My wife and I are getting on, but getting back into riding on the road. We were nervous about the speed and closeness of traffic and the longest ride we had done was about 8 miles - until we discovered the local U3A (University of the Third Age) cycling group. All "getting on", welcoming and experienced. The first ride we went on was 22 miles, the speed of the group being the speed of the slowest rider, with an hour for lunch, and we had a great time. So now, once a month, we do a 20 mile plus ride in company which we really enjoy. Motorists seem a lot more careful if there are 10-15 of you, and I have yet to see anything like the close overtakes I have experienced when riding alone. We are near Malvern, but there will be a U3A near you, they are a great idea and often have a cycling group..
Older folks starting or getting back into road riding - U3A cycling
- Thread starter porteous
- Start date
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Fubar
Legendary Member
Never heard of it but group riding certainly enhances your cycling experience and it sound like you are enjoying it so good on you! All the best, Mark
27 miles today round the lanes between Malvern and Ledbury, no twinges at all this time. We are doing a 7-9 miler once a week too, and the odd gym workout, and have decided that age is just another number. I suppose I should ride a sensible bike (I have a perfectly good 1990 Raleigh Royal in the garage with lots of gears) but am enjoying my 1960s Rudge Pathfinder combination Sturmey Archer / Derailleur 9 speed so much I don't mind having to work harder on the hills!
PICT0001 by CraigWales, on Flickr
PICT0001 by CraigWales, on Flickr
Saluki
World class procrastinator
- Location
- ...Norwich over the water.
Ooooh, be careful with U3A things, didn't 'New Tricks' investigate a murderer who was in the U3A, or was it Midsomer? Nasty business anyway 
Sounds fun, in the Saluki household we are a bit young for U3A but one of their courses is on our 'to do' list should we make it to retirement age. They sound really varied and good fun.
Sounds fun, in the Saluki household we are a bit young for U3A but one of their courses is on our 'to do' list should we make it to retirement age. They sound really varied and good fun.
Ooooh, be careful with U3A things, didn't 'New Tricks' investigate a murderer who was in the U3A, or was it Midsomer? Nasty business anyway
Sounds fun, in the Saluki household we are a bit young for U3A but one of their courses is on our 'to do' list should we make it to retirement age. They sound really varied and good fun.
So far I lecture the Military History group, we both do the cycling group, my wife has joined the Ping-Pong group (!) and today there was a serious post ride pub lunch discussion on pushing for the formation of a brewing group! No murders so far, but you never know.
Saluki
World class procrastinator
- Location
- ...Norwich over the water.
I think there is a definite need for a U3A Brewing group.
My ex-hub was big on military history. He used to talk & talk & talk about it often, generally co-coinciding with me going to sleep. I am sure its more interesting when delivered in something livelier than a dull, flat monotone.
My ex-hub was big on military history. He used to talk & talk & talk about it often, generally co-coinciding with me going to sleep. I am sure its more interesting when delivered in something livelier than a dull, flat monotone.
Hill Wimp
Fair weathered,fair minded but easily persuaded.
It sounds fab and proves the point that cycling has no age barriers. It doesn't matter how far or how fast so long as its enjoyable then its perfect.
.. but bootlegging seems to be the next stage on your slippery slope to criminality
Nice Bike27 miles today round the lanes between Malvern and Ledbury, no twinges at all this time. We are doing a 7-9 miler once a week too, and the odd gym workout, and have decided that age is just another number. I suppose I should ride a sensible bike (I have a perfectly good 1990 Raleigh Royal in the garage with lots of gears) but am enjoying my 1960s Rudge Pathfinder combination Sturmey Archer / Derailleur 9 speed so much I don't mind having to work harder on the hills!
PICT0001 by CraigWales, on Flickr
I started regular cycling this spring after retiring. As I gradually got fitter so my enthusiasm grew. I plucked up the courage to go along one Sunday morning to a CTC group which enjoy morning/all day rides of a more social than racing nature. I was pleased to find I was fit enough for this, only flagging a little towards the end of the morning rides as my mileage then was not too high.
Since then I have bought a second hand road bike, much lighter than my old tourer, and got myself reasonably fit. I would recommend riding in a group occasionally. Whilst I am happy enough on my lonesome it gives a variation and for myself I hope it gives me the enthusiasm to continue when the weather turns more inclement.
Since then I have bought a second hand road bike, much lighter than my old tourer, and got myself reasonably fit. I would recommend riding in a group occasionally. Whilst I am happy enough on my lonesome it gives a variation and for myself I hope it gives me the enthusiasm to continue when the weather turns more inclement.
The Jogger
Legendary Member
- Location
- Spain
Checked it out, a pity you have to be either retired or part retired, hopefully soon.......
Most of us now retiring had experience as bikers when we were children, perhaps more so than modern kids? I was surprised at how much muscle memory was retained, and the cardio vascular fitness cycling at an early age brings is always going to help
The problem is things happen in the working week, but you will be very welcome when you are ready
