Video: Alf - The 82 Year Old Cancer Survivor Who Still Rides

Dec 8, 2018
by Pinkbike Staff  

bigquotesAll I say is, I enjoy it and I'm ok for my age—Alf

Still riding at 82 and after surviving cancer, what a legend! Read more here.

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171 Comments
  • 311 14
 No electrics! Eat dust, young weaklings!!
  • 8 3
 To this day, I dont know any ebikers.
  • 6 3
 I saw a video of him last month sending a no hander over a road gap
  • 227 12
 82. Doesn't need an ebike.
  • 91 29
 don't worry, ebikers will always find a reason to excuse their laziness
  • 50 92
flag d-man FL (Dec 8, 2018 at 10:05) (Below Threshold)
 @zede: dont worry opinionated twits like you will always feel they need to judge what others do
  • 25 59
flag zede (Dec 8, 2018 at 10:49) (Below Threshold)
 @d-man: don't worry, I'm not expecting that any self centered sled user, ebike fanboy to understand what is laziness. As I told you last time :

"I wish skidoo and helis were super cheap so all the kooks and disabled would invade/track "your" mountains/pow staches, I'm sure you would feel good about it.
I wish you were owning a bikepark in which people use their ebikes to get laps without paying. I'm sure you would be happy about it.

I'm not gonna continue with other examples, because I know all the shuttle/skidoo/heli ski and heli biking crowd does not care about respecting nature, preserving access to wilderness, or keeping these area mint and clean for the next generation; you people just care about getting your weekly dose of "shred" no matter what."
  • 16 9
 @zede: so liking ebikes makes you self-centered now? Care to explain that? Beyond buying any mtb is a selfish extravagance.
  • 44 39
 @zede: You're a muppet, Ebikes are fun af.
  • 18 42
flag zede (Dec 8, 2018 at 12:08) (Below Threshold)
 @Clarkeh: very elaborated argument. You're totally the smartest in the world. Thanks. You opened my mind.
  • 20 13
 @zede: Glad to be of service.
  • 9 35
flag zede (Dec 8, 2018 at 12:11) (Below Threshold)
 @clarky78: random guy "bob is smart and he has an iPhone"
You : "ah so having an iPhone makes you smart ?"
  • 12 2
 Bloody hell old mate @zede is a little bitter! I wonder who put salt in his coffee
  • 35 4
 @zede: I wish I had an E MTB when my chemotherapy finished had to learn to walk again!! Let everybody enjoy their way of mountainbike riding, not everybody is as strong and agile and superior as you are!!
  • 23 3
 The guy simply enjoys the pleasure of riding a bike, and someone HAS to talk about ebikes.
  • 3 11
flag drjonnywonderboy (Dec 8, 2018 at 16:01) (Below Threshold)
 @zede: so true
  • 7 3
 @Bfc: so true. know folks who have struggled to try and get back to the sport. ignorant af to suggest anyone who may be able to use one as lazy.
  • 6 5
 @Bfc: some people use ebikes to go faster not cos they need them !
Hope you’re doing well Wink
  • 11 7
 @zede: You are an example of 'it's better to stay silent and have people think your an idiot rather than open your mouth and .......' Rule #1-there is a God, Rule #2 Your not it Zede--STFU and Live and Let Live.

Started riding a 1/2 pound lighter without a prostate 2 years ago and hope to be riding like Alf at 82 as well if not longer and especially if Fazua and Evation systems abound..... Wink
  • 8 0
 @etga6657: this is about an 80 years rider And he is an example for us. Just stop all this bitching and go ride.
  • 6 15
flag zede (Dec 8, 2018 at 23:37) (Below Threshold)
 @fat-hub: and now the religious idiot jumps in
  • 3 0
 @Matt115lamb: I am doing okay just not as strong as I used to be, that's where a ebike comes in handy. I see more damage done here by idiots on normal bikes specially riding in groups then e bikes, I guess it differs place to place. I enjoy riding as much as I can but after an hour I am done but I love my Fuel EX it put a smile on my dial every ride.
  • 7 0
 If alf ever fancies switching to an e-bike he’s gonna be wary of a social media backlash... kinda missing the point of this film @zede:
  • 6 0
 @jacobite321: Just ride your f*ckin bike E or not just enjoy!!
  • 1 0
 @zede:
  • 4 8
flag zede (Dec 9, 2018 at 6:43) (Below Threshold)
 @jacobite321: the point of this film is : Alf is a trill mountain biker, and ebikers are sissies
  • 3 2
 Wait till he's 93, then ebike will be a blessing for his mtb life
  • 8 1
 @zede: your response highlights your intelligence and logic.. Also every other response you have given just digs your hole deaper. Quit while your behind.
  • 1 2
 @inonyme: at 93 he will still be sending super man seat grabs off a road gap. Mark my words
  • 1 8
flag zede (Dec 9, 2018 at 13:03) (Below Threshold)
 @clarky78: dude you are the one with the flawed logic of a dead fish.
Nowhere I have said "liking ebikes makes you self-centered " you created this "causality" out of nowhere, thanks to your great intelligence and logic. oops
  • 5 0
 @zede: "zede (1 days ago) (Below Threshold)
d-man: don't worry, I'm not expecting that any self centered sled user, ebike fanboy to understand what is laziness."
  • 10 0
 @zede: Look man stop. You have to be spewing some pretty toxic stuff to get downvoted on pinkbike for being AGAINST ebikes. Now I'm no fan of ebikes, I personally believe that they aren't really the entire experience of mountain biking BUT that is absolutely no reason to attack their right to enjoy the outdoors the way they wish to. giving an ebiker shit for riding an ebike is like giving an enduro rider shit bc their bike makes the downhills to easy. Also BIG DIFFERENCE between the harmless banter that occurs on pinkbike against ebikes and genuine hostility. learn that difference mate.
  • 2 0
 wow - from that story all you took from it is that he wasn't on an e-bike - seriously, no joking here, you really need to grow up dude, just grow the hell up!!
  • 2 6
flag zede (Dec 10, 2018 at 9:09) (Below Threshold)
 @Clarkeh: these are two different parts of the sentence. If I say "You are a man, that also happens to like blue jeans" does it mean that I imply that because you are a man, you must like blue jeans ? No.

next.
bring on the negprops idiots
  • 2 0
 @zede: so be it Smile
  • 3 1
 @zede: @zede: So I take it, you're ignoring the fact that many ebikers may not have the fitness levels to commit themselves for a full day of riding, or even have the ability to do so whatsoever? In my local area, as I'm sure there are around the world, many of the ebike riders feel as though it's giving them a second opportunity to do what really is a dangerous and exhausting sport despite their physical ability and fitness levels. Some peoples bodies won't allow for the abuse and strain that mountain biking puts on them, particularly people who may have a disability or have had past incidents.

Obviously your opinion doesn't really matter, but why make people feel uncomfortable for their decisions on what type of bike they ride? Really mature dude, really mature.
  • 2 5
 @CrankedMedia-Aus: do you want disabled/less fit to get a pass(aka ebike) to put themselves in more potential danger than they could actually put themselves with a normal bike ?
Makes sense...
What about just giving EPO to unfit people, what about giving a motobike with pedals to disabled people ? It would achieve the same purpose so why isn't it ok ?
And if my opinion is making people uncomfortable(I doubt it), maybe they should look at themselves in the mirror and ask why is it making them uncomfortable.

Im not fit enough to pedal up an entire day. And I'm not getting an ebike. I just don't pedal one entire day. And I wanted I would train to improve. Like normal people you know ?
  • 2 0
 @zede: who made you caretaker of all bike riders? Stfu and mind your own business.
  • 1 2
 @d-man: dumbman I know you have some mental issues, but try not to obsessively look for my comments just to answer unrelated shit
  • 1 1
 @zede: lol you are a joke, keep replying with your self centered comments that piss people off and have nothing to do with the actual article just so you can feel like you have someone to talk to.
  • 1 0
 @d-man: call it a truce guys lol
  • 130 0
 Alf, I don't know if you follow this link, but if you do I'm right there with you. I'll be 81 in March. Started when I was 50 in central Virginia and ride the local trails around Charlottesville, Virginia. There's nothing like a mountain bike to keep you young physically and mentally. The other great benefit is the people you meet in the mountain bike community. I'm a coach on a local mountain bike team, and it has been a revelation regarding the character, friendliness and positive attitude these folks have. And then, there's the kids - just amazing young folks from 8 to 18 years old. Just think how good they will be when they're our age!!!
  • 5 0
 Really pushing mtb boundaries. Future is brighter if is possible to ride like that in your eigty something
  • 2 0
 as someone living in norfolk VA who used to ride trails in california on a mtb team in high school.. I envy you... there aint shit for trails around here.
  • 5 2
 There is a geezer called Griff Wigley, 76 I think, sends drops, jumps, wheelies, bunnyhops, one handed track stands and what not. He’s one of the coaches in RLC online MTB school. Defo motivated me to jump better Smile
  • 1 0
 @glynn121: Come up to Richmond - Pocahontas State Park has 44 miles of great trails to ride. www.trailforks.com/region/pocahontas-state-park
  • 1 0
 @Stinky-Dee: Steven Scott, is that you??
  • 4 0
 Mega-dittoes here Gus: I'm 72 and help coach a local NICA high school MTB team. The kids kick my butt most days; but what a wonderful chance to see and help them improve their fitness, skills, and self-confidence.

I get the same feeling at 72 on an MTB that I did at 7 on a bike -- freedom, motion, challenge, FUN!!!

Ride on!! :-)
  • 89 0
 I want to be like that when I grow up! ( I just turned 60) Thanks for sharing Alf.
  • 56 0
 I first met this Gentleman at Cannock Chase around 7 or 8 years ago, he was riding with his Son and Grandson. He told me that his Doctor had suggested that he should do some physical exercise, so as his family were mountain bikers, so he got a mountain bike. I will always remember him telling me that his first mountain bike (Orange 5) cost more than his first house! lol
Keep it up Alf, you are an inspirational Human Being! tup
  • 18 0
 I met a 79 year old guy at my local bike park last month. Very reassuring to know I've still (hopefully) got plenty more years of riding (I'm 41). He was a lovely bloke too - said he was trying to learn how to jump a bike properly. He wasn't joking either!
  • 53 0
 Alf is what we all hope to be one day.
  • 44 1
 I’ll be 50 years young this year and two years in remission from cancer. Thanks for the inspiration!!!
  • 27 0
 I met an 82 year old woman shredding dr park in crested butte. She lives in gunnison. Should do a story on her.
  • 12 0
 Exactly what riding any bike is, and always should be about, Alf clearly proves age, and serious illness (once recovered from) is no barrier to get riding.
Still shocks me at times that there are still a lot of people around that never learnt the joy of riding a bike, if ever I meet one, I try my upmost to ensure they discover it, as it still is and always will be, one of the single most important things invented by a human, the bike.
EVERY human on the planet should ride one at least once in life.
  • 11 0
 Sir you're a Legend, really appreciate.great motivation for going to ride bikes.thanks for sharing.keep on riding Alf Smile
  • 9 0
 I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Alf numerous times on the Chase and can honestly say that he is as genuinely nice as he comes across in the video. Top bloke, time for anyone and a genuine inspiration. Keep on riding Alf.
  • 11 0
 I met this legend in cannock chase forest
  • 8 1
 My dream to be riding the dirt until I end up in the dirt. Bury me with my trusty full suspension aluminum steed so I can still ride when I am gone Big Grin
  • 1 0
 Carbon, please.
  • 8 0
 70 now, just hope I can still ride in 12 years time...Great stuff seeing old folks boogie..
  • 6 0
 This guy is a total inspiration to all young and old alike, it doesn't matter about ripping up trails or bike parks just get out and enjoy riding your bike. Respect.
  • 7 0
 Awesome, I hope to keep riding as long as Alf and longer. Keep on pedaling Alf. I'll follow your exemple.
  • 7 0
 Alf.. doing what we all want to be doing for as long as we can. I tip my hat you!
  • 9 2
 Keep on rolling Alf!!!! Putting Cannocks army of Electric weekend worriers to shame.
  • 3 2
 Yeah, I was there today and it was ebike central.
  • 4 0
 Good on you Alf, keep it up. I'm a whole lot younger at 62 and love to ride. One guy in our group is 78 and is riding strong. He's getting slower on the up hills but can descend some real technical descents with the best of them and is super strong on a road bike. It sure beats wasting away in front of the tele. Biking keeps you young, so keep riding. Cheers mate.
  • 7 0
 This man makes me proud to be a human. Well done sir, well done!
  • 5 0
 Met Alf a few times, he’s a local legend! He even litter picks the trails! (Shame he has to though!) I hope to be riding at his age!
  • 4 0
 I met Jim who is not a teenager anymore on Levo on North Shore and he is a legend for me and the example how to enjoy what you do. E bike or no ebike, just ride it. Thank you, Jim!
  • 5 0
 Wow. I'm 60 and thought riding at my age was something. Humbled. Loved the trails he was on.
  • 5 0
 Legend! This totally just made my day!
  • 5 0
 I talk to him every week and always bump into him. Absolute legend!
  • 6 1
 Awesome and no ebike respect
  • 5 0
 One of the best videos I've seen on pinkbike. This made me happy.
  • 4 0
 Alf is my new spirit animal!
  • 4 0
 my spirit animal used to be the middle finger, now it's alf.
  • 3 0
 Makes me want to ride more than most shredits. Cheers man! Completely punk rock.
  • 1 0
 Punk rock in the most legit way
  • 5 0
 Made my day. Thanks Alf.
  • 4 0
 Natural rider with great style and outlook !
  • 4 0
 I wish to have so much power at 82! Congrats!
  • 3 0
 Fantastic sir!!! As you know, enjoy every moment, they are all gifts!! Seasons best!
  • 4 0
 Pinkbike should put Alf on a tshirt.
  • 1 0
 make this a thing.

"I aspire to be like Alf"
  • 3 0
 Alf, you have found the fountain of youth. Your perspective on living a good life is an inspiration to all.
  • 4 0
 Respect to you sir! I hope to be ripping the trails at 82 as well!
  • 3 0
 See him quite often on my local trails (cannock). Hes deffo an inspiration. He dont hang about either.
  • 5 0
 Fuck yeah
  • 5 0
 Alf just went legend.
  • 3 0
 Mountain biking is truly magical. Good on ya Alf. Keep on shredding. This article just made my day!
  • 1 0
 He's OK for my age too. Finally a guy I can look up to both age -and-medical-wise. A new hero for me, which offsets the bad news I just got about one of our SoCal Mtn. Lions who just died. Fire--related.
  • 3 0
 Alf You are an inspiration, keep it up buddy!
  • 3 0
 "All I say is, I enjoy it and I'm ok for my age" #lifegoals
  • 3 0
 I met this guy this summer at Cannock. Absolute legend and a inspiration.
  • 3 0
 Good for you Alf, see you on the trails!
  • 4 0
 Dudes a Badass!
  • 4 0
 Legend
  • 3 0
 Typical Cannock, diversions!
  • 3 0
 Keep on shredding!!! Woohoo!!!
  • 3 0
 Well played good sir. Respect
  • 3 0
 Nothing can beat a stubborn biker
  • 3 0
 Quintuple OG down for Life!
  • 4 0
 Amazing.
  • 3 0
 I talked to a 68 year old who shreds the local black diamonds still
  • 2 0
 Ever ride with Old Man Pete up there? Nearing 80 and he kills it!
  • 2 0
 @tripleultrasuperboostplusplus: absolutely! Pete not only shreds on a bike and skis, but he is responsible for a lot of the more popular trails on Fromme. He puts in a tonne of work building and maintaining them, often single handedly. like Alf, Pete is a legend!
  • 3 0
 What a guy. Great to see him out riding rarther than sat doing nothing!
  • 4 0
 Shred til your dead
  • 1 0
 Alf, you are THE man! But... if i tell my wife, that there can be another 30 years of riding bikes, my day is probably done.
  • 2 0
 Love this story. Too bad the comments got hijacked by the ebike discussion.
  • 1 0
 Agreed. This is about how awesome mountain biking is and how it keeps you you! Ride on guys!!
  • 2 0
 If an 82 year old cancer survivor can still ride a conventional MTB, then why do we need motorbikes on the trails Smile
  • 1 0
 alf, what an inspiration for younger riders and there is a lot of 30 /40 somethings who could learn a thing or two from alfs mindset ,great stuff
  • 3 0
 Hell ya!
  • 2 0
 Killing it. Double Strava Kudos to you Smile
  • 2 0
 Love it!!! Keep riding Alf!
  • 3 1
 Oi e-bikes are a whole new fun factor, let them be
  • 2 0
 This made my day. Thanks for sharing!
  • 2 0
 Best video of 2018!! awesome.
  • 3 1
 ‘This is the coolest thing I have ever seen!’ -Beavis
  • 3 1
 heheheheheheheheh -Butthead
  • 2 1
 @barney-foobar: fart-knocker
  • 3 0
 What an inspiration!
  • 2 0
 Such a nice lad he is, go Alf!
  • 3 0
 KICK.... ASS....
  • 2 0
 I wish I had 40 more years of riding! Respect.
  • 5 3
 this dude has my permission to have an Ebike if he wants one
  • 2 0
 That dude rips! I hope I'm there at 82.
  • 3 0
 True mountainbiker
  • 2 0
 i live to ride and dig to live so I will never stop.
  • 2 0
 What a wonder ,keep it on
  • 1 0
 Missed opportunity. Should have had a dude put his clothes and helmet on and send a massive gap at the end.
  • 1 0
 That was great. I hope to enjoy mountain biking until I am in my 80's. Halfway there and still getting better on the bike.
  • 1 0
 This is awesome. Thanks Pinkbike for covering something different, I really enjoyed this story.
  • 1 0
 That’s all I want when I’m 82yo, to ride some good flow, on a good bike, and chill.
Thirty years and counting ...
  • 1 0
 I too have had the pleasure to meet Alf. He's a true gent and inspiration. See you on the trail soon chap.
  • 1 0
 Ha, NO WAY. I had a good long chat with this guy during the summer - awesome fellow.
  • 1 0
 Just finished a 5 day tour with my 80 year old father. He's still riding 200 miles a week on the road.
  • 2 0
 Hero!
  • 2 0
 Respect!
  • 2 0
 what a legend!!
  • 2 0
 Thumbs up...:-)
  • 1 0
 I tip my hat to you, sir.
  • 1 0
 Love it! Wish to be biking too at that age.
  • 2 0
 Awesome dude ????
  • 2 0
 Respect!
  • 2 0
 Legend
  • 2 0
 Good old boi.
  • 2 0
 What a legend!! Love it!
  • 2 0
 Goals AF
  • 2 0
 Old dude rips!
  • 1 0
 What an awesome attitude and outlook. Respect.
  • 1 0
 Dat front brake line.. Doing double bar spins?
  • 2 0
 Insipired. Thanks Alf.
  • 2 0
 Thank you...inspiration.
  • 1 0
 Rad! No doubt I will hopefully be doing the same!
  • 1 0
 What a legend! And on my local trails too.
  • 1 0
 They can't bury you if you're moving.
  • 1 0
 Keep blowing minds senior mofos, you make us all feel younger!
  • 1 0
 And Well Done Young Man, you are an inspiration!
  • 1 0
 I am 62 and plan to be that guy!!!
  • 2 1
 is this man Jesus?
  • 2 4
 No.
This one (Alf) is real!
  • 2 1
 Alf your the man !!!
  • 1 0
 Way to go ALF!!
  • 1 0
 82 years young!
  • 1 0
 Rip it up Alf!
  • 1 0
 Send it !
  • 1 0
 Excellent!!!
  • 4 5
 Alf - cool mindset, cool guy but do wear some pads.







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