Age may have something to do with it, but...many, many years ago (when I was 30), I used to work for the Denver Post as a glorified paper thrower (Assistant District Manager). I'd fold papers from midnight till 4 a.m., then go out and throw the routes we had no carriers for. On bad days...after waking up...I'd have a tough time closing my fingers and making a fist. Those days would be the ones after a couple of days break from folding.

I think like any machinery, our bodies need constant exercise and oil in order to function properly. Enough proper hydration would be one answer, as well as a well-balanced diet and maybe using those funky hand grip thingys to exercise your hands...especially if you typically ride for a long time.

My right pinky goes numb now when I'm on any length of a ride...and that's different than last year. But, I am glad that I can still ride.