The Challenges Facing Cyclists Over 50 (And How To Overcome Them) 

Being a normal lad, sometimes a few kilo’s overweight, sometimes just on point, I only admire the bigger lads and women when they go out on the bike, there’s someone taking control over their lives! Don’t feel judged, feel encouraged!

Live for your videos! Jumped on a bike for the first time since childhood about 6 weeks ago and slowly getting fitter! Just ordered a new bike too. Your videos inspire me!

I ran for years, but a bad knee put an end to that. Cycled for years using hand-me-down mountain bikes, but at 57 I took the plunge and bought my first proper road bike. 3 years and almost 12,000 miles later I'm still going strong at 60.

At 78 I enjoy cycling more than ever. It's great to see old geezers like myself out cycling each day. A close friend of mine used to ride with me more than 50 years ago. He stopped looking after his health and hasn't biked in many years. I looked after my health and now got back to biking ten years ago. My friend can no longer bike. He's way too heavy, too out of shape and has a bad heart. It pays to look after your health! Your are very encouraging, Leonard. Keep up the great videos. Just too short! (Mike Scott, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada)

For me, it was relatively simple: my Doctor took my car licence away from me-NOT because I drank or took illegal substances-I was experiencing Dizziness while driving, so my licence was "suspended" for 9 months, while tests were run. I bought a bike-a Electra Mulholland 3 speed hub geared Cruiser! My God, it was Heavy and exhausting! But I persisted, with it-every day got fit, my aches and pains diminished, after a time, I lost weight and absolutely Loved it! That was when I was 53. The dizziness, didn't come back-it was a medical mystery, I got my licence back and didn't drive the car for another month. I still have that cruiser but now enjoy riding a Surly Steamroller converted to fixed gear-its MUCH Lighter!! . I gained some weight-but not as much as I had Before the biking. I absolutely LOVE this Exercise-I do more riding than walking. It's a No-Brainer to me: I sleep better, I'm happier un myself, I'm Less grumpy, my clothes fit better, I'm more confident AND the bike is my go-to- Exercise over everything else! I'm 59 now and still riding. ANYONE can Ride and I Encourage anyone reading my story to take up riding a bike-ANY bike, for exercise!

Excellent blog as usual. This is very applicable to me as I'm nearly 73. I get out mainly 3 times a week at this time of year doing 20-30 miles each time. I've been cycling 20 years in August and it has seen me through some very traumatic times in my life including losing my daughter so it not only keeps me physically fit but helps my mental health too. Many thanks Leonard. Des P

I have just watched this video, To tell you a bit about me, I am 60 and have some health issues, but I am getting back into cycling to get fitter and enjoy going out. I don't care what people think I look like, if they don't like it it is their problem. Thanks for the videos as they are motivating me.

I'm 67 and I've been biking for 25 years. I plan on biking until I just can't do it anymore...nothing makes me feel better. Thank you Leonard for giving everyone inspiration

Thank you for the inspiration - I’m 52 and started cycling 2 months ago - I immediately fell in love with it- I discovered your channel recently and have learned sooooo much from your advice and explanations - greetings from California

Hi Leonard, Thanks for another great video. You've boosted my morale once again. Since regularly watching your channel I've started riding my racing bike at least once a week again and rediscovered how much fun and enjoyment i get from cycling.

I would add that if you’re on the fence about riding, make your bike as accessible as possible. When the urge comes, you need to be able to hop on, not move the holiday decorations first Nice video as always!

Great video, thanks Leonard. A suggestion I'd make about cycling over 50 is that one is more aware of mortality. When I was younger I never cared about potential injuries and had a high pain threshold. Now I'm older, I get extremely twitchy if I think a vehicle is too close and potholes make my testicles react like clackers!

Once upon a time when I was married I started to get into cycling. As my fitness increased my wife suggested I should try and ride 100 miles a day for a week. That way she explained, by the end of the week, I'd be 700 miles away! Besides that very old joke, I'm well past 50 and am almost certainly I better shape than ever, all thanks to cycling.

Thank you for posting this and can only echo your sentiments. Purely by chance a couple of years ago I was introduced to the new world of e-bikes, this awakened my passion for cycling. Fast approaching 60, overweight etc, I have progressed to my 3rd "Rolls Royce" of a bike, donned the Lycra and think what the hell! It is unbelievable the self gratification I now have. Lockdown permitted me to over 700 miles of cycling trails, I miss those days!!!

I`m convinced that cycling is as good for the mind as it is for the body.

I have been cycling for 25 years never given up I always feel more alive after a good bike ride 60 miles or more I am 67 lost lots of weight I recon that if I had not taken up cycling my health would have degraded quite a lot I was over weight before I started cycling I dont own a car and with cycling I been to places that I would have not ever seen.

Here's a weird thing. I was struck with severe vertigo ("BPPV") last October and could only drive again after Xmas. It got better but I am still dizzy every day: I thought my riding days might be over for good at 60. I took my old alloy Trek 2.3 out a few days ago and to my amazement I could ride as well as ever. Since then I've been doing my usual 20-mile training rides daily -- on the carbon Cannondale Synapse/Di2. I have no idea why the residual vertigo is not an issue but I sure am happy about it.

Spot on Leonard cycling is pure enjoyment I am now in my 60s I might look like a burst sausage in my lycra but I am happy burst sausage

Started cycling again after 30+ years just after my 70th birthday a few months back and now go out 3/4 times a week and average 20 mile rides. So never too late.

Cycling literally lets me choose my heart rate. Terrain and wind "just" determine the length of time I'll be out.

And you don’t need a ten thousand pound carbon job to get back into it.

Great video! I got my old bike fixed up a couple of weeks ago and have been riding it down to our bike path. I fogot how much fun riding a bike is. Thanks for your inspirational video.

The stories you generate with your videos and especially this one are a great positive wonder in this time of difficulties. Thanks for all your input on the goodness of cycling in all age, fitness, and weight catagories.

Great vid Len. I think cycling is great for anyone at any age. Since Covid started, I've seen many more older riders out on the road. Cycling is a great way to maintain your mobility as you age. Because of cycling and running, I'm in the best shape of life at 60 (61 on Sunday). Ride on.

I got fed up of driving, having to get to work early to find a parking space and pay a fortune to maintain a car. So I did some research, bought a B'twin Tilt 120 folding bike, cycle to the staton, jump on the train and cycle the last bit to work 5 days a week in all weathers. Because of train times etc it takes about 15 minutes longer than it did by car, but I get 8 miles of free cycling fitness a day plus I save about £160 a month and it's fun. I'm still over 16 stone but I'm certainly fitter, healthier, richer and much happier !

Good advice , during lock down cycling was soooooo much nicer and lots more people doing it. Now it's back to cars are king unfortunately. I'll never stop cycling while I still.can.but stay off roads as much as pos.

Good vid , iv been cycling for years I’m 60 , own 4 bikes and ride most days , its addictive lol

very inspiring.....thank you so much ...pls make more videos.... i like the way you deliver it...no jokes no funny faces.....very nice indeed

Watching random cycling videos... spots cycling footage from Latvia! Subscribed :)

Some good messages in here Leonard and you're right, nobody gives a second look... Only one comment in 1000s of miles and that was a motorist who didn't have the intelligence to come up with a better reason why I should get off the road and out of his way, need I say more 🤣🤣Best wishes for 2022 👍

You make it sound so easy, I live halfway up a mountain, when I get home after only 30 minutes my heart rate is around 180, I'm in my mid fifties, I've only made back up my own road twice out of twenty times without having to walk, it going to take some time, thanks for the motivation 😊

I am 63, retired and I have been biking for the last 9-10 years. After being very athletic my whole life, I got lost after my retirement at 48. I got down, depressed and was overweight. Everything was a struggle. After a few years of that I bumped into riding my old bike a bit. That lead me to the bike store for something, then I test rode a bike there and I bought it on the spot. Every year since, I have ridden more times and more miles than the previous year. Last year I did my personal best of 209 rides and 6,000 miles. I absolutely love it. I thank the Lord for saving me and pushing me into biking. I have a serious passion again at this stage of my life. Biking is so good for you, especially if you are older. Get out there and ride. There are a ton of trails where I live in Wisconsin. They are fun to explore.

Cheers for another great video, Leonard! I'm 54 years old in Detroit, and got back into bicycling a few years ago. I use a Giant Roam for both fitness and errands. Just love it. Great exercise, and "greener than a Tesla" as I say. Thank you for being such an inspiration to so many!

As so often Leonard, you're bang on the money again. One other barrier is those of us who have to go on a busy road to get to a quiet one. There are several solutions here, including folding bikes or quick release front wheels so you can put the bike in the car and drive to a safer spot, or simply walking with your bike to that spot (it's all exercise).

A big help to getting my 60yr old wife over the “fear of failure” with hills was to buy a used ebike. At first glance it looks like a typical lady’s frame. The cost was a little hefty for a similar used non-electric bike but balanced against the benefits it was worthwhile. Now I have a new riding buddy who is enjoying improving health and mood. She’s started off using every ounce of assistance from the motor but now she is beginning to think about a non-electric bike as she’s using less & less assistance. And the best bit? She’s talking about a trip to Spain to ride the Vías Verdes. One summer and a massive turnaround in her perception and confidence about cycling. Don’t be put off e-bikes by the crazy prices of the e-mountain bikes. There’s a healthy second hand normal style e-bike market out there.

I am 68 and do bike packing. Only started cycling when I retired. My alloy giant hybrid step through is a doddle especially with 700 e wheels.I also use a cheap mountain bike , plus a folding bike.

Thanks so much for your helpful, and vary well produced, cycling videos. I am a 76 year old architect with an e-bike I ride every day that our northern Illinois weather permits.

Well said. Don't give a fig what anyone thinks of me cycling.

i am a couch to 5k graduate. So, to keep up my 5k fitness i run a nonstop 5k 3 times per week. in addition to that, I commute 10 kilometers to work, and 10 kilometers back to home: basically 100 kilometers of cycling per week monday to friday. Will see where my fitness is at the end of the year.

Lots of people going with alternative handlebars on their bikes, like the mustache, or ape hangers so they can ride comfortably around doing whatever it is they are doing. I have had a bike in the past with the ape hangers, so I was essentially straight up in my seat and its pretty comfortable on long rides with your friends where you are just taking in scenery. The comfort factor is way more important now that I am 56 than ever before. I am not going to be "aero" ever again. My next bars I am looking at getting are from Surly or jones with the sweep back and multiple hand positions. I think a lot of people in our age group don't realize there are these options to make starting off more comfortable. I am riding my Gary Fisher right now, which is too small for me now that I am fat. My Fuji has decided to fight me over putting new cranks on currently, so I have one side off, and the other side I am going to take a grinder to here pretty soon and just chop it off. Till then, I am stuck on the big sur. Not comfortable, but a great bike. I remind myself of this when my hands and wrists are killing me, because I am not 25 anymore and shouldn't be riding bikes that while awesome, are too small now for the old fat kid. Great video, really made me think (clearly babbling on like this)

I am 74 and I have had a bike in the past but the problem I have is that I live in hilly suburban country and close to the top of a hill. However, I have bought an ebike and am getting back into riding. I only use the battery assist going up the steep hills but it makes all the difference.

Much sense in this video, thanks Len - this should be a Government public information video!

I am a lifetime cyclist aged 59 and 150KG, I got an eBike in Sept 2019 and haven’t looked back, I am currently 3 miles short of having ridden 2000 miles (mostly in eco mode). I have a bike computer that shows I typically input between 50 - 60% of the energy required to complete my journeys. My average power output is around 120 Watts although I peak at around 650 Watts on hills or sprints. So although I am riding a heavy eBike I still get good exercise but more importantly I enjoy it without totally exhausting myself, as a result I enjoy my rides and I ride more frequently than I did with my old manual bike. I really do think eBikes can help older riders maintain their cycling enjoyment.

Not everyone over 50 is unfit ! I just started cycling in lock down , I have managed outright KOM and can average 28 kph ! Friend is 51 been cycling 6 years and can average 32 kph over 100 km !

Please use the coasters for your tea cup. It leaves little rings on the table; but then, get out on that bike for some peace, quiet, and reflection.

Great post, I'm a 57 year old triathlete. I'm not skinny and especially this year I'm carrying some extra pounds! Not giving a toss about what you look like in Lycra is one of the best pieces of advice you could give, many of us get wrapped up in "appearance" being out there, active is the ultimate goal. As you said people see you for a nano-second and aren't thinking about you in your Lycra for a nano second more than that! Keep at it and you,ll just get better, fitter and you get to see the world you live in from a new perspective, one that leaves such a little footprint.

I did a dbl century on my 63rd birthday. I'll never do that again, but hope to ride another 15+ years.

Thank you Leonard for another awesome and motivating video for the over 50 crowd. I got my bike out in May and have been riding 40 km rides for the last few weeks to downtown and back home. In the last few years I might have taken the bike out once or twice a year. Being off work due to the pandemic has certainly helped motivate but also videos like yours that are packed full of great tips from a down to earth guy like yourself. Thank you from Calgary.

Leonard, we have bike driving classes here in the U.S. and I'm sure there are classes most everywhere in the U.K. It's a great way to learn, gain confidence and safety while having fun.

I’m 63 and have cycled around 45,000 miles in the last 13 years or so. Just hit 3,000 miles this year. Can’t imagine NOT cycling, though I know that time will come eventually. Cycling is one of the best regular exercise regimens there is!

Excellent job - thank you for educating us all on weight, fitness and having fun on a bike!

I'm slowing but surely getting over my fear of riding in "not too busy" type traffic, the main key is to be confident, aware and mostly, noticable to drivers

Im one of those lads out giving it bloody hell on a carbon roadbike, @ 66 years old I go as hard as possible, depending on the day. Im lucky to have a group of 10 to 30 riders to meet within a mile of the house. 4 times a week if I want. 130 to 200 miles a week. Sometimes Im almost the youngest rider in the group. Ive been on 2 wheels most of my life motorized or pedal bikes, never quit either. 2 new mt bikes have been brought in, one bad ass E Mt bike, one ultra light XC bike, They go out every week. Bicycles are the fountain of youth! Its really best to keep moving.

Good one Leonard.

I don't think this is exclusively a cycling or age thing. I find people of all ages and all sports that could help them have the same challenges. I'm in my 60th year and just get on with it. But that's just me. How others deal with their fears is another thing.

Thank you for your continued encouragement. It is a great and fun sport.

almost 50, just relaxing after my bigger than normal ride today and you go and put hobnobs on your video...... i have a sudden craving.

I LOVE your blue teapot!!!!!

51.. finally back on a bike a week ago.. been wanting to do it for a while.. I'm never stopping cycling again..even as exercise...now it's my daily ride... I've always loved to ride bikes as a kid... And.. it helps the planet.. saves a ton of money over years.. and I'm already getting a lil fitter and stronger ... One mile at a time.. I'm seriously thinking about starting a amateur bike channel next year... For those also thinking about getting into bike that are over 50... New subscriber.. and I really appreciate the breakdown in your videos... ✌️

For those people that don't have easy access to safe roads there is always virtual cycling platforms like Zwift. I love riding outdoors. But, I am one of those who would need to drive to areas with better and safer roads for riding. That's a hassle. And then there's the weather. It's currently 94 degrees Fahrenheit outside with brutal humidity. I ride an hour or more every day on Zwift and it is good fun and great exercise. And I love the international community of friends I have on the platform. Anyway, my point is, there are options for embracing the joy of cycling even if outdoor riding on roads is problematic. Where there is a will, there is a way!

Thank you

Only 3 hobnobs, I can’t do that I’ll be at least six if not half a packet. Your beating me on Strava this week I am I only have 22 miles the weather this week has been really poor I was just about to go out in an absolutely hammered it down. Have a good weekend

Nice encouragement! I keep putting off my start back, and keep telling myself every day that I need to get back out there! I hope I get out of my own way soon.

I’m laughing so hard within one minute of the video rolling.

1:58 Not really. In fact, it will empty your wallet as you're bike and bike clothing collection starts to grow uncontrolably 🙄😂

Excellent video post thank

3 Hobnobs!!! you do know it is a legal requirement to eat the whole packet once opened!!

From the F.O.S.S.I.L.s (Friends over sixty and seventy in lycra) in South Australia we love your latest videos. Sue was very nervous having not ridden for 50 years but getting there. Our normal route is on quiet roads about 22kms along the Murray River. Cheers Leonard.

I am a 73 year old fresh air addict,who cycles the back roads of Ireland,my faithful Dawes Horizon,touring bike re connects me to nature,climbing mountain roads I often see rabbits deer,occasional badgers hedgehogs as I pedal silently through leafy lanes,it really is so invigorating,who needs doctors.?

Dear leo, I become a messanger from old roman cycling God (or maybe Godess), inviting everyone to come to the cycling,i work in mine at south of Iran, and i already managed to gather a team of 5 cyclist including me to cycle in mountain around mine, lots of fun. I wish i could send you some pictures. Thanks for reading

i'm in my mid-50s and i hope to ride my bike for long more years ..

I started cycling again last year. I was 50 years old, 115kg heavy at 175cm height and severely depressed. I am now 51, 90kg heavy and as fit as I ever was. Cycling helped me more than any therapy and I am planning to go over the Alps this late summer. Sounds idiotic, but when you actually live in the Alps it is the obvious thing to do. My advice is Fausto Gotti's quote: Ride your bike, ride your bike, ride your bike. You'll figure out what you like or dislike. And the second advice: Comfort over speed. There is nothing to it, than to do it!

Great video! The only suggestion I would make is that, if that bike has been in the back of the garage for all of that time without being ridden, that you take it to a bike shop to get a checkup done. This is usually pretty inexpensive if you have a reputable shop that isn't trying to sell you anything you don't need. Keep cycling!

Thanks again for yet another level-headed, practical, simple approach to encourage the 50-over crowd to "just do it!" 🚴‍♂️💜🚴‍♀️

Leo, I am turning 61 next month and riding probably more than ever - my Cannondale Synapse Di2 helps a little bit :)

Salah i start biking on my 46 and i hope in 50 i Will always cycling

Last summer i saw a 80 year old man on a Koga roadbike from the 70ties!! He looked so full off energy and happy...almost sexy😄

Well done! Such sage advice. I was wondering if you might do a video related to your past major spills/accidents and how you regained your confidence and got back to cycling.

You are always given me a new riding sprite 🧚‍♂️

Observations from this video. First. You could do yourself a big favor if you took the time to properly clean and maintain your bikes. That will pay big dividends on long rides if and when something happens. Your likely be able to asses and or repair the problem. Most problems are usually minor. But if you don't care for your equipment it will surly let you know on a future ride. You recently got new wheels that are made for heavier riders. That won't help if the weight on the wheels and other components don't see a reduction of weight that they are subject to. As for losing weight. It's simple math. Less calories in, more calories out. This is a mental issue. If you don't change you eating habits, don't expect the weight scale show you positive results.

use the coasters !!,, i don't want rings on my coffee table :)

Great beginning!! Hobnobs can help you overcome any obstacle I take them on all my bike rides and all my hill walks the filling with loads of energy and zero crash👍🏼

One thing I will say is joining a local cycling club will be a great benefit, not just in terms of group cycling, safety in numbers!, but gaining in confidence from group cycling. Eventually you will be able to go out on your own, and know a lot of routes. A tip - stay off busy roads when possible.

My life fully explained in first 10 seconds.

53 getting biking again after 15 yrs .damn 53 feels old Lol but im gonna get older so may as get into now

Love you vlogs, how would you feel about doing a beginners series of vlogs, ie a bike, getting a bike fit, shoes, helmet, clothing basically starting from scratch, a realistic training/schedule programme, i live not far from you a and have a budget. I think it would make a fantastic series off vlogs, and as you know its minefield out there regarding cycling and i have no doubt people spend hundreds of wasted pounds, trying to do it themselves.

I started riding when I quit smoking about 12 years back. Have collected a stable of 26", 27", 28" and 29". Aluminum, steel, carbon. Mountain, town, race and whatever. Each of 6 bikes is my favorite. I ride frequently by myself while I listen to music. Not usually any destination and no set time. Just ride, watch, listen and enjoy.

Today is my last day at age 50. I took up cycling in the last 3 months just to get out of the house and not go crazy. I am quite literally riding that old mountain bike from the early 2000s. It's only been a couple of weeks of 5 or more days a week regular riding and, now that my ass is starting to stop killing me, I am really starting to enjoy and look forward to the ride! I'm not trying to brown nose, but your videos have REALLY helped this 26 stone BIG guy get moving again. Thanks Leonard! ps. for my B-day I'm asking for a body camera.

Thank you for the perspectives and encouragement.

I'm no hero but I'm an avid rider doing 20km a day six days a week. I'm a corteous rider, I don't like pissing off motorists in bigger vehicles. The biggest problem with some riders is they don't need number plates, so they do whatever they want in traffic and they make us all look bad. My tip for new cyclists: Spin the pedals at your own pace until you see the benefits. They'll come.

Best activity on a wet & nasty day is trawling about for information about traffic free routes. If you don’t fancy the Lycra / MAMIL route then a cheap mountain bike or tourer with fat tyres, riding forestry roads is a lot of fun. Mountain bikers still wear the padded cycling shorts (no undies!) but cover up with some baggy pants. If you want an inspirational riding holiday take your bike to Spain to ride the Vias Verdes. I did two gentle weeks and lost a stone. Returned much fitter and had seen areas of Spain you’d normally miss.

you made my day Leo - thank you ;)

I am 67, and the last time I rode a bike was 7 years ago. I figured out then what kind of bike is best for me. For my height, I require a 24 inch wheel bike. Every bike I have ever bought, I have had to replace the seat with a more comfortable and cushioning one. I prefer mountain bikes because the tires are a bit wider. I don't like going too fast, especially downhill, and I don't like riding in the middle of automobile traffic very much. I tend to look for areas with much less traffic whenever possible. I tend to ride my breaks if I'm going down hill. I am about to buy a new bike in a few weeks, and I know I will need some practice to get back into the hang of it, but my confidence is otherwise fine. I was thin the last time I rode a bike, but I am overweight currently. This might cause a bit of an issue at first, but I have no doubt I will be able to overcome it somewhat quickly.

Just ride, baby ! That being said, it is worth the money to get a bike fit. This can prevent a lot of the pains that come with repetetive motion syndrome. Cycling is low impact but the wrong fit can cause you enough pain that it may even discourage you from cycling altogether. This combined with stretching and cool downs can make cycling pleasurable for years to come. Expecially for us baby boomers !

Always used my bike to get to work and generally get around, put my children on the crossbar to take them to school 🤭 63 now still bombing around on a mountain bike 👌. I love it 🙏🤭

I like your one point about do not worry about what others think of what you are doing. Janice Joplin used to say screw them if they can not take a joke, (that is the polite version,) but in the meantime she had a good time even if it was not for too long. Lots of excellent tips for just getting out there and doing it. I just started biking again at the age of 72 two weeks ago. The first time was pretty wobbly, and I was not sure how this was going to go although I used to commute to work 25 years ago. This week I got brave for a second time and I started going down the road. So over the last 5 outing this week I have gone from 3 kms to 8 kms all on gravel country roads. I am glad to be back at it as I have about 5 weeks before snow comes but this will set me up for spring in Manitoba Canada.

Well I'm just 60 and been cycling on off during the years and am very happy at moment managed to get my titanium road bike so smiling even when the weather bad your vuds are always insightful

I was terrified of going out the first couple times, i had a ridiculous fear of what people thought of me, after that i just thought fuck them, i have had odd looks from others but its probably jealousy so thats their problem, not mine, its one of the best things i have done for my mental and physical health, being bipolar i have a long history of mental highs and severe lows and cycling is helping me balance things a lot better, my blood pressure is coming down along with my weight, i would advise anyone to watch these videos if they were thinking of getting started, cheers all.

Waiting for my 1000watt electric bike to arrive, pedal only bikes are toys for kids.

My biggest challenge is not to eat so many pastries. I'm not making headway in that respect. One of the nice things about cycling is that I see so much more wildlife that I would miss if riding in my car.