[creativepart offline]

I'm an old fart (62) in the San Antonio, Texas area that has just started getting into MTB. I started road biking last March to lose some weight and be less sedentary. First, I bought a "Hybrid" bike (Trek FX 7.5) figuring that this would suit me best. But little did I know that I'd really like it. Within a month I was searching CL for used Road Bikes. I found one, sold the Hybrid for a loss and started putting on 60 miles or more a week. Then in July I bought a Carbon road bike and upped my ride to 80+ miles a week every week.

I had an old Gary Fisher Sugar FS MTB sitting in my garage, so I decided to give MTB a try for some diversity in my riding. Wow, I loved it. The Sugar is a 2002 model, so it's 10-years old. I bet I have all of 50 miles on it or less though. In 2002 we lived in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and I used the Fisher there on some trails, but the riding season was short and I wasn't too into it.

So, I've been riding the road during the week and riding trails on the weekends for the past two months.

I'm riding beginner trails and trying to get my courage up for some of the more advanced rides in my area. And, probably foolishly, I've ordered a new Santa Cruz Tallboy AL 29er which is due to arrive next week.

[maddslacker offline]

Welcome to the site!

One of my riding buddies is ... 64 now I think? He rides a Lenzsport full suspension 29er

[schwim offline]

Hey, welcome to the site and let us know what you think of your new ride!

I wouldn't worry about getting the courage to try the more demanding trails. As your skills progress, you'll find the trails you used to think were demanding aren't any longer and you'll move right into the "harder" trails without any fanfare at all. Just give it a bit of time.

[fleetwood offline]

This is great to hear. Welcome.

[stumpyfsr offline]

Welcome to this great community and congratulations on your purchase. It's a great place to find a trails for your bikes as well as any bike-related advise. Caution: mountain biking can be addictive

[rsb201 offline]

I am only 39 (for a few weeks that is) and there are 3 guys over 60 that ride in our group on a regular bases. One is 61 and races our state circuit, the 64 year old rides 3 times a week and finally the 68 year old is a beast. He still got it for sure. I hope Im still cranking when Im there ages. These guys not only show up every week, but do trail work and are very dedicated to the sport. I love it!!!!!

[Jared13 offline]

I am only 39 (for a few weeks that is) and there are 3 guys over 60 that ride in our group on a regular bases. One is 61 and races our state circuit, the 64 year old rides 3 times a week and finally the 68 year old is a beast. He still got it for sure. I hope Im still cranking when Im there ages. These guys not only show up every week, but do trail work and are very dedicated to the sport. I love it!!!!!

Then will you turn 39 for the second time?

That's awesome about your riding buddies, I still hope to be going strong when I'm in my 60s!

[jtorlando25 offline]

Keep it up man. Welcome to mountain biking and the forum! Old geezers like you are what keeps me going. One day I hope to be that guy in my 60s blowing past the young pups on the singletrack. There's nothing more inspiring to me than being passed by someone old enough to be my grandpa. There is no sarcasm there either, I totally mean this!

[rsb201 offline]

I am only 39 (for a few weeks that is) and there are 3 guys over 60 that ride in our group on a regular bases. One is 61 and races our state circuit, the 64 year old rides 3 times a week and finally the 68 year old is a beast. He still got it for sure. I hope Im still cranking when Im there ages. These guys not only show up every week, but do trail work and are very dedicated to the sport. I love it!!!!!

Then will you turn 39 for the second time?

That's awesome about your riding buddies, I still hope to be going strong when I'm in my 60s!

I was trying to say I will be 40 in a few weeks !!!!!

Yeah, those guys definitly keep me motivated for sure. Age is just a number. I really enjoy seeing those gray headed dudes blowing by some guys half there age. What they preach to me is " gotta keep going when your our age, it takes along time to get it back if you dont."

[Jared13 offline]

I know rsb201, I was just giving you a hard time. I have a friend that celebrated her 39th two or three times.

Agreed on age just being a number. Just because you're getting old doesn't mean you have to act old!

[mtbgreg1 offline]

Agreed on age just being a number. Just because you're getting old doesn't mean you have to act old!

Amen to that! The guy that got me into the sport is in his mid to upper 50's now. He's a teacher, and during the summer he rides 30+ miles A DAY (mostly dirt) on AVERAGE (sometimes way more). He's smoking fast.

[anj offline]

Excccccellent.... just about to turn 52 myself. Started MTB at about 30, rode for four years then had a 17 year hiatus while life settled in. Now i have just started riding again and loving it more than ever before. My stamina is for crap but i'm slowly getting back into shape. What a marvelous treat coming across this amazing website!

[RoadWarrior offline]

Exactly right on age being just a number. Every year on my birthday I do a huge ride. It reverses the aging process 1 year. Note; unless you can out-ride me you can not call me old. How old am I ? well, I remember when a 10 speed (2 X 5 ) was something to dream about. Which means I should still have 50 more years of riding left in me.

[12bar offline]

I just joined this forum and am really glad to see the warm welcome for guys our age. I will be 60 in August but have been riding since about 1970 and racing Triathlon since 1989. I have a Giant Talon 29er that I am just starting to take off road and have to say it's really a blast especially not having to worry about cars. Anyway not trying to hijack this thread just wanted to say it was really nice to see the responses to your introduction.

[mtbgreg1 offline]

I just joined this forum and am really glad to see the warm welcome for guys our age. I will be 60 in August but have been riding since about 1970 and racing Triathlon since 1989. I have a Giant Talon 29er that I am just starting to take off road and have to say it's really a blast especially not having to worry about cars. Anyway not trying to hijack this thread just wanted to say it was really nice to see the responses to your introduction.

Welce aboard man! Sounds like you could teach us a thing or two about training!