The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

When you’re hauling a trailer behind your bicycle through small towns and stopping at gas stations or convenience stores, people are going to have questions. A lot of questions. And honestly? I enjoy it. Striking up a conversation with a curious stranger at a truck stop or a roadside store has led to some of the best moments of my tours. So today I thought I’d share the top things people ask me when they meet me on the road — and how I usually answer. 1. “Where are you going?” This is always the first question. People see the bags, the gear, and the trailer and know I’m not just headed to the next neighborhood. 2. “Where are you from?” Right after that, they want to know where I started. And when I say I’m from Lubbock, Texas, they usually raise an eyebrow — especially if I’m halfway across the country by then. A lot of them know Lubbock because of Texas tech and lately because of Patrick Mahomes. 3. “How long will it take you to get there?” People want to wrap their head around the ti...

By Bruce | The Old Guy Bicycle Blog I’ve tried a lot of things for recovery after long rides. Bananas. Chocolate milk. Electrolyte drinks. But nothing has worked as consistently — or as easily — as a cold Premier Protein shake . I didn’t discover this on my own. My daughter, a seasoned ultra long-distance runner, told me she uses them after every big run. She swore by them. And now I do too. After a tough ride, especially those 30-to-50 milers, my legs used to feel like rubber. Soreness, fatigue, sometimes even cramping by nightfall. Since I started drinking a Premier Protein shake as soon as I get home, I’ve noticed a big difference. The recovery is faster. The soreness is less. And I feel ready to ride again the next day. What’s in Premier Protein That Helps? 30 grams of protein : Key for muscle repair and growth. It gives your body what it needs after a ride. Only 160 calories : Helps curb hunger and support weight goals. Low sugar, low fat : Quality recovery w...

Quick Take: Cyclists have the same legal right to the road as drivers. Whether you're behind the wheel or on two wheels, mutual respect can save lives and make every trip smoother. I’m Not a Moron. I’m a Cyclist with the Same Rights You Have. I’m tired of being shouted at from car windows or treated like I don’t belong on the road—just because I choose to ride a bicycle. Let’s be clear: bicycles are recognized vehicles under the law. I have just as much right to use the road as you do. You may not like it, but that doesn’t make it any less true. I ride for a lot of reasons — it’s healthier, better for the environment, and honestly, it brings me peace. I’m not trying to slow you down. I’m just trying to get where I’m going, just like you. So if you see me out there, you don’t need to yell, honk, or swerve toward me. Just pass with care and move on. You drive. I ride. We can both get there safely. 🚗 For Drivers: How to Keep Cyclists Safe Obey the speed lim...

From a Broken Tour to the Struggle Bus: My Palo Duro Canyon Prep Ride for Hotter’N Hell That's me in the canyon Two weeks before the Hotter’N Hell 100, where I will be doing the half,   I decided to test myself with a 50-mile ride in one of Texas’ toughest places to cycle — Palo Duro Canyon . I knew it would be hot. I knew it would be hilly. But I didn’t know that the final six miles would turn into a fight just to stay upright. The Base That Made This Possible I’ve ridden over 6,000 miles in the last 12 months , much of it challenging and in the Texas heat. Living in Lubbock , I’m used to triple-digit summer rides. I would never have attempted this canyon ride without that base. Even so, this day proved that sometimes, even with years of experience, you still get humbled. My goal wasn’t to ride in extreme heat. I got there early enough that I expected to finish when temps were in the mid-90s. The morning was pleasant. But when things started going wrong mid-ride,...

Most of my bike rides follow familiar paths. I know where the wind will hit, where the traffic is lightest, and even where the pavement is smoothest. I ride through the Texas Tech campus almost daily — but usually along its quieter edges. I avoid the crowded walkways and stick to my set plan. But today wasn’t one of those days. Off Rhythm from the Start The ride was supposed to be a simple 20-miler. I’d had a rough morning, and even though the weather wasn’t especially hot, everything felt off. My neck hurt, my mood was sour, and I just didn’t feel like myself. I almost turned back early. Instead, I kept pedaling. And somewhere on the north end of town, I made a subtle shift — one of those unconscious choices that ends up changing the day. Back Through Downtown — and a Surprise Coming home, I usually swing around the outskirts of downtown Lubbock. It’s a quiet area, not much traffic, not much to see. But today, I rolled straight down Broadway — that old brick road with a bike...

Quick Thoughts: The best gifts for senior cyclists combine comfort, safety, and fun. Top picks include padded bib shorts, bike lights, smart scales, mirrors, and arm sleeves. Finding the perfect gift for a cyclist over 60 can be tricky — but it doesn’t have to be. After logging more than 150,000 miles in the saddle , I know exactly which cycling gifts seniors will actually use and love. This guide covers the 10 best gifts for senior cyclists — from budget-friendly gear to big-ticket upgrades. My wife always says I’m hard to buy for. She never knows what to get me for birthdays or Christmas. But here’s the thing — I honestly think I’m easy to shop for. Why? Because I’m a cyclist. And not just any cyclist — a senior who rides long distances and loves the gear that makes riding smoother, safer, or just a little more fun. This post is for anyone who loves a cyclist but isn’t sure what to buy. Whether it’s your spouse, friend, or grandparent, here are 10 gift ideas they’ll actu...

🚴 A compliment that made my day… and a glare that made me nervous. Here’s the funny (and slightly awkward) story from a hot summer cycling tour — and the gear that came out of it. I was on a long solo tour somewhere in Louisiana. I don’t remember the exact town—just that it was hot. Brutally hot. I was exhausted. Sweat-soaked. It wasn’t one of my better days on the bike. I’d had some headwinds, maybe some doubts. The kind of day where checking into a cheap motel feels like finishing a stage of the Tour de France. I walked in still in full cycling gear—helmet, gloves, jersey, the whole getup. The man at the desk started asking me the usual questions I get when I’m traveling by bike—if you’ve ever toured, you probably know the ones. While we were talking, a couple came in behind me to check in too. I’m sure they heard at least part of the conversation—maybe not every word, but enough to catch on that I was some kind of long-distance cyclist—maybe more stubborn than smart, roll...