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.
And I’ll tell you the truth: I never truly worried about it… until I turned 69.
The Appointment That Changed How I Ride
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 I needed to get it checked out immediately. Not “sometime.” Not “when you can.” As soon as possible.
I was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma (a common form of skin cancer). Thankfully, I caught it early and got treatment — but it was the wake-up call I didn’t know I needed.
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.
If you ride regularly—especially in strong sun—sun protection isn’t optional. It’s a safety habit. A few simple steps (SPF 50+, UPF sleeves, eye/scalp protection, and regular skin checks) can drastically reduce your risk and help you keep riding for decades.
Now, I Don’t Ride Without Sun Protection — Ever
These days, sun protection is part of my cycling ritual, right alongside pumping my tires and filling my bottles.
- SPF 50+ sunscreen: I apply it 15–20 minutes before I ride and reapply about every 2 hours on long rides—especially in Texas heat.
- Cooling arm sleeves with UPF: They block UV and honestly make summer riding more comfortable. They’ve become standard kit for me.
- Sun-smart helmet + sunglasses: A bit of shade helps. And sunglasses protect your eyes and the delicate skin around them.
- Do-rag under the helmet: I’m bald. The scalp burns fast and it’s easy to overlook. The do-rag also keeps sweat from running into my eyes.
- SPF lip balm: Easy to forget, but lips burn too—and skin cancer can occur there.
- Dermatology checkups: My dermatologist sees me every 4–6 months. I don’t miss appointments. It is not worth waiting a year and hoping nothing changes.
These are the kinds of items that matter on real rides. (Affiliate links — they help keep the blog alive.)
It’s Not About Vanity — It’s About Longevity
When I was younger, I assumed 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.
One simple rule: If you’re consistent enough to ride every week, be consistent enough to protect your skin every week.
Ride strong, ride smart — and protect the skin you’re in. Your future self will be grateful.
Note: I’m not a doctor. I’m a lifelong cyclist sharing what happened to me and what I do now. For personal medical advice, talk to a dermatologist or healthcare professional.
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