A question for the over 50 group.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,900
Likes: 4
From: way down upon the Suwannee River
It's up to the rider, I'm 61 and I have no problems with a 6-700 mi. day. However I know at some point I'll have to cut back, when that happens I'll let the guys I ride with know. I'm going to Ok. this summer for a convention and plan on doing the iron-butt.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 10,449
Likes: 46
From: Roswell, GA
You don't say whether you guys were rested or hungover; interstate or back roads; weather conditions; etc.
I'm 60 and haven't had any problems doing 600 miles on interstates. As others mentioned, we stop at about 150 miles to gas up, hydrate, etc. Pushing a tank of gas to 180-200 miles actually makes the travel more a pita, literally, and fatiguing than stopping sooner. For me, staying hydrated and taking a couple Advil/Tylenol at the start of the day works.
But all bets are off depending on what health issues your fellow riders have.
I'm 60 and haven't had any problems doing 600 miles on interstates. As others mentioned, we stop at about 150 miles to gas up, hydrate, etc. Pushing a tank of gas to 180-200 miles actually makes the travel more a pita, literally, and fatiguing than stopping sooner. For me, staying hydrated and taking a couple Advil/Tylenol at the start of the day works.
But all bets are off depending on what health issues your fellow riders have.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 493
Likes: 17
From: Ft LAuderdale
It all depends on what kind of shape and health you are in. I am 50 and every saturday i ride 100 miles in my bicycle. I also do about 60 miles during the week
so i do not even need a back rest. I also eat my veggies :=)
i can do 600 miles in my ultra in a day no problem.
so i do not even need a back rest. I also eat my veggies :=)
i can do 600 miles in my ultra in a day no problem.
Road Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,229
Likes: 20
From: Greater St Louis, MO
I am only 48 and have no problems but I ride with some guys that are older with health issues, so I normally have them lead and stop when they need. I let them know that we will make the trip at their pace and it is not a problem. It is frustrating sometimes when I want to make time, but then I think what is friendship worth?
Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,009
Likes: 0
From: South Jersey
Maybe a little clarifications as mentioned above. Steve is 63. We don't drink and were well rested. I was asking for signs to be watching out for in regards to Steve's wellbeing. Most everyone in our riding group is 60+. The ride was fine but he had troubles the next day as mentioned by his wife. My personal limit is usually 12 hours unlimited miles. The first 80 miles was getting out of NC and the rest was interstate. My true concern isn't my self, it is the safety and well being of my friends trying to keep up and not being honest about what they are capable of. One of the common answers to me asking how you doing is "Oh I'll be fine" I do have riding habits like running a tank at a time and if I'm leading it is to be expected. They also make me lead because they stick me with the route plan. I like the 15 min. rest every 100 miles sounds better than a longer stop at fill up.
Last edited by FXSTDSE2; Oct 28, 2008 at 09:56 AM.
Supporter
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,245
Likes: 69
From: Northford, CT
I am 61 and have been riding with the same group for 10 years. Before we start any trip we set up how far we want to go. If someone is not comfortable with that we change. Go the most miles at the start of the trip and the least miles at the end of the trip. Being safe and with friends is more important than putting on miles. It is the journey that is the most fun not the destination!
Road Captain
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 559
Likes: 0
From: Florida
Our group has ridden together for years so we are very comfortable with each other. We all get together when planing a long ride. We map it out and decide where we are going to stop each night. Everyone knows ahead of time how many miles we are putting down that day. If anyone thinks its to long they can stay home. We have never had a problem. We are all in our mid to upper 40's. There is not a windshield or floorboard in the bunch. Some of the grils ride sporties so we have to stop every 100 or so miles for gas. Just enough time to rest your a$$
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Road Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 762
Likes: 14
From: Bellevue, NE
Pride is a bitch. A lot of guys get overly fatigued on the long rides, but won't admit it for fear of looking like a p#ssy. If a someone looks like they're fidgeting excessivley in the saddle, or the bike is wandering more than usual, dropping back, and then catching up frequently, it may be a sign that a break is called for. I'm 57, and *I* know when I'm getting worn out. Usually a 5 - 10 minute 'stretch break' is all I need. Someone mentioned a back rest. If your friend doesn't have one, encourage him to get one. It's helped me a LOT.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,602
Likes: 3
From: Southeastern Michigan
I would say make sure you point out at the beginning of any ride, that you all ride together. If someone is tired - rest at what ever intervals are required. We change leads often and it's usually up to the leader for stops. This gives us each an idea of how everyone else is doing as well.
It sounds like your own ability may be challenging others to do the same. Sorry to say but in group rides, the heard rides as fast as the weakest link. At least if you don't want to leave someone behind, or worse.
A couple things to watch for: Not holding a line, and constant speed changes.
I know it gets pretty mundane in the back of the pack, so change leads often to keep everyone alert!
Also stress that if someone gets hurt because they weren't honest about their own
mental/physical state, that stopping and waiting for emergency personal is a lot more time consuming and possibly heart wrenching, then stopping for a break.
If I'm reading correctly - you're the youngest in your group. Think about a 25 year old in better shape than you, pushing you, Where would your head be?
It sounds like your own ability may be challenging others to do the same. Sorry to say but in group rides, the heard rides as fast as the weakest link. At least if you don't want to leave someone behind, or worse.
A couple things to watch for: Not holding a line, and constant speed changes.
I know it gets pretty mundane in the back of the pack, so change leads often to keep everyone alert!
Also stress that if someone gets hurt because they weren't honest about their own
mental/physical state, that stopping and waiting for emergency personal is a lot more time consuming and possibly heart wrenching, then stopping for a break.
If I'm reading correctly - you're the youngest in your group. Think about a 25 year old in better shape than you, pushing you, Where would your head be?