So after a recent lumbar disc injury several weeks ago, I am finally cleared to ride again and figured I'd celebrate by going full suspension to make things a little easier on that aging spine assembly. I am leaving behind my 26" Haro hard tail Flightline Comp and picked up a new Trek Fuel EX 7 29'er yesterday from Bike Line in Charlotte.  Their close out price on the 2014s was an offer I simply couldn't refuse.  What a great shop. One left up there as of yesterday. 

At 57, I figure this will be my last bike until I "age out" of riding trails. I am at the point where I will always be more of a recreational rider now.  My best time on Sherman this season was about 1hr 16min for all three loops...and that was...very hard to the point of almost being unpleasant!  My goal however is to trim it down by end of summer to something a bit quicker. Maybe 1hr 10min or so.  Maybe the new bike will help a bit with that. 

Curious as to how many out there are still going at it up into their 60s.  I have definitely been passed like I am standing still more than a few times by gray haired guys that could pass for my dad! I am hoping for at least another 10 years at it since even at a closeout price, this thing was more than I ever thought I would spend on a bike! 

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65 and still riding. A buddy is 71 this August and still going strong on the bike.

Cool! You guys are an inspiration! Now I can tell mama I can spread that cost over at least another 14-15 years! 

62 here and still on a hardtail.  Keep riding.

My dad is 65 and still rides.

The bike should help your times.  Not so much that the bike itself will automatically make you faster, but getting new gear always adds the motivation to ride more, and hence, get faster

Have fun!

Riding FS two or three times a week, about 750 miles a year.  Keeps me feeling young.

My age isn't that important but, I remember:

-Brushing my teeth with tooth powder.
-watching a black and white tv.  Had to walk over to it to change to one of the other three channels.
-when microwave ovens were invented
-when you could buy a new car without seat belts or air conditioning, for probably less than you just spent on your new bike.
-using a rotary dial phone

So congrats on the new ride and keep it up.

Excellent.

I am 54 with no injuries.

I still ride an old school single speed, rigid.

The time of my rides is less important to me than the technique and exercise. For obvious reasons. The rigid bike is not conducive to bouncing over rough spots in the trail, unless you like being bounced from the bicycle. ))

I believe there is no better full body exercise than mountain biking. 

But I have reconsidered riding horse trails, after a recent bought with an upper respiratory ailment that I believe is horse trail related. I am growing tired of riding in horse crap. Although the most convenient trail to me is a popular equestrian area as well. )

I wish there was more in the Waxhaw area.

Does anyone know what is Baxter trail? It is on the map, but I do not see a description for this trail. It is in Fort Mill at Baxter village? I can't believe it's much more than a short walking trail.

IntheBush wrote on 06/10/15 at 2:33am:


It is in the village of Baxter
go here for a map " (You need to Login or Register to view media files and links)"

The trail is about 3.5 miles, fair ride with a few nice places to stop and take in the scenery along the river.

Wise choice on FS Bike and congrats on avoiding Back Surgery.
At 57 Joe,  you've still years of riding ahead of you. In 2008 I
turned 65 and still won awards for Mnt Bk Racing. Winning 1st
place 60+ at WW in the Rivers Edge Sth East Champ's. And 1st 
place in the Masters Div EBB&G Winter Short Track Series against
50+ Guys. I'm 72 now and last year I won three National Titles in 
Triathlon. So keep riding, the best is yet to come!!

Joe F wrote on 06/10/15 at 1:40pm:


Doc told me since it was a concussion to rest easy and not use my brain much for a couple of days.  So they will be like every other day. 

Im not up there yet (42), but man I love this thread.  Also seeing Big Bike Mike up at SnowShoe is always inspirational!

I am 65 and I live in Rock Hill. This is my 21st summer riding. I had major back surgery in 2001 that kept me out 6 weeks, but other than that I've been on the trail. Favorite local trails are Sherman Branch, Lake Norman, WWC, BYT, Springs. I also ride road bikes. As a matter of fact, I retired recently and I'm looking for a group to ride with during the mornings. I ride at 8 to 10 mph depending on the trail. If anyone is interested in getting together to ride on weekday mornings, email me at [email protected].

Sorry for the late response Joe F. Since it's been several weeks, I hope you are doing better. As for my surgery, I had Spinal Stenosis. The surgery was called decompression surgery. The surgeon clipped the back out of 3 vertebra in my lower back to relieve pressure on the spinal cord. He also shaved a ruptured disk while he was in there. No fusion, etc. 3 open vertebra remain. My right leg is numb and I have some occasional back pain, but other than that I would say the surgery was very successful. Still riding my mountain and road bikes 14 years later.