Getting into BMX when over 40

Getting into BMX when over 40

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Discussion

CoolC

Original Poster:

4,213 posts

213 months

Sunday 19th August 2018
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At the ripe old age of 45 I've started watching way too many BMX youtube channels, and got to thinking "I quite fancy a go at that"

I've been scouring Ebay for any local bargain tatty bikes I can tidy up.

Anyone else done the same? How easy is it to learn the basics, and then progress?

rustyuk

4,568 posts

210 months

Sunday 19th August 2018
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Why not get a jump bike? Lots of adult mtb clubs.

joshleb

1,544 posts

143 months

Sunday 19th August 2018
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What sort of BMX style we talking?

Dirt jumps, racing, park, street, flatland etc?

LaurasOtherHalf

21,429 posts

195 months

Sunday 19th August 2018
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Your balls and COG won't be what they once were, plus you'll look like a tt. I did vert and flatland in my teenage years but wouldn't dream of it now as there's no way I could pull off what I once did.

It might be worth sitting on one as well, they truly are tiny. Which will make you look like a tt, unless you're tiny too. If you are tiny, I suppose you'll just look like an old hipster tt.

If I was to get back into the scene again it would be restoring old bikes to sell to old hipster tts on eBay or something as I probably ended up enjoying that side of the business back in the day anyway-my first business (at 13 or 14) was stripping down old bikes and repainting/building to sell in the back of the old magazines. Fun times and less broken ribs.

monkeychild

543 posts

69 months

Monday 20th August 2018
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Loads of older blokes racing and riding park etc.

The 40+ class in racing is packed!!! One guy is 72 and started racing a few years ago. If you fancy any information etc join the Ride On BMX group on Facebook.

Don't listen to the negatives, if you want to do it, do it!! I am crap, I will always be crap, but I don't care as it's "fun" (41 BTW).

Get rad.

g7jhp

6,959 posts

237 months

Monday 20th August 2018
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I did a taster session on the Lee Valley BMX track at the Olympic Park, after doing the Velodrome.

It was great fun and fairly technical. Being heavier than the kids doing it you do build up speed and have to work to keep the bike on the ground and you on the bike.

Find a local track and get down and try it.

Ignore the naysayers.

Edited by g7jhp on Monday 20th August 20:59

CoolC

Original Poster:

4,213 posts

213 months

Monday 20th August 2018
quotequote all
Thanks for the replies.

Hadn't really thought about racing, and not sure if there are many/any tracks local to me.

It was more along the lines of a personal challenge to see if I can actually learn how to do some of the more basic tricks. 180, fakie, manual etc. I have no delusions that I'll be 360 whipping out of the park or anything biggrin

The point about tidying up and selling on bmx did pique an interest though, as looking on eBay there are loads of tatty bikes in need of some tlc, and the nice stuff seems to go for a pretty good price.

Ellb123

117 posts

78 months

Monday 20th August 2018
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I've rode BMX since I was 13/14, I'm 23 now but ride a lot less, falling off and not being able to walk or causing abit of damage means no working these days which I couldn't really go without.

I'd say for someone starting out at that age you would struggle, I'm by no means saying it cant be done, but it takes time to pick things up, if you do give it a go, I'd suggest spending time just learning to control the bike before even attempting tricks, learn how to balance, control the bike and your body in the air, and more importantly learn to fall off. I've lost count of the cringy moments your about to watch someone's dad have a go dropping in and end up flat on the floor... its all about being comfortable.

I know a fair few people 40+ that still ride and theyre all pretty good, but its not easy!

Gio G

2,945 posts

208 months

Monday 20th August 2018
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When I purchased my sons a Raleigh Burner, many years ago, I purchased one of those limited edition Boxfresh Burners. I am not a small lad and was so surprised how small a BMX actually is when I started riding it. I did get some funny looks... You forget just how agile they are and how they change direction so quickly.

Go for it...

G

allegro

1,132 posts

203 months

Tuesday 21st August 2018
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Loads of us still at it. was at a massive meet last week having a beer with Bob Haro if that name rings a bell.
Plenty of forums for that sort of thing to but bmxmuseum.com in the states and Radbmx.co.uk over here are the main two. thumbup

tobinen

9,184 posts

144 months

Tuesday 21st August 2018
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I contemplate a BMX on the cycle to work scheme. Then I check out the youth down the skate park and aside from the herbal aroma, I could not pull off any of their moves.

Pining for a Skyway though, as I had in the 1980s.

Sa Calobra

37,011 posts

210 months

Wednesday 22nd August 2018
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Buy an Intense Cruiser.

I've ridden all the Manchester international BMX track at the cycle centre when I was over 40 a number of times.

If you are worried what people think you are a sensitive soul

P9DH

144 posts

75 months

Wednesday 22nd August 2018
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Just go for it... I'm 47 and still ride BMX

squareflops

1,808 posts

182 months

Wednesday 22nd August 2018
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On a whim a few weeks back I bought a Mafia Kush2, not sure why but just fancied one (I'm 37, I think) and as said they really are tiny, I've ridden it around the estate a few times but its spent 99% of it's time getting in the way in my dining room laugh I do intend to go to my local ramp world in Cardiff on it with a few of the boys who still ride (I'm from a DH background so not a total novice to doing dangerous things on bikes). Surprised to see there's actually an over 30s night - will feel like going on a Saga holiday.

Cheap to buy and maintain - get one bought and it too can clutter your house/garage until you decide to get rid thumbup

trails

3,624 posts

148 months

Wednesday 22nd August 2018
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P9DH said:
Just go for it... I'm 47 and still ride BMX
This. Ignore those who are worried about what others will think. Tw@ts smile

46 and still ride...I know plenty who are older that still ride too.

You will struggle whilst learning though so set yourself realistic goals or you will burn out and give up. The older you get the harder it is ignore consequences of crashing and you will crash, it's part of BMX.

Don't buy a ste bike either, modern BMX's are much lighter/stronger then mid or old school bikes smile

rufusgti

2,528 posts

191 months

Wednesday 22nd August 2018
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The over 40 thing is largely insignificant. Unless your one of these guys who are worried they look stupid. I was one of those guys who thought i'd look stupid for a while, now i 'm one of those dads who do look stupid, i just dont care.

Ive always surfed but wanted to get out with my kids and have fun. So at 38 i've got myself into skateboarding. I was told by pretty much all my friends i was a sad old git and would soon have a broken hip. Now i get around cardiff largely on my longboard, it's brilliant free transport. Lots of my friends have also now got into it. I'm not "good" on a skateboard, but i never was even at 15.

The other thing is this. Those who feel they can't learn new skills like these in their 40's, wont be doing it later in life. Those that take on new challenges and learn these skills in their 40's will still stand a good chance of staying active long into retirement age. Our bodies are strong in our 40's, but deteriorate fast if not looked after. Don't wait until you can't learn these skills, get out while you still can.

As my dad told me recently. Don't worry about your kids thinking you're embarrassing. They will no matter how you behave. Its very true.

Edited by rufusgti on Wednesday 22 August 09:37

Sa Calobra

37,011 posts

210 months

Wednesday 22nd August 2018
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I was told joining the Police was for 20yr olds and aren't you too old? The ones that said that are the sedatory 30somethings who idea of fun is taking kids to a shopping centre or centre parcs.

squareflops

1,808 posts

182 months

Wednesday 22nd August 2018
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rufusgti said:
Now i get around cardiff largely on my longboard
I'm gonna shout "Rufus!" at every guy I see on a longboard in Cardiff from now on

tobinen

9,184 posts

144 months

Wednesday 22nd August 2018
quotequote all
trails said:
P9DH said:
Just go for it... I'm 47 and still ride BMX
This. Ignore those who are worried about what others will think. Tw@ts smile

46 and still ride...I know plenty who are older that still ride too.

You will struggle whilst learning though so set yourself realistic goals or you will burn out and give up. The older you get the harder it is ignore consequences of crashing and you will crash, it's part of BMX.

Don't buy a ste bike either, modern BMX's are much lighter/stronger then mid or old school bikes smile
Whole-heartedly agree.

What's the connoisseur's choice of BMX nowadays, if we ignore the old school 80s stuff?

rufusgti

2,528 posts

191 months

Wednesday 22nd August 2018
quotequote all
squareflops said:
I'm gonna shout "Rufus!" at every guy I see on a longboard in Cardiff from now on
just at the old gits and you 'll probably be right first time!