The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

As we age, getting a good night’s sleep can feel harder than ever. Tossing and turning, waking up at 2 a.m., or feeling groggy even after a full night’s sleep—sound familiar? But what if something as simple and enjoyable as riding a bike could help? 🛌 Pedal Your Way to Better Sleep Research has shown that moderate exercise like cycling significantly improves sleep quality in older adults. Here’s how two wheels can lead to sweet dreams: 🚲 Reduces stress and anxiety Cycling releases endorphins—natural mood boosters that ease tension and promote relaxation, reducing nighttime restlessness. 🚲 Promotes physical fatigue in a healthy way Using up energy through physical activity helps you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. 🚲 Helps regulate your internal clock Cycling in the morning or early afternoon helps sync your circadian rhythm , the body’s sleep-wake cycle. 🚲 Boosts overall health Better cardiovascular health, stronger muscles, and improved mental clarity all contribut...

The years may have passed, but the thrill of the ride hasn’t faded. For senior cyclists, the wind in your hair and the hum of the wheels still spark joy. But what if you could share that joy with someone who matches your rhythm—your cycling soul mate? Finding a riding partner in your golden years isn’t just about fitness—it’s about connection. Shared laughs on scenic trails. Mutual encouragement on steep climbs. Quiet moments as the sun rises behind the hills. Here’s how to find that perfect cycling companion who understands the joy of the ride and the meaning behind it. 1. Look Within Your Riding Circles You don’t have to look far. That person who always matches your pace on group rides? The one who shares your love for old steel frames or early-morning pedals? They might just be your perfect match—on the bike, and maybe beyond. 2. Join Senior-Specific Cycling Groups There are clubs and communities built just for you. Groups like the Adventure Cycling Association’s 50+ Club or Silve...

Are You a Bicycling Boomer? Embracing the Wind in Your Hair, One Pedal Stroke at a Time The Rise of the Bicycling Boomer: Redefining Aging One Ride at a Time There’s a whisper in the wind. A rustle of spandex over silver. A glint of determination in sun-kissed eyes. Do you hear it? That’s the call of the open road, beckoning a generation who once thought their cycling days were behind them. It’s the unmistakable signal of the Bicycling Boomer —a movement as vibrant and bold as the jerseys they wear. Boomers Are Ditching Rocking Chairs for Road Bikes Forget bingo nights and shuffleboard. Today’s Boomers are choosing century rides over sedentary routines. They're trading retirement communities for trailheads, replacing arthritis meds with endorphin highs, and showing the world that vitality isn't defined by age—it's defined by passion. Meet the Bicycling Boomer This isn’t just a phase. The Bicycling Boomer is a force of nature: 🚴‍♂️ They Defy Stereotypes This generation isn’...

As the years go by, some people think it’s time to slow down — but not me, and hopefully not you. Active aging is all 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 great 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 physical workout — it challen...

Should a 70-Year-Old Ride a Bike? Absolutely. Cycling is one of the best exercises for older adults—and yes, that includes 70-year-olds. It's low-impact, easy on the joints, and fully adaptable to your personal pace and goals. Whether you're riding around the block or preparing for a cross-country tour, the benefits are profound and lasting. As someone who’s been riding for decades and completed a 962-mile ride across Texas at age 65, I’m now training for a ride from Canada to Mexico as a 70-year-old—and I feel better than ever. Benefits of Cycling for Seniors Over 70 1. Boosts Heart Health Cycling raises your heart rate safely and steadily, helping reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure. 2. Supports Joint and Bone Health Unlike high-impact activities, cycling is gentle on knees and hips. It can also help slow bone density loss and reduce osteoporosis risk. 3. Improves Balance and Coordination Better balance means fewer falls. Cycling sharpens ...

As we age, our bodies — and even our relationships — go through changes. But staying active can help us feel stronger, more confident, and better connected to others. One of the best ways to stay active as a senior? Cycling . It’s not just good for your heart and joints — it can also boost your mood, your memory, and yes… even your love life. Let’s explore how cycling helps seniors thrive — both on and off the bike. ❤️ Physical Benefits of Cycling for Seniors Cycling is a low-impact activity that’s easy on the joints and adaptable for nearly every fitness level. For seniors, regular riding can offer: 💓 Improved Cardiovascular Health Cycling is an aerobic exercise that strengthens your heart and lungs, lowers blood pressure, and reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke. According to the Journal of Aging and Physical Activity , regular cycling even improves blood vessel function in older adults. 💪 Increased Strength and Flexibility Riding works the legs, hips, and core — e...

Cycling is one of the best ways for seniors to stay active, healthy, and independent. It’s low-impact, easy on the joints, and great for improving cardiovascular fitness, strength, balance, and even mental well-being. But let’s be honest — starting out can feel intimidating, especially if you’re out of shape or haven’t been active in a while. That’s why I’ve put together these practical, experience-backed tips for senior beginners who want to start riding safely and successfully — no racing required. 🩺 Start by Talking to Your Doctor Before you hop on a bike, make sure your body is ready. A quick visit to your doctor can help assess your overall health and identify any risks. If you’ve got knee pain, heart concerns, or other limitations, your doctor can help you create a plan that works with your body — not against it. 🎯 Set Realistic, Achievable Goals You don’t need to ride 50 miles your first week. Start small: 20–30 minutes of easy riding a few times a week is perfect. As...

As someone who has been cycling for over 50 years, I’ve experienced the many physical and mental benefits that come from life on two wheels. From improved cardiovascular health to reduced stress and anxiety, cycling has helped me stay active, grounded, and energized well into my retirement years. But I also know the road isn’t always smooth — especially as we age. Staying active as an older cyclist can come with new challenges. Joints may ache a little more. Flexibility might not be what it once was. And staying motivated sometimes requires more than willpower alone. That’s why I’m here — to share what I’ve learned over the years, and to support anyone who wants to keep pedaling toward their goals, no matter their age or limitations. 🚴‍♂️ Start Where You Are — And Set Realistic Goals One of the most powerful things about cycling is that it meets you where you are. Whether you're riding a few miles around the neighborhood or training for a multi-day tour, the key is setting realis...

It might sound ironic, but at 69, I believe I'm a better cyclist now than I was 20 or 30 years ago. No, I don’t ride as fast as I once did, and my days of chasing personal records are behind me. But I’m more proficient — smarter, more efficient, and more in tune with the rhythm of the road. As a touring cyclist, I value endurance over speed. And thanks to years of experience, I can now ride longer distances with less struggle than I could in my younger days. So, does cycling change as you age? Absolutely. But not all of those changes are negative. 🧓 The Physical Realities of Aging Let’s be honest — aging does bring challenges. Our bodies change in ways that can affect performance, comfort, and safety on the bike. Some of the most common changes include: Muscle loss , making it harder to generate power Joint stiffness , which can impact comfort and mobility Cardiovascular decline , reducing stamina at higher intensities Diminished balance and coordination , which can af...

Welcome to the Ride Hi, I’m Bruce Bussell — a 69-year-old touring cyclist from Lubbock, Texas. I may call West Texas home, but my bicycle has taken me thousands of miles beyond it. From the panhandle to the coast and through countless towns in between, the open road has become my second home. I started this blog with one goal in mind: to inspire people my age to get active and discover that you can ride farther — and feel better — than you ever imagined. This isn’t about racing or competing. It’s about freedom, movement, and discovering just how much you’re still capable of. In July 2020, I rode 962 miles in 12 blazing-hot days from Texhoma, Oklahoma to South Padre Island. Back in 2016, I pedaled 1,050 miles in 19 days from Lubbock to Pensacola, Florida. And those are just a couple of the many multi-day rides I’ve completed over the years. But I didn’t start out this way. Just a few years ago, I was 85 pounds heavier and far from fit. The bicycle changed that — and it can change yo...