How to avoid being a miserable old man. (Or woman) 

Well said Leonard. I'm 67 but think im 25. I cycle and sea kayak and generally look after myself. My main motivation is to live long enough to screw the pension system! Keep up the good work.

You think it's tough exercising when you're over 50, well, wait until you're over 70, like I am. The thing is, the older you get the more you have to continue working at your physical fitness. Quitting is not an option. At 72 I go to the gym 3 times a week and try to get in at least 3 bike rides. I enjoy your videos, Leonard.....keep it up!

0:48 you got me at "riding my bike "👍🏿😄

I am 72 and I ride my bike every day. I have my health issues and riding the bike helps me to overcome them. Keep up your good cheer and bless you for your inspiration.

I truly know what you’re talking about. My dad died at 56. I’m now 58. I thank God for every day and I’m a cyclist.

“A slice of carrot cake and a tea please”. I’m right with you Leonardo! ❤

The best things about your videos are that you provide such a fresh perspective to us old dogs that need to be reminded that we are what we think. Thanks Leonard

Agree. I ride my bike. Period. Don't care about Strava segments or KOM's etc. But, if that's what people like to do, well good. Everyone rides their own ride. I am considerably older than you and am grateful to be still riding. Thanks for keeping it real. Cheers 🌞🚴‍♀️🖖

True words Leonard. At 63 i still enjoy cycling , running snd walking. Ive taken to bombing along a local rutted, partially muddy bridleway as fast as possible. Always giving way to walkers and horse riders. At this time of year the English countryside is bursting with life. Makes me feel so grateful to be here and in the moment, immersed in a blissful landscape. Wow!

2 years ago at 67, I underwent treatment for prostate cancer, and in the October a friend of 78 died after being knocked offherr bike. I resolved to make every day count. Joined the local cycling club in Jan 2023, did your 90 rides in 90 days challenge and 2 weeks ago rode 100 miles for the 1st time, doing the Ride London Essex. Anything is possible if you set your mind to it. Thank you for the inspiration and keep up the good work

A fabulous video full of wisdom and humor. I’m 72 now and just don’t know how that happened. But I’m thankful to have stayed in good health and been lucky to avoid the bad stuff that afflicts so many of my friends. I cycle 10,000 miles per year on Cape Cod and Florida all winter and feel blessed. My family gave me a cycling shirt that reads “cranky old bastard” that I wear with pride frequently. I bought matching ones for my cycling buddies. One of the best things about being an old codger is that one can lose the filter between brain and mouth and nobody cares because they just aren’t listening. Thanks once again for your many great videos over the years.

Good talk for us over 50s group Leo..I just got a new PR by finishing my first 52 mile ( over 3500 feet of climbing) charity ride , I was nervous at first but completed it in under 4hrs and proved to myself I can do bigger more challenging rides...I have a whole new perspective on longer rides now😁👌

Well said. At 67 I stay active, eat and sleep well, have lots of interests and am comfortable in my own skin. Here’s to many collective and fulfilled years for us all.

Yes Leonard, good stuff. It is amusing to be hearing how things go down hill (pardon the pun) after 50. I'm 75 and riding pretty regularly (see Strava). Your video is very similar to one I am thinking of making for cyclists over 70. Keep up the good work, Lex Lasry (Merrijig, Australia).

Leonrd, You hit the nail on the head !!!! I'm 57 and i realize I'm not 25, and I don't care. Like you, I ride my bike because I like it. Yes, the health perks come in handy too. My goal is just ride for health benefits. I don't plan to break any speed records or do any major long distance rides. I just want to have fun riding my bike. Keepup the good work .... Your videos help !!!!!

Absolutely agree, Leonard. I am 76 and a carer for my Mum now fast approaching her 99th birthday so between caring and the uncertain climate I do not get out on my bike as often as I used to but always feel better after 20 miles or a couple of hours ride.

Well said. I’m a psychotherapist so my mental health is generally ok but I had a stroke last year at 60. What a surprise that was! I’m very lucky to not have any long term effects. I completely agree that if we think we’re old, or anything else, then so be it! I just read an article about a 104 year old woman who has been going out in a boat fishing since she was 7! Her son does it too at 80!

that is so true mate, I lost my friend 4 weeks ago he passed away from something heart related . but he lived his life his way which was making music and songwriting, but he loved life and was always creative. I love cycling myself but haven't done much in the last year so this has give me a kick up the backside to get back to it..cheers mate and by the way im 56 and so was my mate..

Yep, you nailed it. That very wall hit me in my 56 year. Through a workplace injury I’ve been quite ill and it’s had lots of ramifications. It has certainly slowed my cycling down but not stopped me. We have to take every opportunity we can get.

Great perspective Leonard, I hope some how a lot more people see this video and take up your advice.

Hi Leonard, I have been following you the last three and half years or so and every time I listen and watch your segment I come away thinking you are a very good motivator for being authentic and... your sense of humor kills. keep it coming and thank you.

Wise words and a very balanced perspective. I couldn’t agree more. As another overweight and over 60 cyclist trying to find that work life balance so that I can have a healthy, fulfilling life after retirement, this really struck a chord with me. Thank you.

I usually avoid this by being a miserable young man😅

I'm with you!! I'm totally motivated because of my son willing to include me in all his rides! Totally putting in 100% effort to keep up with him! Not getting drop around the hills surrounding Mt Fuji later this week!! Cheers!!

BBB, chiseled Adonis 😂 love it. Great Vid, power to us oldies. Still lots of life to live.

This is exactly why I've loved watching your channel all these years! Keep on, Leonard!

One of your best videos ever, Leonard ! I'm 70 years old, and I'm all set to hike across the Isle of Skye this summer (as soon as the weather improves) 🌩

Great vid and yes we all still have a bit of a life in our 50's. Funny thing started to slowly settle into my noggin over the last few years into my 50's. I still enjoy the various activities like cycling, walking with the dog, boardgames/computers with friends, theatre with my wife, good food, holidays etc. But creeping into the brain is not an entirely negative feeling but and there is a sort of "fatalistic" vibe in that even though I am challenging myself to do new things (2x 200K audaxs this Month already) that I still feel a sense that the journey I am on is one where even the most simple things can be as fun as a big challenge. Therefore I don't necessarily rank specific activities to be any more special. Halfway into a 200K audax in beautiful scenery and weather or an hour spent playing a computer game. They are both me in a moment and getting probably equal pleasure from it and exercise+outdoors life is not as special as perhaps its sold to be?? I think my explanation for this is that there is a lot of "outdoor" pressure that bubbles out of social media telling us how mentally healthy it is to be in nature with long views of countryside and wildlife. Hopefully, I am getting my thought process communicated :). I think I am basically saying that all of lifes rich pagent can be fun and I am adjusting myself slightly to enjoy as many moments as I can without thinking that I always need to stretch the challenge out further. Could do with retiring early though Long comment! My father had a massive heart attack at 54. He survived to 78, with further heart operations but was sadly always suffering, in ill health and unable to really enjoy exercise or other strenuous activity. His last 5 years were very rough. I feel grateful to be feeling healthier and doing more than he did but there is always a risk and I am counting my blessings.

I just retired this month. I planed to do a motorbike ride around Europe. As long as I’m willing to stand it. The closer it gets the more doubtful I’m. But right you are, it’s high time to leave my comfort zone. Btw. I’ll visit a colleague in Bristol, on my way I’ll ride along the coast. Seeing some of your places live.

My husband and I wanted to say that your video, it was very touching to us. We too love to cycle. You are a true inspiration.

I'm 55 and rode in a gran fondo today near San Diego, climbing Mt Palomar, I wanted to challenge myself like I did 10 years ago. I made a lot of mistakes today in logistics, room check out was too early, family was waiting for me and the climb was taking longer than I estimated. Still climbed over 5k feet and rode 48 of the 55 miles. Made it back in time to pick up my family and check out of the room, 2 hour drive home and finally had a chance to rest/eat and shower (zero time at end of ride). I'll be back out there and I'll try to complete, but I really enjoyed the crazy climbing, fast riding, and now I see what I need to work on to be a better cyclist which is improving my every day life. Cheers from Southern California and always enjoy your videos.

I totally agree…..while still getting annoyed when I can’t find my slippers 😂

what a lovey authentic video. you'd be a good ambassador for mental health - definitely more straight talking

Thanks Leonard! Knocking on the door of 70-years old myself. Still get out and bike as much as I can. Sill, I must remind that 19-year old inside me to quit writing check that my body is finding harder and harder to pay!

Well said, great reminder as I turn 51. Thank you

Great video Leonard! The ideas you talked about reminded me of 'Ikigai', the Japanese concept of having something which gives your life worth, meaning, or purpose - the thing that gets you out of bed in the morning. Gotta have something...!

Yes well said Leonard. I've been following you for some time now and that has to be one of your best videos to date. Thank you.

Well said Leonard, Every day is special and days shared with cycling buddies are precious and we should be grateful for every day we can go out and have fun.

Wow what a great message. Thank you!

Thank for video Leonard.

Thanks for this reminder!

Absolutely spot on young man … … I’ve just turned 60 but because I coach young people I don’t have time to ‘get old’ … the mind doesn’t need to follow protocol that life tells you … time is there for guidance not to have regrets or sit around either

Well said Leonard, I’ve just celebrated my 49th birthday and dread becoming 50 but after listening to your wise words I’m going to embrace it. I love riding my bike I won’t win any races or epic endurance rides but I simply enjoy riding. Keep up the good work.

Thank you Leonard, wise words.

Just discovered your channel. Great job. I needed to hear this message today 👊

really enjoyed this one

No one is guaranteed tomorrow, and we should enjoy life to the full as you say. Having hit the big 50 a month ago, I am still going out and having fun and adventures. I also have a wide network of friends and some that are in their late twenties that keep me in touch with things, although I never understand how they text 😂. Ps, if you are having issues with cats coming into your garden and using it as a litter tray and digging up your plants look into buying some scaredy-cat plants, they don’t like the smell and it should keep them away, recommend them for a friend and she said it worked and was better than the lion poo or cat alarms she bought.

Excellent video Leonard, very well said. Mirrors my mantra as I get older.

Great video and well done Leonard, you should be proud of yourself

Thanks Leonard. Your year is going from strength to strength.

Very wise words Leonard. Thank you and take care.

Hit the nail on the head with this one! ✌🏻

I haven’t heard it put so succinctly before. At 55 I admit I have slowed down quite a bit but I find enjoyment in a lot of the same things I did when I was younger, cycling being the main thing. And I get the same noise from the more health conscious people who don’t realize that you can have the odd snack or fast food and still be fine. I usually get my point across in that argument with my middle finger. Well said Leonard!

A little late to these videos but have genuinely found them inspiring as a "fuller figure" cyclist hoping to get back on the saddle. Enjoy the enthusiasm and advice from Leonard on his videos and enjoy his presenting style. Hopefully I will get back cycling and maybe lose a lb/kg or two along the way. Had bad experiences on some local club rides but that was more to do with a particular individual than the club itself which put me off quite a bit. So looking to get back to solo rides again. Keep up the great videos and advice. Cheers

Such a hugely positive perspective Leonard. I’m much fitter now at age 51 than I was 7 years ago when I began my adult cycling journey and the enjoyment I get from just riding my bike is immeasurable. Keep on spinning and thank you for the continued inspiration - chapeau 🧢

Fantastic advice and words to live my. Thanks Leonard - today I needed to hear this, and I'm glad I heard it from you.

Mountain biking is by far my favorite discipline and my road miles are to maintain fitness for it, thing is I can't ride like I did. I have recently purchased an EMB because I just can't generate the power I once did even though my fitness level is better. Bad knees and hips from years in the military have started to take their toll. The same trails that I could ride a couple of years ago leave me walking up some of the climbs now. I just need to learn to enjoy the ride not try and set PR's. Great video as always!!

thanks Leonard, it's always good to hear some home truths. Live every day like it's a gift

Well said Leonard!

Well said !!!!

I always admire your philosophy Leonard - that why I subscribe, great video 👍

Len, I've always loved the channel! And this video just shows why.. Thank you for the content.. Keep on keeping on brother, your an inspiration to me! 😎👌🏻🙏🏻

I don't think you even have to necessarily challenge yourself Leonard, or at least not all of the time. I think having just enough push to keep a regular active lifestyle, where you can get your heartrate up at least once or twice a week, is the key to getting older and staying happier. I would concede a good challenge once in a while does keep it interesting though and is good for your mental health. Both my grandad's died in their late 50's and I was too young to remember much about them but I do remember them not being particularly active. Other lifestyle choices more common at the time such as smoking obviously had an impact too

Agree. That you Leonard always fun watching

Great attitude, good advice. Thank you for remembering your father in that way.

What a great video Leonard im 68 still working and doing my best to keep myself fit on Zwift Trainer Road and cycling outdoors.

Good one again Leonard. I like the term "inner old man" made me laugh. I'm 51 and keeping mine behind me not in front.

Great perspective Leonard 👍 At 61 I need to battle the he "old man" inner voice as I am doing great. As you get older I do feel it is easier to accept what you are good at and not so good at and to care less what others think!

Excellent video, Leonard. These are the things that matter. I'm sorry your dad did not get more time in this world. You are, as we say in the US, doing him proud by living your own life so well.

Leonard you're a true inspiration even tho I think you're my age too, these vids are must-views! I soo luv them.. Keep safe and happy riding everyone ✌️😎

I intend to be doing all the same mad shit i do now for as long as possible! great vlog Leonard 👌

So true. After 60 (for me anyway) life is indeed what you make it. I really do enjoy your program. Keep up the good work!

Good topic, and I try along with 15 other local folks to be out on the bike 4 times a week. We ride along for 40 km solving problems and puff up the odd hill avoiding the hard ones of course. Youngest person is 58 who still works rest retired. Haunt a couple coffee spots on the way home, its so good for us all I think.

Getting philosophical again Leonard ;-) - I enjoy your musings, although yer nobbutalad, as we say in yorkshire. I never saw the Derek Nimmo thing but what shows changing times most of all for me is watching Top Of The Pops from the sixties - all the kids look about 50! Life over 70 can be quite good too, if you are lucky enough to have your health

Amen, Leonard! I’m now 63 and aside from a bad hip, am doing well and riding more than I have in decades. And all the riding has smoothed the arthritic burs of my hip socket and I can nearly normally despite being bone on bone (replacement is in near future but for now it’s doing better than it should, likely thanks to cycling).

I hit 60 this year and if it wasn't for my arthritic right knee I feel the same as I did when I was 30. Did plenty of football and rugby when young and still cycle, swim and HIIT classes to the max.

What a great video absolutely about myself at 57 years old.Sometimes I have to remind myself I’m lucky to have decent health and great family. “ live for today as tomorrow may never come”.

100% correct Leonard..

62 next birthday and my VO2 max gives me a fitness age of 46. My FTP is the highest that it has ever been. Ignore age stereotypes and just go for it.... 💪🚴💪🚴

Enjoyed!

Great video i am 63 cycle every day great for your mental health and over all health keep on the bike until God calls you.

Expectation and perception is everything. My dad was a cardigan wearing pipe smoking old man in his 40’s during the 1970’s. He was a much “younger” man by the time he got into his 60’s. He dressed much better, took on outdoor hobbies and generally embraced modern life and stopped acting like it was still the 1950’s.

oh how I agree with you my friend! oh how much!!!

I was lucky enough to retire at 51 in early 2010, on a very good final salary pension scheme, before Gordon Brown raised the retirement age to 55. Mortgage paid off etc. When I retired, I changed from being a saver to a spender, keeping back a good buffer but spending everything above that buffer. At 65 I cycle, motorbike, camper van, caravan, foreign holiday, staycate and walk. I do not know where I got the time from to attend work. I am now cash rich and time poor, ( exactly the opposite of when I was younger ), heading obviously to my demise in a shorter time left than I have already enjoyed. This is the reason my flag bearer is now Guy Lombardo - enjoy yourself, it's later than you think ? I am shortly about to get my State Pension, next January, ( 8 extra years bought after 2016 to fill NI gaps and to remove tge effect of being opted out, to make a full state pension, unlike waspi women who just want free stuff without paying in ) that will all be used for enjoyment and adventure as well, doing all the things I enjoy and things that so far I haven't thought of. You are a long time dead !

The day when I was the exact same age as my mother was when she died was a momentous occasion for me. I’m with you, life is to be enjoyed, many don’t get the option. Every morning I wake up, I am thankful to have the day to look forward to…. 🚲

Leonard, I do like the fact that you just get on and do it regardless of your size it should never hold people back.

Yes we still can do all the things we did when we were younger. It's just that it now takes me all night to do what I used to do all night. 😮

My preference for classic menswear and traditional gentlemanly behavior often gives other people the impression that I'm much older than I actually am. However, I enjoy good health and fitness especially on the bike. Therefore I delight in surprising (and often embarrassing) others whilst riding up steep hills or casually cruising past others who have, no doubt made an assumption on my appearance! I thoroughly recommend subtle stealth fitness.

Great stuff. Excellent advice which we all need reminding of every now and then. As Pink Floyd said, " Tired of lying in the sunshine, staying home to watch the rain. And you are young and life is long, and there is time to kill today. And then one day you find ten years have got behind you. No one told you when to run, you missed the starting gun"

3rd overall (the kids kill me with their power surges) today in a race 108km with 1280 meters elevation gain. It was fun with my 53rd birthday just around the corner. As I think Clint Eastwood said "Don't let the old man in" - the secret to keeping us mamils on our toes! We're a long way from being toast and in the current era there are so many challenges we can rise to and enjoy. Roll on Marmotte GF Alps at the end of the month 🙂

I agree with 99% of what you said except for the carrot cake. I am 79 and logging 12,000 km per year. Cycling got the best for me after retirement (64) as I had time to ride my bike as much as I wanted. I live in Toronto and spend most of the winter in Florida and two weeks every year in Europe cycling with my group of 34/40 at bike hotels which I arrange. None of this I take for granted. I wish the best for you, Leonard and all your subscribers.

12 on the inside, 58 on the outside. Age is a number and old is a mix of luck & outlook. Just keep playing, it keeps you young.

Good vid mate. Sunny side up.

Live today as if it’s your last . Tomorrow may never come .

...haha 50s... try 67...progress in training really start to get harder after 65 - late 63 I started up training again - weights and treadmill running with 4x4 intarvalls- went from 132 to 117kg in 3-4 mnths then corona hit - so started gravel riding. Very good progress here too but overdid it - så fall 2020 it went down abit. Tried skis and rollerkies (stay away you get hurt) - then now weights and treadmill + cycling - diversify - so you get all body in shape and dont get bored or injuries. Im 120 now but there more muscles less fat.... but running progress is slow and hard - still too heavy. I take a 2hrs ride in zone 2 today. You look in good shape now - think you lost a few... start with weights think you will be good at it.

That crack about the keyboard warriors did it for me 🤣

Cycling top man

I'm going to hazard a guess here, Leonard, I'll bet that when you when you were in your youth you were maybe described as being " an old head, on young shoulders" ?, and now, with the passage of time, you feel like a young head, on older shoulders?. A lot of wisdom in this short video, blessings to you and yours.

November 12, 2022 I outlived my dad as well. My dad at the time was the oldest male in the Woodruff family. Fortunately, I have an older brother 6 years older than me. I just have to out live him. The only problems I have is my bicycle screaming at me all night long from the garage if I don't go riding that day. Most people say it is a mental disorder, which is funny as I didn't know that bicycles could get mental disorders.

Wise words Sir! Can i ask what camera you have attached to your cycling top? I'm after something to use on my motorcycle. What is the battery life on it? Thanks in advance, Arry