A question for the over 50 group.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,009
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From: South Jersey
A question for the over 50 group.
If I compared my self to the gang I hang out with I guess I could call myself a riding fool. I am the youngest at 43 and am in excellent physical health still. Over the last few years the older riders have been cutting there miles way down due to health problems. The last long ride was coming back from NC and my thinking is that it is only 580 miles and I would run it in a day. At the first gas stop Steve said he was fine so I just ran straight to the next one. At about 150 mile I felt a little sore but pushed to the 200 mile mark and found a gas station. We had about 180 miles to go and after resting about 30 minuets I know Steve was probably looking for a motel where I was just wanting to run the last 2.5 to 3 hours and sleep in my own bed. Steve said lets do it but I think it was more out of trying to keep up than doing what I think now would have been in his best physical interest. I think the question would be, what are the things I should be looking for that would tell me it would be wiser to rest than to push. When he got home he didn't even unpack his bike. His wife did the following day. She also told me that he probably shouldn't have pushed it because of his health issues. Any advice would be appreciated.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 9,254
Likes: 283
From: Lake City, Florida (Native)
Tough Question there.. I am 59 and run with them age 30 give out before I was ready and had some age 70 hang right in with no problem.. The Most critical issue is don't push yourself or another if tired .. If with another that wanted to push on when I was give out would just politely say have a safe trip home.. Have Logged many miles alone can do a few more and sure that most would feel this way...
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,999
Likes: 55
From: Bay Area
Im 55 and have done 600 in a day. As long as you take an *** break when you need it. Aperson has to be honest with himself and know when to stop, if someone is going to push it to keep up could turn fatal. I know a guy who is 46 and thinks he can still race liter bikes like a 20 yo. I think he learned a lesson on the track when he went thru the bails and had shoulder surgery.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,907
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From: Wesley Chapel Fl.
In my opinion it pretty much depends on the individual. I'm 52 don't have any issues myself, nor does anyone I ride with. We always stop every hour or two on longer runs. Everyone can get a drink ,smoke ,take a leak or whatever. We try only to stop 15 minuets or so, unless theres an problem of some sort.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,314
Likes: 5
A lot of guys aren't used to pushing the high mileage days, especially if they haven't done anything to make their ride more comfortable, or haven't done any longer rides in a long time. Going from routinely riding not more than one or 2 hundred miles in a day to a 600 mile day is a big change for anyone and its even worse if they have a bad seat or nothing else to make the ride more comfortable, like a backrest, or at least a pack tied to the passenger seat to provide a back rest. If its hot out water intake is really critical as dehydration can sneak up on anyone real fast. The main thing for me when I ride with others is to let them know if anyone wants to stop, either for a rest or for the day, we all stop. The point of any ride in my mind is the fun of the ride and not "the getting there", and if you are achy and tired it stops being fun.
All that being said I used to do 600 miles or more a day regularly, but haven't done that for a couple years now, so I don't know how I would fair if I tried pushing it. Plus now I ride with my wife, who I'm sure would not be too happy if I tried pushing her that far, at least multiple days in a row.
All that being said I used to do 600 miles or more a day regularly, but haven't done that for a couple years now, so I don't know how I would fair if I tried pushing it. Plus now I ride with my wife, who I'm sure would not be too happy if I tried pushing her that far, at least multiple days in a row.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 574
Likes: 1
From: Tennessee
Jrsess has a good answer. Make your stops short and frequent rather than running until you're exhausted and stopping for twice as long. I'm 54 and can easily do 500 to 600 in a day but I do have to admit it is harder than it used to be when I was younger.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,598
Likes: 1
From: In the woods in Tennessee
It affects different people different ways. I'm 61 now and no way I can put in a 600 mile ride. The biggest thing that bothers me is my knees and legs go out on me. I have a very bad back but it hardly ever bothers me unless i'm standing or walking.
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Road Warrior
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,287
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From: murfreesboro tn.
i ride with a bro 63 yrs young and 2 titanium rods in his back. im 47 and struggle to keep up with him! 600 to 700 is his norm it really depends on how the bike fits a person and their comfort level. if he wants he can blast but is just as comfortable calling it a day at 400 to 500 miles and sitting in a restauarant with a steak and ice tea!
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Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2005
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From: Contributor to HDForums.com
I'm 56 now. My son and I rode 1,148 miles from Colorado to Indiana in one day last June. It was a nut buster of a ride, but in all honesty, I'd do it again.
But I'm in good health and work out when time permits, which isn't often these days. You mentioned your bud has health problems, so I'm sure that would contribute to the amount of time he can safely be in the saddle.
Someone mentioned short but frequent breaks, which I agree with for some. It just depends on those you are riding with and what you feel comfortable with. Just be sure to take the needs of others into consideration.
But I'm in good health and work out when time permits, which isn't often these days. You mentioned your bud has health problems, so I'm sure that would contribute to the amount of time he can safely be in the saddle.
Someone mentioned short but frequent breaks, which I agree with for some. It just depends on those you are riding with and what you feel comfortable with. Just be sure to take the needs of others into consideration.
