[70vert]

First I'd like to say hello and thanks for all the good information I've been reading on this forum
Bought my first mtb last weekend; GF paragon. It was pretty cold the day I got it but managed to put 10 miles on it (mostly on pavement) before my face got too frozen. What a blast. Since then, the temps have been in the teens and haven't been able to get anymore use out of it and its driving me crazy. Can't hardly wait for some 40 degree weater.
I feel I'm in great shape as I work out allmost every day in the gym with 30 min. cartio + 1.5-2 hrs weights. I'm looking to get outdoors with the cartio (especially during the weekend). I'm wondering how a 47 yr. old is going to stack up with others I see out who are typically much younger than I. I think I'll stay away from the crowds untill I can at least get the clipless thing down pat.
I'd like to here from some others around my age with your experiences and advice.

John

 

[AZ]

@ 50 y.o. I get my ass handed to me by the young uns , but thats not what its about to me . Just enjoy the ride .

 

[CHUM]

personally.....i've seen many dudes in their 40's and 50's royally stomp the living hell out of younger riders.....

it's an endurance thang.....

 

[Ken in KC]

Welcome....

First I'd like to say hello and thanks for all the good information I've been reading on this forum
Bought my first mtb last weekend; GF paragon. It was pretty cold the day I got it but managed to put 10 miles on it (mostly on pavement) before my face got too frozen. What a blast. Since then, the temps have been in the teens and haven't been able to get anymore use out of it and its driving me crazy. Can't hardly wait for some 40 degree weater.
I feel I'm in great shape as I work out allmost every day in the gym with 30 min. cartio + 1.5-2 hrs weights. I'm looking to get outdoors with the cartio (especially during the weekend). I'm wondering how a 47 yr. old is going to stack up with others I see out who are typically much younger than I. I think I'll stay away from the crowds untill I can at least get the clipless thing down pat.
I'd like to here from some others around my age with your experiences and advice.

John

Welcome. I'm a little jealous of your location. You live in an area that I think is one of the country's best mountain biking areas. Slaughter Pen Hallow on the North side of Bentonville is probably the closest trails to you but you also have Leatherwood in Eureka Springs that you can claim as a local trail.

Don't worry about whether you can keep up or not. Just ride and have fun. You'll do fine.

 

[JPark]

Age makes no difference(other than slightly longer recovery time) Just ride lots, and you will get better.
As far as "riding with the crowds" don't worry about it. MTB'rs are almost universally freindly and helpfull. Riding with others really is the best way to learn.

 

[Kaba Klaus]

Have fun. That is all that matters. Oh - and most riders are perfectly OK to ride with somebody slower or technically less adept. Usually mountain bikers perceive the trail as the challenge - not the other riders. So sync-up with local riders soon. That is the best way to get in shape and also to learn the technique.

I am close to 45. There are guys in all age groups that ride better than me. And then there is guys in all age groups that don't. Doesn't matter. I am part of the friendly 'just-for-fun' group.

Ping me when you ever get into my neighborhood.

 

[Zoke2]

nothing ruins a good ride like a race breaking out ... +1 for riding in AR the Ozarks are a beautiful part of the country

 

[JimC.]

You're too old

for the babysitter, but for riding, just a great age.

I started at 43, now I'm darn near 63, *coff* and as all the others say, FUN is the key. Keep it fun and you'll keep riding.

As for those younger riders, remember, 'youth is wasted on the young' .

Cheers, Jim

 

[MadDuc916]

70vert,

Never to old, I'v been at this for close to twenty years now and at 46, I still enjoy riding just about better than anything I do. Find a good group to ride with if possible, as JPark said MTB'ers are pretty accepting of new riders are are usually willing to help. The LBS is always a good place to start. Try push yourself hard once a week or so and then give yourself time to recover. Most importantly, stay on the bike, you will be surprised how quickly you progress and enjoy the ride.

Keep the rubber side down.

MadDuc916

 

[ae111black]

most of the guy's I ride with are in their 40's and 50's and they usually kick my butt! I'm 36

 

[Glide the Clyde]

Welcome to the sickness. Good choice of bikes. I also find better riders of any age to be quite patient with my 46 y.o. arse on rides--they all appreciate other folks to get out on a trail with, are very helpful, love a good joke and a sense of humor, and keep sending me ride announcement emails. I got back into riding this past summer after about an 8 year hiatus.

The LBS is a great link to riders in your community. Stop in regularly, catch others just stopping by and get on some email lists.

From your handle, it looks as if you have or had a '70 convertible...what is/was it if you don't mind my asking?

Dave

 

[lumber825]

49, bought my first real Mountain Bike in Aug 09. I get passed a lot and asked if I'm ok when I have to stop to take a break. Biggest regret is not doing this 30 years ago.

Like anything else in the world understand there are some complete A Holes out there. Most people I encounter on the trail are cool even the hikers and some of the dreaded horse people.

 

[70vert]

Good replys, thanks. Yes, Northwest Arkansas is flush with great rides. I've allready hooked up with the LBS, great help. I'll seek company as soon as I get some more miles on the seat.

Dave, good catch on the user name. Yes I'm a car guy; have 3 corvettes: '65 FI coupe, '70 BB convertable and a '96 grand sport.

 

[Glide the Clyde]

Dave, good catch on the user name. Yes I'm a car guy; have 3 corvettes: '65 FI coupe, '70 BB convertable and a '96 grand sport.

Thought I felt a Chevy vibe... That is a very, very nice stable of 'Vettes. I'm a car/Chevy guy, too. I've got a '65 L79 Malibu SS that has been in my family since it was new in June '65...hence my user name. A '95 Z28 convertible as well.

 

[scottzg]

most of the guy's I ride with are in their 40's and 50's and they usually kick my butt! I'm 36

no kidding... i assumed you were a kid since you had a pretty mundane car's chassis code for a username. What's the story there?

Get out there and kick some ass, op!

 

[ireland57]

Great to see another car man on the forum...... and a couple of nice ones too.
I'm a Ford man but love any muscle car.

I'm 52 and love this sport; I started getting more serious about 8 months ago and am a lot fitter than I was then.
My "mates" took me on an off-road ride 18 mths ago and I nearly frigging died from exertion and I was reasonably fit. The hills killed me.
Now I love hills...... well, they're ok.

I ride with better, fitter, younger riders as often as I can to help me lift my levels.
And it can be embarassing I can tell ya.

Mountain bikers love to help with friendly advice from riding skills to bikes, gear, clothing... you name it.

We have to train smarter than they do and our recovery can be longer. I usually need a day, maybe two, between hard rides.

You'll already know about the phenomenon called "old man's toughness." It's a fact and can be developed. Just smart eating, good training and plenty of riding.

Have fun. It's a great sport to be in.

 

[Gasp4Air]

I think I was 47 when I got my first mtn bike. A Canondale boinger. I've been upgrading for the last 13 years. Riding an 08 Niner Rip9 now and love it. I've never been fast or very talented, but the miracle of it is that I'm still getting better, and I'll be thankful as long as I can do that. It's a great sport with a lot of great people and trails to ride. Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy.:thumbsup:

 

[agabriel]

I've been hamered by a few guys that are older than you - I'm 32. Damn those two were fast...

 

[Ken in KC]

Simple Pleasures?

Good replys, thanks. Yes, Northwest Arkansas is flush with great rides. I've allready hooked up with the LBS, great help. I'll seek company as soon as I get some more miles on the seat.

Dave, good catch on the user name. Yes I'm a car guy; have 3 corvettes: '65 FI coupe, '70 BB convertable and a '96 grand sport.

Have you been to Simple Pleasures (www.simplepleasures.us) in Bella Vista? They've got about 20 cars ranging from the early 1900's (Ford, Dodge Brothers) to the late 60's.

 

[bloodyknee]

I'm 47 and just been biking exactly one year this month. Just get out and ride, and you'll be fine. Just about everybody you meet will be super cool to you and help you along. It's hard to believe the amount of advice and help you'll get. As other posters have said, nobody usually minds riding with a less experienced rider unless they are on a training ride that day. I ride with some pretty experienced riders and they are the ones always asking me to go ride so I know they don't mind at all.

Keep it up and use this forum to ask question. You'll get good advice usually and a few smartass replys as well.