• Don't miss out on all the fun! Register on our forums to post and have added features! Membership levels include a FREE membership tier.

To old to ride?

jsnow17

New member
Lifetime Membership
Dec 29, 2007
287
1
18
Iowa
I find myself getting more winded every year, How old is to old for backcountry riding?

I'm turning 60, should I stop crying and exercise more?
 

powderhound1

Well-known member
Lifetime Membership
Nov 29, 2007
83
110
33
72
Lake Tapps
whine less, exercise more, be as fit as we can be, I'm 63 and ride as much or more than I did 20 years ago, None of us want to get old but we don't want to die young either so what do we do? I know that I thank God for the health I have today and the ability to do the things I can do today, some of us aren't so lucky, I was told not so long ago from my 91 year old uncle, use it or loose it and that is what I'm going to do. Good luck to you and Happy Holidays to everyone!!!!
 
J
Mar 31, 2012
213
75
28
Mancos, CO
I'm 42, and in decent shape, and last year I rode with a guy who was 63 and he was a way better rider than me and made some difficult riding look easy. I would say being in good shape and getting out and riding a lot makes a big difference. I'm hoping that my body holds up and I can ride like him at that age.

I have an uncle who is 69 years old and he just hike the whole Appalachian Trail this summer.
 

SRXSRULE

Well-known member
Lifetime Membership
Aug 25, 2002
2,512
1,592
113
I ride with a few guys in their mid 60's. We do some pretty difficult back country riding and they go everywhere we go, they even lead from time to time. Try and do some cardio training, that will help a lot. Eric
 

gonehuntnpowder

Well-known member
Lifetime Membership
Nov 27, 2008
1,033
566
113
59
Eastern Idaho
I know exactly what you are thinking. I am there too. Part of the time when I ride I am older than any 2 of the guys I ride with combined. I have always ride myself into shape. I am going to have to start working out pre season and loose some weight.
I am looking at mods to make the sled handle easier and allow me to get around easier. For me that's a 174 track, zbroz 36 arms, and pro motion over the next couple of seasons.
I am careful to conserve my energy and legs (have knee problems) as much as possible by setting down when I can. Take advantage of the things you do well. Old guys can read terrain and snow because that is how we got around 20 years ago when a 136 was a long track, 2 inch paddles were aftermarket and huge, and if you had 120 horse you were modded.
 

jsnow17

New member
Lifetime Membership
Dec 29, 2007
287
1
18
Iowa
Thanks for the inspiration, I needed it. I did not state I was thinking about pulling the trigger on a 2016 pro 800 but was doubting if that was wise. I feel confident that I can and will get in shape and stay that way and enjoy riding for many years!
 

wyobob44

Well-known member
Lifetime Membership
Sep 30, 2005
164
111
43
Sundance, WY
I know exactly what you are thinking. I am there too. Part of the time when I ride I am older than any 2 of the guys I ride with combined. I have always ride myself into shape. I am going to have to start working out pre season and loose some weight.
I am looking at mods to make the sled handle easier and allow me to get around easier. For me that's a 174 track, zbroz 36 arms, and pro motion over the next couple of seasons.
I am careful to conserve my energy and legs (have knee problems) as much as possible by setting down when I can. Take advantage of the things you do well. Old guys can read terrain and snow because that is how we got around 20 years ago when a 136 was a long track, 2 inch paddles were aftermarket and huge, and if you had 120 horse you were modded.

That was big stuff.^^^^^^ when I started, we were on 121's w/ 7/8 nubs for tracks, 400 -500 cc's air cooled, and would spend all day trying to get over a hill that now we cruise over with out even busting the throttle.
 

free2fawl

Member
Lifetime Membership
Nov 19, 2010
48
17
8
61
McCall ID
I'm 53, rode and bought my first sled in 2000. I roof for a living so I stay in good shape. I think improving my riding skills has made the biggest difference in my stamina and the ability to ride multiple days in a row. The "Schooled" videos helped a lot and I'm looking forward to upping my game this year. When I grow up I want to ride like Rasmussen! I wear neoprene supports on both knees, good for warmth and support. That helped a lot too. I started riding in the Sun Valley area. On the way up to Baker lake my second year of riding I saw a man riding out on an older Cat. He had an oxygen bottle in his lap! Now that's a can do attitude. I may end up on the trails, but I'll never be too old to ride.
 

tuneman

Well-known member
Lifetime Membership
Jan 16, 2013
1,167
1,205
113
Minnesota
www.everettsports.net
Well, I'd consider my typical back country sledding crew as very advanced riders. Within that group is my dad at 74 years young and his good buddy, Dick, at 75 years young. Dick can out ride all of us combined. So, to answer the OP's question, yes, stop crying and exercise more.
 
H
Nov 9, 2001
4,253
1,815
113
55
Lincoln Nebraska
I am always worried about overstressing a guys heart up there. I always think..."Im not going to ride that hard anymore" than the addrenaline gets going and you think you are 21 again. It is a genuine concern when you are over 40 and at that altitude.
 

Scott

Scott Stiegler
Staff member
Lifetime Membership
Nov 1, 1998
69,618
11,737
113
51
W Mont
I find myself getting more winded every year, How old is to old for backcountry riding?

I'm turning 60, should I stop crying and exercise more?

My Dad is 68 and he still rips it up. (He goes by CrazyRed on here)
It's all about what you put into your cardio.

In all honesty (since I don't know your relative health) make sure your heart is healthy enough to exercise. Consult your doctor if you don't know. (sounds like a viagra commercial, LOL)
If your heart isn't healthy enough for exercise, it's probably not healthy enough for snowmobiling.

Just being "active" isn't quite enough.
Ride a bike often and vigorously.
Stair-master or eliptical or something that elevates your pulse.
Get your pulse up for 15-20 minutes at a time each day of the week.

Being down for ONLY TWO WEEKS will kill your cardio.
 
Last edited:

Mafesto

Well-known member
Lifetime Membership
Nov 26, 2007
12,258
10,363
113
Northeast SD
We have guys into their later 60's in our group & we joke every year that if one of us dies on a trip, we ain't gonna let that ruin the trip.
Also the dead carcass gets hauled home in the trailer with the sleds!
 
A
Jan 13, 2012
308
694
93
Central Washington
I don't have any trouble riding the same as I have for 45 years. I get stuck once in a while and do just fine getting myself out. Its when one or two others in our group can't get themselves unstuck and I have to unstick them too that tires me out.
 
Premium Features