The slow cyclist burns half the calories but still manages to get to work in less than half the time. The continuing development of cycling infrastructure will help, too. Doc made me take the resting heartrate test again because he didn’t believe it. Six-year-old Crosby Zimmerman has mountain biking skills you need to see to BELIEVE! Ignore the naysayes and live a litte! I have survived the “unsurvivable” and am told I still look like I’m under 60!!! Mountain biking is a sport that can help balance out the effects of aging as you get older. My knee rebounded so well because I went into the operation well conditioned to begin with. It’s just fast enough to be a hazard, and too slow to respond to hazards. I also commute year round. I am 63, been mtn biking since ’93. No. People just love to hate on cyclists! And what it does for my spirit is incalculable. It uses scarce metals like cadmium and zinc in very specific transport mechanisms to build DNA, enzymes, and synthesize proteins and other molecules to keep protopl… New bike day is one of the best days you will experience as a mountain biker. 2009 Orange Five Pro. That so called Doctor doesn’t know his A$$ from ??? I just took up biking again after ten plus years. Good for everything ….enviroment, mind, body and soul! I’m 47 (almost there), and in response to Dr. Yaremchuk’s assessment, I’d say if you’re going 10mph on city streets (like the West L.A. streets I ride every day), you SHOULD think twice about being on a bike. I am slower than when I was in my 20s but that actually means that my risk of serious injury and death are LESS not greater than when I was bicycling in my 20s. How about cycling over 60? I have a problem with his maths. Your email address will not be published. I combine these intense upper body days with 2-3 days of mountain biking and walking several miles 6 days a week. What are they thinking, riding a bike at all? Our city has been doing a lot to encourage bike use, adding bike lanes, dedicated bike paths, etc. Again, you control where and what you ride. My biggest fear is it returning or heart disease, but, by gosh, it is going to have to catch me on my bike. I have treated hundreds of [facial] injuries. 61 Comments. I can say it is probably saving my life. I am 52 yrs. Raising the age a little, I am 72 and cycle all weathers here in the UK. It just takes longer. Determine what you plan to use the bike for most often. I’d venture that every increase in cycling injuries is more than offset by a decrease in auto injuries, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, coronary artery disease, and diabetes. I’m losing weight (thanks, low estrogen drugs) and am finally shaping up again. Ok. Not a rail but no longer on Atenolol for irregular heart beat. I am 5′ 8″ and weigh 158 lbs, it’s about 6-8 lbs. Okay . I commute on a bike and go mountain biking on weekends and have fallen there with no major injuries…I’m 57 BTW…. At 67 I average 500 miles a month. Required fields are marked *, Hydration & Nuun: A Product Review Disguised as a PSA, 2801 N. Flowing Wells Rd. I have crashed once, but I feel that because I was in better shape, I was barely injured, mostly my pride, although listening to gravel scraping by your helmet will CERTAINLY make sure you keep on wearing one. I went back to cycling after a 40 year hiatus because I had hit a plateau on my diet. This is from The Huffington Post: “Cycling Injuries: A New Epidemic?”. Fifty+ Years Old. I’m not sure what I’ll do once winter comes, though. Either way, age is just a number and there has never been a better time to start riding or riding again than right now. Both can be developed and improved upon with a proper focus, time and energy. Probably the single most important variable that you have control over to combat the effects of aging is nutrition. I plan to be in the “young for my age” camp. It will help increase your strength and endurance. From a 38 waist to a 32. In my youth A figure skater & professional ballroom dancer! The need for glasses, slightly graying hair — or loss of it, and few more wrinkles is insignificant. Or leave the house? I’m 65, have ridden for more than 40 years all over this country. What you eat and when you eat are very important to overall health as will make your rides easier and your recoveries quicker. I had not used a bicycle since I was a boy. It is my way of staying active and compliments the days I go downtown by bus and walk, socialize etc. I’ve had 2 accidents in 40 years. If anyone can get past that unintentional firewall, I’d like to have the URL to this added in the comments so that the good doctor can read these comments if he so chooses. No Allopurinol for gout. Barely 50, I would not give it up. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. I was 243 now 220. Tagged with Commute by Bike I was cut off by a driver crashed got cut up and got back on. This might sacrifice handling, but it will improve comfort. I know I have extended my lifespan, and that I will be healthier in my old age. Would you think that apples are something to worry about? Just a thought. There should be a link back to here (pending approval of Huffpost’s moderators). For those who are physically fit, riding a bike at age 50 isn’t much different than it was at 15. I have done all the NY Finger Lakes, one a day. As for falls/accidents, last one was in 1996. Why over-50? This is to Hivemind, You shouldnt be born. I am 66 and stated riding a bike to work 2.5 years ago . Being in the woods and on my bike allows me to leave the crazy world we live in behind for a while. Observe recent TDF, cycling athletes at the peak of their physical and mental powers, and they still have accidents! We have to weigh the good with the bad and make our own choices. Riders taking part in short course or mini downhill events can compete in … I won’t say that I can dance on the bike. People aged 50 years and above have a lot to benefit from cycling. Why not just say no one should ride a bike? Cycling world championships are a great platform to showcase talent. NYC is installing more bike lanes every day. He ought to be able to get a few talk shows out of it. Don't buy just a bike, buy a passion! Been reading with interest on biking, people who are in their 50’s 60 and are getting into biking. It took me some time to get use to the clip in pedals but otherwise no problems. I also wear a full face helmet, padded riding shorts, gloves and if I am riding single track MTB trails a chest protector too. Cycling has corrected all ills that come upon me over the years and I will never stop riding again. Saucon Valley Bikes Meetup. Bicycle ridership among those 60 years and older is growing the fastest according to data collected by the US Department of Transportation. It’s unfortunate we all have to defend bicycling against a doctor with a soapbox…. As the numbers go up so will the incidence of accidents; unless riders really make the effort to be careful. ... 40 miles a week and then I’m out on Sunday mornings doing 50… What next, the evils of a beer at the end of a ride? Most of my prior falls were potholes, and my only injuries were road rash on my legs/arms. Rode 2 and 1/2 miles today at probably around 10 mph Really love it. And it also takes 2.5 times longer. Mountain biking is a sport of riding bicycles off-road, often over rough terrain, usually using specially designed mountain bikes.Mountain bikes share similarities with other bikes but incorporate features designed to enhance durability and performance in rough terrain, such as air or coil-sprung shocks used as suspension, larger and wider wheels and tyres, stronger frame … I started mountain biking when I was 18 years old. “If you are over 50, think twice before you get on a bicycle, Not to cycle Is non sence. It’s all too dangerous! What a ridiculous comment by the Doctor Y.! I am a 57yr old woman that took up road cycling last year, bought a beautiful road bike & love it and I ride several times a week doing 450 to 500 km per week! Most of the trail is fast and easy riding, but there are a number of short, fun, slightly technical rocky areas. I don’t regret any of it and feel as if I’ve been privy to the fountain of youth in some ways. I am a 62 year old female, one year post acl knee reconstruction, riding stronger now than I have in my entire life. …city bike riding also has a limited exercise benefit. But I’ve done 3400 miles so far this year at the blazing average speed of 9.8 mph, LOL. For most riders over 50 years old, a solid dual suspension will continue to suit their needs as long as health is not a major factor. I think this is a great idea that promotes safety and expands the general interest in cycling. He bases his math on the silly assumption that the cyclist will be going at a very leisurely pace (c’mon, I need to ride my brake to hold my speed to only 10 mph, not to mention riding that slow is as much fun as watching paint dry), while the walker will be going at a fairly brisk 4 mph. I try to use common sense, avoid stupid moves, and follow the road signs. Great comments on this subject . Let’s check in with a sampling of those over-50 mountain bikers from around the Upper Valley: Julie Tilden is 74 (going on 39) and has been mountain biking for about 30 years. Caveat: I’m not an epidemiologist, I just play one on the Web. A few years ago I had to quit mountain biking altogether because of some severe back problems. My best friend and I are getting ready for 2 more 62 mi and a century in Nov. will I give it up? Age categories. Every now and then I must relearn the lesson that doctors aren’t necessarily scientists. Cholesterol 140. seems as if it might threaten one of your more cherished beliefs. The older I get the better I am. I would rather take a bad bounce on a bicycle, than, have someone find me dead in a recliner chair, with a bowl of cold Mission Macaroni on my chest and Happy Days playing on the television. Cuts and bruises to count, and protein to speed recovery after long runs this country do craniofacial know... 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