The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

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...

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...

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...

Cycling is one of the best ways for seniors to stay active, healthy, and connected — but having the right accessories can make every ride safer, more comfortable, and a whole lot more enjoyable. After decades in the saddle and thousands of miles on the road, I’ve learned which accessories truly make a difference — especially as we age. Whether you're getting back into cycling or upgrading your current gear, here are 10 must-haves for senior cyclists . 1. Comfortable Saddle A good seat makes or breaks a ride. Look for a wider, gel-padded, or memory foam saddle with shock absorption. Your sit bones will thank you after 20 miles. 2. Rearview Mirror As we get older, it’s smart to limit how often we have to twist and turn. A bar-end or helmet-mounted mirror helps you stay aware of traffic without straining your neck. 3. Cycling Gloves with Padding Gloves with extra palm padding help reduce numbness, vibration, and wrist pain. They also protect your hands if you take a spill...