Cycling trips—how old is too old?

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 (almost) everything? Question is half realistic, half humorous. To keep it simple: how old are you, fellow senior cyclists still on the road? And what are your biggest challenges? Personally, I'm in good physical shape, though my cruising speed has dropped from 3–4 km/h over the past five years. But arthritis (hip) is starting to make it tricky to swing my leg over the frame.

In my opinion, there’s no age limit. Get a step-through bike—it’s easier to mount. If you’ve got the budget, have a custom bike made for you. After that, just pedal at your own pace. In my club, some 80-year-olds are faster than me—I’m 66—and I just saw an example of a 91-year-old woman doing a long trek on foot, pulling her luggage... Keep going and, most importantly, enjoy yourself...

I’ve just turned 68 and so far, no problems. I’ve switched to a recumbent bike—a trike. I wanted to try this way of getting around and I don’t regret it. My upright bike is now in the garage. When hills become too tough, I’ll add electric assist, but I’ll put that off as long as I can… This summer I’m planning a 1,500 km trip…

Way to go, "Old-Timers"—super inspiring!.............

hi there

personally I’m pushing 67

heart attack in 2005, a 40 cm femoral-artery bypass, repaired thanks to an organ donation in 2010

in great shape 😎😎😛 for bike touring and sea kayaking—next trip ROSCOFF to HENDAYE

when I’m forced to stop 🏴‍☠️🏴‍☠️🏴‍☠️🏴‍☠️ I hope to keep going as long as possible because bike touring is still something really special

Heads up, everyone! 71 years young—left hip replacement (PTH), plus a few other bits and pieces (arthritis here and there, prostate, etc.). This year’s plan: in a few days, the traditional southern trip—the Dentelles de Montmirail and the Camargue. May/June: a solid month of cycling through Greece (I love the Greeks and their country...). After that, a bit of mountain biking before switching to hiking (trek planned in Nepal at the end of October). In short, no worries—just enjoying life while we can...

For cycling: I now mount the bike, loaded or not, by leaning it over at least partially. Once I’m on, with a few mini-stops to avoid getting too stiff, it’s really no problem. And when traveling, I now bring along a folding stool and a tent with decent height (1.40 m).

On a general note, I’m lucky to have a yoga instructor in my area who offers "adapted" sessions—no impossible positions, just learning to release tension or internal stiffness through breathing...

In short, as the fool (falling from the 50th floor and passing the 30th) said: so far, so good!

PS: I’m keeping an eye on developments in electric pedal-assist tech! Still waiting for something better than the current "mopeds"—like a tiny motor (80/100 W max), ultra-lightweight, disengageable, with decent range and the ability to recharge on descents. Basically, something that would help me regain a bit of lost power on long climbs without making me dependent on an electrical outlet every half-day! If you’ve heard of or tested anything... (aside from the hidden-frame systems, which are overpriced and lack real autonomy!)

The replies are pouring in—let’s start a club and show those youngsters a thing or two! 😏

Hi Jules.

At what age should you stop? I have no idea—I stopped counting the year I turned twenty.

I cover roughly 12,000 to 15,000 km a year. Five years ago, I switched to a recumbent tricycle—pure joy, with a speed range from 0 to 80 km/h (on some big descents).

Bottom line: as long as your legs work, your head’s still on your shoulders, and your great-grandkids aren’t swiping your bikes, there’s no reason to stop.

Keep your spirits up! And always follow the rules of the road—never trust other users, the main condition to avoid ending your ride in an ambulance.

Happy trails to everyone, no matter your age.

Hi there, At 63, I don’t really ask myself the question anymore. But I definitely don’t plan on stopping. I switched from a road bike to a touring bike, and I’ve got my eye on a recumbent trike every now and then. I don’t know how long a hip replacement lasts, but in the meantime, I’m wearing it out without holding back. Bottom line: I think you just need to keep at it regularly, and we’ll see how far we can go.

Hi there, I think we’ve all wondered about this as the years go by. But it’s hard to give a straight answer because we don’t all age the same way.

Back in 2013, I did a 4,000 km loop around the Mekong with a buddy who was 68 at the time. He’d knock out 100 km a day in scorching heat—sometimes more, even once 150 km—and never seemed tired. So clearly, it can last a long time.

Then there’s Robert, who set an hour-record of over 20 km at 100 years old two or three years ago. Last year, at 102, he still climbed a pass in the Massif Central. His doctor, who’s been following him for years, says his capacity keeps improving.

I also remember the only bike race I ever entered—I must’ve been 58 and just back from a South America cycling trip. I got beaten by an 83-year-old, and the climb was brutal.

This season, I skied with a 76-year-old woman. I could barely keep up with her on the slopes, let alone off-piste, even though I’ve been skiing since I was 8 and used to win races back in the day.

As long as we’re not sidelined by a major health issue, I think it’s mostly about mindset and motivation. As long as that’s there, the body follows.

Luc

Hi,

Since I’m younger than you (64), I can’t really answer your question. I’ve been back to cycle touring for two years now, I’m in good shape, do stages of 50 to 80 km, and camp. My only health issue is with a knee. It doesn’t stop me from pedaling, but it’s pretty annoying when I have to kneel to get in or out of the tent. I’m asking myself the same questions as you—how much longer, what will I do when I can’t anymore... I’d like to keep going for another five to ten years, then I’ll stop rather than switch to a different type of bike or get an e-bike.

I think what threatens us most, apart from orthopedic or heart issues that prevent pedaling, are the small and big signs of general aging: slower reaction times, weaker immune system, less stress resistance, memory decline, higher injury risk. All that can mean you’re still perfectly capable of cycling, but it becomes riskier. It can also rule out certain side activities like camping or taking the train. What I fear most is train travel—connections in stations without elevators or with broken ones, climbing into Intercity carriages.

Nothing beats cycling to stay in shape... Wait for me, I'm 58 and I'll catch up soon!! So have a great ride with spring just around the corner 😉

Hi everyone, 67 years old, no physical or mental health issues. I hope to be a centenarian cycle-tourist, but as a comedian once said, to live to 100 you’ve got to start early. Behind that joke lies a pretty sensible point: healthy living should be an early priority—but that doesn’t mean giving up all life’s pleasures.

😉Hey there, fellow cyclists! I just got back on my bike after nearly a year off. Had a wrist issue that dragged on way too long. The surgeon told me to wait a bit before hopping back on, so I did. I’m starting up my training rides around home again, and I’m surprised—I’ve barely lost any of my ability.

Still, as I get older, I’m wondering about an e-bike in the medium term. More for hauling luggage weight than for actual pedal assistance. Don’t seem to inspire much enthusiasm around here? But isn’t an electric assist better than giving up the fun altogether?

An electric-assist bike is awesome. I’ve got friends who own two electric-assist trikes and they’re absolutely thrilled... And I follow a blog by a young couple traveling the world with their dog on a trike plus trailer—maybe you know them? http://www.tricycletour.com/—also with electric assist...

I’ve got questions about how reliable these bikes really are. For the batteries—even though they’re crazy expensive—you can always pack a spare. Choosing one isn’t easy either. If any experts are around, I’d love some advice.

http://cyclurba.fr/ a site that covers e-bikes

Good evening, Sure, more and more cyclists are adding electric batteries to their setups. That said, it does add extra weight to carry... Likewise, people often skip camping or bivouacking—having a room with an outlet is way more practical for recharging, unless you also bring a powerful enough solar panel (which, of course, means even more weight...). Still, it’s really the ideal solution for keeping the adventure going and enjoying every moment.

Hi there, In other words, at what age do we lose our marbles? Haha. Practically speaking, ever since I turned 55, each year that goes by I age another year. So I prioritize the toughest rides first. And I wonder what gives out faster—the head or the legs? Happy trails, Pierre

Hi everyone, and thanks for all your encouragement and solutions to our various "senior" issues. But as I feared, there aren’t many septuagenarians cycling on this forum. Counting me, we’re only three in total.

In my opinion, there’s no age limit—just get a step-through frame for easier mounting

That’s exactly what I’m doing. I’m looking for a women’s MTB frame in nearby recycling centers, but at 1.80m, not many women are my height.

I switched to a recumbent bike

Not my thing for now, and neither is an e-bike—unless I decide to tackle the mountains.

Had a heart attack in 2005, a 40 cm femoral artery bypass, and recovered thanks to an organ donation in 2010

Luckily, I haven’t had any of those issues—so far, arthritis is enough for me.

The replies are pouring in—time to start a club and show those youngsters how it’s done!

A club? No, but a group of pen pals? Why not.

I don’t know how long a hip replacement lasts

15 years for runners, 20 for "standard" ones. I might consider it, but I’d love to hear from actual users first.

We’re not all equal when it comes to aging.

True, even for those of us who’ve taken care of ourselves.

The only health issue I have is with one knee.

Every time I start a hike, my right knee reminds me it’s there. They told me to "drown" my tendinitis, so I drink a lot—and so far, it works.

I hope to be a 100-year-old cycle tourist, but as a comedian once said, to live to 100, you’ve got to start early. In other words, at what age do we lose our touch? Haha.

Humor—especially self-deprecating humor—is the best.

2015 plans: Orléans to Saint-Nazaire, then back to Nantes for Nantes-Brest, and finally back to the Oise—by bike or train? This year, I’m not going solo; I’ll be with a group of five "young" women (ages 58 to 68). Can’t complain about that! Oh, and I just got my sailing license (Laser dinghy), so I’m aiming for 5–6 regattas this year in Picardy. Sure, I’m not gunning for the podium anymore, but cracking the top 10 overall is enough. Every year when winter rolls around and I put away the bike, boat, and windsurf board, I look at them skeptically—same routine for at least 15 years. And every spring? Magic. Here’s to 2016 being no different.