Anyone else riding again in their 40s?

[BMX20]

I should have my Firebird up and running some time after Christmas (pics of the progress on the Restoration pages).  My plan is to get out there on it and see if I can still do half the things I could do when I was 15.  Back then, we had no ramps (at least, no quarter pipe) so most of our stuff was done on the flat.  We did occasionally carve a ramp out the side of earth embankments and the like, but it was never really good enough for serious use and, consequently, I've never really, I believe the expression is, 'got some air', ahem.
 
So, what with the popularity of skating and riding these days, it does seem like there are a lot more places around where I might give it a try.  I've no idea where yet, but I'm definitely going to give it a go.  Is anyone else in this situation, and did you find somewhere that was fairly friendly to knackered old cronies like us turning up on our relics and being frightened to go too high?  I'm more frightened of embarrassing myself than I am of getting injured!  I'm in the Lincoln area but more than happy to put the bike in the car and go travel.

Great site everyone - a real goldmine.  I suspect I should be saying it's 'sick', or 'ill', or 'gnarley' or some such, but I won't.

Gordy

[Al Wyn]

Hi mate another sad old  fart at 40 here shortly to be doing the same. Havent properly rode a BMX for over 24 years but i know im still got it in me lol. My 9 year olds getting his first BMX for Christmas and ive a part made up `mule` of a GT circa 05 ish that will be seeing some moves pretty soon. Cant help re meeting up for a ride out as im right down on the south coast.

[Jon The Bassist]

Well, I'm under 40 and no freestyler.
A couple of months ago I tried out one of the council skateparks (the ones with small metal ramps etc) and that was great fun and easy to get into for someone that never did freestyle beyond playing in the street a bit.
I'd recommend trying something like that, if there's owt near you.

[jeff spicoli]

I'm 45 and still BMX , skate and surf and have no plans for stopping either.

[MartyC]

44 and still riding, occasionally skating 

[jeff spicoli]

44 and still riding, occasionally skating 

We need proof of this Marty lol.

[MartyC]

44 and still riding, occasionally skating 

We need proof of this Marty lol.

I'll get some pics up soon 

[Spen69]

41 and still injuring myself but riding all the same!
Try local skate parks early on sunday mornings but not in the cold if concrete, or come to one of the organised indoor nights like Blackpool or Corby. You're a bit off the beaten path but if you want to have a go, be aware you don't bounce anymore like bitd and wear a helmet or you'll end up with a fractured skull like I did...

It's still great fun though, and you're not on your own, we're all stupid too ;-D

[brettypeeps]

Almost 40 and still riding.  Just don't get to do enough of it as I have a family to fit around.  Ah well.

[sid1972]

Went to Art College in Lincoln, had many a night out in the 'volts' and the 'jolly brewer'... I lived in Gainsborough, but now in Barnsley..

[CD17]

I still ride MTBs Freeride, since the early mid skool days but don't feel to good on a BMX after 23 years away 

[BMX20]

Well, both Corby and Peterborough are close enough,so I guess I'll give it a go in the new year.  Anyone have a preference for a newbie who's been away for 25 years and wasn't that good to begin with?

Gordy

[john4130]

you just need to take yourself to the nearest skatepark and start slow, it'll come back to you. i'll be 38 tommorow and been riding for 29 years, just don't copy the younger guys with no brakes and slammed seat.

[ED209]

40 next year - got back into it in summer of last year - broke collar bone this year  shit happens.

Go to ANY park ANY where and have a roll... I know it feels scary for 40 year old blokes to be intimidated by 15 year old but you just have to shine all that and carve around... have a laugh...

Theres loads of little parks around now... just google 'skateparks' and 'Lincoln' see what pops... I'm only about 30 miles from you. I go to a BMX track in Nottingham, an outdoor skatepark in Bottesford near Grantham, the outdoor park in Melton and the indoor park in Leicester.

We've got a little gathering at the Leicester park on Saturday night but you need to get your bike together first... I need to get over to Pboro and hook up with Brett in the 2 new concrete parks when the weather is better.

Don't over anaylize it thought... most kids are very interested in the old school bikes and you get the usual questions 

but exactly like the last comment from John, just get out there and start slow.

If you wanna go and can be bothered then come to Leicester Saturday night - there about 15/20 of us... just HAVING a LAUGH... just riding  - ya more then welcome to fall off my bike after me 

Thread and directions here...

http://www.radbmx.co.uk/forum/index.php'topic=114516.0

directions in this thread

http://www.radbmx.co.uk/forum/index.php'topic=101343.0

 

[kuwahero]

41 and still riding. Raced veteran at the Brits this year and really enjoyed it.

I used to live in Lincoln and ride the Uni and Castle banks but they have put stoppers everywhere now I believe.

There is quite a good skatepark in North Hykeham and one in a village the other side of Lincoln but cant remember the name of it. Out on the A46 is it Welton?

[ED209]

Worth a 'confidence building' roll around maybe 

http://www.evolutionskateparks.com/New/Skateparks/Lincoln.htm

[BMX20]

I suspected the first time I read this forum that I'd struck gold - and you guys continue to prove me right.  Top responses folks - much appreciated.  As soon as this baby is up and running I'm hitting every one of the places you mentioned around Lincoln. I'm also riding the Etape du Tour though, so I better do some serious road stuff too! 

I can't wait wait to ride some ramps! I think ...

Gordy

[MartyC]

. I'm also riding the Etape du Tour though, so I better do some serious road stuff too! 

Excellent stuff, that's some serious road work involved 

[Faze7-Ade]

46 next month and still givin it a go....try to get to the local skatepark every now and then, but wish I could still do all that stuff.

Good on ya for getting back into it, and agree - this website has a lot of influence on getting back into it all over again !

[58 delray]

45 and still racing    no freestyle though 
2906

[QUADROPHENIA]

are you really only 45 andy 

[billstup]

I still have a roll around at 45 

[Bettyswallocks]

Yep still riding at 42, will carry on as long as my body allows... 

[BMX20]

Nice one folks - that's certainly encouraging to hear.  How many of you stopped in the eighties/nineties and have only started again recently?  And how many of you are riding freestyle?  I'm keen to see if there are any common issues arising from this type of sabbatical that I might encounter (other than a complete lack of ability).  Are you the oldest guy at the skatepark?

Gordy

[griff]

turned 40 in October and about to take the plunge