Hello..great to be in the saddle again!

[22dropout]

Hi everyone, I'm really pleased I found this forum, I'm 53 and just had (Sept 13 and Jan 14) two total hip replacements. I've been struggling for about 7 or 8 years, and cycling and golf had both bitten the dust. I used to cycle quite a bit as a kid to school, and in my late twenties 15 miles each way to work. My kids gave me a helmet as a Xmas present
Having not been able to get on a bike for the last few years, I was really looking forward to getting on one again, and at my 3w physio appointment after my second hip was done it was absolutely great getting on an exercise bike for 15 mins.
So I bought a used 2013 Specialized Triple road bike off ebay 6 weeks ago and duly wobbled down the road.
I've been out perhaps 7 or 8 times now, I've found Strava and am amazed by a couple of my friends who go 90-100 miles! My last ride was 11.7 miles, it hardly seems like a warm up for them, but at the end my quads can almost not hold me up! I am pleased that the heart and lungs seem to be coping, and it is perhaps getting a bit easier, though I was getting a bit sore at my saddle interface after the best part of an hour.
I've had a couple of punctures already slowish, deflating over about 6 hours, so I've ordered a pair of Continental Gatorskins on the advice of my son.
Anyway I'm looking forward to reading other peoples experiences, and especially pleased to see there is a beginners forum

 

[ScotiaLass]

I returned to cycling last year, aged 50.
Health issues had meant I had given it up and piled on weight.
Now I'm losing weight and getting fitter and I had forgotten how much I love being out on the bike!
Look forward to seeing you around the forum

 

[Saluki]

Hi & .
We need a 50+ club on here
Keep up the good work. We've had our longest ride this year at 27.8 miles and now have bum ache.

Love your 'saddle interface' comment. What a brilliant description. Hubster is still giggling like a 3 year old at it
Keep up the good work, oh don't mention the P word, its bad luck

 

[Easytigers]

It's great that you're out and about! It will get much easier and you'll find yourself doubling your rides in no time! If you ever need a cycling buddy (don't worry I'm not fast) give me a shout as I'm over Wollaston way :-)

 

[Monsieur]

Us fifties need to stick together

 

[welsh dragon]

Hi and welcome from powys. Another member of the 50's brigade. Hope you enjoy yourself here.

 

[The Central Scrutinizer]

Us fifties need to stick together

How about sixties(just)

 

[welsh dragon]

How about sixties(just)

60's is the new 50's isn't it

 

[22dropout]

Thanks so much for the warm welcome, I've decided that in response to overwhelming advice from every quarter, friends family and this forum I have splashed out on a pair of Altura Gel Shorts - I can wear my usual baggy shorts over them - that'll help Saluki.
Also Easytigers, I may well take you up on that, I'm only 9 miles away in Moulton, but I would like to be able to ride 20 miles comfortably first - here is my last ride - http://www.strava.com/activities/136802329

 

[theloafer]

hi and a member of the 50's brigade here to...... but (very close to 60,s)

 

[thefensman]

hi andfrom another 50+ rider. Good luck with your recovery. Oh and just to blow my own trumpet a little i completed my first metric 100 yesterday and god it felt good, however the ache,s were there to remind me this morning.

 

[Bryony]

and happy cycling!!

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

to the site @22dropout

 

[Pat "5mph"]

from another 50+ started cycling not long ago, at 47

 

[Dark46]

Hi and welcome to the forum . Glad to great you're back in the saddle. Just reading your post made me feel happy that after a double hip replacement , you're back in the saddle. Your 11 miles makes me feel bad as my 3.4 seems like a warm up for you.