The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

Last Updated:  May 2026 Quick Take: Years ago, strangers laughed at me while I was overweight and riding a bicycle trying to improve my life. Recently, at that same stoplight, a young woman rolled down her window and asked if I was single because she thought I’d be perfect for her mom. The real lesson is not about insults or compliments. It is about focusing on what is best for you and refusing to let strangers shape your future. The other day I pulled up to a stop sign on a training ride near the Texas Tech campus here in Lubbock. A young woman in a car beside me rolled down her window and asked: “Are you single? You’d be perfect for my mom.” I had to laugh. She looked to be around 20 years old, and at age 70, I’m thinking I’d probably be more perfect for her grandmother. Still, it was funny, unexpected, and kind. But what really hit me was not the compliment. It was the memory of something that happened years earlier in ...

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 ...

The Paul Bunyan State Trail is a 120-mile trail that runs through some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in Minnesota. The trail starts in Brainerd and winds its way north to Bemidji, passing through charming towns, forests, and lakes along the way. This trail is a popular destination for cyclists, hikers, and snowmobilers alike, and it's easy to see why. One of the most striking features of the Paul Bunyan State Trail is the sheer beauty of the scenery that surrounds it. The trail takes cyclists through dense forests of pine, spruce, and birch, past shimmering lakes and streams, and across gently rolling hills. The trail is dotted with rest areas, picnic spots, and interpretive signs that offer information about the history and ecology of the area. But it's not just the scenery that makes the Paul Bunyan State Trail so special. The trail is also well-maintained and user-friendly, with a wide, flat surface that's suitable for cyclists of all skill levels. There are s...

Cycling is not only a great way to stay active and explore your surroundings, but it can also be a powerful tool for improving your mental and emotional well-being. By practicing mindfulness while cycling, you can enhance your experience, reduce stress and anxiety, and boost your overall sense of well-being. If you had told me way back when I started cycling that I would be talking about mindfulness I would laugh at you but here I am all those years later doing it. Cycling does change as you age and I find practicing mindfulness pretty cool. This may sound hokey to some of you but I find it serves me well. Understand that I am no longer a competitive cyclist. I do not enter races trying to place high in the standings. If I enter a race nowadays it is just to enjoy the fact that I can ride, meet some cool people, and see if I can finish it. Most of my riding today involves getting ready for multi-day adventures. I don't go fast. It is about endurance but it is also about stopping an...

Last Updated: February 2026 I love cycling. And I still struggle to put into words just how much joy it brings me. I didn’t start out on two wheels. I was a runner in college—miles, routines, sweat, discipline. But I also rode a bike a few miles each day from my apartment to class. At the time, it was just transportation. Practical. Convenient. I had no idea it was quietly changing everything. I Didn’t Plan to Become a Cyclist. It Just Happened. While attending New Mexico State University, there was a lonely stretch of highway about five miles from my apartment. It wound through small villages and open land, far enough away that running there didn’t make much sense. Riding, though—that worked. What made that road special wasn’t the distance. It was the trees. For miles, the road passed beneath a canopy of pecan trees. The light filtered through the leaves. The air felt softer. The world slowed down. Thos...

Even Cyclists Have Bad Days: Tales from the Two-Wheeled Underworld Most days on the bike feel like magic. Wind at your back, legs spinning, sun glinting off your handlebars — you know, the kind of ride that makes you feel like you could keep pedaling forever. And then there are those days. The ones where it feels like your bike made a deal with the devil, and you’re just along for the punishment. Trust me, I’ve had more than my share. Let me take you on a little tour through the two-wheeled underworld — where flats multiply, storms chase you, and yes, even slugs take their revenge. Exhibit A: The Chain Incident of ’22 It was just a simple Sunday ride — one of those “easy recovery” days where you tell yourself you’re going to spin gently and maybe stop for a cinnamon roll. About 20 miles in, my chain decided to stage a full-blown rebellion. One second I’m pedaling; the next, I’m standing roadside like a stork in Lycra, chain wrapped around my crank like it was auditioning for Cirque ...

Bicycling has been a popular form of transportation, recreation, and exercise for over a century. The modern bicycle as we know it today has undergone numerous changes and innovations since its invention in the early 19th century. In this blog post, we will take a look at how bicycles have evolved over time, from the early days of the penny-farthing to the modern-day e-bike, and how seniors have played a role in the evolution of cycling. Early Days of Bicycling: The Penny-Farthing The first bicycles, also known as velocipedes, were invented in the early 19th century. These bicycles had a simple design, with two wheels connected by a wooden frame and pedals attached to the front wheel. However, it was the invention of the penny-farthing in the 1870s that revolutionized bicycling. The penny-farthing was a high-wheeled bicycle with a large front wheel and a small rear wheel. It was named after the British penny and farthing coins, which were of different sizes. The penny-farthing was popu...

Traveling with a bicycle on a plane can seem daunting, but with the right preparation and knowledge, it can be a relatively smooth process. Here are some tips on how to travel on a plane with a bicycle: Check with your airline: Every airline has different rules and fees when it comes to transporting bicycles. Check your airline's website or call their customer service to find out their specific requirements. Choose the right case: Invest in a good quality bike case that is sturdy and provides adequate protection for your bike during transport. There are hard cases and soft cases available, and some airlines may have specific requirements regarding the type of case allowed. Bicycle Magazine picked the B & W International Bike Box II as the best value for bicycle cases. It is a"Compact and tough plastic case and has four smooth rolling wheels." Pack your bike properly: Disassemble your bike and pack it securely in the bike case. Remove the pedals, wheels, and handleb...

I used to put in 5,000+ miles a year on my bicycle and pretty much stayed the same weight because I ate a really bad diet. One year I scaled my riding back to about 3,000 miles but changed my diet and dropped 20 pounds. What did that teach me? Cycling alone will not help you lose weight unless you pair it with a sensible approach to nutrition. Cycling with a decent diet will do wonders for you. In fact, the pounds will melt right off. Cycling is a great form of exercise that can provide numerous benefits for your health and fitness. It's a low-impact activity that can help improve cardiovascular health, strengthen muscles, and boost endurance. Additionally, it's a fun and enjoyable way to get outside and explore your surroundings. One of the most popular reasons for cycling is weight loss. Many people turn to cycling as a way to shed excess pounds and improve their overall health. However, despite its many benefits, cycling alone may not be enough to achieve your weight loss go...

  Cycling has been long hailed as an environmentally-friendly mode of transportation, and for good reason. But does riding a bicycle truly mean you have gone green? Let's take a closer look at the environmental impact of cycling. First and foremost, cycling produces no emissions. This means that riding a bicycle is a zero-emission mode of transportation, which is great for the environment. In contrast, cars, buses, and trains all produce emissions that contribute to air pollution and climate change. So in terms of emissions, cycling is definitely a green option. However, there are some environmental costs associated with cycling. For one, bicycles require resources to manufacture, including metals, plastics, and other materials. The production of these materials can have a significant environmental impact, including pollution and carbon emissions. Additionally, bicycles require maintenance, which can also have an environmental impact. The production and disposal of bicycle componen...

Last Updated: December 2025 Quick Take You don’t need a rigid, world-class schedule to ride a century. If you build a steady foundation, ride by feel, and respect recovery, getting to a 60–70 mile long ride is usually enough to finish 100 miles when the day comes. If you search for century ride training plans, you’ll find charts, intervals, zones, and rules that make it feel like you need a coach and a stopwatch just to ride your bike. That approach never worked for me — and I don’t believe it works for most senior cyclists either. I’m not a world-class athlete. I don’t train like one. And I don’t think you need to. I’m a senior cyclist who’s pretty average — but still capable of doing a lot — because I ride consistently, I listen to my body, and I follow a few simple goals instead of a strict schedule. If that sounds like you, this post is for you. My Core Belief About Riding a Century Here’s the honest ...

  Cycling is a wonderful way to stay active, explore new places, and connect with like-minded individuals. However, as with any community, there may be individuals who exhibit behavior that is perceived as elitist or entitled. This can be harmful and divisive, and can create an unwelcoming atmosphere for those who are new to cycling or who do not fit into a certain mold. As cyclists, it is our responsibility to foster a positive and inclusive community that welcomes individuals of all backgrounds, experience levels, and interests. Here are some tips for Fostering Inclusivity and Combating Elitism in the Cycling Community: Lead by example : One of the most effective ways to combat elitism and entitlement is to model positive behavior yourself. Follow traffic laws, show consideration for other road users, and prioritize safety over speed or performance. By demonstrating respect and consideration for others, you can inspire others to do the same. Promote education and knowledge-sharin...

 Top-Rated Bicycle Companies for Touring Bicycles: A Guide to Choosing the Right Bike for Your Long-Distance Adventures I am going to write just a little bit about the top rated bicycle companies for touring bikes. The bike I ride is not among these companies. I once rode a Specialized AWOl but the chainstay cracked and Specialized gave me a Specialized Diverge as a replacement. I like it a lot and used it for a 962 mile tour from north Texas to South Padre Island. It hauled my BOB trailer and did great. I am currently thinking about getting the Surly Long Haul Trucker as my next bike, but that is a year or so away and I could change my mind. When it comes to touring bicycles, it's important to choose a reliable and durable brand that can handle the rigors of long-distance rides. Whether you're embarking on a multi-day bikepacking trip or a cross-country tour, a high-quality touring bike can make all the difference. Here are some of the top-rated bicycle companies for touring b...

If you're a senior cyclist looking for an exciting way to explore the United States, a cross-country cycling tour might be just the adventure you're looking for. With two primary routes to choose from - the Northern Tier and Southern Tier - you have a lot to consider before you hit the road. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at the differences between these two popular routes, so you can make an informed decision about which one is best for your goals and preferences. Northern Tier Route The Northern Tier Route is a 4,265-mile journey that takes cyclists from Anacortes, Washington, to Bar Harbor, Maine, through some of the most scenic and remote areas of the northern United States. While this route offers breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains, the Great Lakes region, and the Atlantic Coast, it is not for the faint of heart. The Northern Tier is known for its challenging terrain, with long stretches of steep mountain climbs and descents. Cyclists will also enco...