The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

Updated March 2026 For those who ride, no explanation is needed. For those who don’t, no explanation is quite enough. But here’s my best attempt. When I get on my bike, the world opens up. The wind presses against my face, my legs find their rhythm, and my heart syncs with the steady hum of rubber on asphalt. It's not about speed or Strava segments. It’s about freedom . It’s about peace of mind . How Cycling Changed My Life I wasn’t always a cyclist. Like many people, my life revolved around work, traffic, and routine. I spent my days in classrooms, waiting rooms, and car lanes. Life felt boxed in — predictable, heavy. Then one day, I got back on a bicycle. I didn’t know it at the time, but I wasn’t just riding — I was returning. Returning to a version of myself I had forgotten. One that craved movement, exploration, and self-reliance. Reconnecting with the Joy of Riding The beginning was tough. My legs were weak, my lungs burned, and every hill felt impossible. But somethin...

Last Updated: May 2026 Quick Take: I just turned 70, and I’m riding faster, farther, and stronger than I ever did in my 50s. After a 5,000+ mile year and two of my fastest events in more than a decade, I can say it without blinking— 70 is the new 50 in cycling. 70 Is the New 50 in Cycling I turned 70 this month, and I can say something I never thought I’d say: I’m riding better now than I did 15–20 years ago. I’ve logged over 5,000 miles since January 1st , and this summer gave me two undeniable proof points: I rode the Hotter’N Hell faster than I ever did in my 50s. I rode the Day of the Tread 55-mile route in Albuquerque at my fastest pace in 15 years. And here’s the wild part: that Albuquerque ride wasn’t even supposed to be fast. I didn’t push. I didn’t try. It just… happened. My body simply responded. Strong legs, steady breathing, controlled effort—like everything finally clicked at once. Why I’m Riding Better at 70 Than I Did at 50 Most people thin...

Quick Take: Planning gives structure. Spontaneity gives joy. The best cyclists do both—track miles when it matters and wander when it feels right. Last Updated: November 1, 2025 A cyclist looking at a map—choosing between structure and freedom. Every cyclist has a rhythm. Some riders map every turn. Others roll wherever the wind—or the legs—say go. I’m somewhere in between. When I’m training for an event, I want a handle on mileage and effort. But my favorite days are the ones that just unfold—no fixed destination, just the road and a hunch. That freedom is part of what makes cycling special. The Case for Planning Your Ride Structure works—especially if you’re building endurance or getting ready for a long-distance tour. Planning keeps you honest and makes your progress visible. Hit weekly mileage, tempo, and climbing goals Balance hard days with real recovery Track event readiness with data you trust Explore new areas with fewer wrong turns I’ll often ...

Last Updated: June 2026 Quick Answer: Bicycle culture is the lived experience of riding—freedom on two wheels, everyday practicality, and a community that spans commuters, cruisers, mountain bikers, and tourers. It’s inclusive, sustainable, and something you can join at any age and fitness level, starting with the bike you already have and a short ride around your neighborhood. I’ve been riding a very long time—more than 155,000 miles —and I still look forward to the simple rhythm of pedaling. Bicycle culture isn’t some exclusive club you apply to. It’s the way your world gets bigger when you move under your own power. It’s the nod from another rider at a stoplight, the quiet satisfaction of learning safer back streets, and the realization that you can cross town with your own legs and a water bottle. As a 70-year-old cyclist , I can tell you this: bicycle culture isn’t about being fast, trendy, or wearing the perfect kit. It’s about freedom, practicali...

Last Updated: May 2026 Quick Answer: When you’re touring with a bicycle and trailer, strangers will ask you questions—lots of them. “Where are you going?” “Why are you doing this?” and the classic “Are you crazy?” These conversations aren’t annoyances—they’re part of the magic of bike touring. 11 Common Questions People Ask Bicycle Tourers (And My Answers) That question is the single most asked question I get asked when I meet people while I am touring That’s touring life in a nutshell. Hauling a trailer into small towns, you’re going to attract questions. Honestly? I welcome it. Some of my favorite touring memories come from these conversations at truck stops, diners, and roadside stores. Here are the most common questions—and my honest answers. 1. “Where are you going?” Usually the opener. People see the bags and know I’m not out for a neighborhood loop. 2. “Where are you from?” When I say Lubbock, Texas, I usually get raised eyebrows—sometimes a Patrick Mahomes re...

Some people get their best ideas in the shower. I get mine on two wheels — somewhere between the wind in my ears and the rhythm of the road. Here's why cycling is where my stories are born. Why My Best Ideas Come When I’m on the Bike Some people wake up at 3 a.m. with inspiration. Others have genius moments in the shower. Me? My best ideas hit while I’m pedaling down a quiet road with nothing but wind, wheels, and my own thoughts. More and more, it’s happening mid-ride. If you've read any of my recent posts — the ones with unexpected honesty or a story twist — chances are the spark came while I was riding. 🚴 The Magic of Motion There’s something about the rhythm of cycling that opens up my brain. Maybe it’s the repetition, the solitude, or the fact that my hands aren’t reaching for a phone every 30 seconds. No distractions. No pressure. Just movement and space. ...

Last Updated: January 9, 2026 By Bruce | The Old Guy Bicycle Blog I didn’t discover cycling when I retired. I’ve been riding since I was in my teens. Bikes have been part of my life for so long that it’s hard to separate the two. What retirement did — and this is the part people don’t always understand — is it finally gave me the time and freedom to ride the way I always wanted to. Not rushed. Not squeezed into a busy week. Not “when I can.” Just riding because I can… and because I need it. Retirement is supposed to be a time to relax — but I’ve learned something the hard way: too much relaxing doesn’t make me feel good. If every day starts and ends in the same chair, life starts to feel a little… gray. Cycling has been the antidote. Not racing. Not competition. 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 i...

You might think spending $2,000 on a bicycle is outrageous. But have you priced out a heart procedure lately? I'm 69 years old, and I say this with humility, not pride—but people are often surprised when they find out. "You do not look 69," they tell me. I think a big part of that is cycling. It hasn’t just kept me moving. It’s kept me young . My wife says most 59-year-olds don’t walk like I do. She sees people shuffle through the store, leaning on carts, or struggling to stand up from a chair. Meanwhile, I ride my bike 30 to 50 miles a day, walk with confidence, and still play basketball when I feel like it. Now, don’t get me wrong—I’m not saying cycling will make you feel like you're 20 again. I’m still 69. I have aches and pains, just like anyone my age. But it could be a whole lot worse if I hadn’t been a cyclist. It hasn’t made me ageless—it’s just helped me age a whole lot better. That kind of vitality didn’t come from a magic pill or a clean eating f...

Cycling Gear I Can’t Ride Without: Lessons From the Road After thousands of miles in the saddle, I’ve come to realize that some cycling gear becomes more than just equipment—it becomes part of the journey. This post isn’t about selling you the latest high-tech gadgets or pushing fancy brands. It’s about sharing the cycling gear that’s earned its keep on my rides over the years. 1. A Helmet That Fits Like a Glove I never used to think much about helmets—until a crash reminded me just how important the right fit and ventilation really are. My current helmet isn’t flashy, but it’s comfortable, cools well, and gives me peace of mind. 2. Padded Shorts (Yes, Even on Short Rides) If I had a dollar for every mile I’ve ridden in padded shorts, I could probably buy a new bike. The right pair of cycling shorts can make or break a ride, especially on multi-day tours or long training days. 3. Gloves That Protect (and Remind Me to Wave) My gloves serve two purposes: grip and greetings. Th...

Why I Pulled Over on an Empty Road A Moment of Pause in the Middle of Nowhere Somewhere in New Mexico, along a stretch of road with more cracks than cars, I pulled over. Not because I was out of breath. Not because I had a flat. Just because. That’s the thing about bicycle touring. You come to realize it’s not about how fast you’re going. It’s not even about the destination half the time. It’s about the road itself — the miles that stretch out ahead, the silence between cars, the hum of your tires, and the steady rhythm of your breathing. In that photo, you see my bike and trailer. That yellow bag? It’s stuffed with essentials: extra tubes, tools, snacks, a rain jacket, sunscreen, and maybe a little hope. It’s a rolling symbol of self-reliance. Every bump I’ve ridden over, every headwind I’ve pushed through, that trailer has followed me. Faithfully. Tirelessly. The guardrail became my backrest. The sun beat down. I sipped water and looked at the horizon — a place I woul...

❤️ A Personal Note: I’ve seen firsthand how cycling transforms lives — not just through epic tours, but through the steady rhythm of daily rides. If you’re wondering how a bike can help protect your heart, this post is for you. As we get older, keeping our hearts healthy becomes more than just good advice — it becomes essential. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for adults over 65, according to the American Heart Association. But there’s good news: cycling regularly is one of the best ways seniors can reduce that risk — and enjoy the ride while doing it. Whether you're just getting back on the bike or already logging weekly miles, this post explains how cycling helps protect and strengthen your heart. ❤️ Why Cycling Is Good for Your Heart 1. It Improves Cardiovascular Fitness Cycling is a powerful form of aerobic exercise. Each pedal stroke gets your heart pumping and your lungs working — which improves how efficiently your body delivers oxygen t...

Quick Answer: Long-distance cycling is more than fitness—it’s freedom, resilience, and discovery. Every mile teaches persistence, perspective, and gratitude. Whether you’re new to endurance rides or a seasoned cyclist, the journey changes you. The open road. The wind in my face. The rhythmic hum of tires against pavement. For as long as I can remember, long-distance cycling has been more than a hobby—it’s been a passion, a calling, and a companion through the decades. Where It All Began It started simply: a child’s wobbly ride around the block. Those loops quickly turned into laps, and soon, the horizon was calling. My first true long-distance ride—50 miles—felt like a leap into the unknown. Nervous, aching, unsure... but determined. I finished that ride, and in that moment, something clicked. I was hooked for life. Why Long-Distance Cycling Matters There’s a special kind of magic in long-distance rides. It’s not about speed or medals. It’s about freedom, solitude, and...