"Most people picture "athletes" as 20-something pros with perfect VO 2 max scores and bulletproof knees. But if you ask me who the toughest riders on the road really are, I'll point to the men and women who are still turning pedals in their seventies and beyond. Quick Take: If you're still riding a bike at 70+, you're already performing at a level most people will never reach."
"When you're 70+, cycling isn't just "going for a ride." It's strength training, cardio, balance work, mental therapy, and stubbornness all rolled into one. The effort it takes for an older rider to keep moving is in a different league than what most younger athletes ever deal with. Younger riders recover in a day or two. At 70+, every ride is layered on top of: Stiff joints that take a while to warm up. Old injuries that never completely disappeared."
A 70-year-old long-distance cyclist has logged more than 155,000 miles and continues riding through injuries, bad weather, surgeries, and skepticism. Cycling at 70+ combines strength training, cardiovascular conditioning, balance work, mental therapy, and stubbornness. Older riders face stiff joints, lingering injuries, slower recovery, and real-world responsibilities while still riding multiple days per week. Motivation shifts from speed and mileage to maintaining independence, supporting family presence, and proving personal capability. The layered training load and reduced recovery make each ride more demanding, while consistent participation demonstrates exceptional commitment, resilience, and elite-level effort for the age group.
Read at Theoldguybicycleblog
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