The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

Last Updated: March 2026 Most 70-Year-Olds Don’t Ride 5, 10, or 20 Miles — But Cyclists Still Do There’s something interesting about being a cyclist in your seventies. The world tends to assume people our age are slowing down. Retiring. Taking it easy. Spending more time sitting than moving. But then you roll past them on a bicycle. Helmet on. Legs turning. Maybe grinding up a hill or leaning into a headwind. And suddenly the assumptions don’t fit anymore. Because the truth is, most 70-year-olds can’t do what cyclists our age are still doing. Most 70-Year-Olds Don’t Ride 5, 10, or 20 Miles — Cyclists Do If you stop and think about it, riding 5, 10, 20 miles—or more on a bicycle is not a small thing. It means your heart can handle sustained effort. It means your balance is still sharp. It means your legs can keep pushing for miles. It means your lungs can keep up. It means your mind stays alert enough to ride safely. Most people in...

Published: February 7, 2026 Quick Take: At 70 years old, I’m riding stronger than ever—not because I’m chasing speed records, but because I’ve leaned into organized events, smart training, and a few key gear upgrades. If you’re a senior cyclist (or want to be one), this is what’s working for me and how you can build your own cycling life after 60. 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...

Last Updated: June 2026 Quick Take: Some cyclists keep riding strong into their 70s, 80s, and even 90s. They are not magic. They stay consistent, ride within themselves, recover better, and never fully give up the habit of moving. I used to think cycling had an expiration date. Not officially, of course. Nobody hands you a letter when you turn 70 that says, “Please turn in your bike shoes and report to the recliner.” But somewhere in the back of my mind, I probably believed there would come a day when long rides, bicycle tours, and big cycling dreams would just fade away. Then I got older. And instead of quitting, I kept riding. A few weeks ago, at 70 years old, I finished a 366-mile bicycle tour along the Mississippi River. I was not fast. I was not trying to impress anyone. Some days I felt strong, and some days I felt every one of those 70 years. But I finished it. And more than that, I enjoyed it. That ride reminded me of something I’ve seen ...

Last Updated: January 9, 2026 By Bruce | The Old Guy Bicycle Blog I didn’t discover cycling when I retired. I’ve been riding since I was in my teens. Bikes have been part of my life for so long that it’s hard to separate the two. What retirement did — and this is the part people don’t always understand — is it finally gave me the time and freedom to ride the way I always wanted to. Not rushed. Not squeezed into a busy week. Not “when I can.” Just riding because I can… and because I need it. Retirement is supposed to be a time to relax — but I’ve learned something the hard way: too much relaxing doesn’t make me feel good. If every day starts and ends in the same chair, life starts to feel a little… gray. Cycling has been the antidote. Not racing. Not competition. Just me, a bike, and the open road — with a little wind in my face and a lot of peace in my soul. If you're newly retired, thinking about it, or already a few years i...

❤️ A Personal Note: I’ve seen firsthand how cycling transforms lives — not just through epic tours, but through the steady rhythm of daily rides. If you’re wondering how a bike can help protect your heart, this post is for you. As we get older, keeping our hearts healthy becomes more than just good advice — it becomes essential. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for adults over 65, according to the American Heart Association. But there’s good news: cycling regularly is one of the best ways seniors can reduce that risk — and enjoy the ride while doing it. Whether you're just getting back on the bike or already logging weekly miles, this post explains how cycling helps protect and strengthen your heart. ❤️ Why Cycling Is Good for Your Heart 1. It Improves Cardiovascular Fitness Cycling is a powerful form of aerobic exercise. Each pedal stroke gets your heart pumping and your lungs working — which improves how efficiently your body delivers oxygen t...

Last Updated: May 2026 This post includes my updated, real-world cycling sun protection routine after being diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma . Quick Answer: If you ride regularly in strong sun, sunscreen alone is not enough. A better routine includes SPF 50+ , UPF arm sleeves , scalp protection , UV-blocking sunglasses , and regular skin checks . I learned that the hard way. For most of my cycling life, I treated sun exposure like it was just part of the sport. I rode for years under the Texas sun with dark arms, deep tan lines, and the attitude that sunscreen was optional. I figured if I was strong enough to handle long miles, heat, and headwinds, I could handle a little sun too. That thinking caught up with me at age 69. The Skin Check That Changed How I Ride I went to a free skin check offered by a local hospital. I wasn’t worried. I didn’t go because something felt seriously wrong. I went because it seemed like a smart thing...

After 150,000 miles in the saddle, I can tell you this — getting older doesn’t mean slowing down. Active aging is about living life to the fullest, and there’s no better way to do that than by riding a bicycle. Whether you’re 60 or 90, cycling keeps your body strong, your mind sharp, and your spirit full of adventure. 🚴 Physical Fitness Without the Pain Cycling is one of the best low-impact exercises for older adults. It’s easy on the joints but still gives your heart, lungs, and muscles a serious workout. Picture this: pedaling through a park, sun on your face, breeze in your hair, heart pumping strong. That’s exercise that doesn’t feel like exercise. Strengthens your cardiovascular system Builds leg and core muscles Improves circulation and flexibility Boosts your mood with natural endorphins And the best part? You don’t need a gym membership — just a bike and a little motivation. 🧠 Keeps the Brain Engaged Cycling isn’t just a workout for the body ...

Last Updated: November 1, 2025 When you roll up on the bike path, you bring more than a set of wheels—you bring wisdom, grit, and proof that strength doesn’t retire. 🏅 Experience That Speaks for Itself Every senior cyclist carries miles that don’t show on an odometer. You’ve ridden through headwinds, potholes, and life’s curveballs—and you’re still pedaling. That quiet toughness turns heads more than flashy carbon bikes ever will. 🎯 Calm Over Competition You’re not out there to impress a segment leaderboard. You ride for the air, the rhythm, and the satisfaction of moving under your own power. That kind of confidence reads from a mile away—and younger riders notice. 👥 The Ripple Effect When people see you riding, you change what “active aging” looks like. Cycling doesn’t belong to a certain age or body type—it belongs to anyone willing to get on and go. 💬 Why Your Rides Matter You’re living the blueprint for healthy aging. Regular cycling can reduce he...

Last Updated: June 18, 2026 Quick Take: Every time you ride as a senior, you’re doing more than getting exercise—you’re proving that strength, confidence, and joy don’t expire. You’re not “still riding.” You’re actively living . 🚴‍♂️ Senior Cyclists: Why You Bring Class—and So Much More—to Every Ride Every time you clip in, you’re doing more than exercising. You’re showing the world what’s possible. As a senior cyclist, you bring something to the bike path that no carbon frame or flashy kit ever could. 🏅 Experience & Resilience You’ve climbed real hills—on the road and in life. You’ve fallen, gotten back up, and kept moving forward. You understand that grit matters more than gears, and consistency beats ego every time. 🎯 Calm Confidence While younger riders chase speed, segments, and validation, you ride with purpose. Fresh air. Clear thinking. Strong legs. Good company. You’re not trying to prove anything—you already did. 👥 Community & Connection Your ...