how fit am I?

[taximan]

I am almost 67 and a little over a year ago I returned to cycling after a 40 year absence. I am really enjoying my riding and getting out for a couple of hours about 3 or 4 days per week. The only thing that is bothering me is that I am only able to average about 10 mph and was wondering if I should be doing better. I ride a trekking bike from the budget end of the market, A Barrosa Monaco which I have upgraded a little and to be honest, I am quite happy with it now Most of my riding is solo in very hilly country (North Yorkshire Moors) and I venture off road from time to time, my rides vary from about 10 miles to 40 miles in length. What I would be interested to know how other people perform in similar terrain

 

[Garz]

At your young age and returning to this form of exercise from such a long absence I think your primary goal for the short term is to continue getting out and enjoying yourself. Concentrate on eating healthy and shed some weight then change your goals later.

 

[tyred]

Not too much wrong with your fitness if you can complete 40 miles in hilly terrain. Just concentrate on getting the miles in and you will find yourself getting faster.

 

[snorri]

What I would be interested to know how other people perform in similar terrain

The vast majority of the UK population simply don't "perform in similar terrain".
Keep at it and enjoy, don't worry about comparisons.

 

[Crackle]

The vast majority of the UK population simply don't "perform in similar terrain".
Keep at it and enjoy, don't worry about comparisons.

That.

Couple of hours at 10mph, seems quite reasonable to me over hilly terrain and off-road and 3 or 4 times a week too.

 

[numbnuts]

Just enjoy the ride, as for fitness, your doing a lot more than someone sat on their bottom watching daytime TV

 

[taximan]

Thanx fer the reply's folks, much apreciated.

 

[e-rider]

average to fair

 

[Scilly Suffolk]

Sir,

With respect: were I "almost 67" and able to say that "I am really enjoying my riding" I would consider myself to be in good form.

The older I get, the less I am concerned with comparisons; if it feels good...

Yours sincerely,

Jim.

 

[brockers]

^ This. and I'm only 46!

 

[Deleted member 1258]

As others have said stop worrying about the pace and just enjoy the ride, enjoying the ride is what its all about.

 

[deptfordmarmoset]

From what I remember of Whitby, it's uphill everywhere from there. Well, apart from the North Sea, of course. The hills would slow anybody up. If you're happy with the bike - and you seem to be - then, congratulations, you're putting a vast number of youngerers to shame already.

 

[madpensioner]

Im 72 in 6 weeks and am averaging 13/14 mph - but it does not really matter - if you are enjoying it why bother if you are above or below anyone else - if you speak to a non athaletic person about your average his reply will be - that isnt very fast in the tdf they average 25/30 mph - my reply to them is - i am still able to cycle as many miles in one day as you drink pints in one week - I believe in mixing pleasure with pleasure - after an average ride of 50 miles 4/6 pints of beer goes down a treat - my rule in life is only compete with yourself - cheers Leigh