The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

Quick Take: Most cyclists think peaceful rides mean country roads, farm lanes, or bike trails. One of my favorite places to unwind on a bicycle is the historic brick streets of downtown Lubbock, where traffic nearly disappears during evenings and on Sunday mornings. When people ask me where I like to ride, they usually expect me to name some quiet country road or a bike trail outside of town. Those are certainly great places to ride, and I enjoy them as much as anybody. But one of my favorite destinations is somewhere most people would never think about. Downtown Lubbock. Now, before you think I have lost my mind, hear me out. Lubbock has more than 250,000 people, and during the middle of a workday downtown is exactly what you would expect. There are people going to work, delivery trucks making stops, city business taking place, and traffic moving through the streets. It is not some empty ghost town all the time. But something interesting happens after busine...

Last Updated July 2026 Quick Take There will be a day I can no longer ride — but today is not that day . Real cyclists adapt: slower, shorter, different gear, different bike — but we keep riding because cycling lives in the here and now. There will be a day when I can no longer swing a leg over a bicycle. I don’t know when it will come. I don’t know what will cause it — age, injury, balance, reflexes, strength, or something that’s been quietly waiting down the road. But I do know this: Today is not that day. And that matters more than any future I can’t control. Small Safety Upgrade (Worth It at Any Age) If you’re still riding, protect the one body you’ve got. Here are MIPS bicycle helmets I recommend browsing. Pick the one you’ll actually wear every ride. As an ...

Last Updated: February 25, 2026 There’s a version of me from years ago I think about sometimes. He didn’t know what a cadence sensor was. He didn’t track calories. He didn’t understand recovery. He didn’t look like a cyclist. He weighed over 275 pounds. He was just trying not to quit. Now I’m 70 years old. Over 155,000 lifetime miles . 187 pounds. Still riding into West Texas wind. Still stacking miles. Still learning. If that man could see me now… Would he be proud? Quick Answer If you stayed consistent, kept learning, embraced safety, and adapted instead of aging out — yes. The person you were when you started cycling would likely be proud. Back Then, I Thought Cycling Was About Fitness I thought it was about getting lean. About keeping up. About looking like I belonged. I didn’t realize it was about becoming someone dif...

Last Updated: May 2026 Quick Take You don’t become a stronger cyclist first — you become someone who thinks differently first. At 70 years old and 155,000+ miles later, I’ve learned that the way you frame wind, hills, age, and pain determines the rider you become. That’s neuroplasticity in action — even if you’ve never heard the word. I’m 70. I’ve Ridden Over 155,000 Miles. And I Just Learned This Word. I’m 70 years old. I’ve ridden over 155,000 miles . I’ve trained through West Texas wind, 100-degree heat, doubt, weight loss, aging, and long empty highways where the only sound is your chain and your thoughts. And until yesterday, I had never heard the word neuroplasticity . Then it showed up twice in one day. First, I read an article about Olympic champion Eileen Gu. A reporter asked her if she thinks before she speaks. She said: “You can control what you think. And therefore you can co...

How Cycling Keeps Me Young at 70 SNIPPET: I turn 70 on November 24th, and I’m celebrating the only way I know how—by riding 70 miles. Not to be fast, not to prove anything, but because cycling still makes me feel alive. This is why I’m still riding strong after decades on the bike. I’m a little over a month away from my 70th birthday, and while most people are slowing down, I’m getting ready to ride 70 miles—one mile for every year I’ve been alive. Not because I’m the fastest or the strongest, but because cycling still gives me freedom, purpose, and joy. I’ve already ridden over 5,000 miles this year alone. All summer long, I trained for single-day events—30 miles, 25 miles, 35 miles, 47 miles. My focus was on shorter, faster rides to stay sharp. But after I ride the Day of the Tread in Albuquerque next Sunday (just a 25-mile ride), everything shifts. My training is about to change. No more chasing speed. It’s time to go long again. On November 24th—my 70th birthday—I’ll ...

Updated on January 19, 2026 Want to meet more cyclists on your rides? Here are 15 easy, friendly ways to start a conversation — even if you’re shy or new. You might be surprised how many people are hoping someone says hello first. Ever ride past someone and wish you had said something — but didn’t know how to start? It happens to all of us, especially when we’re new to cycling or just naturally a bit reserved. But one of the best parts of riding a bike — especially as an older adult — is the people you meet along the way. From casual group rides to surprise encounters at a roadside stop, cycling opens the door to meaningful conversations… if you know how to start them. Why It Feels Hard to Speak Up Sometimes I’ll be honest: when I started riding, I used to feel completely out of place around other cyclists. They had the flashy bikes, the tight kits, the confident riding style — and I just didn’t feel like I belonged. I figured they were probably elite, maybe even a little ...

Updated May 2026 🚲 Looking for a great bike for older adults? Whether you're just getting started or upgrading your ride, these expert tips and bike recommendations will help you find the perfect two—or three—wheeled fit for your comfort, health, and freedom. 🚴‍♂️ Great Bikes for Older Adults: Comfort, Ease, and Confidence As a 70-year-old cyclist who still rides 150 miles a week, I’ll tell you straight: the right bike makes the difference between loving your rides and suffering through them. Comfort, ease of mounting, and handling at low speeds matter more now than ever. 🛠️ What Older Riders Really Need in a Bike Step-through frame: Get on/off without swinging a leg high. Upright handlebars: Saves your neck, back, and shoulders. Wide, cushioned saddle: Comfort matters more with age. Shock absorption: Suspension seatposts reduce road vibration. Simple shifting: Trigger shifters or internal hubs are easiest. Lightweight f...

By Bruce | The Old Guy Bicycle Blog They say 60 is the new 40 — but when you’re standing next to a bike after a long break, it might feel more like the new 80. I get it. I’ve been there. But here’s what I’ve learned: cycling over 60 isn’t about reclaiming youth. It’s about owning this chapter. It’s about moving your body, clearing your head, and feeling strong in a world that keeps telling you to slow down. Whether you’re just getting started, coming back after years away, or riding regularly but wondering if it still “counts” at your age… this post is for you. 💡 Why Cycling Is Perfect for People Over 60 Low-Impact Exercise: Cycling is easy on the joints — unlike running, there’s no pounding on knees or hips. Heart and Brain Benefits: It keeps your heart healthy and clears mental fog better than any morning crossword. Ride Your Way: You control the speed, distance, terrain. Want flat and scenic? Great. Want hills? Even better. 🧓 What About Common Concerns?...

Last Updated:  June 2026 Yep, that's me on a hot summer ride Quick Take I ride because it keeps me steady — not because I’m trying to win anything. At 70 with 155,000+ road miles, the point isn’t speed. The point is joy , consistency , and feeling alive . I’ve been riding for more than five decades. I’m not fast. I don’t win races. And I’ve never once stood on a podium. I’m 70 years old with 155,000+ road miles behind me — and I still get passed by teenagers in mismatched jerseys and retirees who look like they just rolled out of a Tour de France commercial. And you know what? I don’t care. I ride because I like it — not because I’m good at it. I Don’t Need a Finish Line I’ve never needed a medal to justify a ride. Two wheels. A stretch of Texas road. A headwind I didn’t ask for. That’s enough. Some of my most meaningful...

Updated May 5, 2026 Quick Take for Cyclists Over 60 Years Old: I’m a 70-year-old long-distance cyclist. These are the exact things I wish someone had told me when I became a senior cyclist  — the comfort fixes, mindset shifts, and safety upgrades that truly matter. 🚴 One Upgrade That Helps Most Riders Over 60 If you only change one thing, make it your helmet. I won’t recommend anything without MIPS. 👉 Browse MIPS-certified bike helmets    ||||     The MIPS Helmet I Wear As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Cycling over 60 isn’t a downgrade. It’s a new chapter — more freedom, better health, and a clearer mind. I’ve logged thousands of miles in my 60s and I’m still rolling strong at 70. I didn’t start out confident. I made mistakes, learned hard lessons, and figured out what actually works. This is the advice I wish someone had given me. 🚴‍♂️ 1. Comfort Beats Speed Every Time ...