The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

It was 6:00 AM when it happened. The canyon was still. The kind of stillness that follows a long, grueling night on the bike. I was pedaling through the final hours of the 24 Hours in the Canyon ride in Palo Duro Canyon near Amarillo, Texas. My legs ached. My body was drained. My mind floated somewhere between focus and fatigue. Then, the first light of dawn crept over the canyon walls—soft, golden, sacred. Just as the sun rose about 18 hours into the ride, my odometer ticked past 200 miles . And I cried. Not from pain—though there was plenty of that. Not even from exhaustion—though I was completely spent. I cried because that number, 200 , meant more than distance. It represented every early morning ride. Every evening I forced myself onto the saddle when I could’ve rested. Every ache, every doubt, every mental battle I had quietly won. That moment was the culmination of a year’s worth of commitment to a ride that tested every fiber of who I am. You don’t ride 200 miles by acci...

The Feeling I Get When I Ride My Bike on Rainy Days Most people think of rainy days as a reason to stay inside. They see the dark clouds and drizzle as a barrier, a signal to cancel plans or delay adventure. But for me, rainy days offer something different—something strangely beautiful. When I ride my bike in the rain, I feel more alive than ever. The first drops always test my resolve. They tap gently on my helmet, slide across my glasses, and soak into my gloves. But once I'm out there, there's no turning back—and I don’t want to. The rhythm of the rain blends with the cadence of my legs, and suddenly, the world quiets. Cars disappear. Trails clear out. It's just me, the road, and the soft hiss of tires slicing through wet pavement. There’s a purity to riding in the rain. It's raw and honest. No pretense, no perfect conditions—just effort, grit, and surrender. You can’t fake your way through it. You either commit, or you don’t. But once I do, I often find a kind...

For more than 50 years, I’ve lived much of my life on two wheels. Roads have changed. Bikes have changed. I’ve changed. But the feeling of freedom I get while pedaling never has. I started riding in my teens, chasing that rush of speed and independence. Back then, it was about getting somewhere fast, feeling strong, and testing limits. Now, in my late 60s, it’s about something deeper: reflection, health, peace, and connection. The journey means more now than ever before. Over the decades, cycling has given me more than physical fitness. It’s taught me patience on long climbs, resilience when the weather turns, and gratitude for every sunrise I’ve ridden into. It has brought friendships, challenges, and moments of pure joy — the kind that only comes when your legs are burning and your heart is full. I’ve pedaled through cities, deserts, mountains, and quiet country roads. I’ve ridden in rain, wind, blistering heat, and the chill of early morning. And no matter where I ride, I always ...

There’s something special about the feeling of accomplishment that comes with finishing a long bike ride. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just getting started, that mix of exhaustion and satisfaction that hits when you finally stop pedaling is unlike anything else. In fact, I’d argue—it’s the best feeling of all. The Physical High First, there's the physical side of it. Your muscles are sore in that satisfying way that reminds you you’ve earned every mile. The sweat, the sun, the wind in your face—all of it becomes part of the experience. There’s a unique kind of joy in feeling your legs burn and knowing it’s the result of pushing your body to its limits and making it through. The Mental Break Then comes the mental reward. Cycling, especially on long rides, can be meditative. With every turn of the pedals, the noise of daily life fades. Your thoughts drift, your mind clears, and you’re left alone with the rhythm of the ride. But make no mistake—it also takes mental grit. Ther...

As a cyclist, I know that preparation is key—especially when it comes to multi-day tours. While physical training builds the legs and lungs, mental training —especially visualization—builds the mindset needed to push through the hard miles. It’s a strategy I’ve relied on for years, and I can say with confidence: visualization works . What Is Visualization? Visualization, also called mental imagery or mental rehearsal , is the practice of imagining yourself successfully completing a task. It’s not daydreaming—it’s a focused mental exercise used by elite athletes, top performers, and yes, cyclists like me. What the Research Says Scientific studies show that visualization can improve performance, confidence, and resilience. A University of Chicago study (as referenced by philcicio.com) found that participants who visualized making basketball free throws improved their accuracy by 23% over those who didn’t visualize. In the Journal of Applied Psychology , another study found that ...

Breaking the Slump: How I Reignited My Cycling Motivation As a cyclist, there's nothing quite like training for a big event. The structure, the goals, the anticipation—it gives your rides purpose and energy. But what happens when that momentum fades and you find yourself making excuses to skip the saddle? That, my friends, is a training slump —and yes, it happens to all of us. 🚲 My Experience with a Training Slump In 2020 , I was deep into preparation for a cycling tour across Texas , scheduled for the brutal heat of July . I’d done long rides before, but this one felt different. I had trained for months and was genuinely excited. Then, about three months before the event , it hit. My energy dipped. My motivation nosedived. I started skipping rides or cutting them short. I told myself it was just temporary, but days turned into weeks. I was stuck. If you're there now—or you’ve been there—you know how tough it is. But the good news is, you can ride your way out of it. H...

Cycling is one of those beautiful activities that can feel like magic. There are days when it’s all sunshine and tailwinds, when the road feels like a ribbon of joy stretching out in front of you. Your legs are light, the sky is blue, and it feels like you’re riding through Candyland —a place where every mile is effortless, and time seems to melt away under your tires. But just like in life, cycling has its valleys too . When the Ride Turns Dark One day you’re gliding through the landscape like you’ve got wings. The next day, it feels like you're pedaling through the Valley of Darkness . Your legs are heavy, the wind is relentless, and even the smallest hill feels like a mountain. We’ve all been there. And while those days can feel defeating, they’re also the days that make you stronger. The Power of Perseverance It’s during the hard rides—the ones where everything feels off—that your mindset matters most. That’s when it helps to remember: The joy you felt during your last great ...

As I pedaled slowly up a steep mountain road, struggling against the thin air and burning legs, a familiar quote floated into my mind—one that felt more meaningful than ever in that moment: "Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving." — Albert Einstein I’ve heard that quote dozens of times, but during this particular ride, it hit me differently. As I pushed through the pain, one pedal stroke at a time, it wasn’t just a nice phrase—it was a lifeline. The climb was brutal. The altitude was high, the air was thin, and my body was screaming for relief. But I didn’t stop. I kept moving—slowly, steadily, and stubbornly—until I reached the summit. And let me tell you, that feeling at the top? It was indescribable. It wasn’t just about conquering the mountain—it was about conquering the voice in my head that said, “You can’t.” Perseverance: One Pedal Stroke at a Time This ride taught me more than just physical endurance. It reminded me that per...

Every cyclist, no matter how experienced, goes through slumps. Maybe it’s a streak of bad weather, an injury, or just one of those days when getting on the bike feels harder than it should. I've been there too—and if you're reading this, you probably have as well. The good news is that motivation isn't about always being fired up. It’s about having tools in your back pocket to keep going when things get hard. Here are some ways I—and many other cyclists—stay motivated when the ride gets rough: 1. Set Achievable Goals Having a goal gives your rides purpose. But the key is to make those goals realistic and measurable. Instead of something vague like “get better at cycling,” try “ride 50 miles in under 4 hours” or “increase weekly mileage by 10%.” Break your big goals into smaller ones: Ride 30 miles in under 2.5 hours. Improve average speed by 1 mph. Add one longer ride per week. And don’t forget to celebrate small victories! Each step forward is proof you...

As someone who has been cycling for over 50 years, I’ve experienced the many physical and mental benefits that come from life on two wheels. From improved cardiovascular health to reduced stress and anxiety, cycling has helped me stay active, grounded, and energized well into my retirement years. But I also know the road isn’t always smooth — especially as we age. Staying active as an older cyclist can come with new challenges. Joints may ache a little more. Flexibility might not be what it once was. And staying motivated sometimes requires more than willpower alone. That’s why I’m here — to share what I’ve learned over the years, and to support anyone who wants to keep pedaling toward their goals, no matter their age or limitations. 🚴‍♂️ Start Where You Are — And Set Realistic Goals One of the most powerful things about cycling is that it meets you where you are. Whether you're riding a few miles around the neighborhood or training for a multi-day tour, the key is setting realis...