Comments on: You Are Never Too Old To Cycle The World With TDA Global Cycling: Women’s Edition https://tdaglobalcycling.com/2023/10/you-are-never-too-old-to-cycle-the-world-with-tda-global-cycling-womens-edition/ TDA Global Cycling offers cross-continent bike expeditions ranging from 2 weeks to 5 months! Wed, 29 Nov 2023 12:32:35 +0000 hourly 1 By: Judith Ann Treloar https://tdaglobalcycling.com/2023/10/you-are-never-too-old-to-cycle-the-world-with-tda-global-cycling-womens-edition/#comment-263476 Wed, 29 Nov 2023 12:32:35 +0000 https://tdaglobalcycling.com/?p=56089#comment-263476 From one Judith to another,… Well done on your cycling and article!
I cycled Cape to Cairo with my husband Michael in 2017 and then we did the North American Epic in 2022 .
“You are never too old to learn”, and as another saying goes, “Life begins at 40” – which is when I learnt how to cycle for the first time!
I will turn 66 next birthday and Michael 70, and we enjoy cycling more and more. The over 70s ladies (and men) are a real inspiration!
SHARING a TDA Tour makes memories for life and not a day goes by that we do not think of our life-long memories, acquaintances and friends made on our TDA Tours!

]]> By: Lillian M Hrabchak https://tdaglobalcycling.com/2023/10/you-are-never-too-old-to-cycle-the-world-with-tda-global-cycling-womens-edition/#comment-262975 Thu, 02 Nov 2023 23:48:58 +0000 https://tdaglobalcycling.com/?p=56089#comment-262975 In reply to Judith Gold.

Okay, Edwina…..we’re on.

]]> By: Judith Gold https://tdaglobalcycling.com/2023/10/you-are-never-too-old-to-cycle-the-world-with-tda-global-cycling-womens-edition/#comment-262853 Tue, 31 Oct 2023 17:50:23 +0000 https://tdaglobalcycling.com/?p=56089#comment-262853 In reply to Edwina Mattinson.

Fantastic, join me on the Journey to the East in 2025!

]]> By: Edwina Mattinson https://tdaglobalcycling.com/2023/10/you-are-never-too-old-to-cycle-the-world-with-tda-global-cycling-womens-edition/#comment-262842 Tue, 31 Oct 2023 13:29:38 +0000 https://tdaglobalcycling.com/?p=56089#comment-262842 Hi Judith. Me again! You have really started something, I reached out to two of my “senior women cyclists” (I did the TdA with one, and the Silk Route with the other) and they wrote back and said “if you do it, I’ll do it”!!!!!!!! NO PRESSURE! You’ve certainly given us something to think about, and for that I THANK YOU so much.

]]> By: ANN COLLINS https://tdaglobalcycling.com/2023/10/you-are-never-too-old-to-cycle-the-world-with-tda-global-cycling-womens-edition/#comment-262694 Fri, 27 Oct 2023 04:45:57 +0000 https://tdaglobalcycling.com/?p=56089#comment-262694 thanks for the blog and comments ….. i did the Bamboo ride 6 years ago… Shanghai to Singapore 7320kms ride ! ….. to celebrate my 70th birthday !!….and got an EFI!….. since then i have done a 950 kms ride in South Africa and have continued to ride regularly in Australia so hopefully not too old.. yet!! thinking about riding Japan! ….. well done and good luck ladies for more happy riding !! cheers Ann

]]> By: GP https://tdaglobalcycling.com/2023/10/you-are-never-too-old-to-cycle-the-world-with-tda-global-cycling-womens-edition/#comment-262693 Fri, 27 Oct 2023 01:16:57 +0000 https://tdaglobalcycling.com/?p=56089#comment-262693 Position reconsidered!

]]> By: Miriam V. Gold https://tdaglobalcycling.com/2023/10/you-are-never-too-old-to-cycle-the-world-with-tda-global-cycling-womens-edition/#comment-262692 Fri, 27 Oct 2023 00:49:12 +0000 https://tdaglobalcycling.com/?p=56089#comment-262692 In reply to Erin Ely.

I’ve often said there’s not a mountain I can’t walk up!!

]]> By: Miriam V. Gold https://tdaglobalcycling.com/2023/10/you-are-never-too-old-to-cycle-the-world-with-tda-global-cycling-womens-edition/#comment-262691 Fri, 27 Oct 2023 00:46:45 +0000 https://tdaglobalcycling.com/?p=56089#comment-262691 In reply to Heather SIA.

We were a great group of women on that ride. The best.

]]> By: Eve Holland https://tdaglobalcycling.com/2023/10/you-are-never-too-old-to-cycle-the-world-with-tda-global-cycling-womens-edition/#comment-262690 Thu, 26 Oct 2023 23:05:50 +0000 https://tdaglobalcycling.com/?p=56089#comment-262690 I have been saying “this will be my last TDA trip” for a few years now. This summer my husband and I rode Journey to the East and the first half of Trans-Europa, and I’m now 76. We are signed up for the Pub Ride for next year, which was definitely going to be my last TDA trip. However, Trans-Himalaya is calling me to the mountains and I can’t resist, so maybe that will DEFINITELY be my last trip. I’ll be 78, so we will do some serious training for that ride, including riding in Colorado (not too far from our Tucson home). There were times this summer when I felt stronger than I did a few years ago, so I am also using the mantra – “just do it”. I’m hoping with a good training plan and a good mental attitude that we can conquer Trans Himalaya!

]]> By: Judith Gold https://tdaglobalcycling.com/2023/10/you-are-never-too-old-to-cycle-the-world-with-tda-global-cycling-womens-edition/#comment-262685 Thu, 26 Oct 2023 18:50:23 +0000 https://tdaglobalcycling.com/?p=56089#comment-262685 I love all these comments! Very inspiring.

To those that are concerned about not being able to do it, I have to agree with MURIEL THOMSON, “just do it”.

I did not mention in my blog, that I barely rode before I retired, 3 years ago, and I had the cheapest Giant bike on the market. But given my connection with TDA, I was determined, and after purchasing a better bike (not too easy in the midst of COVID) and some not too intense training, i joined the GART for part of the trip, in 2021, where I met Jackie. So yes, “just do it”. And then there is always the support vehicle, haha.

Good luck to you all, and I hope we get to ride together. sometimes.

]]> By: Judith Gold https://tdaglobalcycling.com/2023/10/you-are-never-too-old-to-cycle-the-world-with-tda-global-cycling-womens-edition/#comment-262684 Thu, 26 Oct 2023 18:36:23 +0000 https://tdaglobalcycling.com/?p=56089#comment-262684 In reply to Annegrete Warrer.

So cool! I loved following Nellie on that trip, but it was a real tough one! Looking forward to meeting you on the Journey to the East 2025, we are signed up. Nellie remembers you and sends warm regards!

]]> By: MURIEL THOMSON https://tdaglobalcycling.com/2023/10/you-are-never-too-old-to-cycle-the-world-with-tda-global-cycling-womens-edition/#comment-262678 Thu, 26 Oct 2023 16:10:18 +0000 https://tdaglobalcycling.com/?p=56089#comment-262678 In reply to Erin Ely.

Erin – let your mantra be ‘Just do it’……it’s better to try than not to try at all. The Hippie Trail is a fantastic trip and an unforgettable experience – ‘Just do it’

]]> By: Nicola Ross https://tdaglobalcycling.com/2023/10/you-are-never-too-old-to-cycle-the-world-with-tda-global-cycling-womens-edition/#comment-262665 Thu, 26 Oct 2023 12:30:08 +0000 https://tdaglobalcycling.com/?p=56089#comment-262665 What a great blog. Thanks. I too am 66, born in 1957. I’ve been toying with cycling on a TDA trip as a journalist/writer-on-bike and while it has almost worked out, it hasn’t happened — yet.

I just returned from a 750km hike through the Austrian Alps, Slovenian Julian Alps and Italy nearer the Adriatic. It was hard. Our hills here in Caledon just outside Toronto just can’t provide the six or seven hour climbs required. But I made it. Slow and steady. It was an amazing trip along the Alpe Adria Trail.

As I was walking, I realized that a change has occurred. It used to be that “old people” were older than I was. But now I recognize that many “old people” are younger, sometimes much younger, than I am. In some ways, women like me and the ones mentioned in Judith’s blog are lucky. We don’t have physical challenges/diseases that precludes us from riding a bicycle across Africa. But there is more than luck involved. There is a frame of mind that keeps one young and active.

In my upcoming book about hiking the Bruce Trail, I talk about my good friend and partner in hiking/biking adventures, Susan. I called her up one day when I was hiking the trial (mostly solo) and asked her, Want to hike with me on Friday? How far she, asked? About 27km. How long will it take? About 8 hours. I recall thinking, how many women do I know (BTW, Susan was also born in 1957) who I can call up and ask them to go hiking for 8 hours — tomorrow?

Seems we need more younger old women — or is it older young women?

Great and inspiring blog. For years I’ve been looking at the Tour d’Afrique but I figured it would be too hard. Now I have to wonder about just how young I am.

]]> By: Edwina Mattinson https://tdaglobalcycling.com/2023/10/you-are-never-too-old-to-cycle-the-world-with-tda-global-cycling-womens-edition/#comment-262664 Thu, 26 Oct 2023 12:06:42 +0000 https://tdaglobalcycling.com/?p=56089#comment-262664 Thank you Judith for a wonderful article. I have done quite a few of Henry’s trips and they have been life-changing. I thought at this age (77) I was too old to do more, but reading your article, maybe not!! My husband and I talk almost every day about our fabulous experiences (the TdA 2004) and I still get a pang when I read the TdA newsletters. You never know!!!

Edwina

]]> By: Lydia https://tdaglobalcycling.com/2023/10/you-are-never-too-old-to-cycle-the-world-with-tda-global-cycling-womens-edition/#comment-262642 Thu, 26 Oct 2023 00:26:43 +0000 https://tdaglobalcycling.com/?p=56089#comment-262642 I totally agree, the oldest recorded woman, Jeanne Clement, lived to be 122, and she bicycled often till she was 100. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeanne_Calment She was in France, but I don’t think that should slow us down. I am 70, belong to a cycling club and recently found a wonderful podcast called Cycling Over sixty.” It has all sorts of good nuggets like an interview with a trainer who says “Complete, not Compete.” I would also like to cycle across country, again, now that I have my 28 lb ebike.
Cycle on,

]]> By: Erin Ely https://tdaglobalcycling.com/2023/10/you-are-never-too-old-to-cycle-the-world-with-tda-global-cycling-womens-edition/#comment-262639 Wed, 25 Oct 2023 23:03:05 +0000 https://tdaglobalcycling.com/?p=56089#comment-262639 Agree it’s nice to see older female riders given a voice! I just started cycling about 18 months ago, I’m almost 68 (one more month to go), gosh I wish I had started a lot sooner!

I ride with the local group in my town called GEARS. Men definitely outnumber women on these group rides, often times I’m the only woman on the ride. I am riding 4-5 days a week usually 30-60 miles. I really fell in love with cycling. One night the GEARS group had a presentation by a women in the group on a TDA tour she rode to Patagonia. I was sooooo inspired by her presentation, I got on the TDA website and was looking at the tours.

The first one that really caught my eye was the Hippie Trail ride in India…. however they were actually riding that tour at the time I discovered it, and would not be riding it again until 2025. Instead I decided to sign up for the 2023 Golden Buddha Ride. I was so stressed about being able to keep up and ride the hill climbs (I’m not a great hill climber) that several months ago I canceled the ride.

Now, after riding all winter, spring and summer, I feel a lot stronger and more capable/confident about riding that ride I cancelled. I know it won’t be easy and that’s ok, I am not afraid of taking on a challenge, haha. I definitely have my eye on the 2025 Hippie Trail ride. Reading posts like this are really helpful for building more confidence for people like me I think.

We also have a woman named Jackie that rides with our group, she is 78 and can ride circles around me, she’s one of the best hill climbers I know.

Thanks for the inspiration Judith and good luck on the Tour d’Afrique! That’s going to be EPIC!

]]> By: Heather https://tdaglobalcycling.com/2023/10/you-are-never-too-old-to-cycle-the-world-with-tda-global-cycling-womens-edition/#comment-262637 Wed, 25 Oct 2023 22:16:48 +0000 https://tdaglobalcycling.com/?p=56089#comment-262637 Thank you for this article! I’m a 50 year old woman and it is inspiring!

]]> By: Lani Schultz https://tdaglobalcycling.com/2023/10/you-are-never-too-old-to-cycle-the-world-with-tda-global-cycling-womens-edition/#comment-262636 Wed, 25 Oct 2023 22:12:27 +0000 https://tdaglobalcycling.com/?p=56089#comment-262636 Hi Judith, I wish I had met you, however I did cycle with Henry, Tom and Miriam, even met your Mom. I started with TdA at 59, was the oldest female then, and cycled together with the youngest, at mere 20, on the TdA trademark route, Tour d’Afrique, Cairo to Capetown . Perhaps, I still hold the record of being on 3 back to back tours with only a week apart each. To date, there are a total of 12 tours I had done with TdA.
At 73, I am still doing cycling tours, albeit not with TdA. Yes, age is just a number and we’re as old as we think we are.

]]> By: Angela M https://tdaglobalcycling.com/2023/10/you-are-never-too-old-to-cycle-the-world-with-tda-global-cycling-womens-edition/#comment-262634 Wed, 25 Oct 2023 21:34:05 +0000 https://tdaglobalcycling.com/?p=56089#comment-262634 Well, it’s true about muscle mass in women. So use it or lose it! I’m SO EXCITED to be doing the Orient Express ride next summer – I’ll be 54 by then – and I hope it’s the first of many epic cycling adventures in my future! My fitness & condition coach is putting a great training plan together for me this week.

]]> By: Heather SIA https://tdaglobalcycling.com/2023/10/you-are-never-too-old-to-cycle-the-world-with-tda-global-cycling-womens-edition/#comment-262605 Tue, 24 Oct 2023 13:33:43 +0000 https://tdaglobalcycling.com/?p=56089#comment-262605 Judith, I’ve just cycled Japan with Miriam and Jackie, and as the youngest female rider, at 54, I was mind-blown by the resilience, determination and laconic humour of both. They were inspirational and wonderful company. I, too, am consistently surprised at how few women cycle, both short and long distances, compared to the men – across all ages. It’s the perfect mode of exercise for us. Journey to the East was my first TDA, but if there’s more company like Miriam, Jackie and the other great women on other TDA tours, I’ll be back for more!

]]> By: Annegrete Warrer https://tdaglobalcycling.com/2023/10/you-are-never-too-old-to-cycle-the-world-with-tda-global-cycling-womens-edition/#comment-262604 Tue, 24 Oct 2023 10:31:00 +0000 https://tdaglobalcycling.com/?p=56089#comment-262604 Hello Nellie’s mother and Henry’ sister. Heard about you when doing the first Transoceania in 2014 where you apparently still was pursuing your career.. Realize that the Gold family is one of strong genes and pursuing an active lifestyle. I belong to the same breed. Have done 8 Tda trips since I was 57 the last being The Odyssey this spring. I am born in 1953 and therefore approaching my 70 years birthday. I was a bit worried going on first Tda trip since 2018 but it appeared. that I relatively quickly found my old shape. I am not the fastest but not the slowest either. My mantra is to keep on doing as much (skiing, cycling, hiking swimming/dipping (summer/winter) in the ocean as long as possible. Until now with succes. I have signed up to the 2024 Viva Italia and am on the waiting list for next years Journey to the east and The Olive thing in 2025. Hope to meet you out there one day. Enjoy Tour d’Afrique!

]]> By: Kristin https://tdaglobalcycling.com/2023/10/you-are-never-too-old-to-cycle-the-world-with-tda-global-cycling-womens-edition/#comment-262601 Tue, 24 Oct 2023 10:12:03 +0000 https://tdaglobalcycling.com/?p=56089#comment-262601 I love this! Thanks for featuring older women riders. I look forward to my first TDA trip with amazing women like these.

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