You're Never Too Old to Ride a Bike.
First of all I need to confess. I'm a senior citizen. I receive the New Zealand Government Superannuation. And I'm proud of my age. I'm also proud of the fact that I keep myself reasonably fit. Lately most of my fitness efforts have been long 4 - 5 km walks several times a week, but now a new dimension has returned.
After my son cleaned up my bike and made it fit to be ridden again I thought I'd better use it. Some of my friends think I'm crazy. We live in a small city, quite busy with traffic. In their eyes women of my age shouldn't be riding around town on a bike. But they are wrong. And if they opened their eyes they'd notice many other older women out riding for fitness as well.
Cycling is a wonderful form of fitness. My first ride in twelve months this morning certainly got my heart rate up. And no doubt my legs will ache tomorrow. But I loved it. There's nothing better than the breeze in your face and the feeling of freedom. I coped with the traffic this morning and now I have my confidence back. This first ride will definitely not be the last.
So, no matter how old you are, you're never to old to ride a bike. if you haven't ridden one for a few years, why not have a go. Find a bike and a quiet place and climb aboard. See how it feels. You may very well love the feeling.
Also by Val Mills:
http://www.personapaper.com/article/21474-a-bike-ride-in-the-country
Image Credit » Personal photo of Val Mills, writer of this post. January 2015
Comments
mrtoffee wrote on January 22, 2015, 2:47 PM
No you are never to old to cycle, there are a couple of chaps I see as I cycle to work out on there bikes and there both in their eighties.
valmnz wrote on January 22, 2015, 3:02 PM
Well, maybe that's a goal I should strive for!
seren3 wrote on January 22, 2015, 3:10 PM
A friend offered me a bike the other day. Unfortunately I don't have space to keep one in my apartment.
mrtoffee wrote on January 22, 2015, 3:10 PM
It's certainly one I'm aiming for valmnz
CoralLevang wrote on January 22, 2015, 3:17 PM
valmnz I have not been on a bicycle, except for a stationary bike, for 41 years. I'm not sure I wouldn't take a nasty tumble. Besides, they all seem to have more than 3 gears nowadays, and the brakes aren't applied by using the back pedaling. Can I still get one of those cool bells to warn others like I had on my old Schwinn?
CoralLevang wrote on January 22, 2015, 3:18 PM
*raises hand* If you are close by, I'll store it, ride it and you can come visit it. LOL
Kasman wrote on January 22, 2015, 3:23 PM
Considering some of the lunatic drivers we see on our roads today I don't think I'll be venturing out any time soon in my town! Going for a quite off-road ride is another matter, however. That I might try.
Shadi wrote on January 22, 2015, 3:49 PM
I don't see anything wrong with riding a bike at old age. This is actually common here where I live. I just hope you have special cycle lanes otherwise it could be dangerous.
valmnz wrote on January 22, 2015, 4:10 PM
When I first got my new bike about ten years ago - a less modern version than the one above - I had to be taught how to use gears and such. Even this morning, on the above bike, it took a few seconds to remember gears! Now i'm fine.
valmnz wrote on January 22, 2015, 4:11 PM
I agree re the traffic, I'm lucky to have some quiet areas to bike in once the morning or evening traffic has died down a little.
Kat- wrote on January 22, 2015, 4:50 PM
I haven't been on a bike in over 30 years! I use to love to ride my bike as a teenager, haven't had a bike since then either.
zabelle51 wrote on January 22, 2015, 7:53 PM
Our home in Florida is in an area with lots of flat street and it is the perfect place to ride a bike. When we spend winters there I plan to have one. ;)
MommyCharm wrote on January 22, 2015, 10:47 PM
I was suddenly reminded of the day I finally learned how to bike! :)
wolfgirl569 wrote on January 22, 2015, 11:01 PM
I shocked my nephew a couple of years ago when I loaned my car out and used a bike to do my feeding up the road. I took off and left him behind with ease. But I havent kept riding it since getting my truck back.
Dawnwriter wrote on January 23, 2015, 1:16 AM
You make me want to go shopping for a brand new bicycle right now
No one is too old to ride a bike and enjoy it too.
LilyDay wrote on January 31, 2015, 12:49 PM
I'm glad that you are getting back into cycling.