The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

Derailleur destruction caused by a rag sucked into the drivetrain—proof that even a tiny oversight can bring down thousands of miles of planning. I trained for a year—twelve solid months of sweat, hills, and heart—for one ride that I hoped would complete my dream of cycling across the United States. I had already pedaled from Las Cruces to Lubbock and from there to Florida. All that remained was the western stretch: San Diego to Las Cruces . This tour was meant to be the final chapter of a journey years in the making. I didn’t take the challenge lightly. I logged over 6,500 miles in training , with a heavy focus on hill work, knowing the first two days would demand everything my legs had. Physically, I was ready. Mentally, I was locked in. Spiritually? Unshakable. The Start of the Tour: Strong, Steady, and Full of Purpose I drove the 1,100 miles to San Diego with anticipation and purpose. I rolled out on June 1st , feeling confident and free. In fact, I felt so good that I pushed b...

Cycling is a fantastic activity with benefits for both physical and mental health. But whether you're riding for 5 miles or 50, one key to enjoying the experience is comfort —and that starts with what you wear. One of the most important gear choices you can make is investing in a quality pair of padded bicycle shorts . Personally, I wear bib shorts. I just like the feel but shorts are fine too. Here’s why padded shorts are essential for every cyclist: 1. Enhanced Comfort on Every Ride Long hours in the saddle can take a toll on your sit bones, groin area, and inner thighs. Padded bike shorts—also known as cycling shorts—feature built-in cushioning (often made of foam or gel chamois) placed exactly where you need it. This padding reduces friction and absorbs pressure , helping prevent chafing, saddle sores, and general discomfort. 2. Better Performance Through Reduced Distraction When you're not distracted by soreness, you can ride longer and more efficiently. Padded shor...

It might sound ironic, but at 69, I believe I'm a better cyclist now than I was 20 or 30 years ago. No, I don’t ride as fast as I once did, and my days of chasing personal records are behind me. But I’m more proficient — smarter, more efficient, and more in tune with the rhythm of the road. As a touring cyclist, I value endurance over speed. And thanks to years of experience, I can now ride longer distances with less struggle than I could in my younger days. So, does cycling change as you age? Absolutely. But not all of those changes are negative. 🧓 The Physical Realities of Aging Let’s be honest — aging does bring challenges. Our bodies change in ways that can affect performance, comfort, and safety on the bike. Some of the most common changes include: Muscle loss , making it harder to generate power Joint stiffness , which can impact comfort and mobility Cardiovascular decline , reducing stamina at higher intensities Diminished balance and coordination , which can af...