Close to 59, I still ride track with a 600 gixxer, a Hayabusa on the street and a Harley with wifey as passenger. My Husky still gives the biggest rush though, without getting into trouble with the law, being in the dirt. Problem is, I can't remember the last time I rode this thing without falling off at least once. Keep the body in shape with cycling (road bicycling), but boy, if I stop that training, it takes about 3 months and I my back as well as left leg starts telling me the Husky is taking its toll. Is this a sign that I should slow down?
I'm in my fifties too, and realized that speed is not the objective, but having a good time and being fit is. You cannot do either when injured. I'd suggest you back your O/R expectations down slightly, and watch the fun meter go way up. I road bicycle, MTB, and run track, in addition to dirt bike riding, and learned the hard way that stretching and chiropractic adjustments must be essential parts of my routine.
Just for motivation, stay healthy keep fit and continue to enjoy off roading. The guy checking the cam is 50 (like me). The guy on the riding the KTM in front of me is in his mid-sixties....he walks and surfs for cardio, eats well and still has the wrist and shoulder "rest" periods. Exercise, Chiropractic and chin up motivation to continue enjoying being a kid is paramount!! Best of life, just keep doing it!! (just keep a lid on the wild side) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrU4dAD82LQ
Yeah, I've seen this type of thread before....here, as well as on other forums. I agree that it is hard to stay in shape or even be in shape. It's also frustrating to go to the track with friends who are younger and faster and know that I can never be young or fast again. My skin is thinner, less elastic. I bruise and bleed a lot easier. Impacts hurt a lot more, my depth perception and reaction time are now poop. Would I give riding up? Heck no! I just go out and have fun, I stick with trail riding and dualsport for the most part. No need to be competing in any sort of event. Once in a while I get in a zone where it's just like the clock has been turned back and I feel as fast and competent (whether that is actually true or not) as I was twenty five years ago. And that is a great feeling. I plan to ride until I just physically can't do it anymore.
Also, a friend of mine is well into his sixties and snowboards (well), skis to a good standard. Is one of the best mountain bikers I know, rides a cbr600 (fast) and is going to Dubai to ride dirt bikes in the desert next march. Age aint nothing but a number my friend.
Thx When I cycle, I stretch. It's normally about 1/2 hour a day of stretching and anyting on the bike, based on time available. Never tried a Chiropractor, had to Google what it means. Does that add a lot of value?
Being mid-50's with very high mileage, I feel every fall for an extended time. If I had one thing that I would recommend it is to get a dedicated trail bike. Something light and easy to handle with bucket loads of fun built in. The x-lite based TXC's or the wr's make riding fun and much less stressful. Certainly worth hauling them to the trails/track. JMO
Yes. If find that my neck and spine get out of alignment, and the chiropractor is able to set it straight. There are some days that I'm locked up or in total pain that can be largely removed in a single visit. Repeated visits are maintenance to keep me healthy. Ask your buddies if any of them have a recommendation, and find a chiropractor you trust. Some guys don't respond well to adjustments, but you need to try it to know.
I ride with a couple of guys close to half my age. I have no trouble keeping up because experience trumps youth anytime. However I do feel it more than they do. I am always stiff and sore the day after a really good ride. The thing that slows me down the most are the permanent injuries I have sustained from motorcycle crashes. I am way to young to have to put up with those limitations for the rest of my life.
I'm 50+ and found the smaller bike suggestion is spot on. I traded a KX250 2t for a WR150 and I'm loving it! I'm just as fast and not worn out at the end of the day. And the young ones I ride with are amazed I can keep up with them.
58 and gone down from a 510 to 450 to 310 in past 4 years. This suits as I do ST. I fall off most rides and put it down to trying hard. Go to bed tired and sore but with a huge smile on my dial. Stop when you do not want to do it. Make it your decision not someone else's. I still play full contact rugby and love it. I get hurt but doing what I love. Same goes for riding. I love my ducati and fanging through the twisties, but it will never be as involved or as much fun as my Husky. Riding tomorrow with some other old farts, we will no doubt try to out gun each other ( I know I will come last). Point is we have a laugh, keep our skills up and tell lots of lies afterwards.
Just turned 60 & spent a week at the Hatfield McCoy trails in WVA. Had loads of fun. Cannot find a reason to quit. The more i ride the less sore I get. Keeps me in shape [for my age] Yes I've slowed down but for a lap or 2 i can crank it up pretty good. When I quit having fun I will quit,but when will that be? I know it is coming so i better get going!
I'me the same age , go trail riding every sunday. Slow down? Na Putting in about 85ks in 2hrs. The cramps later are what pisses me off.
Stay away from this: "We would like to set you up for an hour, two to three times a week for eight weeks." Look for this: "Your all done. Come back and see us if you need."
Thx. I'm in good shape, but had one bad fall with the Husky, hurting a muscle somewhere between my hip and my spine. Year and half later, it still bugs me little at times. Doing a bit of research, it appears as if Chiropractors are not accepted in all circles of medical science? Isn't a Physical Therapist a better Idea?
