Cycling trips—how old is too old? (page 2 of 10)

Hi everyone. Happy to share with other seniors. I’m 68 and try to get out even in winter. Here in Quebec, it all depends on whether the streets are well cleared. I’d love to buy a recumbent bike but it’s hard to choose. Do you have any ideas or references in terms of comparisons and tests? I do a lot of urban trails with moderate hills.

Other questions: Can an e-bike handle heavy rain and low temperatures—like below zero?

See you soon, and happy trails. Albert, Montreal

It's all in the title—I'm 70, and I've been traveling by bike (tent and camp stove) for five years now. Statistically, how many more years do I have left to plan my destinations and see everything (well, almost everything)? Question is half realistic, half humorous. To keep it simple: how old are you, fellow senior cyclotourists still on the road? And what are your biggest challenges? Personally, I'm in good physical shape, though my cruising speed has dropped from 3 to 4 km/h over the past five years. But arthritis (hip) is starting to make it difficult to swing my leg over the frame.

Hi Daniel, I’m 66 years old. I have a rare neuromyopathy. My heart arteries are atheromatous and calcified. I still suffer from the aftereffects of polytrauma following a serious accident when I was 24. I also have collagenous inflammatory colitis, a rare autoimmune disease (only 700 cases diagnosed in Europe per year). I’ve just gone through—or endured—a major surgery (subtalar arthrodesis with bone graft). I haven’t been back on the road since, just puttering around at home. I’ve solo-cycled across South America from Caracas to Ushuaia, taking the toughest backroads (like crossing the southern Lipez desert). I’ve got a will of steel and relentless tenacity, but I’m not suicidal—I think things through. I’m leaving on May 1st for Beijing, stopping in Paris to see part of my family. For this trip, I’m not necessarily looking for challenges, just those quiet, lost backroads. My main concerns: visas for China and Russia, my slow pace so I don’t get caught by winter and bad weather... Coming with me? We can split up anytime if things don’t work out... Cyclamities, Françoise

It must be a joy to pedal alongside you. Paris to Beijing isn’t the easiest route, and I wish you the best of luck. Unfortunately, I can’t set off right now. Plus, I plan to fly to China, where I’d love to explore Yunnan and Sichuan. Wishing you an amazing trip. If you can, send us updates from the road now and then. Safe travels and good winds!

Tough question—I’m 68 and last year I did my second pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela, starting from Bayonne this time. I had a travel companion who was 78 and was also on his second Compostela. The year before, he’d done Briançon to Rome. I think it all comes down to a bit of luck on one hand and a healthy lifestyle on the other. I’ll keep cycling as long as I can, and who knows, maybe one day I’ll switch to an e-bike.

Hi everyone, Every time I set off on a new adventure, I wonder where I’ve gotten myself into this time! I’ve just completed a round trip on the EuroVelo 6, solo, camping, and eating cold meals for 3 months. I covered 9,000 km without any issues. I’m 71 years old, and everything’s fine. Safe travels to all! 😉 Stay calm and keep cool!!! http://europeavelo.canalblog.com/

Hi,

If I go by Jacques' buddy (Spip46), I've got 16 more years of pedaling ahead—I still have plenty to do. Question: how many tires is that gonna take?

ML

hi there

I read your blog!!!! 😉😛😛😛😛 hats off to you, old-timer 😇—amazing, I can’t believe it!!! so impressive at your age

I hope I can do the same; I’m only 67 🏴‍☠️

Hey there, old-timers! We might not have the physique anymore, but our mindset is so much stronger than the youngsters’... Exhibit A: http://www.frannycyclo.com/le-sud-lipez-un-apercu/

Hello everyone, Every time I start a new journey, I wonder where I’ve gotten myself into this time! I’ve just completed a round trip on the EuroVelo 6, solo, camping, eating cold meals for 3 months. I covered 9,000 km without any issues. I’m 71 years old, and everything’s fine. Happy trails to all. 😉 Stay calm, and keep it cool!!! http://europeavelo.canalblog.com/

Love the blog!! Reading all these adventures really lifts my spirits.

Here’s my plan for this summer:

Start from my place (southern Corrèze), head to Clermont-Ferrand, connect to Nevers, the Loire Valley, Nantes, then down to Bordeaux and back via the Dordogne Valley.

And in 2016, it’s Santiago de Compostela… All of this on a trike.

hi there

great blog!! kudos FRANCOISE 😛😛😛😛

Hey Claisse, thanks—but on a bike, I’m in my own world. I like your tent. Are you happy with it? Because mine needs replacing! Best, Jean-Marie

Hi there. Thanks! I did the Camino (by bike) in 2013, on the Camino Francés. Watch out for thirst—you cross some small deserts! After that, I kept going all the way to Gibraltar, then returned along the east coast. Buen CAMINO!!! Jean-Marie

A breathtaking journey. A little further up this thread, I was sorry I couldn’t join you. I’m a little less sorry now. Your desert crossing is extraordinary, and I’m not sure I’d have kept up.

Wishing you all the best for your future pedal-powered adventures.

Wow! What spirit and mindset!!!! Here’s an example for the younger generation. We need more people like you. I’m truly impressed. Jean-Marie

Good evening Françoise, no words—just hats off. I’m speechless (thank goodness it’s in writing) at your courage and life philosophy😏 Luc

hi there

oh yeah, super happy!!! vaude taurus 2-person tent

price is perfect, nothing to complain about—even though I’m 1.85 m and 90 kg, I feel really comfortable inside

great choice

Hello

Yes, super happy!!! Vaude Taurus 2-person tent

Price is perfect, nothing to complain about. Even though I’m 1.85m and 90kg, I feel really comfortable in it.

Great choice

Well, my Vaude gave out on me, and sleeping at 5,000 meters with a tent that won’t zip shut—no joke. Everything froze inside except for the bike. Crossing Chilean Patagonia with a tent that still won’t close *and* now leaks through the groundsheet? Brutal... For now, they can’t seem to make lightweight tents that last—unless it’s planned obsolescence... As for my Vaude panniers, they also failed... So, I don’t want to hear about Vaude anymore... Cyclamities Françoise

good evening

tough luck, FRANCOISE!! :/🏴‍☠️🏴‍☠️ I had the same problem with a Ferrino 2 (photo attached) the Nemessi2

what tent do you have now?

hugs

Every year as winter approaches, when I put away the bike, the boat, the windsurf board, I look at them questioningly, and I’ve been doing this for at least 15 years now. And spring—still magical this year, to be continued, just like in 2016.

Why do you put your bike away for winter? It’ll rust—and so will you... I invite you to follow my blog at www.frannycyclo.com starting May 1st. A little young thing at 66...