The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

The Rearview Mirror That Saved My Life (And Why I Still Use It on Every Ride) There aren’t many cycling accessories I’d call “life-saving,” but this one absolutely earns that title. I’ve been riding with the Bike Peddler Take A Look mirror since 2014, and I can honestly say it has saved my life at least three times. Plastic Mirrors Let Me Down — This One Didn’t Before I found the Bike Peddler mirror, I tried a handful of other rearview mirrors. Most of them were made of flimsy plastic and either broke quickly or shook so much that they were useless. On long tours and daily rides, I couldn’t rely on them — and that’s dangerous when you’re sharing the road with distracted drivers. Since I installed this mirror, I’ve never looked back. Well... actually, I look back almost as much as I look forward now. That’s the point. It Saved Me More Than Once I remember one moment clearly. I was riding a quiet stretch of road when I saw a car veering over the white line behind me — head...

More Than 50 Years on the Bike — And This Still Hasn’t Changed I’ve been cycling American roads for over five decades — from the flatlands of Lubbock, Texas to the brutal climbs near San Diego. And despite all the improvements in gear, roads, and technology, one thing still hasn’t changed enough: Many drivers still don’t know how to safely share the road with cyclists. But here’s the thing — it’s often not due to hostility or impatience. A lot of it comes down to a simple lack of knowledge. Most drivers have never been taught how to interact safely with cyclists. They don’t understand how much space a cyclist needs to stay upright. They don’t realize how a car’s wind draft can destabilize a rider. And they often misinterpret a cyclist swerving as careless, when in reality, we may be dodging potholes, debris, or unexpected crosswinds. Driver’s Education Is Failing Cyclists Young drivers are taught how to parallel park and merge onto freeways. But few are ever taught how to share...

For most of my cycling life, sunscreen was an afterthought — if I thought about it at all. I’ve logged thousands of miles under the Texas sun, my arms and neck darkened by years of exposure. I wore my tan lines like a badge of honor, a mark of a cyclist who’s spent real time in the saddle. But I’ll tell you the truth: I never truly worried about it… until I turned 69. I went in for a free skin check offered by a local hospital — no symptoms, just something that seemed like a smart thing to do. The dermatologist took one look and said, “You need to get this checked out as soon as possible. It’s very likely skin cancer.” Let me tell you — that stopped me cold. Suddenly, all those years of skipping sunscreen didn’t feel tough. They felt reckless. I’d trained hard for decades, watched my diet, kept my heart strong — and yet I’d ignored the largest organ of my body: my skin. Thankfully, I got treatment and caught it early. But it was the wake-up call I didn’t know I needed. Now, I Don't...

🧰 Updated Gear Guide Available: For my full 2025 cycling gear checklist and favorites, click here . Cycling Gloves: An Essential Piece of Gear for Every Rider Whether you're a casual commuter, weekend warrior, or seasoned road cyclist, one thing holds true: cycling gloves are more than just an accessory — they're a critical part of your gear. Designed for grip, comfort, and protection, the right gloves can make a big difference on every ride. Benefits of Cycling Gloves 1. Better Grip Cycling gloves improve grip on the handlebars, especially in wet or sweaty conditions. Most have textured or silicone-coated palms that help increase friction, keeping your hands firmly in place and improving bike control — even during sudden movements or rough terrain. 2. Enhanced Comfort Padded cycling gloves reduce vibration from the road or trail, protecting your hands from numbness and fatigue. Padding materials vary — gel, foam, and silicone are common. More rugged gloves for mountain bikin...

When you’ve spent as many hours on the road as I have, you start to notice what really gets a driver’s attention — and what doesn’t. I used to think bright jerseys and flashing taillights were just extra gear marketed to nervous riders. But I’ve changed my mind. Experience — and data — have convinced me that visibility gear isn’t optional. It’s essential. --- 🚴‍♂️ What I’ve Learned From the Road Over the years, I’ve seen patterns: When I ride in dull, muted jerseys, I get passed closer and faster. When I wear bright yellows, oranges, or lime green, cars tend to give me more room. The days I forget my rear flasher, I feel invisible until the last second. There’s one stretch of highway near Lubbock where the difference is night and day — same road, same time of day, but the jersey color changes the driver behavior. --- 📊 What the Research Says A study published in Accident Analysis & Prevention showed that flashing rear lights reduced near-misses by 33%. Another found that fluoresc...

  The Biggest Threat to Long Distance Cyclists: The Rise of the Distracted Driver The Growing Risk on the Open Road When we think of cycling dangers, we often picture potholes, sudden storms, or mechanical failure. But for today’s long-distance cyclists, the most serious threat comes from something far more modern: distracted drivers. In the era of smartphones and endless connectivity, drivers are more mentally absent than ever before. That inattention has deadly consequences for cyclists—especially those riding long stretches of road. What Makes Distracted Driving So Dangerous? 📱 Texting While Driving Texting takes a driver’s eyes off the road for an average of five seconds—long enough to travel the length of a football field without looking. For a cyclist in the lane ahead, that’s potentially fatal. 📲 Scrolling Social Media Even a quick glance at Instagram or TikTok can steal the driver’s focus. A car veering slightly over the white line can mean disaster for a cyclist ...

  After decades of cycling, I’ve reached my breaking point. Lately, it feels like drivers are growing more careless, not less. They pass too close, honk like we’re invisible, and treat cyclists like second-class citizens. I used to think it was just a few bad apples — now it feels like a whole spoiled orchard. 🚗 Too Close for Comfort You’re riding along, doing everything right, and suddenly a car brushes by just inches from your handlebars. Do drivers understand how dangerous that is? Even the wind alone can throw a cyclist off balance. 🚪 The Dreaded Dooring Every cyclist knows this nightmare. A parked car suddenly opens its door without warning — and you’re the bullseye. I’ve avoided it by sheer luck and quick reflexes, but many aren’t so fortunate. 🔁 The Right Hook This one really gets me: a driver sitting at an intersection sees you coming… then still makes a sharp right turn directly in your path. It’s reckless, it’s disrespectful, and it’s happening way too often. 📣 Honk...

This post has been on my mind for a long time. As someone who’s been riding America’s roads for over 50 years, I still struggle with one painful reality: some drivers hate cyclists —and not because of anything I’ve done. I do my best to be a courteous, defensive, and law-abiding rider , yet I still see the glares, hear the honks, and sometimes feel the danger of a close pass that was way too close. The truth is, some people judge all of us based on the reckless actions of a few. The Reckless Cyclists Who Make It Harder for the Rest of Us Let’s be honest: some cyclists do stupid things . They blow through stop signs, run red lights, weave in and out of traffic, and sometimes ride on sidewalks where they shouldn’t be. And when they do that, they not only endanger themselves—they damage the reputation of all cyclists . I get why drivers get angry when they see this kind of behavior. It’s confusing. It’s dangerous. And it reinforces the stereotype that cyclists think they’re above th...

When the World Sleeps, I Ride Sometimes, life gets in the way of our plans—and as a cyclist, I’ve learned to adapt. On busy days when I can’t fit in a daytime ride, I turn to the night. There’s something magical about cycling under the stars, especially on a long, quiet country road. The cool air, the moonlight, the solitude—it’s almost meditative. But as peaceful as it is, night cycling comes with real risks . Visibility drops. Hazards are harder to spot. And let’s face it—drivers don’t always expect to see a cyclist at 10 p.m. That’s why I’ve developed a personal checklist of night cycling safety tips that keep me safe, seen, and still able to enjoy the ride. 1. Be Seen or Don’t Ride Visibility is everything when you’re biking after dark. I light myself up like a Christmas tree—because if a driver can’t see me, nothing else matters. Here’s my go-to setup: A powerful white headlight A bright red taillight Reflective spoke covers ( like these ) Reflecti...

As I’ve aged and put thousands of miles behind me, I’ve become more selective about my cycling clothing. What used to be “good enough” doesn’t cut it anymore. Comfort, breathability, visibility, and even temperature control all matter a lot more now than they did in my 30s or 40s. So when I talk about smart clothing for cyclists , I don’t just mean high-tech gear — I mean making smart choices that enhance your ride from mile one to the finish line. Moisture-Wicking and Breathable Fabrics One of the smartest upgrades you can make is ditching cotton shirts and shorts. Modern cycling gear is made from materials that wick away sweat and allow airflow, which helps regulate your body temperature. On hot Texas days, breathable jerseys make a huge difference. I usually wear a lightweight polyester jersey that keeps me cool and dries quickly after a long climb or sprint. Padded Shorts: A Lifesaver for Long Rides Let’s be honest — saddle soreness is no badge of honor. The longer you ride...

Top Safety Tips for Cyclists: Ride Smart, Ride Safe Cycling is a fantastic way to stay healthy, explore your city, and reduce your carbon footprint. But like any activity, it's crucial to prioritize safety. Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or just getting started, here are some top tips to keep you rolling smoothly: 1. Gear Up for Safety Helmet – This is non-negotiable. Choose a CPSC-certified helmet that fits snugly and comfortably. Lights and Reflectors – Be visible at all times, especially at dawn, dusk, and night. Equip your bike with a white front light, red rear light, and reflective material on the frame, wheels, and pedals. Brakes and Tires – Ensure your brakes are in good working order and your tires are properly inflated. Worn brakes and flat tires can lead to accidents. 2. Be Predictable and Follow the Rules Ride with Traffic – Obey traffic laws and signals. Ride in the same direction as traffic, not against it. Use Hand Signals – Clearly indicate your turns and ...

One of the top questions I get from people who know I ride cross country is if I carry a gun. Embarking on a long-distance bicycle tour is an exhilarating experience—offering the freedom to explore new landscapes, cultures, and meet people from all walks of life. While personal safety is always a valid concern, the idea of carrying a gun on such a journey comes with serious considerations. Here’s why that decision deserves a closer look. 1. Safety Hazards Accidental Discharge: Cycling is a dynamic activity that includes bumps, jolts, and the occasional fall. Carrying a loaded firearm while riding introduces the very real risk of an accidental discharge, which could result in severe injury or even death. It’s not just your safety at stake, but the safety of others nearby. Increased Risk During Falls: Falls happen—even to experienced cyclists. Carrying a firearm can worsen injuries if you land on it or if it shifts during a crash. It’s one more risk in an already physically demandi...

I started getting headaches both during and after some of my longer rides. It concerned me enough to do some research—and what I found surprised me. I wasn’t drinking enough water. Once I started hydrating better during rides, the headaches stopped completely. Not everyone’s solution will be that simple, but many cyclists do experience headaches. If you love riding, it's frustrating when your favorite activity leaves you feeling miserable. Here's what I've learned about the most common causes—and how to fix them. 🚴‍♂️ Common Causes of Headaches After Cycling 1. Dehydration Cycling makes you sweat—a lot. If you’re not replacing lost fluids, you may end up dehydrated, and dehydration is a leading cause of post-ride headaches. This is especially true in hot weather or during longer rides where water intake is often neglected. 2. Muscle Tension Long rides require sustained effort from your legs, back, and core. If you're pushing harder than your fitness level supports—or h...

Cycling is a fantastic way to stay active, explore your community, and reduce your environmental impact. But while it's a fun and healthy activity, it's not without risks. Taking the right precautions can make a huge difference in your safety on the road or trail. Here are some top safety tips every cyclist should follow. 1. Wear a Helmet Always wear a properly fitted helmet. It’s the single most important piece of safety gear and can significantly reduce the risk of serious head injury in a crash. Make sure it sits level and snug, and fasten it securely before every ride. 2. Use Lights and Reflectors Visibility is key, especially in low-light conditions. Equip your bike with: A white front light A red rear light Reflectors on your wheels, pedals, and gear Wear bright or reflective clothing to stand out to drivers, even in the daytime. 3. Obey Traffic Laws Bicycles are legally considered vehicles on the road. That means stopping at stop signs and red lights...

Senior Cyclists: Your Guide to a Successful Long-Distance Bicycle Tour If you're a senior cyclist and have been dreaming about taking on a long bicycle tour, this article is just for you. Whether you're recently retired and looking for a new adventure or a seasoned rider with miles under your belt, long-distance cycling can be one of the most rewarding and liberating experiences. But before you pack your panniers and hit the road, there’s a lot to consider. This guide covers preparation, route selection, nutrition, safety, social connection, and more—everything you need to make your tour safe, memorable, and fulfilling. 🛠️ Preparation: Start Smart Bike Maintenance: Start with a professional tune-up. Check your brakes, chain, tires, cables, and frame. A small issue at home could become a major problem out on the road. Packing Tips: Pack light and practical. Focus on layers for changing weather, compact rain gear, and multi-purpose items. Less is more when you’re carryin...