I also wondered what had happened with such a passionate group of climbers.
Sorry to hear how some have slipped a bit. I, on the other hand, have continued
over the last few years with hard, fast brevets and endurance rides....the
hillier the better. This year, however, I did have to cut back on the longer
rides, as I've upped the intensity via racing. Don't justify reduced fitness
and ability with a higher number representing your age. This is my first year
as a licensed racer, at 57, and not only is it fun but the results are good
(except for last evening, when I was forced to the pavement). If you do crash,
it's best to be in good physical condition to dissipate the nasty forces.

Cheers.................Nate


> To: kom_@yahoogroups.com
> From: biciveneto@...
> Date: Wed, 18 Jun 2008 22:57:30 +0200
> Subject: Re: [kom_] Where is Everyone?
>
> Hi everyone,
>
> I'm back in Italy after a long NJ winter, lots of work, and little
> cycling--and no climbing, of course. Due to a series of negative
> circumstances starting in '05, I've ended my seasons here a bit less
> fit than than the year before, thus started the following seasons less
> fit, and as a result have been sliding backwards. We all know how hard
> we have to work and suffer to function at the level we wish, and so
> getting back to my 2004 level seems daunting. But it occurred to me,
> apropos Mike's comment
>
>> Remember that you're going to be losing your physical capabilities
>> markedly over the period 43yrs to 50 yrs if you're not training
>> hard. And you'll only regain a small portion of them if you restart.
>
> that this is precisely the time (at 61 years old) that I need to give
> it all I've got, because if I get discouraged and slack off now, I'm
> lost for good! I didn't really have a goal or motive to train hard
> recently, but now I do: to once again be able to do any climb, any
> ride I wish (within reason, of course), and enjoy doing it. I am
> recalling the wonderful sensations and emotions I've felt riding in
> the mountains, my reason for riding, and I want to experience those
> highs again. I am so fortunate to live in a climbing paradise and want
> to continue to experience and savor it to the fullest.
>
> So, citius, altius, fortius!
>
> Good to hear from everyone again.
>
> April
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
> ------------------------------------
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