The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

The Feeling I Get When I Ride My Bike on Rainy Days Most people think of rainy days as a reason to stay inside. They see the dark clouds and drizzle as a barrier, a signal to cancel plans or delay adventure. But for me, rainy days offer something different—something strangely beautiful. When I ride my bike in the rain, I feel more alive than ever. The first drops always test my resolve. They tap gently on my helmet, slide across my glasses, and soak into my gloves. But once I'm out there, there's no turning back—and I don’t want to. The rhythm of the rain blends with the cadence of my legs, and suddenly, the world quiets. Cars disappear. Trails clear out. It's just me, the road, and the soft hiss of tires slicing through wet pavement. There’s a purity to riding in the rain. It's raw and honest. No pretense, no perfect conditions—just effort, grit, and surrender. You can’t fake your way through it. You either commit, or you don’t. But once I do, I often find a kind...

There are days on the bike that test your legs. Others that test your lungs. And then there are days that test your survival instincts. One of those days came for me on a tour from the Texas-Oklahoma border to South Padre Island—a ride that turned into a battle against the elements, specifically the relentless South Texas heat. The day I’ll never forget was the ride from Kingsville to Raymondville. It started off hot and only got hotter. Riviera, a tiny speck of a town 20 miles outside Kingsville, was my last chance for supplies before the 60-mile haul across a scorched and treeless stretch of land. The forecast was already flirting with 110 degrees when I rolled into the gas station. I loaded up—water bottles in both cages, extras stuffed into my trailer and even tucked into my jersey pockets. I knew this stretch was going to hurt. And I was right. About 20 miles from Raymondville, I glanced at my cycling computer: 113 degrees . The sun wasn’t just bearing down—it felt like it was ...

Cycling Gloves: An Essential Piece of Gear for Every Rider Whether you're a casual commuter, weekend warrior, or seasoned road cyclist, one thing holds true: cycling gloves are more than just an accessory — they're a critical part of your gear. Designed for grip, comfort, and protection, the right gloves can make a big difference on every ride. Benefits of Cycling Gloves 1. Better Grip Cycling gloves improve grip on the handlebars, especially in wet or sweaty conditions. Most have textured or silicone-coated palms that help increase friction, keeping your hands firmly in place and improving bike control — even during sudden movements or rough terrain. 2. Enhanced Comfort Padded cycling gloves reduce vibration from the road or trail, protecting your hands from numbness and fatigue. Padding materials vary — gel, foam, and silicone are common. More rugged gloves for mountain biking typically have extra cushioning compared to sleek road cycling gloves. 3. Injury Protection In a cra...

Cycling Over 60: The Advice I Wish Someone Had Given Me Cycling over 60 isn’t about chasing speed — it’s about chasing freedom, health, and joy. I’ve logged thousands of miles in my 60s and now at 69, and I can tell you: this sport has changed my life. But I didn’t always know what I was doing. I made mistakes. I learned the hard way. And if you’re just getting into cycling — or want to do it smarter and safer — here’s the advice I wish someone had given me years ago. 🚴‍♂️ 1. Comfort Matters More Than Speed You don’t need an expensive race bike. You need a bike that fits your body and makes you want to ride again tomorrow. Prioritize: Upright posture A saddle that works for your anatomy Tires with a little cushion I started with a basic road bike and slowly dialed it in. Now my setup feels like an extension of me. 🧠 2. Your Mind Will Try to Quit Before Your Body Does The first few weeks are the hardest. You’ll feel slow. You’ll doubt yourself. Ignore it. Your b...

Derailleur destruction caused by a rag sucked into the drivetrain—proof that even a tiny oversight can bring down thousands of miles of planning. I trained for a year—twelve solid months of sweat, hills, and heart—for one ride that I hoped would complete my dream of cycling across the United States. I had already pedaled from Las Cruces to Lubbock and from there to Florida. All that remained was the western stretch: San Diego to Las Cruces . This tour was meant to be the final chapter of a journey years in the making. I didn’t take the challenge lightly. I logged over 6,500 miles in training , with a heavy focus on hill work, knowing the first two days would demand everything my legs had. Physically, I was ready. Mentally, I was locked in. Spiritually? Unshakable. The Start of the Tour: Strong, Steady, and Full of Purpose I drove the 1,100 miles to San Diego with anticipation and purpose. I rolled out on June 1st , feeling confident and free. In fact, I felt so good that I pushed b...