The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

Before my San Diego to Las Cruces tour, I was seriously thinking about getting a new bike. My Specialized Diverge had served me well for over 20,000 miles—maybe closer to 25,000—but it was never designed as a pure touring bike. I’d been eyeing a Surly, the kind of bike built from the frame up for long, loaded journeys. A real workhorse. Something that could haul gear, chew up the miles, and shrug off the punishment of the road. But then came the mishap. A rag got pulled into my derailleur. One small mistake, and suddenly my tour plans were sitting on the shoulder with me—a ride-ending breakdown in San Diego . The kind that makes your stomach drop, because you can feel a dream slipping away in real time. Standing there beside my disabled bike, I called my wife. She didn’t hesitate. “Keep going,” she said. “If you have to buy a new bike in San Diego, then buy a new bike.” It would’ve been the perfect excuse. A dream justified. I could’ve walked into a bike shop...

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...

🌟 Whether it’s transportation, a workout, or a moment of joy, the meaning of a bike ride depends on who's in the saddle. In this post, I explore all the ways a simple ride can shape our lives — from commuting and fitness to freedom and connection. More Than Just a Ride What exactly is a bike ride? For one person, it might be the morning commute. For another, it’s the weekend workout. And for many, it’s a memory — a childhood afternoon with scraped knees and the wind whistling past. That’s the beauty of biking. It’s not defined by miles or gear. It’s defined by meaning. Let’s take a look at the many ways a bike ride can show up in someone’s life — and why every version is worth celebrating. 🚲 Transportation: A Simpler, Smarter Way to Get Around For city dwellers, students, or even retirees running errands, the bicycle is a trusted companion. It’s a tool — efficient, affordable, and green. No gas. No traffic jams. No parking meters. Just you, your bike, and the open...