of shopping etc up until he was 82. In fact right up until a few weeks before he died.
Not bad, and I'd be happy with that!

[jezer]

I met Les West at a road race a few years ago when I was a BCF commissaire. He was competing in a E/1/2, and he performed well. He was in the winning break, although he missed out at the end. Oh well, us oldies can remember the heyday of UK domestic racing in the 60's

[pete75]

Just wondering at what age cycling becomes too much effort. When does it become impossible to cycle up those hills? When do you stop improving?
I wouldn't know because I'm so young and athletic still.

Next year - just remember it's always next year.

[iandriver]

Out local DAs regular ride leader on the seniors ride is 83. He's not the youngest. He's been riding with the group for over 50 years I believe. They remember a time when it was common to set off on a tour using the A1!

Here's a few pics of the DA from the 30s http://ctc-cambridge.org.uk/ctccambridgein1930s