The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

Cycling is a fantastic activity at any age, and senior cyclists are becoming a powerful and passionate force on the road. The open air, steady motion, and sense of accomplishment all contribute to a healthier, happier life. But let’s face it—our bodies change with time. That doesn’t mean giving up long-distance cycling—it just means adjusting how we ride. Listen to Your Body It sounds simple, but it’s the most important tip for older cyclists. Recovery takes longer as we age, so pushing like you did in your twenties may not work anymore—and that’s okay. Pay attention to soreness, fatigue, or lingering pain. Rest days aren’t weakness; they’re wisdom in action. The key is consistency over intensity. Prioritize Endurance Over Power Muscle mass naturally declines with age, making high-intensity efforts less effective—and sometimes less enjoyable. Shift your focus to endurance. Long, steady rides at a comfortable pace improve cardiovascular health and stamina without excessive strain. You’l...

When I set out on a solo bicycle tour across the eastern United States, I expected challenges—physical exhaustion, unpredictable weather, mechanical issues. What I didn’t expect was an emotional detour that would test my values and sense of commitment. I was excited to explore new roads, meet new people, and experience the freedom that comes with long-distance cycling. One afternoon, while searching for a bike path that promised 30 peaceful, traffic-free miles, I stopped near a vintage art store in a small town. That’s where I met her. She walked up to me as I adjusted my gear and asked if I was biking cross-country. Her voice had a distinct Cajun lilt, and she told me she was the owner of the art store. She found my Texas accent just as interesting as I found hers. We ended up talking for nearly 45 minutes. She was warm, confident, and easy to talk to—someone who felt like a familiar stranger. As I began to say goodbye, she surprised me by offering to meet in my destination town 40...

Long-distance cycling might seem like a strange obsession to some. People often ask me, “Why would you ride 80 to 100 miles a day, sometimes for days in a row — often alone, towing a trailer?” To answer that, I have to rewind the clock back to the 1960s. I was a kid then, growing up in a time when parents didn’t worry quite so much about where their kids went during the day — as long as we were back by dinner. My friends and I had one shared freedom machine: our bikes. We’d set off to explore the edges of our neighborhood, then the next one over, and before long, we were discovering places we never would’ve seen on foot or with our parents. That feeling — wind in my face, legs pumping, discovering something new just around the corner — that was the spark. More than 55 years later, that spark still burns. 🚴‍♂️ The Call of the Open Road Today, I don’t just ride for exercise or even for the sense of accomplishment. I ride because it taps into something deep — a love for explorati...