Started a few years ago, I’m 53 now and still going strong. Faster than most of the guys I ride with and pass others more than I get passed by a fair margin. Always been very active and still run 5-7 miles a day, but I started MTB to feed the adrenaline monster, give my knees a break and spend more time in the woods. Really wish I had started much younger.
Other than a ride or two on a friends bike in college, about a year and a half ago - age 51.
Thule InstaGator - holds the bikes vertically in the bed of the truck. Easy in and out, and there’s nothing hanging outside of the bed.
I use a couple of Thule Inta Gators in the bed of my truck. Super easy to put in / take out, holds the bike steady and nothing behind the truck. All you have to do is lock the tailgate and they’re secure.
I know the feeling. Luckily I have 3 good trail systems within 15 minutes of the house - not unusual for me to pull out of the driveway before the sun has fully risen.
Agree with Circa285 - early, both from preference and necessity for the family. Usually start around 7:00-8:00 in the morning, depending on when the sun comes up.
I’ve got the same bike. Mine seems to always have a lot of trail dirt on it ;o)
Lift weights on weekdays. Run 4-6 miles at least 3 or 4 days a week (5-10 miles more recently b/c I’m training for a race), and other days I’ll just walk the dog 5-6 miles. Getting old sucks (I’m 52) but trying to fight it off as long as I can….
Kamikaze
Or
Booger pickers off the coward switch
I use a couple of Thule Insta Gaters. You store the bike upright in the bed, and they are easy in / easy out.
I was in a similar position about a year and a half ago. Ended up getting a Trek Marlin 6. In hindsight, I may have went with the Roscoe if I was doing it again and prices were what they are now. That being said, I’ve been really happy with the Marlin and have learned a bunch. Can’t say the bike has ever held me back. At some point I may go full suspension to pick up a little more speed on downhill parts of trails, but I can climb with just about anyone.
I’m 6’1” and about 225 if that helps.
I use a Marlin 6 for all kinds of single track trails around Chattanooga. Keeps up fine with friends who have much more expensive bikes. I don’t do much in the way of jumping, but will hit some drops, but nothing crazy. Someday I’ll upgrade - only been riding about a year, but the bike hasn’t been a real limitation so far.
Like others here, I ride alone 50-75% of the time. I share my location on my phone and have an Apple Watch Ultra that has crash sensing. She knows which trail network I’ll be on and about when I plan to be back.
Didn’t start until after 50, 52 now and still going strong. Mostly XC though and some DH. But I’ve always done outdoor / adventure and endurance sports.
My Apple Ultra has been great - no issues or complaints at all.
Crash detection has only gone off once, and it should have - it took me a few seconds to realize wtf happened and what that noise was - the watch beeping.
What smart watch do you use?
mountainbiking