The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

By Bruce | The Old Guy Bicycle Blog Retirement is supposed to be a time to relax — but I’ve learned something over the years: too much relaxing doesn’t make me feel good. What I really needed was a hobby that made me feel alive. Something that kept me moving, gave me purpose, and helped me shake off the fog that can creep in when the routines of working life disappear. That hobby turned out to be cycling. Not fast racing. Not some hardcore competitive grind. 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 in and feeling restless, let me tell you why cycling has been the best hobby I could’ve chosen. And if you're looking for practical tips to make riding safer and easier, check out my full guide: My Best Advice for Cycling Seniors . 🚲 1. It Gets You Out of the House Look, I love a good recliner and a quiet morning. But if every day starts and ends in ...

I retired in 2019 after 38 years as a teacher — most of that time spent in special education. But retirement didn’t feel like retirement. Not really. At the time, I was running a nonprofit food truck that employed people with disabilities. It was a mission close to my heart, and the hours were just as demanding as my classroom had been. So while I had technically stepped away from teaching, I was still going full speed ahead — just in a different direction. We ran that food truck hard through the summer and into the fall. Then, like every year, we shut down in November. That’s when things began to feel different. That’s when it started to feel like… maybe this was retirement after all. But just a few months later, the pandemic hit — and like everyone else, I was suddenly back at home, full-time. But that didn’t feel like retirement either. It felt like survival. We were locked down, routines were broken, and for a while, time stopped meaning anything. I should say — this wasn’t th...

Last Updated: August 31, 2025 Cycling & Air Pollution: Ride Smart, Breathe Easier Quick Answer: City riding exposes you to particulate matter (PM), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), and ozone (O₃). The risk is real—but you can cut exposure fast by choosing back-street routes, avoiding rush hour, and using a proper PM filter mask on heavy-traffic stretches. Cycling lowers traffic and your carbon footprint, but it also puts you in the exhaust lane. I’m not here to scare you off the bike—just to help you ride smarter so you keep the fitness benefits without sucking down as much junk. What’s in the air that matters to cyclists? Particulate Matter (PM2.5/PM10): tiny particles that reach deep into the lungs and stress your cardiovascular system. Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂): mostly from diesel; irritates airways and spikes along busy roads and intersections. Ozone (O₃): forms later in the day from other pollutants; can reduce lung function during hard...

Cycling for Seniors: Smart, Safe, and Life-Changing Tips for Riders Over 60 Last updated: August 30, 2025 Quick Answer: Cycling after 60 is one of the safest and most effective ways to stay active. The key is comfort-focused bike setup, bright visibility gear, and starting with short, steady rides you gradually build on. 🚴 Cycling after 60 can truly change your life — but only if you ride smart and safe. Whether you’re easing back into it or already spinning regularly, these real-world cycling tips for seniors will help you stay confident, comfortable, and injury-free on every ride. 💪 Why Cycling Is Great for Seniors Cycling keeps your heart healthy, muscles strong, and joints moving — all without the pounding of high-impact activities like running. It’s also a proven way to: Improve balance and coordination Ease arthritis pain and stiffness Boost mental health and reduce stress Connect socially with others through rides and clubs 🧠 Bonus: Studies show...

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...

🚴‍♂️ Is Age a Barrier to Cycling? No—and often, the older you get, the more cycling helps. Many riders in their 70s, 80s, and even 90s continue biking safely, especially when they adapt their habits and gear appropriately. This post explains how age affects riding, what to consider, and how to help your parent stay active. 🧓 How Age Impacts Cycling Physical changes: Slower reaction time, reduced balance, weaker muscles Increased risk: Falls and slower recovery Still doable: Many seniors ride comfortably with proper care and bike choice 🛡 Real Senior Cyclists Prove It's Possible An 83-year-old uses an e-bike to stay active daily A 96-year-old began riding at 75 and still cycles regularly Inspiration is everywhere—seniors across the world are staying healthy and sharp by pedaling well into their later years. 🚦 When Might It Be Too Late? There is no hard age cutoff—but it’s important to assess: Frequent falls or major stability issues Severe ...

🧘 Why I Stretch — Even After 150,000 Miles: I’ve ridden more miles than most folks drive — but if there’s one thing that’s kept me going strong, it’s stretching. This post shares the practical habits that help me stay limber, ride longer, and recover better at 69 years old. The Importance of Stretching for Senior Cyclists One of the smartest things you can do as a senior cyclist? Stretch. It’s not flashy. It’s not high-tech. But it’s one of the most powerful ways to protect your body, ride stronger, and stay in the saddle longer. Why Stretching Matters More as We Age As we get older, our muscles and joints naturally become stiffer. That’s just biology. But we don’t have to accept decreased mobility or discomfort as part of the deal. Regular stretching helps counteract the effects of aging, making every movement — including pedaling — smoother and less prone to injury. ✅ Reduces tightness in key cycling muscles like the quads, hamstrings, and hip flexors ...

  At 68, I’m not as fast as I was 40 years ago—but the passion I have for cycling hasn’t faded one bit. In fact, in many ways, it’s stronger now than ever. Some folks ask me why I still ride, and the answer is simple: cycling keeps me alive—physically, mentally, and emotionally. It’s a part of who I am, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon. Cycling Keeps Me Young at Heart Let’s be honest—our bodies change as we age. But that doesn’t mean we have to stop moving. Cycling is a low-impact activity that’s gentle on the joints and great for maintaining cardiovascular health. It helps me stay active, flexible, and feeling young at heart. Yes, I stretch a little longer these days. I take a bit more care with traffic, heat, and hydration. And I listen more closely to what my body is trying to tell me. But with a little caution and a lot of enthusiasm, the ride is still worth it . Cycling Is Social—Even When I Ride Alone One of the unexpected gifts of cycling is how social it...

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...