Increased interest in cycling

I heard on the news yesterday that sales of bicycles have zoomed and many big box stores are out of stock. LBSs are doing better than ever. The pandemic has allowed many to see the value and enjoyment of being able to get on a bike and get away from it all. It seems to be part of a bigger trend where people are beginning to have a renewed appreciation for open space and clean air. Maybe something positive will come out of this shitstorm we're all living through. Anyway, stay safe.

 

After this is over will be a good time to buy a barely used bike.

 

I agree. Everybody and their mother were out on the trail the first 3 weeks. 100's of families, So many it was almost not worth riding on it. Now I pass maybe 4 families along the way. Plenty of lightly used bikes and sneakers in this area.

 

BTW: I did ride today.

 

I know of a couple of LBS's that are out of stock on a lot of bikes. But that seems to be the going thing on a lot of stuff not just bicycle stuff.

 

Yep.....trying to find my daughter a Wahoo26 and is impossible!

 

Have you looked at the Giant line of bikes, like the ARX or the XTC models?

 

It has already scaled back over here. This section few weeks ago was covered with all kinds of riders. On Sunday, we saw about 10 on the way back consisting of a 12 mile stretch.

 

Those newbies should keep at it - it is unpleasant at the beginning but once your body starts to adapt it gets better.

 

Very true, and once a newbie has cycled for a long time and they continue into their 60's, 70's and maybe beyond, you get to experience all those unpleasant feelings you had as a newbie all over again!

 

You are 100% correct. When I did my first road ride of only 4 miles I was saying I am done! Now 4 miles could be a sprint.....well not really but you folks know what I mean.

 

It is tough when you first start out. I think one of the biggest issues is "seat discomfort." After 50 miles or so you're not thinking about your butt nearly as much. At the beginning I thought plush and cushioney was the answer and went through several seats until I figured out narrower was actually better.

 

For sure. I hit my mid 60s this winter and I didnt do any trainer work. So when I finally started to ride again it was / is extremely unpleasant. And I'm much slower (and a bit heavier) than last year.

It's no fun getting old and seeing yourself deteriorate, but it's still better than the alternative.

If you're lucky you get old.

 

I'm sure that will be the case, but I'm also sure that the sport of bicycling has made a permanent growth spurt.

 

If I might pass on a little advice at 75 - stop trying to keep up with the fast guys. I'm riding once a week with an 88 year old man who is upset that he can't ride a 15 mph average without it ruining his entire week. I have 81,000 feet of hard climbing this year despite the lockdown and no place to stop at mid-points. But I sure couldn't do that while trying to ride fast.