The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

If you’re planning a multi-day tour, you already know how important it is to have a reliable bike. When you're 40 miles from the nearest town and something goes wrong, it’s not just an inconvenience — it can be a real problem. After riding thousands of miles across the country, I can tell you this: a dependable bicycle isn’t a luxury. It’s essential. Let me share a personal story. In early 2020, I was out on a training ride when the chainstay on my steel-framed Specialized AWOL cracked. Thankfully, Specialized offers a lifetime warranty on their frames. I took it to my local dealer, and just days later, I was rolling out on a brand-new Specialized Diverge. The best part? It didn’t cost me a dime. That Diverge would go on to carry me 962 miles across Texas during the summer heat of 2020 — without a single mechanical issue. I have put in over 20,000 miles on that bicycle and will probably double that mileage before thinking about getting a replacement. While I still prefer the fe...

  As an avid cyclist, I’ve discovered that one of the greatest freedoms on two wheels is the ability to choose your own path — literally and figuratively. For me, that often means riding solo. There’s something deeply satisfying about setting your own pace, stopping when you want, and soaking in the scenery without distraction. One of my most memorable solo rides was in New Mexico, 45 miles from the nearest town. Just me, my bike, and the road — total solitude, total peace. That’s not to say I haven’t enjoyed group rides. Over the years, I’ve joined a few organized tours and met some fantastic people. Swapping stories, laughing through tough climbs, and offering encouragement during hard miles — the social side of cycling can be just as rewarding. But I’ve also experienced the downside: overly competitive groups where someone always tries to prove something. That kind of energy isn’t for me. The beauty of cycling is this: you don’t have to choose one forever. You can be a lone w...