The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

Updated March 7, 2026 Quick Answer: Yes, cyclists can ride while taking beta blockers, but these medications limit heart rate and can cause sudden fatigue, dizziness, and reduced endurance. Many riders feel like they “hit the wall” earlier than usual. If you experience this, speak with your doctor and pay close attention to hydration, pacing, and effort during rides. Cycling on Beta Blockers: What I Learned the Hard Way After riding more than 155,000 miles , I’ve learned that many things affect cycling performance — training, nutrition, hydration, weather, and sometimes something riders rarely think about: medications. Many years ago, I was prescribed beta blockers for high blood pressure. I kept riding like normal and didn’t think much about it. But something started happening on longer rides. I would feel fine for the first part of the ride, and then suddenly it felt like someone flipped a switch. My energy vanished. My legs felt heavy. The ride home became mis...

Living in Lubbock, Texas means learning to live with wind. A lot of it. We’re not talking gentle breezes—we’re talking 40 mph gusts that can knock your hat off, slam your door shut, or, in the case of cyclists, turn a ride into a full-on battle. But here’s the truth: for those of us who ride, those high winds can actually be a gift in disguise . Wind as a Training Partner I’ve trained in winds strong enough to make you question your life choices—20 miles straight into a headwind that felt like climbing a mountain that never ends. No breaks. No relief. Just legs grinding and lungs burning. But you know what? It’s one of the best workouts you’ll ever get. Cycling in strong winds builds: Endurance – You push longer and harder. Strength – Every pedal stroke takes more muscle. Mental toughness – It’s you vs. the wind, and you learn how to win. Treat Wind Like Hills Here’s a mindset shift that helps: think of wind like terrain . Headwind = uphill. Shift into a lo...

Cycling down a steep hill can be one of the most exhilarating parts of a ride—or one of the most nerve-wracking. For some, it’s a thrilling rush of wind and speed. For others, it’s white-knuckle time, hands glued to the brakes, heart pounding with every curve. So let me ask you: Which type of cyclist are you? Do you tuck in , trust your bike, and let gravity pull you into the thrill? Or do you feather your brakes , cautiously checking your speed as you navigate each turn? For Me, It’s Somewhere in the Middle I’ll admit it—I love the feeling of speed on a good descent. The wind rushing past, the sense of flight—it’s part of what makes cycling feel like freedom. But I also know the importance of staying in control . I’ve seen what can happen when confidence outruns caution, and I’d rather enjoy the ride safely than end it with a crash. The Daredevils: Speed, Skill, and Trust Some cyclists I know go all in on the descents. They: Tuck into an aerodynamic position Hold off t...

Caffeine is one of the most popular performance-enhancing tools in the cycling world. And for good reason—it works. Whether you’re sipping coffee before a ride or taking caffeine supplements mid-century, many cyclists rely on it to stay sharp, ride longer, and keep their energy levels up. So what exactly can caffeine do for cyclists riding a century ride (100 miles) ? Let’s break it down. What Is Caffeine and How Does It Work? Caffeine is a natural stimulant found in coffee, tea, cocoa, and many soft drinks, energy drinks, and supplements. It works by blocking adenosine, a neurotransmitter that promotes sleep and relaxation. In doing so, it increases alertness, enhances focus, and reduces the perception of fatigue. For cyclists, especially during endurance events like a century ride, this can translate to some real performance benefits. 1. Reduces Fatigue and Delays Exhaustion One of caffeine’s most important effects is its ability to delay the onset of fatigue . During a long ...

Cycling is one of those beautiful activities that can feel like magic. There are days when it’s all sunshine and tailwinds, when the road feels like a ribbon of joy stretching out in front of you. Your legs are light, the sky is blue, and it feels like you’re riding through Candyland —a place where every mile is effortless, and time seems to melt away under your tires. But just like in life, cycling has its valleys too . When the Ride Turns Dark One day you’re gliding through the landscape like you’ve got wings. The next day, it feels like you're pedaling through the Valley of Darkness . Your legs are heavy, the wind is relentless, and even the smallest hill feels like a mountain. We’ve all been there. And while those days can feel defeating, they’re also the days that make you stronger. The Power of Perseverance It’s during the hard rides—the ones where everything feels off—that your mindset matters most. That’s when it helps to remember: The joy you felt during your last great ...

Last updated: December 22, 2025 – Refreshed with my latest thoughts on long-distance cycling as a 70-year-old rider. Quick Take: At 70 years old, I’m not chasing speed—I’m riding long-distance tours for freedom, health, and sanity. Cycling keeps me moving, thinking clearly, and feeling young at heart. Age changes how I ride, not whether I ride. Bruce(70) of The Old Guy Bicycle Blog on a Long-Distance Tour At 70 years old, I’m riding farther, smarter, and happier than I did at 30 or 40. I’m not hunting for KOMs or sprint jerseys anymore. I’m chasing something better: freedom, clarity, and the quiet satisfaction that comes from turning pedals for hours under an open sky. People sometimes ask why I still ride long distances at my age. The answer is blunt: cycling keeps me alive—physically, mentally, and emotionally. It isn’t just a hobby. It’s stitched into who I am, and it gives my days structure, meaning, and fire. Cycling Keeps My Body Moving in a W...

Last updated: February 6, 2026 – Updated with real-world tips from a 70-year-old long-distance cyclist. Quick Take: Cycling keeps me strong, lean, and sane at 70—but it doesn’t make me bulletproof. Senior cyclists still face heart issues, inflamed knees, joint pain, heat problems, and skin damage. The key is catching problems early, listening when your body whispers, and using smart gear to protect your future rides. As cyclists, we like to think we’re “the healthy ones.” We ride more than most people walk. We sweat, we climb, we push our limits. I’ve done that for decades—and at 70, I still ride long distances regularly. But here’s the blunt truth: being fit does not make you invincible. It helps, a lot. It stacks the odds in your favor. But cyclists—especially older cyclists—are not magically protected from health problems. This isn’t meant to scare you away from the bike. It’s meant to keep you on it longer. The more you understand the risks, the more...

I recently had someone tell me about a friend of theirs who used to be a very good runner, but now their knees just won’t let them run anymore. They asked me a simple question: “What can I tell my friend to convince them to try cycling instead?” Well, here's what I’d say—and maybe it'll help others in the same situation, too. As we get older, our bodies change. Activities that once felt easy—like running—can become difficult, especially when it comes to our joints. The knees, in particular, take a beating from years of pounding pavement. But that doesn’t mean it’s time to stop moving altogether. Not by a long shot. Cycling is a fantastic alternative to running, especially for people who still want to stay fit, healthy, and active without punishing their bodies. Here's why: 1. It’s Easy on the Joints Unlike running, cycling is low impact , which means it’s gentler on your knees, hips, and ankles. The smooth, circular motion of pedaling is ideal for people with joint issues ...

Real Stories from the Road: This blog isn’t written by a brand or influencer — it’s written by a real cyclist who's been riding for 50+ years. What you're about to read is personal, honest, and might just stay with you the next time you see someone riding alone. See more true cycling stories → Female Cyclists Deserve Respect—and Safety By Bruce | The Old Guy Bicycle Blog There’s a certain freedom that comes with riding a bicycle. The wind, the rhythm, the open road. But for many female cyclists, that freedom comes with a layer of fear and tension most men never feel — and I wouldn’t fully understand it myself if it weren’t for my daughter. She’s an ultra-distance runner. She’s been on the bike plenty too. And almost every time we talk about her rides or runs, she shares something new — catcalls, honking, dangerous passes, cars swerving too close, people yelling out windows. Rude. Classless. Unsafe. And it’s not just one bad moment. It’s constant. I can say, hones...

Cycling is growing, but diversity hasn’t caught up. Progress is happening through grassroots groups and DEI initiatives, yet high costs and limited representation still keep too many riders out. The future of the sport depends on real inclusion. Diversity in Cycling: Where We Stand Today Cycling is a beautiful sport. It pushes body and mind, blending endurance, skill, and pure joy. Road, gravel, mountain, track, touring—it has something for almost everyone. But there’s still one issue holding the sport back: a serious lack of diversity and inclusion. How We Got Here The roots of this problem run deep. Historically, cycling was dominated by European countries, where the sport first took shape. That dominance still shows today—just look at the rosters of elite races like the Tour de France, which remain overwhelmingly white and European. Beyond geography, cost is a huge barrier. High-quality bikes, helmets, shoes, and gear can add up to thousands of dollars. For rider...

As I pedaled slowly up a steep mountain road, struggling against the thin air and burning legs, a familiar quote floated into my mind—one that felt more meaningful than ever in that moment: "Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving." — Albert Einstein I’ve heard that quote dozens of times, but during this particular ride, it hit me differently. As I pushed through the pain, one pedal stroke at a time, it wasn’t just a nice phrase—it was a lifeline. The climb was brutal. The altitude was high, the air was thin, and my body was screaming for relief. But I didn’t stop. I kept moving—slowly, steadily, and stubbornly—until I reached the summit. And let me tell you, that feeling at the top? It was indescribable. It wasn’t just about conquering the mountain—it was about conquering the voice in my head that said, “You can’t.” Perseverance: One Pedal Stroke at a Time This ride taught me more than just physical endurance. It reminded me that per...

Last Updated: October 1, 2025 Acupuncture for Senior Cyclists: Pain Relief, Mobility & Recovery Quick Take: Acupuncture can reduce joint pain, ease muscle soreness, and improve mobility for senior cyclists. It’s a time-tested tool that helps keep riders active and comfortable well into their 60s, 70s, and beyond. 🚴 Why I Still Use Acupuncture as a Senior Cyclist As we age, joint pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility become more common—and for senior cyclists like me, those issues can get in the way of something we truly love: riding our bikes. I’ve been using acupuncture off and on for decades. I first tried it in my 20s, when someone told me I could throw away my blood pressure meds if I gave it a shot. I was skeptical—but it worked for awhile. And now, in my late 60s, I still rely on acupuncture to keep my joints moving and my body feeling good. ⚕️ What Is Acupuncture? Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice that involves placing very thin ...

Every cyclist, no matter how experienced, goes through slumps. Maybe it’s a streak of bad weather, an injury, or just one of those days when getting on the bike feels harder than it should. I've been there too—and if you're reading this, you probably have as well. The good news is that motivation isn't about always being fired up. It’s about having tools in your back pocket to keep going when things get hard. Here are some ways I—and many other cyclists—stay motivated when the ride gets rough: 1. Set Achievable Goals Having a goal gives your rides purpose. But the key is to make those goals realistic and measurable. Instead of something vague like “get better at cycling,” try “ride 50 miles in under 4 hours” or “increase weekly mileage by 10%.” Break your big goals into smaller ones: Ride 30 miles in under 2.5 hours. Improve average speed by 1 mph. Add one longer ride per week. And don’t forget to celebrate small victories! Each step forward is proof you...