A Wake-Up Call on Two Wheels: Why I Now Take Sun Protection Seriously

For most of my cycling life, sunscreen was an afterthought — if I thought about it at all. I’ve logged thousands of miles under the Texas sun, my arms and neck darkened by years of exposure. I wore my tan lines like a badge of honor, a mark of a cyclist who’s spent real time in the saddle.

But I’ll tell you the truth: I never truly worried about it… until I turned 69.

I went in for a free skin check offered by a local hospital — no symptoms, just something that seemed like a smart thing to do. The dermatologist took one look and said, “You need to get this checked out as soon as possible. It’s very likely skin cancer.”

Let me tell you — that stopped me cold.

Suddenly, all those years of skipping sunscreen didn’t feel tough. They felt reckless. I’d trained hard for decades, watched my diet, kept my heart strong — and yet I’d ignored the largest organ of my body: my skin.

Thankfully, I got treatment and caught it early. But it was the wake-up call I didn’t know I needed.

Now, I Don't Ride Without Sunscreen — Ever

These days, sun protection is part of my cycling ritual, right alongside pumping my tires and filling my bottles.

Here’s what I do now:

SPF 50+ Sunscreen: I apply it 15–20 minutes before I head out and reapply every 2 hours, especially on long rides.

Cooling Sleeves with UPF: Not only do they keep me cooler, but they block harmful UV rays — and they’ve become part of my standard kit.

Sun-Smart Helmet and Sunglasses: A helmet with a visor helps shade my face, and my sunglasses protect my eyes and the delicate skin around them. I wear a do-rag under my helmet, mainly because I am bald.

Lip Balm with SPF: Easy to overlook, but lips can burn too — and skin cancer can occur there as well.

Go to All Doctor Appointments and Check-ups: My dermatologist sees me every 4-6 months. I never miss one. It is not worth it to wait a year and have something go wrong.  Go to your appointments.

It's Not About Vanity — It's About Longevity

When I was younger, I assumed that sunburns were just part of the deal. But skin damage builds up quietly, over years, and shows itself when you least expect it. As cyclists, we chase endurance — not just in our miles, but in our years. Taking care of your skin is just as important as stretching your legs or eating the right fuel.

Skin cancer doesn’t care how fast you ride, how strong your legs are, or how many summits you’ve climbed. But a few simple habits can drastically reduce your risk.

My Advice to Fellow Riders: Don’t Wait for a Scare

If I could go back and talk to my younger self, I’d hand him a tube of sunscreen and a pair of UV sleeves and say, “You’ll thank me later.”

So if you’re reading this and thinking, “That won’t happen to me,” I’m living proof that it can. And that you can take steps now to protect yourself without giving up a single mile of road.

Ride strong, ride smart — and protect the skin you're in. Your future self will be grateful.