The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

By Bruce | The Old Guy Bicycle Blog I’ll be upfront: I don’t drink. Not because I never did, and not because I think it’s evil. I just know what it does to the body — and more importantly, what it does to performance. After decades in the saddle, I’ve seen plenty of cyclists try to balance training, touring, or racing with regular alcohol use. And I’ve also seen how that usually plays out: slower recovery, more fatigue, and poor decisions that cost people rides, results, or worse. This isn’t a lecture — just a reflection from someone who rides a lot, trains seriously, and has chosen not to make alcohol part of the picture. 🍺 What Alcohol Does (Even in Small Amounts) When you drink, your body stops what it’s doing to process the alcohol. That includes things like muscle repair, hydration, and brain function — which are pretty important if you’re cycling long distances or trying to stay sharp in traffic. Here’s what I’ve observed in others — and why I stay away from alco...

🧘 Why I Stretch — Even After 150,000 Miles: I’ve ridden more miles than most folks drive — but if there’s one thing that’s kept me going strong, it’s stretching. This post shares the practical habits that help me stay limber, ride longer, and recover better at 69 years old. The Importance of Stretching for Senior Cyclists One of the smartest things you can do as a senior cyclist? Stretch. It’s not flashy. It’s not high-tech. But it’s one of the most powerful ways to protect your body, ride stronger, and stay in the saddle longer. Why Stretching Matters More as We Age As we get older, our muscles and joints naturally become stiffer. That’s just biology. But we don’t have to accept decreased mobility or discomfort as part of the deal. Regular stretching helps counteract the effects of aging, making every movement — including pedaling — smoother and less prone to injury. ✅ Reduces tightness in key cycling muscles like the quads, hamstrings, and hip flexors ...