I’ve just been reading the MTB Nomads blog which covers Mountain Biking in the South East, primarily the South Downs Way (SDW).

They have a posting that I can relate to about the challenges faced by older riders and various coping strategies. They talk about:

1. Rest days. Now I fancifully imagine I will get fitter the more riding I do and that may be the case in my parallel universe. I would like to ride 20 off road miles every day but in truth reckon I could sustain that for nearly a week before my body took me aside and had a quiet word.
2. Technology. No arguments here either, the Nomads are quite right. Don’t be fooled into thinking technology is there to help the fast go faster or the tough be more tough. Not so, it’s to help those with cash to keep up with those with fitness. Or at least, to help those with cash think they can keep up.
3. Weather. A bit more dubious this one but the Nomads argue its bad weather that allows older riders to get another ride in while younger riders sit it out. Not, in my experience I have to say. Sitting it out is attractive to young and old alike.

They forgot to note that many people seem to rely on the palliative (as opposed to curative) powers of beer and of course, there’s no mention of cake.

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About the author

Matt is one of the founding Molefathers of the Muddymoles, and is the designer and main administrator of the website.

Having ridden a 2007 Orange Five for many years then a 2016 YT Industries Jeffsy 29er, he now rocks a Bird Aether 9 and a Pace RC-627.

An early On-One Inbred still lurks in the back of the stable as a reminder of how things have moved on. You can even find him on road bikes - currently a 2019 Cannondale Topstone 105 SE, a much-used 2011 Specialized Secteur and very niche belt drive Trek District 1.

If you've ever wondered how we got into mountain biking and how the MuddyMoles started, well wonder no more.