Re: More old age and riding

On 6/7/2025 4:07 PM, Mark J cleary wrote:

It occurred to me lately that as I ride I notice my ability to do 180 degree turnarounds is not what it once was. I would say a few years ago I never have it a thought. I would out riding the narrow 2 lane chip seal that exist in Illinois. It is not really wide enough that 2 cars passing in opposite directions can take a full lane. You need to mover to the edge of the road.
 In a car that is fine but no narrow bike tires I don't want to go in the soft stuff got to say on pavement. I used to decide to do a turn around and get a place where the road was wider at point and then just do the 189. I notice now that the balance on the bike is not the same. I really have to be careful and ideally it is probably better to just stop and physically turn the bike around.
 I even notice now that dismounting is not quite the same. Granted it is not problem but I can tell the reflexes and general aches of the body respond slower. Even the act of un clipping is not quite as smooth. I use shimano road shoes and like being clipped in but it seems never to be as smooth as I think It should.
 ANyone of you oldsters have notice this? Invent and app that can track your smoothness on the bike? DO they exist.

I know of no such app, but while I don't have your problems, I'm sure such things will eventually inflict us all. Age happens.
About clipping in: I've mentioned that in about seven decades of avid riding with hundreds of various cycling friends, I've personally known only one guy killed in a bike crash. It happened when he was coming to a stop, topped at zero speed and hit his (helmeted) head. His widow strongly suspects it was because he couldn't unclip. His clipless pedals had been giving him some problems.
Is there a lesson? If nothing else, do what's necessary to make clipless work perfectly. Otherwise use some other pedal style.
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- Frank Krygowski