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

How to modify your bike for senior cycling Cycling is a great way to stay active and healthy, regardless of your age. However, as we get older, our bodies change and we may need to make some modifications to our bikes to make them easier and safer to ride. Here are a few tips on how to modify your bike for senior cycling: Get a wider saddle. A wider saddle will distribute your weight more evenly and reduce pressure on your perineum. This is especially important if you are riding for longer periods of time. Add a backrest. A backrest can provide support for your back and help you to maintain a more upright riding position. This can be helpful if you have any back problems. Install a step-through frame. A step-through frame makes it easier to get on and off your bike. This is especially important if you have any mobility issues. Add a basket or panniers. Baskets and panniers can be used to carry groceries, other belongings, and even your pet. This can be helpful if you are using

  Congratulations on taking on the challenge of training for a century as a beginner senior cyclist! With the right training plan, you can build up your endurance and skills to achieve this impressive goal. Here's a sample six-month training plan to help you prepare. It's simple to follow and offers you the flexibility to ride it the way you feel best. From Beginner to Century: A Training Plan for Senior Cyclists Month 1: Start with two to three rides per week, gradually building up to a total of 50-75 miles per week. Focus on building your base fitness with longer, steady-paced rides of 10-20 miles. Incorporate some hill training to build strength and improve your climbing skills. Add some cross-training activities, such as walking or swimming, to build overall fitness and reduce the risk of injury. Month 2: Increase your weekly mileage to 75-100 miles per week. Begin to incorporate one longer ride per week, gradually building up to a distance of 30-40 miles. Add some interval

  When cycling, it is important to stay hydrated and maintain proper electrolyte balance to avoid cramping, fatigue, and other negative effects of dehydration. One way to ensure this is to add electrolytes to your water bottle, but many products on the market also contain calories, which can be problematic if you are trying to avoid unnecessary energy intake. In this post, we will discuss several ways to get electrolytes in your water bottles during bike rides without adding calories. Electrolyte Tablets: One option for adding electrolytes to your water bottle is to use electrolyte tablets. These are small tablets that dissolve in water and provide a concentrated dose of electrolytes without adding any calories. Many brands offer electrolyte tablets with different combinations of minerals, such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs. Electrolyte Drops: Another option for adding electrolytes to your water bottle is to use ele

As the wheels of time turn, so do the wheels of our bicycles, carrying us through life's adventures. As a seasoned cyclist at the age of 67, I have come to understand the unique challenges that come with riding long-distance tours in my golden years. Nevertheless, with experience and a few well-honed tricks up my sleeve, I've managed to make these rides more enjoyable and fulfilling. In this blog post, I will share my insights on the challenges I've faced and the strategies I employ to make long-distance tours easier, so fellow cycling enthusiasts can continue to embark on epic journeys regardless of age. Embrace the Changing Dynamics As we age, it's crucial to acknowledge that our bodies might not be as resilient as they once were. But don't let that deter you from riding long distances! Embrace the changing dynamics of your body and understand that it may require more care and recovery time. Set Realistic Goals Long-distance tours are exhilarating, but it's es

I love cycling and have been involved in it since my teens. It became my lifetime sport of choice but it was not always the one I thought I would end up doing into my 60's. As a child and into my high school years, I was a basketball player. I enjoyed playing it into my 30's with some of my co-workers but it really became too difficult for me. Before I became a cyclist I was an avid runner and ran many marathons but the wear and tear on my knee joints pretty much ended that for me. In fact, I have a rebuilt knee now because of my running. I was both a cyclist and a runner before I tore up my knee but turned specifically to cycling once my joints let me down. Cycling can be done way into your senior years. I once came across an 83 year old man on one of my training rides and he was still enjoying cycling about 3 days each week. In this blog post, I want to explore the many benefits of cycling as a lifetime sport. Cycling is a popular sport and leisure activity that has been enjo

  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

I had someone tell me that they have a friend who used to be a very good runner but that their knees will not let them run anymore. They asked me to give them some reasons to tell their friend why to switch to cycling.  Here are some reasons why your friend should consider switching over to cycling: As we age, our bodies undergo various changes that can affect our ability to engage in certain physical activities. For many, running becomes increasingly difficult due to the impact it places on our joints, particularly the knees. However, just because running may no longer be an option, it doesn't mean that exercise has to be completely off the table. Cycling is a fantastic alternative that offers many benefits for people of all ages, particularly those in their golden years. Low-Impact Exercise : Unlike running, which can put a lot of strain on the knees, cycling is a low-impact activity that is much gentler on the joints. The smooth, circular motion of pedaling allows for a low-impa

For seniors with mobility challenges, staying active and enjoying the outdoors can be a difficult task. Traditional bicycles may not be a viable option for those with mobility impairments, but there are adaptive bicycles available that can provide a comfortable and safe riding experience. In this article, we will explore some of the most popular adaptive bicycles for seniors with mobility challenges, including recumbent bikes and handcycles, and provide helpful tips for selecting the right bicycle                . Recumbent Bikes Recumbent bikes are a popular option for seniors with mobility challenges because they offer a comfortable and stable riding experience. These bikes have a reclined seating position, which can be more comfortable for seniors who may have back or neck pain. They also have a low center of gravity, which provides more stability and balance. Recumbent bikes come in a variety of styles, including trikes (three-wheeled bikes), tandem bikes (two-seated bikes), and ha

If you're planning a multi-day tour, you know how crucial it is to have a reliable bike. Don't risk getting stranded on the road! I am a seasoned cyclist who has ridden thousands of miles. I can attest to the importance of investing in a quality bicycle. Personally, I ride a Specialized Diverge and it has been a fantastic bike for me. In fact, I rode it for 962 miles across Texas in 2020 without any issues. And the best part? I didn't even have to pay for it! Here's how it happened: during a training ride on my Specialized AWOL in January 2020, the chainstay suddenly cracked. Thankfully, Specialized offers a lifetime warranty on their frames, so I took my bike to my local dealer. They were able to replace it with a Diverge in just a few days. While I still prefer the ride of my steel-framed AWOL, the Diverge has been an excellent training bike. It has also been a great option for touring. Although I'll likely purchase a new steel-framed bike for my nex