My vanity is suffering - I feel old!

I never ever learned to ride a 2-wheeler but I would love a three wheeler, that chopper bike looks fun. A few years ago I decided it was time to give up horse riding after a couple of falls - the ground just seemed to feel a lot harder than when I was younger! I agree it's hard having to give up something because age is catching up with you, but better to stay alive and in one piece for a lot more years.

With fond memories of cycling in my youth I bought a second-hand bike last year because there are lots of traffic free paths to cycle along just opposite our house. The first time I went out my legs ached for about a week and it wasn’t much better the second time. Apart from that I felt really unsafe and I had to admit my cycling days are over. I will sell it and get an exercise bike or treadmill, I will lack the fresh air but be safer. I did read that over 70 your balance deteriorates badly. I suppose it would be a different story if I had kept up the cycling all my life but I have concluded that 74 is not an ideal age to start cycling again. Five weeks ago when walking with the youngest grandchildren I tripped and fell forward, I still have horrible bruises on one leg and my ribs have only just stopped aching. This confirmed my decision to stop trying to cycle as my body takes much longer to recover than it used to. I’m not going to give up walking though, just be more careful and concentrate on what’s ahead.

Two slight mishaps? How about third time unlucky? So glad your suffering was minimum but you're not daft so take the signs as - just that - a sign that you need to move on to something different. We can sometimes be a cussed generation in facing reality regarding diminishing ability. 'Adapt and survive' is flying around my head. Of course, I've had to come to terms with this on many levels. Not easy, but, get yourself and everyone else to the forefront of this dilemma and it's a no brainer for you. Good luck.

My 2-wheel days are definitely over - my balance is diabolical! So because I love cycling, bought a lovely (and quite expensive) cargo trike. Annoyed because any 3 year old can ride a trike, but I can't - feels very odd. I will master it, but really makes me cross!

Swap your high-line bike for a low-line Brompton.

Oops Go ON, get a skateboard........

Oh go in, get a skateboard! ?♥️Xxx

Willow ?

There's a very tough lady who lives locally who is planning to cycle 90 kilometers for her 90th birthday very soon!

and here's me just starting cycling again at almost 63..hmm (although I have just given up riding my motorcycle)

Be careful cornering with a three wheeler. Apparently there’s a knack - too fast or sharp and they tip over. Apparently.

My life was changed in the blink of an eye when I fell and broke my foot several years ago. I take no chances at all now and would advise the OP to do the same. It is just not worth it.

Just give up - set off earlier and walk sedately - less dangerous and possibly better exercise.

Twice in two weeks I've been very conscious of my advancing age. The first time at the Etihad Stadium watching a mega band the seats in front of ours were empty so the young couple I was with just blithely stepped over them to get to our seats - me - I couldn't get my leg over and suffered the indignity of the person behind my seat grabbing hold of my trouser leg to pull it over the seat back . Then on Sunday night watching another band I was taken on stage after it finished to sit behind the drum kit - the stage being 4 ft off the ground with no steps up. A box was strategically placed for me to step onto so I sat on the stage and swung myself round - dignity in tact. Photos taken I then had to get down again - I sat down on the edge of the stage to reach the box and promptly fell backwards into the curtain - dignity out the window

Oopsadaisy, my apologies, I should have said before how sorry I was to hear of your DH's accident, but I was interrupted, which is no excuse for rudeness, I know.

I do hope there is still a possibility that your DH's lameness will become less, but it sounds as if it has been a very trying time for you both.

My vanity could probably survive my being turned upside down, but my conscience would trouble me sorely if someone else was injured due to my stupidity,

I could understand your dilemna more if cycling had been your life grandtante but as you say you don't particularly like it... so I don't.

We all make adjustments according to our age and capabilities. Shouldn't make you feel old... just enjoy other things. Onwards and upwards.

Chatting to the nice young woman in the bank, she asked why I was using a stick. I told her I'd broken my leg and she replied that it was fortunate I 'd done it now while I was still quite young, adding that it would be harder to recover 30 years down the line!
She boosted my vanity factor by looking gobsmacked when I told her I 'd be 100 by then!

Thank you all very much for telling me what I know I ought to do, and will do.

I also was thinking a 3-wheeler might be safer for you. I like the chopper version, you could customize it in a fun way! I think this is an American site, but sure similar are available in the UK or wherever you live.
www.bicycle-riding-for-boomers.com/adult-tricycle.html

Don’t forget you could also cause an accident and be a danger to other people.

How about a nice new shiny three wheeler - they look very smart and are more stable.

Yes I have good advice!

My SIL came off his bike on a bend in the road and shattered his hip, 3 years and 1 long metal rod and numerous painful operations and therapy later, he still walks with a severe limp.

If he hadn’t been wearing his helmet which cracked on the kerb he would have been killed, so Grantant please be sensible.

Think how hurt your pride would be if you were upside down over the pavement!