Cycling at 70: How Events Transformed My Riding Year (And the Gear That Keeps Me Rolling)
Published: December 24, 2025
There’s something poetic about flipping a calendar page. The calendar turns, but the road remains the same. The asphalt doesn’t care how old I am, what month it is, or whether the wind favors me or tries to break me—it just waits.
Looking back on 2025, I can see just how much this past year shifted the way I ride.
For decades, I was a solo tour guy. I’d pack up the bike, head out alone, and let the days unfold one mile at a time. But 2025 was different. This was a year of single-day events, multi-day rides, and shared roads with other cyclists chasing their own stories.
And honestly? It was one of the most rewarding years I’ve had in the saddle.
How Turning 70 Changed My Cycling—In a Good Way
I turned 70 this year, and here’s the surprise: I’ve never felt more like myself on the bike.
I’m not chasing personal records like I did decades ago. I’m not trying to prove anything to Strava, and I’m not pretending I’m 30. But I’m still chasing meaning. I’m still building something.
Instead of disappearing on solo tours, I leaned into organized events—Buffalo Gap, Hotter’N Hell, and The Day of the Tread. Each one felt like its own chapter. I tackled climbs, braved the wind, fought through heat, and rolled across finish lines that felt earned, not given.
What surprised me most was how much I appreciated the structure:
- Clear routes and mileage, so I could train with purpose.
- Support on the road—sag wagons, aid stations, and medical staff if needed.
- Other riders to suffer with, laugh with, and swap stories with at the finish.
I discovered how meaningful these events could be—not just for the physical challenge, but for the camaraderie, the organization, and the sense of being part of something bigger than myself.
The Road Still Knows Me
Even with those changes, the core of my cycling life hasn’t shifted.
I still ride six days a week. I still chase early mornings and quiet roads. I still think through life one pedal stroke at a time. The events may change, the calendar year may change, but that connection between me and the road hasn’t gone anywhere.
The road still knows me.
It knows the rhythm of my breathing. It knows how I settle into a climb, and how I descend with purpose. It knows the sound of my tires when they hit the right speed on smooth pavement. It knows how I shift my weight in the saddle, and the way I push through when my legs beg me to stop.
It knows that I’m not riding to prove anything anymore—but I’m also not coasting.
Cycling at 70: Why I’m Riding Stronger, Not Slower
People assume that turning 70 means backing off. For me, it meant getting sharper about what keeps me going.
My routine hasn’t changed much:
- Six riding days per week with one true rest day.
- Early starts to beat traffic, heat, and excuses.
- Steady miles instead of all-out sprints.
- Fueling and hydration I can sustain day after day.
What has changed is my focus. I’m less interested in speed and more interested in staying healthy, consistent, and mentally grounded. I want to be the 70-year-old who still lines up at events—not the one sitting at home watching them on TV.
This life—this cycling life—it’s not a phase. It’s who I am.
The Gear That Keeps Me Riding Strong at 70
As we age, small details matter more. Comfort, safety, and visibility can make the difference between loving the ride and cutting it short. I’m not sponsored, and I don’t chase the latest gadget just to have it—but there are a few upgrades I consider non-negotiable now.
My Three Must-Have Upgrades for Senior Cyclists
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases—at no extra cost to you. I only recommend gear I actually believe in.
1) Premium Helmet for Real Protection
A helmet is the one piece of gear I refuse to cheap out on. At 70, protecting my head is non-negotiable—and comfort matters on long rides. This is the one I wear.
2) High-End Bib Shorts for All-Day Comfort
If I could convince every older cyclist to splurge on just one item, it would be a truly good pair of bib shorts. They’re the difference between cutting a ride short and happily adding another 10 miles.
👉 Castelli Endurance 3 Bib Shorts
3) Smart Rear Light So Drivers Can’t Ignore You
Drivers are more distracted than ever. A bright, intelligent rear light that adjusts and alerts is one of the best safety investments I’ve made.
Why Organized Cycling Events Are Perfect for Older Riders
If you’re over 60 and thinking about stepping up your riding, I’m convinced that organized events are one of the best ways to do it.
Here’s why they work so well for senior cyclists:
- Built-in motivation: When you put an event on the calendar, your training suddenly has a purpose.
- Safer routes: Marked courses, support vehicles, and other riders make the road feel less lonely and less risky.
- Aid stations and medical support: If something goes wrong—cramps, heat, a bad mechanical—you’re not stranded.
- Camaraderie: You meet people your age riding their own version of the same story.
- Finish-line emotion: There’s a kind of satisfaction at the end of a long event that you just can’t duplicate on a solo weekday ride.
The camaraderie surprised me most. Cyclists talk. Cyclists share. Cyclists encourage. At these events, age fades into the background. You’re just another rider who showed up and did the work.
Looking Ahead: 2026 and Beyond
I’ve already set my sights on a string of single-day events from May through October, and possibly a multi-day tour as well. Not to chase old versions of myself—but to honor the rider I am today.
I’m not riding to prove anything. I’m riding because this is where I feel most like myself.
The road has shaped me, healed me, challenged me, and carried my worries mile after mile. It’s given me peace, strength, and a kind of joy I still can’t quite put into words.
I may be older now. But I ride like someone who’s just getting started.
The road knows my name. And it’s going to keep hearing it.
Thinking About Cycling After 60? Start Here
If you’re a new or returning rider in your 60s or 70s, these posts will help:
- Should a 70-Year-Old Ride a Bike?
- Cycling for Seniors: Smart, Safe, and Life-Changing Tips for Riders Over 60
- The Real Cyclist’s Guide to Garmin Bike Computers
- Top-Rated Bicycle Helmets (2025–2026): Best Road, MTB, Commuter & All-Purpose
FAQs About Cycling at 70 (And Beyond)
Is it safe to start cycling at 70?
For most people, yes—if you ease into it and talk with your doctor first. Start with short, flat rides, focus on comfort and balance, and slowly build your distance. Cycling is low-impact and joint-friendly, which is why so many seniors use it to stay active.
How many days a week should a 70-year-old ride?
I ride six days a week now, but I didn’t start there. Many older riders do well with three to four days per week at first, with rest or light activity in between. The goal isn’t punishment—it’s consistency.
What gear matters most for senior cyclists?
If you’re on a budget, start with a good helmet, a comfortable saddle, and padded shorts or bibs. As you ride more, consider a bright rear light and, if you’re doing longer rides, a GPS computer or radar light system.
Are organized cycling events worth it for older riders?
In my experience, absolutely. The support, structure, and community make them ideal for older cyclists. You get marked routes, aid stations, and people to ride with—which takes a lot of the stress and guesswork out of long rides.
What if I’m scared of being the slowest one there?
Show up anyway. There is always someone faster and someone slower. Most riders are far more encouraging than you’d expect, and the satisfaction of finishing—at your own pace—is worth whatever ego you leave at the starting line.
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