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| *Vultures Knob>>>Mountain Bike |
Does any 1 know how strenuous a "blue" mountain bike route would be on a middle aged man? |
do you think this would be ok, or should i stick to a lower grade? Half of age is attitude! Half of mountain biking is attitude! The other half of it is fitness, and I know plenty of guys in their 40's and even 60's that can shred the trails and make younger men cry. If you're talking about downhill ski-run blue trails, then I'd say it has everything to do with your skill and bike, not your age or fitness. They can be tough, but doable by most skilled riders. If you're a beginner, you will probably run into rough or technical sections that you may have to walk....that's fine, just don't get hurt, and make sure your brakes are in top shape before you ride. This may be where fitness comes into play a little.....new riders on steep or tough courses suffer from arm-pump and cramps because they're on the brakes so much! Disc brakes are the ticket here....and if you can run a 7" or 8" rotor on the front, life will be much more pleasant. Armor or pads are a good idea, and I know lots of people that won't consider riding any type of rocky or downhill trails without a full-face helmet......on blue trails you may run across spots where you'll appreciate this, depending on your style and skills. The great thing about mountain biking is that you're totally free to ride your own ride and try what you want to try. See if you can get some good info about the particular trail you want to ride from a shop or other riders (or even the lift operators). Then go give it a try, or stick to the green trails and fireroads if you'd rather. It's all good, just enjoy the ride! If you're talking about some other kind of blueness, then disregard everything I just said. :o) Trails around me aren't rated like that. If this is similar to ski slopes then you certainly could give it a go as the brits would say. If you're riding lower grade trails now you have to try to know. And by middle age what do you mean? I'm over 40 and the best 40+ riders are about as good as anyone. If you're in good shape and have ridden easier trails OK...then is only one way to find out my friend! EDIT: Hey you asked the Q about the 25K ride! Again more info would help greatly. But a 50ish guy on a good bike that is in good shape could do a moderate trail (that he hasn't road before) in about 1.5 hours, I'd guess, if you don't have to stop. It all depends on what your fitness level is. If you are new to cycling, I'd say don't do it right away. Give yourself about 1 - 2 months of training before you do. If you have been cycling regularly anywhere from 50+ miles a week for a few years, go do it. I am 35, but ride almost every weekend with a guy who will turn 70 in two weeks. He keeps up with us on the flats and downhills with no problem, but the hills are a little tougher for him. He makes it, but it takes him a little while. So just think, if you're just getting started, you still have years of enjoyment ahead. Got a heart monitor? Just use that and you should be fine and be safe as always. Well, I am 45 and have no problems on a blue trail... but then again I ride 5,000 miles a year or so. I would suggest you try an easier grade first. If you can do it, step it up! If there is no easier grade near you make sure you ride with a buddy, bring $10 and a cell phone just in case... don't forget an extra tube and pump! 27 years in the industry |
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