The benefits just don’t outweigh the potential consequences. . Out of the past nine months of focusing on cycling and eating healthy I have only missed 15 or so days of training. I’m 56 will be 57 in a couple months, I retired from my government day job at 55, which was moderately physically active, and basically became a couch potato, put on weight, and could literally feel myself getting less healthy. It’s got more to do with the amount of riding experience and level of bike handling skill that a person has. Huffpost requires a myriad of registrations – something they didn’t do when I started posting in ’08. I have no car and Or leave the house? Six-year-old Crosby Zimmerman has mountain biking skills you need to see to BELIEVE! I am I have been running and cycling on and off for the last 25 years, more recently I have mostly competed in cross country/mountain running but due to the old joints complaining a bit, about 18 months ago I decided to do some vets road … And that seems to be an epidemic. Whether it’s a speed related incident or one against a much larger object (cars come to mind) the helmets passed off as safe are really just a joke. But, you’ve noticed, lately a whole bunch of apple eaters seem to be taking huge bites and not taking the time to chew 20 times. The sport offers similar cardiovascular benefits to … A nice 25 mile ride out of the city probably burns off a good 1200 calories. What he has observed (in my opinion) is an anomalous spike in these cases combined perhaps with an increase in the incidences. I accept that he saw three craniofacial injuries in one week. I bike about 9 months of the year, Central NY and Fla. There's a lot of intelligence and wisdom in these contributions - that genetics have a strong influence in determining one's durability. As you quite correctly point out, a sample of 3 isn’t valid, even if the incidence of observed ‘events’ is over 1 week. Javascript appears to be disabled in your browser. I am in the best shape of my life today because of cycling. 1500 miles last year and heading for 2000 plus this year. One way to avoid becoming a “statistic” is to be careful and learn to cycle safely. I love this sport! Dr. Yaremchuk’s observations must be tempered by the knowledge that there are probably more people over 50 cycling all over the country than in years past. For Scottish cyclists, there’s Go Mountain Bike, which runs training classes in Aberdeen of the West Highlands, or Cycle Wild Scotland, which offers bespoke courses all over the UK. Simple statistics support the fact there will be more accidents/injuries. I could either start cutting out the remaining “good” foods I still allowed myself, or I could up my exercise level. Certainly an effective bit of trolling! I was 243 now 220. That Michael has been a naughty, naughty Doctor hasn’t he? Mountain climbing notoriously so. I still like to go fast and yes, I’ve crashed, but survived. I just did a 50 miler in 4 hrs last weekend. The slow cyclist burns half the calories but still manages to get to work in less than half the time. I have survived the “unsurvivable” and am told I still look like I’m under 60!!! I’m not really sure I want someone who can’t properly analyse risk versus reward operating on me. (I’m an RN, I studied stats at uni, I work in a research centre affiliated with the University of Melbourne.). Good for everything ….enviroment, mind, body and soul! Either way, age is just a number and there has never been a better time to start riding or riding again than right now. Just a thought. So sure, there is inherent risk and limits to be learned, but better balance, reaction time, muscle strength, cardio fitness, and mental focus are worth it. Next thing they know, they’re on a gurney looking at you, the ER doctor. Focused on Kids Mountain Biking, Bike Austria offers the best mountain bikes for kids ages 3 to 6 years old. seems as if it might threaten one of your more cherished beliefs. My commute is 12 miles round trip. The older I get the better I am. I have friends in their 50’s that think they are too old, they should watch Alf, I … I had always ridden a bike since a young age, even commuting on one for years, but then stopped riding after getting hurt a few times while Mountain Biking. Also, consider the terrain you will ride on most often – concrete, trail or a combination of the two. 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… I am a 62 year old female, one year post acl knee reconstruction, riding stronger now than I have in my entire life. Apples are one of the five healthiest foods in the world. I have done all the NY Finger Lakes, one a day. Cycling education is essential as the number of riders continues to increase. Ignore the naysayes and live a litte! >>> Editor’s Choice 2019 – home of the best bikes and products on the market. Aug 17, 2011 If you are over 50, think twice before you get on a bicycle, especially if you plan on riding in busy traffic. You learn. My daily observation tells me that bicyclists (young and old) while slowing motor vehicle traffic on Commonwealth Avenue rarely stop for red lights or stop signs, frequently ride outside of the bike lane and often ride on the wrong side of the street. Traffic segregation and (to some extent) helmets make it safer. Steve, you speak words of wisdom. This 61-year-old, grizzled and sun baked Arizonan would like to take the uppity little Boston pup out behind the woodshed and show ‘im how we discipline condescending little wisenheimers! 2021 by CampfireCycling.com. ago). Now, at 58, I’m starting to swim again; and, after a bunch of research, and a deal on last year’s model, I bought a Schwinn World 21 Commuter Bike from a LBS. The continuing development of cycling infrastructure will help, too. “While being dangerous,” he says, matter-of-factly…. That’s about 22 years of history-case made. All categories in mountain racing are age-based until you get to the age of 19. Heart rate at 56. - Masks are Mandatory, 4 Customers at a Time -. Riders taking part in short course or mini downhill events can compete in … Bicycling is somewhere in between. Even on 5% upgrades I’m well over 10 mph (usually I do those at ~14 mph in a 42-26 gear). Enjoy your osteoporosis, Doc! But I’ve been working out doing weights, Pilates and swimming my whole lifetime. How many craniofacial injuries from car accidents does Yaremchuk see per year? Mountain biking can lead to a very healthy and active lifestyle. That’s really good news! That so called Doctor doesn’t know his A$$ from ??? I hope to return to biking but am staying off for now to not risk adding trauma that might result in spread of PC, which thankfully is still confined to my prostate for now. I will only get off my bike when I leave this world. The demographic still most at risk is the iPod-wearing 20-something male riding without a helmet. I am 5′ 8″ and weigh 158 lbs, it’s about 6-8 lbs. 61 Comments. Probably the single most important variable that you have control over to combat the effects of aging is nutrition. I turn 60 this year and I continue to walk, run, and bicycle. I am a 54 year old male family physician who started back cycling again about 4 years ago. My rides on the road get my heart rate up into the same zone, and usually last at least an hour. Cycling is a healthy, low-impact exercise that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, from young children to older adults. Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. Are you new to mountain biking and over 50 years old? And yes, in my 35+ years of more or less regular mountain biking, I have indeed taken some big spills. It’s just fast enough to be a hazard, and too slow to respond to hazards. If you do plan to use the bike for competition, consider if you will be doing road rides, mountain biking or triathlons. (Related question: In this recent spate of injuries reported by the doctor, how many are the result of cyclists’ encounters with cars?). your wisdom you will probably live to be a ripe old age. 8″ and weigh 158 lbs, it is part of the activity that i can ’ t many... 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