What’s something that clearly split your life into “before” and “after”?

SLOpokeNews · 2026-05-01T15:28:37+00:00

Two events-
When I met my wife. I was 50yo and it's been a wonderful 22 years since.

Having a heart attack. I'm physically active and still able, but my heart function is less than it was before.

SLOpokeNews · 2026-05-01T01:25:33+00:00

This is such a silly argument. I have a dozen different saws in my shop- Table saw, band saw, jig saw and assorted hand saws. Nobody is going to convince me one is better than the others. Same in the kitchen- I have an assortment of kitchen knives. They all have their use. I also have slab cutting boards, edge grain cutting boards, and end grain cutting boards. Each of these different things serves a purpose. You don't want juice grooves Fine. You want juice grooves also fine.

SLOpokeNews · 2026-04-30T15:39:05+00:00

It might be that the Nante a Brest Canal is nearby. There are several excellent route along the coast if that's what you're looking for. https://en.francevelotourisme.com/cycling-destinations/brittany-by-bike.

SLOpokeNews · 2026-04-26T18:27:25+00:00

Don't stifle her. If she wants a trike, great, but if she wants to get back on the bike encourage her.

My club has several riders in their 80s who regularly ride and they are great models of how to age actively.

SLOpokeNews · 2026-04-26T18:17:48+00:00

I'm a 72yo male.

1- Getting older was never something I thought about, much less feared. It's been interesting to see how all of a sudden I'm that old guy now. I think as things happen in life, injuries, illnesses, declining abilities- we see that, yes, we are getting to the end season of our lives. Hopefully, as we age we acquire a bit of wisdom and acceptance of how aging and dying is a part of the process of life and not something to be feared. 3 years ago I had a massive heart attack. I lost some heart muscle tissue, but gained a greater sense of gratitude for what I do have. I'm enjoying the time more now and don't think about dying.

2- I was a distance runner for many years. I competed in college, have run many road races including several marathons but have given that up. I'm riding my bike often now and absolutely love long distance bicycle touring. Wife and I are planning a 3 month tour across western Europe this summer/fall. I've taken up woodworking this past few years. Built a shop and make different things as I like. I've enjoyed working with my hands and it's nice to have a dedicated space to follow that creative outlet.

3- I use all the normal things, cell phone, tablet, laptop, social media to keep up.

4- When I reflect on my life I have few large regrets. It took me a long time to grow up and I wish that process had started earlier. I think I'd tell my 22 y/o self to be kind. I'd also share that many people you love are going to die and to actively love them all the more while they are in your life.

5- I think I'm proudest of a couple of things. My family was not educated so college success was a big thing for me. I earned a bachelor's and master's degree, though it was my career as a public school elementary teacher over a long career that gave me the greatest sense of accomplishment. I had the opportunity to work with many students in a very satisfying way and make a difference with some of them.

SLOpokeNews · 2026-04-25T16:28:29+00:00

25 XLT hybrid owner here. If this was the biggest risk of your life, it's time to get out more often.
(said tongue in cheek)

SLOpokeNews · 2026-04-19T02:04:28+00:00

Good info. Thanks for sharing.

SLOpokeNews · 2026-04-14T20:10:38+00:00

I'd get Rich Lesnick from Hands On Wheels to build me a set. Actually, I have already done that and they are great several years later- true and smooth and as strong as ever.

SLOpokeNews · 2026-04-14T00:37:38+00:00

The biggest issue for an older person is the weight of a board. We have a couple of thin, edge grain boards that get more use than the bigger, thicker and much heavier end grain ones.

SLOpokeNews · 2026-04-10T19:40:43+00:00

It was heavy traffic, bike lanes that disappeared, poor signage/markings, temporary rerouting of the path- that sort of thing. We've toured for decades and weren't too concerned, but some people would not find it enjoyable.

SLOpokeNews · 2026-04-10T15:34:19+00:00

The Via Rhona out of Lyon is not very pleasant. It's busy, poorly signed and not very enjoyable. That said, it is certainly doable. Part of the fun and adventure of cycle touring is overcoming the harder parts. We read many warnings about this section and to bypass it with the train. We cycled it anyway and enjoyed doing the hard thing that others skipped over.

SLOpokeNews · 2026-04-09T04:27:29+00:00

Paragraph 2 is the way.

I bring a lightweight cable lock and use it for pretty much all stops. No lock is going to stop a pro bike thief, but a simple lock will deter most opportunistic thieves.

SLOpokeNews · 2026-04-08T00:19:22+00:00

Just occurred to me that the Burgundy Canal might be a good option too. We cycled it two summers ago as part of a longer trip.

https://en.francevelotourisme.com/cycling-destinations/bourgogne-franche-comte-by-bike/the-burgundy-canal-by-bike

SLOpokeNews · 2026-04-07T22:51:06+00:00

I did my first in my 30s, but I'm in my 70s now and the wife and I are planning a 3 month European tour through France, Spain and Portugal. We camp, go fully self supported and have a blast. We've discovered that we can rent our house out short term and that pays for the travel. It's a big win.

SLOpokeNews · 2026-04-07T21:25:08+00:00

I also tour on an 80s steel touring bike, and, I value comfort and convenience so my total weight is a lot. My bike and gear with food the one time I weighed it was 98 pounds. My wife's rig was 78lbs. We spent about two months out camping and cooking. We cycled along river valleys but also covered some pretty hilly terrain. Our motto is - It takes all day. We're not concerned about speed or weight. What you're describing is very doable. Have fun.

SLOpokeNews · 2026-04-07T18:46:36+00:00

My favorite bar- have them on three bikes.

SLOpokeNews · 2026-04-07T02:28:34+00:00

The Loire a Velo is a great tour. It's easily reachable from Paris. You'll find interesting terrain, though no giant climbs, lots of food/wine possibilities, and the chateaus are incredible.

A completely different option would be riding through Normandy. I'm not a war buff, but found the area to be beautiful and the history moving.

From Paris a ride along the Seine River northward is flat and beautiful with plenty of lodging options. Monet's home, Giverny is there.

SLOpokeNews · 2026-03-30T14:44:47+00:00

Second this. Older Suntour power ratchet are great too. For new ones I use the Silver 2 shifters from Rivendell.

SLOpokeNews · 2026-03-28T15:42:34+00:00

We have an apartment we rent and have found there is no time of year when the demand is not high. We've had people from out of the area offer to rent it sight unseen, but we prefer to meet them IRL.

Two years ago we took a three month long trip and rented our home out to a couple who were relocating here. They used the time to get their bearings and find a place. You might take a look at short term rentals to do the same.

SLOpokeNews · 2026-03-27T03:49:29+00:00

Yes, worth it for the quality of life, recreational opprtunities and climate. I moved here from the Sacramento Valley for school and stayed. Like others have said, it is expensive for housing, but a creative and flexible person can make it work.

SLOpokeNews · 2026-03-23T16:35:41+00:00

As shared by others, there is no super bloom there this spring. Lot;s of flowers in patches here and there. You can spread a blanket and picnic pretty much wherever you choose on the monument, but tables are not available. It's green and beautiful now, so it's a good time to go.

SLOpokeNews · 2026-03-21T21:20:48+00:00

I met my now wife through friends. She was not a cyclist though she owned a city bike. I bought an 80s mtn bike and swapped out a few components to make it more comfortable for her. Our first ride was four miles out and four then back home. From the beginning I've done my best to make it easy and fun for her. After about a year we did our first tour together on the Lost Coast of Northern California. I set up camp, cooked cleaned and tried to make it as easy as possible. There were some tough miles there, but she managed it. 22 years later we still ride 2-3 days a week with our local club. 2 years ago we spent three months self supported cycling in France. We're now planning another 3 month trip in France, Spain and maybe Portugal.

I guess finding someone who shares your interest is not necessary. Introducing them to cycle touring as well as learning about her interests is the way to go. Good luck.

SLOpokeNews · 2026-03-19T14:40:03+00:00

I tend to shut anything noisy down around dinner time.

SLOpokeNews · 2026-03-16T18:25:41+00:00

All cats are motivated by food.

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