The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

  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

Does bicycling change as you age? It may seem ironic, but I believe I am a more proficient bicyclist today than I was two or three decades ago, despite the inevitable physical decline that comes with age. However, it's important to note that I am not a competitive cyclist and do not possess the same racing abilities I once had. As a touring cyclist, I prioritize distance over speed, and I can now ride for longer stretches without much difficulty thanks to the experience I have accumulated over time. The question of whether cycling changes as you age is a common one. On the one hand, it may seem ironic that you could become a more proficient cyclist despite the inevitable physical decline that comes with age. On the other hand, there are a number of factors that can contribute to your improvement as a cyclist, even as you get older. Physical decline as a cyclist as we age As we age, our bodies undergo a number of changes that can impact our cycling performance. Some of the most comm

Long distance cycling can be a strange hobby, according to some. It's common for people to ask me why I ride 80 to 100 miles a day, day after day, often solo with just my bike and possibly a trailer. To understand why, I have to go back to my childhood in the 1960s. Back then, parents were less worried about their kids leaving the house, and my friends and I preferred to explore on our bikes rather than just hanging out at a neighbor's house. I'll never forget the feeling of adventure, discovering new places that we wouldn't have been able to see without our bikes. Now, over 55 years later, that sense of adventure still thrills me. I love exploring new places on my bike, and I can ride hundreds of miles to do so. It's a love that has stayed with me all these years. If you're a fellow rider, I'd love to hear why you ride. And if you're not a rider but want to be, feel free to join in the conversation as well. I'll be sharing tales of the road, giving