How many cyclists are out there?

[Southern Breeze]

I've started ride a bike again after a 10 year hiatus. Last month I spent the night in the hospital after suffering what seemed to be a heart attack. It turned out to be trouble with my gallbladder (thankfully). one of the tests was the infamous stress test where they put you one a treadmill and make you wish you were dead. I was glad to find out that everything cardiac wise was fine, but I had no idea I was as out of shape as I was. Most of my time is spent behind a desk and I'm not as active as I once was. I started walking around the block and was thinking about getting a bike when a friend gave me one three weeks ago.( He manages apartments and it was one that was left when the tenants moved out) It's a Schwinn mtn bike, not the latest and greatest but it suits my needs for riding around town. I've been riding 2-3 miles a day and I'm surprised at much better I feel. So I got to wondering, how many cyclists are here on the forum?

[mookien]

Here's one! I have been an avid mountain biker for over 30 years, though I'm much older/slower than I used to be.

I owned a couple of great Jamis Dakar bikes and during the era (circa 1990) of "less weight is better" custom built a titanium-framed ride that with one empty water bottle in its cage weighed under 20 lbs. I soon learned that less weight is not always good, but that is a long, boring story that did not end with any injuries except to the bike. I'm still riding it, but today it weighs closer to 25 lbs.

Since you have ridden in the past I won't remind you (oh yes I will) that you should start out with short trips, acclimate yourself to the bike, and especially the saddle (get the best one you can afford). Also, be mentally prepared for inevitable setbacks, ie. "I can't ride today as fast and as strong as I did last time out. Darnit!". Just be patient with yourself, keep pedaling, push through, and in a short time (even maybe the next ride) you will achieve a higher plateau of strength, speed, and bicycle shape.

And, then you'll get old and think to yourself, "Good Lord, what happened!"

Enjoy your rides!

[chewse]

Cyclist here.....My wife and I ride the local trails in the Dallas-Fort Worth area mostly. However, we are beginning to venture further and further out. We have an upcoming trip to Colorado that I really look forward to. We are meeting up with fellow bike riders for several long rides through the mountains. Like you, we stopped cycling several years back and have recently got back into it. We purchased a bike trailer for our two terriers to accompany us on our rides.

[TJ Kelley]

Good job getting back in the saddle SB.

I have been a Arizona single track rider for 20 yrs now. Before that I rode skinny tire, but with the way people drive, I'll take my chances on the trail. Nothing like getting out into the AZ desert for a climb and decent, its a rush. Arizona offers some of the sweetest single track trails, from the desert/foothills, slick rock in Sedona and pines up in Flagstaff. During the summer heat, we have a local state park that stay open late for night rides once a month. Strap on a HID/LED lamp and the trail takes on a whole new look. Very exciting!

I've been on a couple Utah rides that were an adventure, but never Colorado. She's on my bucket list. There are Hut rides starting in Aspen down to Vail that sound like fun. Also Whistler Mountain BC Canada is on that list, that place looks intence.

But be prepared for a addiction more costly that kilts... very easy to wrap up $2-3000+ in a rig. But when your flying down the side of a mountain by the seat of your lycra, how can you put a cost on quality equipment returning you home safe.

Enjoy your trek and keep it up!

[Angstrom]

Early last year I dug out my old bike and noticed that hills were a lot easier 30 years and 20 pounds ago. There's not much that one can do about the years, but I started riding more and upgraded from a 30-year-old road bike to a 10-year-old one. Dropped 10 pounds and now a 20-40 mile ride is comfortable.

As you start to ride more, think about investing in bike gear for the points where you touch the bike: seat, hands, and feet. It is more comfortable. There are plenty of options that look like normal street clothes if lycra doesn't work for you.

[Macman]

Good for you, SB. You don't need the latest and greatest to get the benefits of cycling. My wife and I try to get out two or three times a week, and it's really good for mind and body. I've found that as I've aged I'm more of a fair weather cyclist, though.

[Liam]

I had some back problems 8 years ago, but discovered that I could comfortably ride a bike, so started bike commuting to/from work - 12 km each way. Despite winter in Calgary, I ride my bike every day. I had back surgery 4 years ago and my back is much better but have continued to bike commute. It is the best part of my working day. I have to agree that cycling up hills was much easier 40 years and 40 lbs. ago. Some of us just are built for lycra.....

Bill

[John_Carrick]

I took up cycling two months ago at the age of 50. My two tips are to be as visible as possible because that motorist really has not seen you and also not to ride in two high a gear if you have wrecked knees.
Middle aged men in lycra - mammals - are a cultural phenomenon in the UK just now.

[TJ Kelley]

And here I figured a bunch of kilt wearing chaps would be a lil' more liberal about wearing lycra.

It does serve a good propose while mtn biking, with your **** constantly in and out of the saddle.
The first time you hook the crotch of your shorts on the horn of your saddle, sending you "endo" over the handle bars, you'll understand.

[Hawk]

I've heard CCK from Austin TX is an avid biker and more......

I've been known, years ago, to throw a leg over two wheels myself....

Of course, there's always my son that's a good example, riding 14 miles each way, back and forth to his work....he enjoys the time and exercise.....

Hawk