You’d think that if you were in your 60s and still riding, people would admire you just for being on a bike. It doesn’t work that way at Growlers. In fact, even if you are a Social Security recipient saddled with multiple medical problems, there is no slack.
If you haven’t noticed, the old dudes are fit, hardcore, and ridiculously competitive. The FHOP was a great example of that. Take a step back and think about what these guys accomplished.
*Joe Van Leuven (62): Joe completed FIVE laps and finished fourth overall.
*Rudy Minuitti (65): Rudy is a ringer Vaughn found somewhere and introduced to mountain biking. He’s only been on a bike for a year, and he’s already kicking butt. He rang up four laps at the FHOP.
*Steve Luther (73): Yes, Steve is 73. Do you think you’ll be able to ride three FHOP laps when you’re 73?
*Russ Speirn (72): Russ won the Cross Crusade series title last year. He never stops training and he never stops trying to improve his technical skill. Three laps at the FHOP and he was doing what he could to ring up a fourth when he ran out of time.
*Bob Horness (68): Bob got a late start but easily completed two laps. I know him well enough to realize that he could have done four. He keeps saying he’s lost a step, but I sure haven’t seen it.
*Dave LeMonds (65): Dave doesn’t ride nearly as much as I do but he can somehow click off three FHOP laps without breathing hard. In our family, he got all the good DNA.
*Vaughn Martin (82): What can you say? The guy had a late start because of a mechanical and still ripped off two laps like it was no big deal. Vaughn is a legend for a reason.
Keep in mind that the list above does not include Brian Mahon or Joel Rogauskas - both in their 60s - or Kelley Hinkle - who is in his 70s. They are among the best riders I know.
Rudy, Steve, and Dave are signed up for the Taco. Russ and Joe will be doing the Enchilada. And while it’s true that Vaughn’s name is currently not on the list, I would be willing to wager that he is planning to ride the Chips & Salsa.
If you’re younger, it’s difficult to understand what your body does as you age. You’ll get it one day. For now, think about your friends and family members who are 60+. How many of them could ride multiple FHOP laps or even just pedal up the Power Line Hill for that matter?
Respect.