A Letter to My 13-Year-Old Self About Cycling

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Dear 13-Year-Old Me: How Cycling Gave Me Freedom, Health, and Adventure
In one sentence: Cycling gave me a life of freedom, health, adventure, and self-discovery—and I’m still riding at 69. Here’s what I wish I’d told my 13-year-old self.

a 67 year old cyclist writing on a tablet

Dear 13-year-old me,

I’m writing to you from 2025, and I want you to know how much cycling will matter in your life.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with the Bike

Right now you think riding is boring and slow. Fair. But as you get older, you’ll realize the bike is a ticket. It takes you anywhere without traffic or parking headaches, and it keeps your heart, lungs, and mind strong. Most of all, it opens up a sense of adventure that never really ends.

Freedom

You’ll ride to clear your head, to explore new towns, to roll past miles of sky you can’t see from a car. The bike will always be there when life gets loud.

Health

Decades from now, you’ll be grateful for the steady, low-impact work the bike does for you—stronger heart, better weight control, steadier mood. (I wrote more about it here: Cycling for Seniors: Smart, Safe, and Life-Changing Tips.)

Adventure

You’ll meet people you’d never meet otherwise. You’ll see the world from a quiet shoulder, not a windshield. Long tours, day events, solo loops—you’ll collect stories that keep you young. (If you’re curious where to start, read Your First Multi-Day Bicycle Tour: FAQs.)

Longevity

I’m 69 and still riding. I plan to keep rolling into my 80s—maybe 90s. The bike makes that feel possible.

What I Wish I’d Told You at 13

  • Buy a real helmet with MIPS. Your future brain will thank you. I use this and recommend paying a little more for safety: Giro Fixture MIPS II Helmet.
  • Comfort matters more than speed. Great shorts make riding stick. If bibs aren’t your thing, that’s fine—find a pad you actually like (see my take: Senior Cycling Tips and Should a 70-Year-Old Ride a Bike?).
  • Use a GPS computer for routes and motivation. Turn-by-turn directions, climb data, and ride tracking keep you going: Garmin Edge 840 Solar.
  • Recover on purpose. After long rides, hydrate and get protein within an hour. A ready-to-drink shake keeps it simple: Premier Protein Shakes (30g). Then sleep like it matters. (My full recovery guide is here.)
  • Go beyond your hometown. Bike events are where you’ll meet your people and feel the buzz of thousands of riders. Put the bike on a rack and go.

The Letter

I know you don’t believe me right now. But cycling will change your life. It will give you freedom, health, adventure, and a strong sense of who you are. Give it a chance. You won’t regret it.

Love,
Your future self

🚴 Gear That Kept Me Riding for Decades

Some links are affiliate links. It won’t cost you extra, and it helps keep the blog rolling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is cycling safe for older riders?

Yes—start easy, build gradually, and prioritize visibility and a quality helmet. It’s one of the best lifetime sports for joint-friendly fitness.

What’s one upgrade that matters most?

A real helmet with modern safety tech (like MIPS). After that, choose shorts you actually enjoy wearing and a GPS computer to keep you exploring.

How do I recover after long rides?

Cool down, rehydrate with electrolytes, refuel with protein and carbs (a ready drink helps), light stretching, feet up, and solid sleep.

Last Updated: August 2025

Labels: Cycling Stories, Senior Cycling Tips, Motivation, Long-Distance Cycling

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Location: Lubbock, TX, USA

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