So in August I'm 70 ffs!
Still riding and generally fit but I thought I ought to do something that makes the year standout a bit. I could have done 70 rides but that would be a bit obvious and I'll probably do that anyway. I thought about visiting every castle in the UK but there are over 4000 (yes 4000) apparently and battlefields aren't much better with over 500 in England!
So I've decided to do 70 things that I haven't done before. Little, large, out of comfort zone, unusual, people, places, music, culture (or not). The real thing is to record them to reflect the rich tapestry of my life. My Mum was a great diary writer and going through her papers I've learnt about aspects of her and dad's lives that I never knew before she died so that has prompted the recording element.
I'm starting now so it's 6 months before and 6 months after the event. I've got a party that is penciled in for September and a family and friends holiday in France for August.
There isn't a great plan but I've made a start with two rides in Belgium. The cycle sportive attached to Omloop Het Neiwsblad and Kuurne Brussels Kuurne. Bloody cold and windy. Haven't felt that knackered in years but great to ride up the Kappel Muir and beat my mate to the top. Also made a start on visiting all the castles in the Welsh Marches by going to Chepstow and Goodrich at the weekend.
Seeing Bradley Wiggins in conversation tomorrow night and have Toots and the Maytels booked in soon.
Other things I'm planning are a visit to Vienna to see a school friend who I haven't heard from for 50 years and contacting the Dame Laura Knight Society to see if one of the people in one of her wartime paintings is my Dad,
Realistically it's going to be two things a week as other commitments might wipe some time out over the year.
Any suggestions would be gratefully received. What would you do?
On my 70th I rode the Tourmalet. A wonderful ride, the day after I rode Luz Ardiden.
Coke and hookers?
Toots without Toots won't be the same 😞
I'm 70 this year as well , my wife has some surprises lined up for me , should I be worried? 😳
Book a flight in a Spitfire (something I'd like to do one of these days)
Can you ride a motorbike? CBT test maybe.
Or a unicycle. Something like that.
Tattoo
Skydiving
DH race
I'm 60 this year - I'm gonna try and get in all 3 ascents of Ventoux - not all on the same day......
Book a flight in a Spitfire (something I'd like to do one of these days)
A friend of mine bought this for her husband ,he says it was one of the best things her has ever done.
It is a bit expensive
Good idea OP. I'm 63 soon might start something similar myself but over the 7 years. Look forward to reading about how you get on
I'll be well on the way to the knackers yard by then, I reckon 70 things for others might be a nice way to go.
70 days voluntary work for an organisation(s) that you like? I would probably choose the Gloucestershire Jet Age Museum.
70 different football grounds.
70 different craft beers.
70 different classic films or books.
70 different hookers?
Definitely plant a tree, the biggest you can afford, possibly fruit. Blossom in the spring, produce and foliage in the summer/autumn and fresher air to boot.
Take/give up recreational drugs
Tattoo
Ha! Already got 30+, ready to book my second Mint Sauce tattoo. Other than that, I’m 71 this year, and having nobody to share such things with, I honestly don’t really care enough to bother. And with increasing arthritis issues, the discomfort tends to take the shine off anyway. 🤷🏼♂️
Maybe go for a tattoo for each year, I’m already a walking scrapbook anyway.
Following in the steps of your mother,write 70 letters about the things and people you care (and have cared) about through your life.
Make it into book,sell the film rights to one of the large streaming sites.
Send my 15% share via PayPal gift to fasthaggis@daftmail.com 😉 🤣
Well if you're going to Vienna to see your old friend, then fit in a big night out at the Opera as well. Perhaps make it a European road-trip?
I have nothing useful to add to this but I'd just like to say to the OP that I like your style. I'll be 63 in Sept and if I make it to 70 I'll be surprised but will take some inspiration from you.
On my 50th I rode to Paris and back. Off road. I'll do it on a road bike next time.
So here's the start I've made and I'll update as I go:
1. Kuurne Brussels Kuurne Sportive - freezing, windy and a late start because we har the wrong key to the locks securing the bikes in the back of the van. Hardest ride I've done for years despite being a nice course that should have suited my build.
2. Omloop het Niewsblad Sportive - how colder could it get? Lots!!! Great to ride the Kappel Muir
3. Autobiography of a CAD - Play by Ian Hislop at a theatre I've never been to before (Watermill in Newbury). Rollocking farce that rings far too close to the politicians we have now.
4. Chepstow Castle - never been before so it means I'll be doing the Marches South to North. Impressive
5. An audience with Bradley Wiggins - not what I'd call an entertaining (k)night but informative and interesting. He's been through a lot and my wife (who's a social worker) is going to recommend the High Performance podcast as required listening to all her colleagues and students. Added bonus is that she bought me a signed print as an early present. 
A 70 year old hooker would probably be as clapped out as me 🤣
Nice project, post some pics. Most of my 10 year Birthdays have slipped by. When racing they meant a new lease of life in a new age group but 60 passed with nothing of note except Covid. This year is official retirement age, 65, well it would be if they hadn't increased it to 66 and 3 months. I'm tempted by a long tour, I've even put some new tyres on the tourer. Now I just have to pack the panniers and not turn back towards home at lunch time.
