Support road.cc

Like this site? Help us to make it better.

forum
road.cc bike forum

Ageing Mamil's bodies

by Leviathan
Sun, Dec 28, 2014 15:08
34

I've noticed a lot of threads recently asking advice about rehabilitation after crashes or back problems. Both on the forum and people in the 2015 plans thread saying they just want to get back on the bike after this or that lay off.
I wonder what age some of these guys are as they don't often say. I admit I am 38, but hope I am a young 38. I have been riding as an adult since 1996 various mountain bikes, I bought my first road kit in 1999 and have been slowly building up especially since 2008 and giving up some of my other more extreme sports. I therefore was surprised to find myself in the Mamil category as I though it was meant as a dig at people getting into biking later in life - the new golf, as they say. I though I might be exempt as it is not so long ago that I was actually young, no-one said when I was buying lycra shorts ten years ago that I would only have a small window of opportunity to wear them without being branded some kind of aging wannabe.

So at what age are some of the newbies here getting into bikes? If you crash are you concerned about breaking a hip or just grazing your gluteus maximus (my fat arse has hit the deck a few times on the ice and I never though it was a vulnerable point compared to wrists or shoulders - both broken before.) Do I have all this to worry about in the future or if I just plough on I should stay robust whilst less active contemporaries go downhill (figuratively.)
They say you should inform your doctor before beginning strenuous exercise like training for a marathon. I had never ridden 100miles before 2013 but didn't think I wold have to take see a doctor before I did it. At what point do you start booking regular appointments for such things? What problems have you experienced as an aging cyclist? Maybe it is just the time of year with little news, bad weather and people reviewing and planning... keep yourselves in one piece for 2015 guys and gals.

If you're new please join in and if you have questions pop them below and the forum regulars will answer as best we can.

Add new comment

34 comments

Avatar
LondonDynaslow | 10 years ago
0 likes

I fell over sideways on black ice this morning and would have fell in exactly the same way 20 years ago. But TBH I'm not sure I'd still be in bed hours later in excruciating pain as I now am... We do suffer more as we get older, but we're better off exercising than turning into old fatties.

Avatar
Simon E | 10 years ago
0 likes

I wouldn't give a flying toss about whether (or when) you qualify as a Mamil.

It's an unfortunate fact that in your 40s and 50s the ageing process makes itself felt - things don't always work quite as sweetly, it's much easier to tear a muscle or tendon and it takes longer to recover from an unaccustomed effort. Warming up properly and gentle stretching (after exercise, not before) are good ideas anyway.

As for injuries, I wouldn't take forum comments as an indication of likelihood of crashes; it's more important that you manage the risk - acknowledge hazards and reduce risk so you are less likely to suffer an injury. Some people simply crash more than others, in the end you can only control the odds of it happening.

I think seeing a GP would be advisable for anyone taking up vigorous exercise after a sedentary lifestyle. Otherwise I don't see the point unless you have a medical condition like low iron levels.

A rider died after a heart attack during the RideLondon 100. But perhaps he could have keeled over while strolling around a supermarket or sat at home watching telly. And equally it can happen to an experienced, very fit cyclist; a cardiac arrest killed the great Beryl Burton while out on her bike delivering invitations at the age of 58.

Avatar
Bazza155 | 10 years ago
0 likes

I'm 56 and been MTBing for over 20 years, this year bought a road bike purely for extra fitness. Had a few crashes but nothing that has resulted in broken bones just heavy bruising. If you enjoy it keep going just be a bit careful as injuries will take longer to heal. I think I'm a young 56 as well.

Avatar
OnTheRopes | 10 years ago
0 likes

I am 56 and Rule 5 still applies.
Though I admit to a bit less bottle on ice these days.

Pages

Latest Comments