Is 52 too old to start doing Sportives ?

Fil6914

Hi

I'm 52 coming up 53 and for ten years did long distance running until a heart op stopped me in my tracks. The heart op cured the problem so no worries there but no running now for 17 years. I have played badminton for a few years and do gym work 4-5 times a week although I am still probably 20 pound over my ideal weight. 18 months or so ago I did 27 miles around Kielder water on my mtb without any sort of training and although glad to see the finish I managed it in some sort of decent state. Now to my question, am I too old to do a 62 mile sportive in teesside in July ? I intent to try and build some sort of training plan but your input would be much appreciated saying I have zero miles on a bike for probably over 12 months. I also intend to change my knobbly tyres for some semi slicks on my 1997 kona cindercone . I don't want to spend cash on a road bike just yet and even when/ if I do decide to buy a road bike I don't intend to spend anymore than £500 on one and again your input on this would be appreciated

Thanks

Phil

chrisaonabike

If the op really cured the problem, then no, of course you're not too old.

None of us here can comment on your actual heart health, but if it's really ok then eat less, pedal more. 5-10% per week mileage increase, be sensible, but otherwise sorted.

Fil6914

Thanks for the quick reply

Yes to put it quickly the heart op basically cut out a kink in the aorta and joined the ends together so no more kink, as I say this was done in 1995 and I've not had a problem since, however, the running buggered my knees so no more running although I find the exercise and spinning bikes at the gym don't cause me any problems with my knees. I feel I have kept quite a good level of fitness since my running days and just need time on the bike to get myself ready for 62 miles.

elderone

Your not to old at all,theres lots of us 50,s types recently started,so dont worry.
As for bikes try decathlon or boardman do bikes at halfords.
good luck.

kayo74

Never to old Phil just get out there and enjoy it, it's not a race. Once you start you will get hooked and be doing 100 mile sportives. Good luck.

zardoz

I only took up road cycling last year at the age of 56 and I'm doing my first Sportive in 2 weeks time, so no, 52 is not too old.

tlw1

go for it!

Shakey Bear

zardoz wrote:

I only took up road cycling last year at the age of 56 and I'm doing my first Sportive in 2 weeks time, so no, 52 is not too old.

46, and i'm a beginner too. Riding and training for my first sportive in June.

ineedalager

I started at 53 with an MTB I wanted to lose weight and get fit. I was almost 17st. I lost 3 1/2 stone in 3 months. I upped my distances from 5 miles, to 10 miles, 15, slowily to 26 miles and some 42 milers. I bought a hybrid bacuase I wanted to ride faster on the roads as well as doing my MTBing.

3 1/2 years of this and I decided I wanted to give road biking a try. Oct 2011 I bought a Specialised Allez for £429 in the sale ( now £550) I joined a club ride a month later best thing I ever did for upping my distances and improving my endurance.

Last year I did 6,000 miles including a couple of 100 miles rides. I now ride with my clubs fast group which is something I thought I would never do as when i road with the development group they used to ride past us like we were standing still!

I ride with 2 guys who are 66 yrs old and sometimes I have trouble keeping up with them!

You never to old, get that road bike now and join a club you'll love it! Then that sportive will be fun instead of a slog!

Anonymous

My mum is 52 and took up cycling yesterday!

TommyB61

As long as you're medically ok re the heart issue Phil there's no reason why not. I'm 51 & doing my first few sportives this year.

As others have said, they're not races...many offer a choice of route lengths, & you'll be pleasantly surprised at the range of ages & types of riders who take part.

Fil6914

Thanks for all the positive replies I'm beginning to feel much younger now I think I will put some semi slicks on the kona and see how I get on before thinking about spending money on a road bike.

But having said that I like the look of the Carrera Virtuoso and its down in price to £380 giving me some spare cash to upgrade the pedals and tyres if required, what do you think ?

Phil

pride4ever

No, sportives are gentle leg turners, nothing more. GO FOR IT.

Mikey23

62 coming up in may... started cycling about a year ago and did 5 sportives last year. done nearly 2000 miles this year due to these accursed strava challenges! obviously dont expect to keep up with the fast whippets cos you wont. i average about 12.5 mph at the moment but you will be able to pootle around and enjoy the challenge and the scenery at your own pace. i too come from a background of running and have really enjoyed the change and the new challenge. not nearly as hard on the body and much easier to pace your effort. go for it!!!

Brakeless

Don't discount doing an Audax. There's always plenty of older slower riders that are far more interested in the distance than the speed and are generally very sociable. I'd say that for someone unsure of capability a 100km audax done at 'leisure' pace is alot less intimidating than a sportive as a first event. The only real difference is a lack of route signs but with a route sheet or better still a GPS it's not a problem.

elderone

the carrerra virtuoso is a good bike,and the triban from decathlon at £300 is even better value,so no excuses.get one and ride.

ForumNewbie

Definitely not too old. I'm 54 and not very fast but have still managed to get round a couple of hilly sportives. It's a good idea to set your own target time to get round in - just something to aim at to motivate you to keep going when it gets tough, but don't be unrealistic. I would definately recommend a road bike - doesn't need to be an all out racer - as it will be a lot easier than a MTB on such a long road ride.

davem399

I would say go for it. Build up the miles and you should be able to feel whether it is achievable. Did 175 miles last weekend over two days in the wind and rain with our club, and I am 60 and rather over weight. The secret was a sensible pace and plenty of re-fuelling.

duncanjohnston66

carrera virtuosa good reliable starting bike ,never too old........

warrerj

Forget Sportives they're WAY overpriced.
Check out the Audax Uk website. Audax = Spotrive - £20-30 ;-)

rick_chasey

Not too old if you can ride a bike.

keef66

I too have knackered knees. Returned to road cycling at 50 and now I'm 55 and have my first sportive coming up in 2 weeks. (Signed up on a whim because it's starting just a couple of miles from my front door) Opted for the 73 mile route; now I'm slightly apprehensive because the weather's been so rubbish I haven't been able to get in as many miles as I'd hoped. Now thinking I'll just be happy to finish, so I'll take my time and gorge myself at the feed stops.

andy9964

There's an old guy I talk to every other day when we're both out with the dogs, I often see him out on his road bike.

Chatting with him one day, he said " I've had to cut the riding down to 25-30 miles a day, and get rid of the MTB.........I just turned 75"

So, I'd say, by his standards, you're still a young whippersnapper

renevat

I recently took up cycling at 57 so I'm going to suggest you are not too old. Just go steady, try and stick to your own pace, don't get too upset at folk wizzing past you but, most of all, enjoy it. It's great and I'm looking forward to my next one.

FergySteve

elderone wrote:

the carrerra virtuoso is a good bike,and the triban from decathlon at £300 is even better value,so no excuses.get one and ride.

I'd also throw a Boardman Sport into the ring for consideration.

teisetrotter

Just train a bit and watch for the elevations until your legs are in shape i.e. don't do the etape de Cymru on your first outing.

But have a look at these categories for racers:
http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/road/a ... ---Track-0

Then there is the League of Veterans. They have age categories from A to K ...... you would be mid C ........ so plenty of years yet. Whilst I am in B the few I have done ......... well lets say humiliating sort of covers it.
http://lvrc.org/