Too "Old" to Start Riding a Dirt Jumper.

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[@Mantis858585]

I'm 46 and my neighborhood just recently built a pump track. I went and bought a dirt jumper and love it.

[@Spindatt]

Pump tracks are SUCH an awesome place to play on dirt jumpers

[@kris4645]

Super cool! Keep on the riding! 🙂

[@GURBLEGOP]

I did the same s***

[@clstile]

I’m 39, and I live in the Southern California desert .. the nearest pump track is about two hours away.. but I’ve been watching these videos and fell in love with the dirt jumper aesthetics, geometry, and capabilities .. so o bought my self an EVIL faction , and upgraded it with about $500 in Deity upgrades including TMac pedals .. I’m literally Freddie Mercury over here 😂 I’m in love with my bicycle!! I ride it everywhere!!

[@GMICHAELG62]

Just started riding again at 60. I’m not going to listen to anyone saying I can’t. Thanks 😊

[@Spindatt]

Amazing! Love hearing that

[@markday1714]

i would like to point out that i put my hands on my first dirt jumper last year i turned 63 last month. Better to flail then sit it out

[@Spindatt]

Nice!!

[@dewittlunsford2527]

Exactly! I’m 67 my wife is 62, we got our first full suspension mountain bikes last year and have been riding gravel for years. I will admit that I try to avoid crashes like that one:) always look forward to your videos.

[@patrickberkery8854]

57 here. Some of us did rad shit and took hits long ago. Some of those injuries come back later. As young as we may feel, taking a fall like you did would likely be way more injurious. We have to dial it back, which is hard when you feel younger than you are.

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

I don't think its a matter of age, it's a matter of health insurance :)

[@gs78798]

Russ, I don't know if I got this right... But your comment really made me sad. The country so rich, but so poor at the same time... (I'm not from your country, so maybe I just don't know... And my country has other problems, of course! )

[@gs78798]

Btw... I think in my country the most heard sentence would be: "I have no time." But everybody is in the same time now. So my personal excuse would be: "I am freaking scared of those huge ramps and jumps!" But of course this is also just a bad excuse because Spindatt is right with his argument: just learn the tricks and start with the small jumps. So I say: "I don't want to do it at the moment." :-)

[@janeblogs324]

You guys don't have free medicare yet?

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

@@janeblogs324 one bad crash and we’d go bankrupt. Upside, we can buy all the guns we want 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@donttouchthisatall]

Yea, so I guess that's easier in Canada than in the US then :P

[@johnnydoe66]

At 55 I love riding tech/natural trails, but I just don't do jumps anymore. I have had 6 concussions (two of those times I was knocked unconscious) and it may sound weird, but as soon as I lose contact with the ground I instantly suffer what I would call vertigo. I try smaller jumps every now and then, but I am more of a wheels on the ground kinda guy.

[@louisgunstone6651]

I'm 33 but same here! I didn't have any big jumps on my local trails where I developed my riding skills as a nipper. Riding within your limits is underrated.

[@johnnydoe66]

@@louisgunstone6651 Yep, my mantra is an old Dirty Harry saying...."A man's got to know his limitations".....I know mine

[@planepower8523]

Its amazing how severe concussions (i have had 8 that i can recall) are. I now have constant ringing in my ears, light/ dark sensitivity and "vertigo" as you describe. I respect my limits and now enjoy the cruise instead of hammering

[@onerider808]

It’s called the Dead Sailor effect. You can learn to fly...just start with 1” jump and work up. A nice full-face helmet like a Smith mainline protects the dome and let’s you quit worrying about crashes.

[@onerider808]

I’d suggest you can’t safely ride technical a MTB trails without being able to handle at least 1-2 foot jumps and drops. No need for monster air, but the ability to handle air is required. IME.

[@Likelybiking]

I’m 31 and I just bought my first ever BMX. And I’m now building up a Dirt Jumper! You’re def the inspiration haha

[@guambra2001]

This hits in the feels. At 34, I’m now starting to learn how to jump, do wheelies and manual with a BMX. I love to ride trails but I want to feel comfortable with any type of jump or feature I encounter in any trail.

[@missedme0063]

Just hit 34 and returning to the trails. Mad respect mate!

[@FullKarenMusic]

At around 50, we both bought dirt jumpers. 2 years later we're nearing completion of a pumptrack build in the front yard. We're even boosting some small jumps! Basic pumptrack skills improve your trail riding so much, from carrying speed, to boost jumps. We're an hours drive from any pumptracks we know of here in NS. We typically ride it a little every day, weather permitting.

[@BischBaschBosch]

Thank you man. 47 and recently got a DJ'er. Just watching folk get that air time looked too much fun. Now i do too...well you know, a little😁 But I'm getting better. After the young'uns having done with mocking my always turning up in full knee and shin pads, they're actuality really encouraging and helpful. I like the skate parks too. Aiming for for a foot jam tailwhip before 50. Progress is admittedly slow and painful on that one. But it will be done! Get amongst it people.

[@singletona082]

I'm not too old for dirt jumping. Too out of shape? Yes. Too not-interested? Yep. Too Old? Nope. Me being otu of shape can be fixed with training. So it comes down to non-interest. I love these videos Spindatt. You're the guy that's trying to help onramp people who have bene told by gatekeeprs that they're not good enough for the hobby and going 'dude just Do It.' A very healthy and positive attitude.

[@goddammitmiles2553]

Just hit 30 a little over a week ago and tried dirt jumping for the first time this past weekend. Fell in love immediately. Hands down the most fun i’ve had in ages - going to buy my first dj bike after work today and ride as much as possible going forward

[@Opethjunky613]

I was riding enduro with someone in their 70s the other day. Age is but a number.

[@ZephaniahDavis]

more really solid advice

[@FloridaTrailrider]

54 AND LOVE MY DIRT JUMPER! If I fall I just heal and go back to the jumps. Easy.

[@VuLE-ot3ex]

Im 47 and am currently cleaning up my 09 Specialized P2 CroMo. Once done I'm going to hit the Pump track and Bowls for the first time in my life. I haven't ridden in anger in about 10 years so ill ease into it, carve the transitions and enjoy. You've added fuel to the fire my man!

[@Spindatt]

Amazing!! You are going to have a lot of fun

[@DanosGarage]

I'm about to be 43 yrs old. I just got a MTB. I used to ride BMX when I was younger. My brain tells me to go for it... About a week ago I decide to try to learn how to manual. One bent saddle and one bruised taint later (plus a slightly shattered ego).... Still gonna SEND IT!!

[@raymondblomberg3283]

I'm 56 and just bought a dirt jumper to improve my MTB skills. Not to mention that pump tracks and jumps lines are fun in their own right. I don't have to go big to enjoy riding and continuing to progress as a rider.

[@_sticks_]

32 Just bought a 29" and a dirt jumper. Knees are sore but having an absolute blast. Always wanted to mountain bike when I was a kid and growing up, but never had the money until essentially now. 🤙🏼

[@MaximinoTalamantes]

was waiting for the cut scene around 4:52 of the “well that’s too damn bad” clip from ‘Holes’ but your delivery was just as good 👌🏼

[@jarthursands]

I turn 50 next year, and I'm asking for a D/J Bike of some variety to add to the collection. I use the same Philosophy with biking I do with performance driving, you MUST know your limits, AS WELL as the limits of the machine you're using.

[@behindbars7006]

I'm 34 years old and used to ride bmx street(but not good enough). Your argument got me thinking that I should actually try to improve my overall biking skills be that in mountain biking or bmx, because age is actually just a number. Thanks for making me remember that!

[@Spindatt]

If it’s something you want to be doing, get to it!

[@mikehatcher5855]

Just got a NS soda slope. I jabbed my knee hard on my bmx following my boy on a line. Super stoaked on the rear shock doing its job and helping my old back and knees. Can’t wait to teach my kids to ride street. I gotta say tho for the old guys it gets easier the more you ride. I’m back at it now on the 3rd year. Worse case get a E MTB and fall in love like you where 16.

[@seanpie5481]

Never too old! I went BMX racing with my son the year I turned 50. Lead to riding and racing CX, MTB cross country and road. I’m 58 now and cycling was the best discovery of my life, if a little late. And yes, the body hurts more and breaks easier. I discovered your channel when I converted an Apollo hybrid into a CX. Sound familiar? And my Cafe Racer is better than your BTW. 😉

[@glengillies1740]

I'm glad this is out there for everyone to see. I'm buying another bike today at 34 so I can ride once again

[@mandowebster8728]

It’s just like everyone bashing E-bikes, but look how many more people are now able to enjoy the sport. I don’t need one yet but I’ll damn sure look at one when the time comes. Just ride, plain and simple.

[@AyataniAsha]

Agreed. If you like riding get a Dirt Jump, don't matter how old are you. 42 here recently got a Dirt Jump, the most Fun Bike I ever had.

[@MrFlyingmachine]

46 YO here checking in. Started riding pump tracks a month ago after a 20 year break, use to XC, DH and trials, but wrist injuries and family obligations got in the way. I've been eyeing the dirt jumps but will ramp up the speed and air as long as the wrists are able. Padded up like the Michelin man every time I ride, but style is no longer a concern at this point.

[@cletussurfsalot7190]

I'm 50, still SK8 Street without pads. Helmet yes. Transition pads for sure. Used to MTB alot in 2000's. Still ride Moto and anything with wheels. Never had a DJ, but now I'm shopping and gonna go for a DJ. Funny thing is I don't have are all those epic DJ parks like the Midwest or east coast. Just one proper park within 30min and it just looks to dang fun even just the beginner run. I just love Bikes and don't want to stop. And yes I still go down, eat sheet and it sucks but I always go back once healed up.

[@dewindoethdwl2798]

57 and hucking off the humps on the local pump track, with care as I don’t bounce so well - the only downside of aging. Brilliant exercise, a real workout and great fun. Don’t forget to wear your helmet, gloves and pads. Wear as many pads as you need to feel safe but never less than shin pads ( pedals are damned sharp!). A good warm up and then a stretching session afterwards pay’s dividends. Have fun 🎉🎉

[@13opacus]

I bought a 26” bmx at 51 to ride the skate park and pump track and love it!

[@FatboyAussie]

34. Just bought my first dirt jumper. Building it to be one of a kind. Absolutely love it.

[@byrondixon4648]

Was cooking tea with the video in the background. Started to read the comments and your crash kept being mentioned.... Didn't really see it the first time. Rewatch that bit .. Mmmm I'm 48, I'd love to know how you felt the next day. That crash may have cost me a few weeks work! And - this stuff is so inspiring. I want to work in the bicycle industry... Applying tomorrow 😎

[@pauljakeman]

Deffo great advice and we should all follow it. Do what you can and what you want no matter your age.

[@DirtyPandaMTB]

40 this year and just bought my first dirt jumper!

[@SubtleHustle72]

I’m 51 and just recently picked up a 26 inch BMX cruiser that I really enjoy riding around the neighborhood with my family and spending hours at the pump track. After being a lifelong skater I felt like this might be a little bit safer. But I say that because I haven’t had any real big crashes yet, now I’m considering getting a dirt jumper to experience the contrast of the two bikes. Cheers

[@JGold_FPV]

Oh dude, I picked up BMX again when the pandemic started and after bruised ribs and a fractured wrist....went to mountain bikes haha but loving it. DJ is 100% on the list.

[@tomatostakefabrik9429]

51 I still run/MTB/downhill ski, I hope to continue, I separated my shoulder pretty bad last year so my " send" confidence is slowly coming back. I am slower, but I still do it

[@BradWadeNL]

I absolutely agree. I think that becoming a parent can give you a different perspective on things. My risk management is kicked up a notch because if I get hurt, bills aren't paid. That being said, I can see some big bike rides in my future!

[@LECMTB]

I'm 33 and normally ride MTB, however, I am just starting to learn to ride a jump bike. Learning / practicing proper bunny hops, wheelies, endos etc.

[@EriebyCycle]

Oh HELL YES!

[@719Rasta]

I’m 51 and you bet I’m having fun. Bmx, dirt jumper yeah man

[@mikestivers8302]

i'm 51, been MTBing for 3 years. about to purchase my first DJ when i find something in stock

[@DirkJ.]

34 and about to buy a dirt jumper. I'm 6'3" and looping out on the bmx is hitting hard, need a bigger platform. Loved the video, little nudge to get me to order one, looking into the Cannondale Dave.

[@sunreindeerfog]

42 and just bought my first DJ bike. I just love riding on the streets with my kids and doing little jib tricks.

[@mountainsmoore3657]

It isn't the age that is keeping me from jumps... it is the length of recovery time following those ER trips. LMBO! That spill that you took would not have phased me at 30, either. But when pushing 50, my "bounce gear" just doesn't work as well. HA! I was just typing this comment as you said the phrase about bouncing back. LOL! I will agree that I could handle the mild stuff on flowy mtb trails. However, my wife will tell you that I am not smart enough to limit myself and take it easy. Shrugs. When I say that I am too old, I am referring to the extreme jumps and tricks that you do. I'm always impressed by them and want to try them...but I guess that I am not patient enough to take it slow and take my time learning how to do it correctly and safely. Who knows...maybe I will grow patience with age???

[@IliaLo]

Such a positive message. I was one of them "I am too old for this and that" people, but for my 40th birthday, I decided "Screw it" and went and bought electric guitar, even tho, I have never touched guitar in my life, 6 months later, I own a DJ bike of sorts and I am having a blast.

[@johnbrann75]

I so enjoy watching your off road riding of all types and I wouldn't do it myself, its not my thing. But I get your point. I've just recently transitioned from vintage road bikes to single speed and some fixed gear riding. I love it. Going fast, running reds and stop signs, passing traffic, such a rush. I'm 63.

[@thelazyreconnoiter583]

I’m 53 and I’m completely with you on being able to learn to BMX or ride a dirt jump bike at my age. But, I also know that if I injure myself it is going to really hurt and take a while to heal. And I think that, completely reasonable, fear of injury is where a lot of the “can’t do that at my age” comments come from.

[@coop2011r]

First learn how to fall from a sitting position, then a squatting position, then progress to a standing position-Without using the hands

[@onerider808]

My job is learning to get bomb air safely, at the bike park, skate park, and on the trail. I’m in my 60s, but it makes me feel like a kid.

[@onerider808]

One of your best episodes. Applies to all of life.

[@nismo8319]

I'm 40 and still ride. I just don't do the stuff I did when I was a teen or early 20's. I've got a 26" dirt jumper and a 29" xc/ trail bike.

[@mikesimms1]

Your video is quite timely as this 49 year old has been thinking of picking up a dirt jump bike. That said, it is true that the body doesn't bounce back quite as quickly as it once did.

[@onerider808]

I started at 63. A dirt jumper is like having wings, and has improved my MTB skills, too.

[@simonguard5087]

I’m 54 years old, British with various biomechanical bodily issues……..thanks to you and only you I’m restoring a BMX - rad hey?

[@dougnevitt2257]

I'm 64 and I would love to do that, and thinking about getting a BMX or dirt jumper,(although my wife isn't too excited about that due to numerous crashes :-) )

[@michaelhidden7916]

43 and love it...

[@gravitidrivenraceteam3665]

Just turned 56.. Hit my first 10' er today. Bag lander of course... but still sick.

[@AaronHendu]

I just lower my seat and bam...dirt jumper. It's a 13" trek 3700 from over a decade ago. Top tube forms a straight line that reaches all the way to the rear dropouts, like most jump bikes. Though...I never jump it anymore. I was injured and since then I don't do it anymore cause one more injury to me ankle and it's toast. There are already about a dozen screws still holding my ankle together. I can get them removed but it won't change the fact another injury to it won't end well. I still have fun on my bike and am getting a bit more brave over time, but I can't imagine ever risking my mobility to catch air. Funny enough though, I've had many huge bails and falls when I used to bike more, jumps included...Iand I've never seriously hurt myself on my bike. Lots of blood and bruises, but nothing anyone couldn't handle. I've also been in a coma and since then (I think due to brain damage) my balance isn't as good as it used to be and I am more accident prone now. Since it happened, I've broke several fingers due to what I would call plain old clumsiness. The fingers broke at different times, not the same time. A thumb and my two ring fingers. All in the past two years at different times. Before being in a coma, I'd have told you I had the reflexes of a cat. Now? A drunken toad, maybe? Lol

[@edbrowne8106]

Thanks for that message. Just what this 54 year old needed to hear!

[@cmbrightuk]

46 and ride mtb mostly love dj at pump track and will one day find more time to improve my skills

[@darrinforteir3621]

That's your best video on KZbin yet

[@AnzaEJ]

I feel like a kid again on my hardtail mtb. And at almost 40yo would love to learn to jump that bike better, higher, faster!

[@muhammadmulla5812]

Wiser words were never spoken by a youtuber!

[@davicoo69]

Hey, Eric... You're never too old for a good ride! 😎

[@dj_ath]

I dont want to break something at this age. Did it when I was a kid got a Kona stuntjumper in the backyard collecting dirt

[@Spindatt]

That’s fair, everyone’s risk management is different!

[@BUILTLIGHTWOUNDTIGHT]

AWESOMENESS!!! 😎

[@powaytheband]

use it or loose it. never too old. never grow up. the next ones the best one.

[@Spindatt]

Love it

[@PJSinohin]

39, still riding my dirt/street mtb in the afternoons. hoping curbs and doing manuals instead of jogging.

[@ams0876]

I’m 46 learning dirt jumping, slow progress but not giving up.

[@captjerski4165]

At 55 riding my rigid dj bike and practicing trials, I do not care anyone says, still love doing jumps.

[@Spindatt]

Sick!

[@captjerski4165]

@@Spindatt we ride till it hurts, then rest then ride again.

[@andrewduncan3647]

Great video and message, I’m 51 and been riding for as long as I can remember, DH, all mountain….everything on a bike. I do it more today than I did 30 years ago, almost every day. Nobody tells me I’m too old or I can’t do it, I know my limits now, I just wish I had the bikes I had now 25 years ago! Get out and shred, age is an irrelevant number…….

[@CoolDRMONEY2002]

That was a rad video

[@PlectrumMcPick]

If I'm too old for anything it's too old for making excuses 😁

[@Spindatt]

Yes! Haha

[@joryharms7550]

I just turned 40 last year and bought my first BMX bike. My age doesn't stop me from riding it more, my EGO gets in the way and the thought of what people think a guy my age should and shouldn't be doing. It sucks, but we're working through it cause it's fun. Also, I will be getting a dirt jumper next.

[@ericmonty]

I bought my first dirt jumper at 41 years old, and now at 47 I'm a better rider than I was when I was 17. You don't stop riding because you get old, you get old because you stop riding!!

[@derekmosher4561]

Hell I`m 55 , my favorite bike for tearing around the city is my fixed gear . I took a 25 year break from riding one and bought one when the pandemic hit and ended up getting another and looking to get a used BMX to start going to the skate park . Like you said , start off slow and build yourself up . I just like to ride , regardless what bike I take .

[@DTZinatbakhsh]

Well you finally got me to sub with that pep talk

[@DangerAmbrose]

You're never too old to jump shit, but you can be too old to recover from crashing.

[@stalematedizzy]

I'm 45 and going ride my dirt jumper now 😁

[@danieleflorean7064]

Going to get a second hand BMX this afternoon, i was having second thoughts about it but because of this video I'm going to follow through with it. I'm going to tell my gf to blame you if (when) i get hurt

[@lilosmosis]

Don’t forget that we all make mistakes too, every professional starts as a newbie 🤙🏼 (glad you didn’t get hurt btw)

[@Spindatt]

It was touch and go there for a minute while laying on the ground haha

[@lilosmosis]

@@Spindatt I know that feeling too well, glad it wasn’t worse for sure

[@dantheman3091]

37 and just bought my first DJ bike, a Kona Shonky. Rode BMX as a kid and now that I have a seven year old I want to get him into BMX. So we bought a couple bikes and plan on hitting it hard. However i wont use the Im too old excuse, but will use the I’m too fat excuse at 245 pounds and 6’3…. Hope i dont break too many wheels lol!

[@Spindatt]

Those 26" wheels ought to be pretty strong for you!

[@MrDraich]

THIS VIDEO! You made really good points! If it is within your means, DO IT! Try things, that's how we find out if we like them or not!

[@brooksbanister]

Where's the second like button? Such a great message, Spinboy!

[@drewsenthused6079]

I'm too old for this sort of motivation and self reflection.

[@dvs620]

I'm not to old to learn, I'm too old to crash. 😄

[@Mike-pi6rv]

The issue is not reluctance to learn new things when you get older. The issue is an inability to learn-by-falling. Your crash at 2:30 would have put me off the bike for weeks or months. Some things you can only learn by falling a lot.

[@dalailambda9420]

Yeah, I wonder if 17 year old Eric would have stayed on the ground that long, and if 70 year old Eric would even be able to get back up. There comes a time when even small accidents mean an ambulance ride to the hospital.

[@DaxPlusPlus]

I think some people use age as short hand for other things eg they don't bounce back. But it's also short for; I got unfit, my thinking got conservative, I got boring, learning new stuff is more difficult. I think the first use is fine and as you say, just say no rather than use age as the excuse. Being wary of hurting yourself is not an excuse, it's completely valid. If it's the latter then yes .. all those things can happen as you get older but they shouldn't hold you back.

[@DaxPlusPlus]

Full disclosure - I'm 53 and about to buy a jump bike for use on a pump track. Hoping it'll help my skills on a full size MTB and give me something new to try

[@JB-qw7to]

I got back into skating because of you helping me feel comfortable starting at 31. Gonna get a dirt jumper now too. Just get out there and do it!

[@backyrdadvntures]

Love it! You’re only as old as you believe you are! 🤟👊

[@fkncarl9302]

I ride a dirt jumper with a 1x11 as my only bike.

[@_MrSnrub]

So glad you kept in the edit of the fall. That would 100% be me. Hype myself up (I got this! Mentality) and then go in full send and die immediately.

[@rbstretch100]

At 55, I'm just getting into jumping. Have been using a jump track with my hardtail MTB, however back in Feb did a big jump on a trail with my trail bike and broke/dislocated my collarbone. Now back on the bike, but approaching jumping much more cautiously. Just wondering whether it is worth investing in a specific DJ bike to reduce chances of bad accidents (cause I know a spill is inevitable)?

[@31ncp]

I'm 30 now, and i still want to start riding BMX. Now I'm sure i should try at least)

[@gaberomero1740]

i got my first DJ in January at 45

[@duncanmartin2626]

That looks fun, but I think I'd break myself (even more than I have already). Then again, I'm still fighting the injuries to try and race CX this autumn, so if I survive that maybe I should try it in the spring. :)

[@gregschramm8180]

I don’t want to get hurt cause I don’t like pain and I have to much now. But I like to watch others do the jumps and I ride on the road anyway. I’m a disabled veteran 65 years old and I would but I did it in the late 60s well until the rose bush then the road was born

[@Spindatt]

Pain is definitely not awesome haha

[@theOrkinMan1]

I'm 56 and it takes me about 3 weeks to heal up from a fall like that with my bike but I'm not too old