The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

Cycling Over 60: The Advice I Wish Someone Had Given Me Cycling over 60 isn’t about chasing speed — it’s about chasing freedom, health, and joy. I’ve logged thousands of miles in my 60s and now at 69, and I can tell you: this sport has changed my life. But I didn’t always know what I was doing. I made mistakes. I learned the hard way. And if you’re just getting into cycling — or want to do it smarter and safer — here’s the advice I wish someone had given me years ago. 🚴‍♂️ 1. Comfort Matters More Than Speed You don’t need an expensive race bike. You need a bike that fits your body and makes you want to ride again tomorrow. Prioritize: Upright posture A saddle that works for your anatomy Tires with a little cushion I started with a basic road bike and slowly dialed it in. Now my setup feels like an extension of me. 🧠 2. Your Mind Will Try to Quit Before Your Body Does The first few weeks are the hardest. You’ll feel slow. You’ll doubt yourself. Ignore it. Your b...

Derailleur destruction caused by a rag sucked into the drivetrain—proof that even a tiny oversight can bring down thousands of miles of planning. I trained for a year—twelve solid months of sweat, hills, and heart—for one ride that I hoped would complete my dream of cycling across the United States. I had already pedaled from Las Cruces to Lubbock and from there to Florida. All that remained was the western stretch: San Diego to Las Cruces . This tour was meant to be the final chapter of a journey years in the making. I didn’t take the challenge lightly. I logged over 6,500 miles in training , with a heavy focus on hill work, knowing the first two days would demand everything my legs had. Physically, I was ready. Mentally, I was locked in. Spiritually? Unshakable. The Start of the Tour: Strong, Steady, and Full of Purpose I drove the 1,100 miles to San Diego with anticipation and purpose. I rolled out on June 1st , feeling confident and free. In fact, I felt so good that I pushed b...

Embarking on a cycling journey as a beginner can feel both exciting and a little intimidating. Whether you're looking to commute, explore nature, or get fit, starting off with the right knowledge can make all the difference. This guide covers the most important tips for new cyclists—so you can hit the road with confidence and ease. 1. Choose the Right Bike for Your Goals Not all bikes are created equal. Start by understanding the different types of bikes available—like road bikes, mountain bikes, hybrids, and city bikes. Think about where you’ll ride most often. Will you be cruising around the neighborhood, hitting local trails, or commuting to work? Visit a local bike shop to get sized correctly and ask about frame materials and features. A comfortable fit is more important than flashy features. 2. Put Safety First Every Time Safety is essential for every rider, especially when you're just starting out. Always wear a properly fitted helmet. Equip your bike with front and r...

My Specialized AWOL and Bob Trailer at a rest stop on the way to Albuquerque, New Mexico for Lubbock, Texas Touring bikes aren’t just machines—they're companions for thousands of miles, rolling journals of adventure, resilience, and freedom. Over the years, I’ve ridden many bikes, but none have left a mark on me quite like the Specialized AWOL . Though it's no longer in production, I still consider it the best touring bike I’ve ever owned. It handled fully loaded tours with a BOB trailer like a dream and gave me unmatched comfort on the road. But while the AWOL has been retired from the market, there are still plenty of exceptional touring bikes out there that carry the torch. If you're planning a big tour—or just daydreaming—these are some of the best you can find today. 🚴‍♂️ 1. Surly Long Haul Trucker / Disc Trucker No list of touring bikes is complete without Surly. The Long Haul Trucker (and its disc-brake sibling, the Disc Trucker ) is a legend among tourers. Frame...

When you’ve spent as many hours on the road as I have, you start to notice what really gets a driver’s attention — and what doesn’t. I used to think bright jerseys and flashing taillights were just extra gear marketed to nervous riders. But I’ve changed my mind. Experience — and data — have convinced me that visibility gear isn’t optional. It’s essential. --- 🚴‍♂️ What I’ve Learned From the Road Over the years, I’ve seen patterns: When I ride in dull, muted jerseys, I get passed closer and faster. When I wear bright yellows, oranges, or lime green, cars tend to give me more room. The days I forget my rear flasher, I feel invisible until the last second. There’s one stretch of highway near Lubbock where the difference is night and day — same road, same time of day, but the jersey color changes the driver behavior. --- 📊 What the Research Says A study published in Accident Analysis & Prevention showed that flashing rear lights reduced near-misses by 33%. Another found that fluoresc...