The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

Last Updated: February 2026 Endurance Cycling for Seniors: What a 24-Hour Bicycle Ride Really Does to Your Body I’ve ridden the 24 Hours in the Canyon event several times over the past decade. If you’ve never done a 24-hour bicycle ride, let me clear something up immediately: This is not “a long ride.” It’s a slow, grinding endurance test that takes pieces of you—physically and mentally—and keeps asking if you want to continue. The ride starts at noon on Saturday and ends at noon on Sunday. Simple on paper. Brutal in reality. The First 8–9 Hours: Where Seniors Get Overconfident The early hours feel almost easy. The legs are fresh. You’re riding in heat—often upper 90s—and sweating nonstop, but you’re moving well. This is where many riders, especially experienced ones, make a costly mistake: riding like the day will never end. I always performed best during this window. That’s expected. Glycogen is full, muscles are cooperative, and mentally you’re still r...

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 ...

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 ...

Updated: May 5, 2026 QUICK TAKE: You can add electrolytes to your water bottles without calories by using electrolyte tablets, concentrated drops, coconut water, fruit infusions, or a DIY mix of salt and citrus. These methods help prevent cramps and fatigue while keeping your hydration plan lean. 5 Ways to Get Electrolytes in Your Water Bottles on Bike Rides Without Adding Calories 🚴‍♂️ 5 Ways to Get Electrolytes in Your Water Bottles Without Adding Calories When you’re riding in the heat or pushing long miles, water alone won’t always cut it. Electrolytes — sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium — keep your muscles firing, prevent cramps, and delay fatigue. The problem? Most sports drinks sneak in a load of sugar and calories you may not want. Here are five proven, calorie-free ways to keep your bottles charged with electrolytes. 1. Electrolyte Tablets Effervescent electrolyte tablets are a quick, mess-free way to dose your water with minerals. Drop one in, let it fi...

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...