The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

Cycling is booming—on city streets, scenic trails, and everywhere in between. Whether you ride for fitness, fun, or daily transportation, there’s no denying the benefits of life on two wheels. But in recent years, a quiet divide has formed in the cycling world. And it's time we talk about it. 🚲 The E-Bike Divide: A Problem Within the Community E-bikes, once seen as a niche or novelty, have exploded in popularity. With that rise has come a backlash from some traditional cyclists —riders who believe e-bikes “don’t count” or that those who use them are somehow cheating. That mindset isn’t just outdated—it’s harmful. 🔋 E-Bikes Still Require Effort Let’s clear something up: E-bikes are not motorcycles. They offer pedal assistance—not a free ride. Most e-bikes require the rider to pedal in order to activate the motor. That means the rider is still engaging their muscles, still improving their cardiovascular health, and still getting exercise. In fact, studies show that e-bi...

If you're a cyclist in Texas — or honestly, anywhere in the U.S. — chances are you've heard of the Hotter'N Hell Hundred . This legendary ride through the North Texas heat has become a rite of passage for endurance cyclists, and I’ve ridden it enough times to know exactly why. Held every August in Wichita Falls, Texas, the event draws thousands of cyclists from all over the world to take on a course that’s as tough as it is rewarding. With blazing temperatures often soaring above 100°F, the challenge is real — and so is the community that rallies around it. 🔥 My Ride in the Heat One of my most unforgettable Hotter'N Hell rides was the year the temperature topped 110°F. I was riding the full 100-mile century route and felt strong — until mile 75, when the heat caught up with me and I started cramping badly. Thankfully, this ride is known for incredible support . I made it to a medical tent, where volunteers handed me a huge dose of pickle juice. It worked. I got ba...