The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

Last Updated: December 2025 Quick Take You don’t need a rigid, world-class schedule to ride a century. If you build a steady foundation, ride by feel, and respect recovery, getting to a 60–70 mile long ride is usually enough to finish 100 miles when the day comes. If you search for century ride training plans, you’ll find charts, intervals, zones, and rules that make it feel like you need a coach and a stopwatch just to ride your bike. That approach never worked for me — and I don’t believe it works for most senior cyclists either. I’m not a world-class athlete. I don’t train like one. And I don’t think you need to. I’m a senior cyclist who’s pretty average — but still capable of doing a lot — because I ride consistently, I listen to my body, and I follow a few simple goals instead of a strict schedule. If that sounds like you, this post is for you. My Core Belief About Riding a Century Here’s the honest ...

Cycle Touring for Seniors: How to Plan, Pack & Ride Your First Long-Distance Adventure Last updated: November 23, 2025 Quick Answer: A 60- or 70-year-old can absolutely take on a bicycle tour. With smart planning, safe gear choices, realistic daily mileage, and a no-ego approach to pacing, cycle touring becomes one of the most rewarding experiences you can have later in life. 🚲 Touring Gear Picks for Seniors (Budget → Premium) Budget Bib Shorts: Comfort Bib Shorts — great starting point for first-time tourers. Mid-Range Bib Shorts: Reliable All-Day Bib Shorts — solid padding, long-distance friendly. Premium Bib Shorts: Endurance-Level Premium Bibs — worth every mile. Comfort Saddle Options: Budget | Mid-Range | Premium — saddle comfort determines whether you enjoy the tour. Rearview Mirror (My Daily Safety Item Since 2014): Road/Hybrid Mirror...

Last updated: January  1, 2026 Cycling helps—if your calories do, too.     Quick Take: 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-but-heavy” foods are where most people slip. Consistency: Moderate rides most days + honest food logging beats ...

  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...