Outdoor Adventure Activities For Seniors-Mountain Biking
Volume 1-Mountain Biking Near My Home
Biking is a great activity for seniors. As I have aged and dealt with spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, and a torn meniscus in each knee, biking has been good for me. Hiking has become rough on my body, navigating uneven terrain. I also love cross-country skiing and, of course, walking which also are activities I can do. Staying active and moving is important. I encourage those of you with mobility issues to try biking if you haven’t already. Start small, it isn’t a contest. Whatever you are comfortable with. Biking is a non-weight-bearing activity that is good for the knees and body.
My orthopedic doctor told me that biking is great for the knees and that even with a torn meniscus, no further damage can be done. I opted not to have surgery in both knees and I am now able to enjoy biking and other activities.
Welcome to my series on outdoor adventure for seniors. In this series, I will explore activities for seniors that will keep us moving and keep life interesting. Recently I took a mountain bike ride near my home on a seasonal road and also on another back road, a total of about 8 miles.
Since we were recently on vacation in Ogunquit, Maine, it had been almost 3 weeks since my last ride. It felt good to once again get out on the bike. I miss it if I don’t go at least once a week or so. Come along with me on my adventure.
My adventure began on the road my wife and I live on, County Road 33 in Chenango County in NY.
About a half-mile from my house, I turned onto White Store Road which is a much less busy road, however it is paved. It was a much cooler day than the previous 3 or 4 which were scorchers. The humidity was much lower also which felt so refreshing.
Although my knees sometimes bother me around the house and yard, generally biking makes them feel better. I think it is mostly because it is non-weight-bearing. Once on my bike, I tend to forget about my aches and pains for a while. It doesn’t bother my back either which has given me grief for quite a few years. It also helps with anxiety and depression. It can be very uplifting.
After another half mile I reached my next road, Mary Windsor Road, which is an unpaved seasonal road, about 1.5 miles in length. So far on this ride, I was taking in the views of the nearby farms and fields. NY State is certainly beautiful and I feel lucky to live here.
Up a quarter mile (at least) hill towards the woods, I headed. I have traveled this road many times. Mostly walking and cross-country skiing. For nearly 30 years. It doesn’t seem that long. I remember taking walks with my son and daughter and also cross country skiing with my son. This road has always been a sort of magical place.
I must admit I walked part of the hill since the loose stones made pedaling hard. Still good exercise though. Don’t be discouraged if you have to walk on parts of some hills, there is no shame in it. You also might find that over time you will get better at attacking hills.
Once up the hill, I entered the wooded portion of the road. At one time this was more magical as it was more closed in with a heavy canopy. Now the trees have been thinned somewhat due to logging in spots. It is still a nice place for adventure. Peaceful and quiet. Close to home. There is a large pond but it’s privately owned. I always loved coming up here with the kids. It was a great adventure for them to explore the road and woods. So close to home, but it was its own unique experience.
After about a half mile, the road finally levels off. Then the real fun begins. At this point, it is a beautiful ride through the woods. Time to breathe in the fresh air and enjoy. Check for animals. This time I saw no deer which are common up here. It is also a great birdwatching area. I did spot a Hairy Woodpecker working on a rotted tree.
At the end of the road, I turned onto Burdick-Medbury Road, another pleasant country road. My knees were feeling good so I ventured on. The scenery along this road is also beautiful. Breathe in. Breathe out. Relax and enjoy. You worked hard for many years to now enjoy retirement.
It felt good to be on pavement and a relatively flat road. Riding on gravel and dirt makes you appreciate pavement for sure. I continued for a few miles, working my way back to Gibbon road, which connects back to County Road 33. A big loop.
I knew once I reached County Road 33, it was a mile ride back to my house. Downhill, all downhill. Even though I had to be careful on this final stretch, at least I could coast. My uphill work at the beginning of the ride would now pay dividends.
It was a good ride and good to get back on my bike. I hope to encourage you to get out and enjoy, and in the process discover things you may have missed, possibly even close to your home. I hope it also helps you to keep moving and offers a low pain exercise opportunity.
Stay tuned for more articles to come regarding my biking adventures.
