Aging: 60 year olds - still hanging on the group climbs??

[thomas]

I turned 60 this year. After another group ride yesterday where I just could not hang on the climbs, I'm thinking my age is catching up to me. Other riders on the ride ranged from a few years older than me down to maybe 25, plus Josh, who's all of 14 and the next Contador. That's another story. I know I should do more squats and shorter intensity stuff, but I'm thinking I also need to just accept some decline in performance. I was never great on climbs with my 6-2, 180# carcass. The couple of guys around my age are smaller and lighter, so maybe that helps them.

But it's still very frustrating.

Thinking I need to be going to the gym year-round at this point, not just Nov-March.

Any secret gear out there, like Rotor rings, lightweight wheels, whatever, that an older (with more money than youth) rider should look at?

[holliscx]

Any secret gear out there, like Rotor rings, lightweight wheels, whatever, that an older (with more money than youth) rider should look at?

Climbing is the only way to get better at climbing; I bet your frustration has more to do with your training than your age.

Most 60 year-olds can't ride a bike around the block. You're getting dropped on hills. Seriously celebrate that - and ride more.

[MarkC]

We had a 74 year old guy who hung just fine for two hours yesterday. He's a pretty good rider though.

There are no secret parts to buy. Just need to ride to your strengths and enjoy the day.

Gym year round is a good health idea. Do it!

Mark

[Vlad Luskin]

Some 60-year olds are still hanging on group climbs, others find slower groups to hang with...

[bking]

I'm 58. 6'3" and 200. I love the idea of climbing. i even do it and enjoy it. but about two years ago i gave up the ghost of getting better and faster anywhere. I know there are guys who are older and faster. And for the past 10 years my goals always drove me to improve year to year. Two years ago that stopped. It would require more time and discipline than i'm willing to give to it. And i want to do it because it's pure fun, and keep it that way.

I'm slower now--not a lot, but enjoy it every bit as much. I get about 5K per year, and it keeps me smiling, interested, and in some kind of shape (round is a shape).

[fortitudine]

OK, only 56, here. I like to climb--grew up in Marin county at the base of Mount Tam. All interesting rides went up hill.

I am always looking to get better at climbing and I do think lightweight wheels help significantly. I switched out my 1550g mavic ksyriums for 1250g carbon tubulars. It does make a nice difference. Been getting lots of PRs after the switch.

Randy

[David Tollefson]

I turned 60 this year. After another group ride yesterday where I just could not hang on the climbs, I'm thinking my age is catching up to me.

Clearly they've all found a new class of PED and are all juicing.