The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

From a Broken Tour to the Struggle Bus: My Palo Duro Canyon Prep Ride for Hotter’N Hell That's me in the canyon Two weeks before the Hotter’N Hell 100, where I will be doing the half,   I decided to test myself with a 50-mile ride in one of Texas’ toughest places to cycle — Palo Duro Canyon . I knew it would be hot. I knew it would be hilly. But I didn’t know that the final six miles would turn into a fight just to stay upright. The Base That Made This Possible I’ve ridden over 6,000 miles in the last 12 months , much of it challenging and in the Texas heat. Living in Lubbock , I’m used to triple-digit summer rides. I would never have attempted this canyon ride without that base. Even so, this day proved that sometimes, even with years of experience, you still get humbled. My goal wasn’t to ride in extreme heat. I got there early enough that I expected to finish when temps were in the mid-90s. The morning was pleasant. But when things started going wrong mid-ride,...

Most of my bike rides follow familiar paths. I know where the wind will hit, where the traffic is lightest, and even where the pavement is smoothest. I ride through the Texas Tech campus almost daily — but usually along its quieter edges. I avoid the crowded walkways and stick to my set plan. But today wasn’t one of those days. Off Rhythm from the Start The ride was supposed to be a simple 20-miler. I’d had a rough morning, and even though the weather wasn’t especially hot, everything felt off. My neck hurt, my mood was sour, and I just didn’t feel like myself. I almost turned back early. Instead, I kept pedaling. And somewhere on the north end of town, I made a subtle shift — one of those unconscious choices that ends up changing the day. Back Through Downtown — and a Surprise Coming home, I usually swing around the outskirts of downtown Lubbock. It’s a quiet area, not much traffic, not much to see. But today, I rolled straight down Broadway — that old brick road with a bike...

Quick Thoughts: The best gifts for senior cyclists combine comfort, safety, and fun. Top picks include padded bib shorts, bike lights, smart scales, mirrors, and arm sleeves. Finding the perfect gift for a cyclist over 60 can be tricky — but it doesn’t have to be. After logging more than 150,000 miles in the saddle , I know exactly which cycling gifts seniors will actually use and love. This guide covers the 10 best gifts for senior cyclists — from budget-friendly gear to big-ticket upgrades. My wife always says I’m hard to buy for. She never knows what to get me for birthdays or Christmas. But here’s the thing — I honestly think I’m easy to shop for. Why? Because I’m a cyclist. And not just any cyclist — a senior who rides long distances and loves the gear that makes riding smoother, safer, or just a little more fun. This post is for anyone who loves a cyclist but isn’t sure what to buy. Whether it’s your spouse, friend, or grandparent, here are 10 gift ideas they’ll actu...

🚴 A compliment that made my day… and a glare that made me nervous. Here’s the funny (and slightly awkward) story from a hot summer cycling tour — and the gear that came out of it. I was on a long solo tour somewhere in Louisiana. I don’t remember the exact town—just that it was hot. Brutally hot. I was exhausted. Sweat-soaked. It wasn’t one of my better days on the bike. I’d had some headwinds, maybe some doubts. The kind of day where checking into a cheap motel feels like finishing a stage of the Tour de France. I walked in still in full cycling gear—helmet, gloves, jersey, the whole getup. The man at the desk started asking me the usual questions I get when I’m traveling by bike—if you’ve ever toured, you probably know the ones. While we were talking, a couple came in behind me to check in too. I’m sure they heard at least part of the conversation—maybe not every word, but enough to catch on that I was some kind of long-distance cyclist—maybe more stubborn than smart, roll...

Some people get their best ideas in the shower. I get mine on two wheels — somewhere between the wind in my ears and the rhythm of the road. Here's why cycling is where my stories are born. Why My Best Ideas Come When I’m on the Bike Some people wake up at 3 a.m. with inspiration. Others have genius moments in the shower. Me? My best ideas hit while I’m pedaling down a quiet road with nothing but wind, wheels, and my own thoughts. More and more, it’s happening mid-ride. If you've read any of my recent posts — the ones with unexpected honesty or a story twist — chances are the spark came while I was riding. 🚴 The Magic of Motion There’s something about the rhythm of cycling that opens up my brain. Maybe it’s the repetition, the solitude, or the fact that my hands aren’t reaching for a phone every 30 seconds. No distractions. No pressure. Just movement and space. ...

Want to meet more cyclists on your rides? Here are 15 easy, friendly ways to start a conversation — even if you’re shy or new. You might be surprised how many people are hoping someone says hello first. 15 Conversation Starters for Meeting People on a Ride Ever ride past someone and wish you had said something — but didn’t know how to start? It happens to all of us, especially when we’re new to cycling or just naturally a bit reserved. But one of the best parts of riding a bike — especially as an older adult — is the people you meet along the way. From casual group rides to surprise encounters at a roadside stop, cycling opens the door to meaningful conversations… if you know how to start them. Why It Feels Hard to Speak Up Sometimes I’ll be honest: when I started riding, I used to feel completely out of place around other cyclists. They had the flashy bikes, the tight kits, the confident riding style — and I just didn’t feel like I belonged. I figured they were probabl...

That photo ? That’s me — taken the day before writing this post, during a 93-degree ride in Lubbock . I’m wearing my cooling leg sleeves , which I now wear on every ride, no matter the distance or temperature. But it wasn’t always that way. 🌞 I Didn't Take Sun Damage Seriously — Until I Had To For most of my riding life, I never thought much about sun protection. I’ve logged tens of thousands of miles across the Southwest and rarely wore sunscreen. My wife, who’s dealt with skin cancer herself, couldn't believe I rode like that. She kept encouraging me to go to a free skin clinic. I eventually gave in. At the clinic, they found a suspicious spot on my leg. I followed up with a dermatologist the very next day — and thanks to a cancellation, I got right in. The doctor burned off the spot and told me to keep an eye on it. That’s when I started using sunscreen more seriously — arms, legs, face, everything. Here's a post called A Wake-Up Call on Two Wheels: Why I Now Take Sun...