The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

  Congratulations on taking on the challenge of training for a century as a beginner senior cyclist! With the right training plan, you can build up your endurance and skills to achieve this impressive goal. Here's a sample six-month training plan to help you prepare. It's simple to follow and offers you the flexibility to ride it the way you feel best. From Beginner to Century: A Training Plan for Senior Cyclists Month 1: Start with two to three rides per week, gradually building up to a total of 50-75 miles per week. Focus on building your base fitness with longer, steady-paced rides of 10-20 miles. Incorporate some hill training to build strength and improve your climbing skills. Add some cross-training activities, such as walking or swimming, to build overall fitness and reduce the risk of injury. Month 2: Increase your weekly mileage to 75-100 miles per week. Begin to incorporate one longer ride per week, gradually building up to a distance of 30-40 miles. Add some interval...

Thinking about trying a bicycle tour in your 60s or 70s? With the right planning, gear, and mindset, cycle touring can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. Here’s how to get started — even if you’ve never taken a long ride before. By Bruce | The Old Guy Bicycle Blog Cycle touring isn’t just for the ultra-fit or the young — it’s for anyone with a love of the open road and the courage to keep pedaling. As a 69-year-old long-distance cyclist, I can tell you: cycle touring has changed my life . And if you’re a senior rider thinking about your first tour, there’s no better time to try. 🚴 Choose Your Destination Thoughtfully Pick a destination that excites you, but also matches your fitness level. Flat, scenic rail trails or coastal routes are great for beginners. Consider weather, traffic, and distance between services. Apps like Ride with GPS can help you map a realistic route. ➡️ Read: Your First Multi-Day Bicycle Tour: FAQs for New Cyclists 🔧 Pr...

Disclosure: I may earn a small commission from links in this post at no extra cost to you. Last updated: September 22, 2025 Cycling helps—if your calories do, too.     Quick Answer: Cycling helps with weight loss only when you’re also in a calorie deficit. Ride consistently, track what you eat, and keep intake a little lower than output. Cycling for Weight Loss: It Works— If You Track Calories I’ve ridden 5,000+ miles in some years and didn’t lose a pound. The missing piece wasn’t more miles; it was managing calories . Cycling is fantastic for heart health, mood, and longevity. For fat loss, though, the rule is blunt: you lose weight only when you consistently eat fewer calories than you burn . How Cycling Fits Into a Calorie Deficit Calories out: A steady ride can burn a few hundred calories. Heavier riders and harder efforts burn more. Calories in: One big snack can erase the whole ride. Portion size and “healthy-...

  Cycling is a wonderful way to stay active, explore new places, and connect with like-minded individuals. However, as with any community, there may be individuals who exhibit behavior that is perceived as elitist or entitled. This can be harmful and divisive, and can create an unwelcoming atmosphere for those who are new to cycling or who do not fit into a certain mold. As cyclists, it is our responsibility to foster a positive and inclusive community that welcomes individuals of all backgrounds, experience levels, and interests. Here are some tips for Fostering Inclusivity and Combating Elitism in the Cycling Community: Lead by example : One of the most effective ways to combat elitism and entitlement is to model positive behavior yourself. Follow traffic laws, show consideration for other road users, and prioritize safety over speed or performance. By demonstrating respect and consideration for others, you can inspire others to do the same. Promote education and knowledge-sharin...

 Top-Rated Bicycle Companies for Touring Bicycles: A Guide to Choosing the Right Bike for Your Long-Distance Adventures I am going to write just a little bit about the top rated bicycle companies for touring bikes. The bike I ride is not among these companies. I once rode a Specialized AWOl but the chainstay cracked and Specialized gave me a Specialized Diverge as a replacement. I like it a lot and used it for a 962 mile tour from north Texas to South Padre Island. It hauled my BOB trailer and did great. I am currently thinking about getting the Surly Long Haul Trucker as my next bike, but that is a year or so away and I could change my mind. When it comes to touring bicycles, it's important to choose a reliable and durable brand that can handle the rigors of long-distance rides. Whether you're embarking on a multi-day bikepacking trip or a cross-country tour, a high-quality touring bike can make all the difference. Here are some of the top-rated bicycle companies for touring b...