I am kind of transitioning my posts from the spring/summer mountain bike, outdoor related posts to the winter activity and ski related posts. But in the meantime, I just wanted to make some commentary on two subjects before I make the switch. First is how absolutely magnificent this fall has been with regards to temperature and the brilliance of the fall foliage. I had the opportunity to hike and ride mountain bikes around Western Pa, West Virginia and State College and got to see peak fall foliage in all three areas. I have to say that it has been a long time since I have seen the leaves so brilliant and the weather this pleasant. Great for anything we do outdoors.
But the second thing where I want to make a commentary is what I call retired fitness. I ride with a lot of guys who have already retired ,and they are in amazing shape- especially this time of year. The fitness level increases exponentially over the summer and peaks in the fall right before the time change. Younger guys comment on the fitness of these guys and I always say….” retired fitness.” Most retired guys ride every day or at least 4-5 days a week at their convenience and eventually this consistency yields incredible fitness for these older athletes. I look forward to that experience in the spring when I retire, but in the meantime, I try to get my rides in after work, and on weekends. There is always that pressure to get moving after work and race to the ride venue or get there early on Saturday. Sundays are reserved for rails to trails with Janet.
One of the things that rachet things up a bit for the retired set is the acquisition of E-Bikes. Nothing wrong with going with E-Bikes but it makes it tough for the rest of us on regular or “analog” bikes to keep up. These guys try to slow down but it is hard to do on an E-Bike. Riding this past weekend with some retired guys down in West Virginia, I struggled to keep up on the climbs because several of them had E-Bikes. They were nice and tried to slow down for us “analog” guys, but it was hard. They all said what a game changer E-Bikes are and I am sure that they are fun and that peddle assist is great. I suppose I will get there someday but I can’t get it out of my head that I use a mountain bike for exercise and wonder if that will be compromised with an E-Bike? However, the fun factor cannot be denied. Younger guys like them so they can get up the hills fast to ride more downhills. Some guys just have admitted they can’t ride with the younger, fit guys without one. And lastly, some guys like to have both so that after a hard day, they can pull out the E-Bike and have a less stressful recovery day. Believe me, I get it. But I am still on a regular bike trying to keep up with the “retired fitness” guys who are also riding regular bikes.
So again, no beef with E-Bikes. I get it. But the amazing thing to me is how fit some of my retired friends are on regular bikes. I am impressed to say the least. Retired fitness. I will get there someday even though the years are adding up.
One more comment. I saw a You Tube video with Otis Guy – who is a retired firefighter and one of the original mountain bike designers. He is my age. When the reporter asked him what his secret was to his fitness in his 70’s, he said simply….” keep moving.” No great, specified weight program, although he does lift some weights. He basically rides road and mountain bikes. But he is always busy. He says the couch is his worst enemy. I believe it.
Thinking about the upcoming ski season, I just want to click in and keep moving. Thinking my fitness from riding a mountain bike has kept me in shape to make the most out of my ski days. I don’t feel any different and hope that when I make that first turn, I can say to myself…….” I got this.” Thanks for reading and keep moving.
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