How many cyclists are out there?

**Angstrom** · 2nd October 13, 12:07 PM

Early last year I dug out my old bike and noticed that hills were a lot easier 30 years and 20 pounds ago. There's not much that one can do about the years, but I started riding more and upgraded from a 30-year-old road bike to a 10-year-old one. Dropped 10 pounds and now a 20-40 mile ride is comfortable.

As you start to ride more, think about investing in bike gear for the points where you touch the bike: seat, hands, and feet. It is more comfortable. There are plenty of options that look like normal street clothes if lycra doesn't work for you.

**Macman** · 2nd October 13, 02:15 PM

Good for you, SB. You don't need the latest and greatest to get the benefits of cycling. My wife and I try to get out two or three times a week, and it's really good for mind and body. I've found that as I've aged I'm more of a fair weather cyclist, though

.

**Liam** · 2nd October 13, 02:31 PM

I had some back problems 8 years ago, but discovered that I could comfortably ride a bike, so started bike commuting to/from work - 12 km each way. Despite winter in Calgary, I ride my bike every day. I had back surgery 4 years ago and my back is much better but have continued to bike commute. It is the best part of my working day. I have to agree that cycling up hills was much easier 40 years and 40 lbs. ago. Some of us just are built for lycra.....

Bill

**John_Carrick** · 2nd October 13, 02:37 PM

I took up cycling two months ago at the age of 50. My two tips are to be as visible as possible because that motorist really has not seen you and also not to ride in two high a gear if you have wrecked knees.
Middle aged men in lycra - mammals - are a cultural phenomenon in the UK just now.

**TJ Kelley** · 2nd October 13, 02:52 PM

And here I figured a bunch of kilt wearing chaps would be a lil' more liberal about wearing lycra.

It does serve a good propose while mtn biking, with your **** constantly in and out of the saddle.
The first time you hook the crotch of your shorts on the horn of your saddle, sending you "endo" over the handle bars, you'll understand.

**Hawk** · 2nd October 13, 03:00 PM

I've heard CCK from Austin TX is an avid biker and more......

I've been known, years ago, to throw a leg over two wheels myself....

Of course, there's always my son that's a good example, riding 14 miles each way, back and forth to his work....he enjoys the time and exercise.....

Hawk

**mac** · 18th October 13, 12:00 AM

Yep
I live in london, england.
I cycle to/from work a between 1 and 4 days a week, its 7 miles each way so just a 'nice' distance to get excersize
but not be a super effort. it takes me around 35-40 minutes. when i get the train+bus or tube it takes me a minimum of 45 minutes. so its quicker too!!

not kilted though.
BUT i get changed into one at work after a shower.

**chemist93** · 20th October 13, 11:12 AM

It's a bit dangerous here in rush hour, but folks are usually out on the weekends. We have more mtn. bike designed trails here than before. Ten years ago it was use hiking trails and hope you didn't run into a hiker. This is Burke and Avery counties, for the folks who've been here before. I need to be back recreationally, it would give me a break from clowns. Here's one for those that bike in the mountains: Pedal faster, I hear banjo music.