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After thrilling to the exploits of your favorite cycling racers, you've decided to take up cycling yourself. Only, you're 50 years old and wondering if it's still possible to start road cycling? In this article, we give you lots of good reasons to start cycling at 50. After that, all you'll have to do is ask yourself how to progress in cycling.
Biking, a sport suitable for everyone
Practicing physical activity is good for your health and especially for your cardiovascular system. Cycling can therefore be an excellent ally for your health because, unlike other sports such as running for example, it is a wearing sport. Cycling is therefore a gentle sport for the joints because the weight of the body is supported by the bike and not by your joints. Therefore, the body is less likely to suffer microtrauma than in an impact sport. Also, since cycling is an endurance sport, it can be helpful in helping your heart reduce its resting heart rate. And cycling can be a great way to lose a few pounds if you're overweight.
The bike has few contraindications and, as a result, it can sometimes be prescribed by doctors as part of the sport-by-prescription scheme. It can also be used for rehabilitation after an accident.
Get a health checkup before starting cycling
If you are 50 years old, have a medical history, have a sedentary lifestyle, have never practiced sports or have stopped a long time ago, before starting cycling it is advisable to go to your GP to do a check-up in order to verify your physical condition.
Depending on your profile, he or she may also refer you to a fellow cardiologist to perform an ECG (electrocardiogram) and/or an exercise test to check that your heart rhythm is functioning properly.
How to start road cycling at age 50.
Did you get the green light from your doctor? Then all that's left is for you to get back into the sport. But, to start cycling, you'll need a bike. Once you've defined your budget (the price of a bike can range from 500 to more than 10,000 euros), you'll have to narrow down your choice based on a few criteria. And if your budget is limited or you're not sure if biking is for you, don't hesitate to turn to the used bike market.
At age 50, we often have back problems, so consider choosing an adapted bike, i.e., one with a comfortable frame geometry that will prevent you from riding the bike too flat, which could lead to lower back pain. For this, it is also important to choose the right frame size, thanks to some measurements. If you need help, don't hesitate to visit your nearest bike store.
After you've bought your bike, you'll also want to think about equipping yourself to ride safely: buying a helmet is crucial to protect yourself in case of a fall. A cycling shorts will also be very useful to prevent you from unpleasant pain due to rubbing on the saddle. As for a cycling jersey, it will allow you to evacuate perspiration more easily and therefore ride dry.
If you have opted for automatic pedals on your bike, you will also have to think about buying bike shoes compatible with the chosen cleat system.
After you've outfitted yourself like a perfect cyclist, all that's left to do is take your first rides. One watchword during your first rides: fun. Ride quietly, enjoy the scenery, get used to your bike, get used to the position on it. As soon as you feel it, gradually increase the number of kilometers you ride. And, eventually, if you don't encounter any difficulties in this learning process, it will eventually be time to start thinking about training to improve your performance on a bike.
Electric cycling: is it really a sport?
If you have health problems or physical activity becomes complicated with age, after getting your doctor's approval - of course - you may eventually opt for an electric-assist bike. Contrary to what some may think, riding an electric bike has the same benefits for the human body as riding a conventional bike, while allowing a wider audience to ride.
Now that you know it's possible to start road biking at age 50, how about finding out more about how to start road biking and how many miles to ride when you're just starting out and which road bike to choose when you're just starting out?
