The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

  Endurance Cycling for Seniors: Navigating the Challenges of a 24-Hour Bicycle Ride I have rode in the 24 Hour in the Canyon event a few times in the past decade. Riding a bicycle for 24 hours is grueling. The ride starts on a Saturday at noon and ends at noon on Sunday. I always did best the first 8 or 9 hours, which is completely expected. The next many hours are when we would plunge into darkness in the canyon and the temperature would fall from the upper 90's down into the 50's. Believe me, that takes it toll on you quickly.  I loved riding as the sun comes up. You know there are just a few hours left and you start to feel the warmth on your face. It kind of gives you a bit of an adrenaline rush. That last few hours were just painful. You are either close to 200 miles into the 24 hour ride or more. My best was 234 miles but I can't seem to get close to that many miles now. A 24-hour bicycle ride is a challenging feat for any cyclist, but it can be particularly demandin

 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

Bicycling has become an increasingly popular mode of transportation and recreation in the United States. As more people turn to cycling for exercise, commuting, and leisure activities, the need for safe and accessible bike trails has become increasingly important. One proposal that has gained attention in recent years is the creation of a bicycle trail that runs from the east coast to the west coast of the United States, exclusively for bicycles and pedestrians. This proposal raises the question: should the United States government pass a bill funding the creation of a safe, no-automobiles-allowed bicycle trail that runs from coast to coast? There are a number of reasons why such a trail would be beneficial to the United States. First and foremost, it would provide a safe and healthy mode of transportation for commuters and travelers. With the rising costs of gasoline and the increasing importance of reducing carbon emissions, cycling offers an affordable and eco-friendly alternative t

The allure of cycling across the United States is a dream shared by countless adventurers seeking to traverse the vast landscapes, experience the nation's diversity, and challenge themselves on an epic journey. However, with such a grand adventure comes the responsibility of assessing safety concerns and making necessary preparations. In this comprehensive guide, I will explore the immense rewards of biking across the United States while shedding light on potential risks and how to mitigate them for a secure and unforgettable experience. I am going to cover a lot of information and succinctly as possible to answer the question, Is it safe to ride a bicycle across the United States? Embracing the Adventure and Evaluating the Risks Cycling across the United States offers a unique opportunity to witness the country's natural beauty, encounter diverse cultures, and foster personal growth. Yet, it is crucial to recognize the inherent risks to ensure a safe journey: a. Traffic Challe

As a seasoned cyclist, I can attest to the fact that touring on a bicycle has been a truly transformative experience for me. However, it was not always that way. When I first started touring a few decades ago, I was driven by my competitive juices. I thought I had to push as hard and fast as possible to get to the next town or checkpoint. But over time, I learned to chill out, slow down, and enjoy the journey. Since then, I have learned of the transformative power of touring. When I first started touring, I approached it like a race. I would set out early in the morning, with the goal of reaching my destination as quickly as possible. It became important for me to ride hard and fast, pushing myself to my limits. I would often arrive at my destination exhausted, with little energy or enthusiasm for the journey ahead. But as I continued touring, I began to realize that there was so much more to the experience than just getting from point A to point B. I started to notice the sma

  When it comes to cycling, I prefer to ride alone. Don't get me wrong, I love the social aspect of group rides and the camaraderie that comes with it. However, there's something about the freedom of hitting the road at my own pace and stopping whenever I feel like it that's truly liberating. I'm in complete control of the ride, and that's just the way I like it. Riding solo allows me to fully immerse myself in the experience of cycling. I can focus on the sound of the tires on the pavement, the wind in my face, and the beautiful scenery around me. I can go at my own pace without feeling the pressure to keep up with the group or slow down for others. One of my fondest memories is from a few summers ago in New Mexico. I found myself 45 miles away from the nearest town with nothing but my trusty bike for company. It was just me and the open road, and I loved every moment of it. The feeling of complete solitude was refreshing and invigorating. I could stop whenever I w

Sometimes, it's the unexpected moments that make a journey unforgettable. That was certainly the case for me when I rode my bicycle from Texhoma on the Texas Oklahoma border down to South Padre Island, Texas. The ride was a fundraiser to save a small nonprofit in Lubbock, Texas, that runs a dessert truck staffed with young people who have developmental disabilities. The 12-day ride was challenging but rewarding, and it was great to see local TV stations covering the story as it happened. But the real surprise came when I realized that when I reached the bridge that leads to South Padre Island that bicycles are not allowed on the bridge, which was a bit deflating for me, especially since I was so close to my destination. But then an ex-policeman messaged me with a solution. He had a friend in the Port Isabel police force, the town where the bridge to South Padre starts, and he told them about my ride and its mission. I was only 40 miles from Port Isabel when I got the message to cal

In 2016, I rode my bicycle from Lubbock, Texas to Pensacola, Florida. The first two days were long rides, each over or very near 100 miles. My third day was from Seymour to Bowie, and it was a pretty uneventful day. When I got to Bowie, I went to a small restaurant to eat and decide if I would get a hotel or camp out. The next day was going to be a shorter day, and a look at the weather forecast showed a slight chance of rain around 9:30. I decided to go to Bowie High School and hang out under the canopy of one of the entrances. Once the rain ended, I decided to go down between the school and a small lake where there was a small covered picnic table that had space to put up my tent. The rain was not bad, and it passed quickly, so I set up and placed my bicycle and trailer up on the metal enclosure. It was really nice, and I was under the canopy, so I left the top cover of the tent open to feel the nice breeze. The ride was over 100 degrees that day, and it felt good to feel that breeze

Cycling is a fantastic way to stay fit, explore new places, and challenge yourself both physically and mentally. For many cyclists, the thrill of conquering a steep climb is one of the most rewarding experiences on the bike. However, if you live and train in a relatively flat area, preparing for a tour with steep climbs can be a daunting challenge. As a cyclist who lives in a flat area, you may be used to spinning at a high cadence and cruising along at a comfortable pace. But when faced with steep hills on a tour, your legs will have to work much harder to get you to the top. So how can you prepare for such a challenge? One of the best ways to train for a tour with steep climbs is to simulate those climbs as closely as possible. Even if you don't have any hills in your area, you can still train for climbs by using a stationary trainer with a steep incline or by finding a parking garage with multiple levels to ride up and down. There is a 10 level parking garage about 3 miles from

  As an avid cyclist, I prefer riding alone for long distances. The freedom to ride at my own pace and take breaks whenever I please is exhilarating. This sense of control and independence is what makes cycling a fulfilling experience for me. One of my memorable rides was in New Mexico, where I rode 45 miles away from the nearest town. It was just me and my bike, and I relished in the solitude of the journey. While I have participated in group rides before, I find that some groups can be competitive and testosterone-driven. There is always that one person who tries to outdo others, which can be a turn-off for me. As for challenges, I enjoy pushing myself to complete rides spanning hundreds of miles over a few days. However, I am not a competitive cyclist and do not partake in races. While I respect the dedication and hard work of racing cyclists, it is simply not my cup of tea.I have been on a few long tours over the years and have encountered a few groups. Many of the cyclists were ve

Hi. My name is Bruce Bussell. I am 68 years old and am an avid touring cyclist. I live in Lubbock, Texas but have rode my bicycle thousands of miles around parts of the country. I am starting this blog to show people my age that you can be active and ride farther than you ever dreamed you can ride. During 12 very hot days in July, 2020 I rode my bicycle 962 miles from Texhoma, Oklahoma to South Padre Island. In the summer of 2016, I pedaled over 1050 miles in 19 days from Lubbock to Pensacola, Florida. I have rode so many multi-day tours that I don't have space to cover them all here. Anyone can do this. In fact, just a few years ago I weighed 85 pounds more than I do now.  I'm going to share all I can about equipment, training, nutrition, and everything else I can think of to help you do this too. My next post will be thoughts on why there is no better experience than riding a bicycle across the open road. Stay tuned. Here is the next post of my blog:  What Makes A Long Time C