The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

Quick Answer: On a long-distance bicycle tour, a broken spoke miles from help can turn into a nightmare — unless you have the right tools and a little luck. A multi-tool with a spoke wrench and a spare spoke or two can save the day, and sometimes, the kindness of strangers makes all the difference. My first day on a tour out to the city of Pensacola was brutal — over 100 miles in just under 100-degree weather. My destination that night was a tiny place called Guthrie, Texas, where I ended up sleeping in a football stadium restroom. The next morning, I rolled out early to beat the heat. I was headed for Seymour — only about 65 miles — where I had a serious upgrade waiting for me: a camper trailer instead of a concrete bathroom stall. I figured I’d arrive early, get some rest, and be ready for a longer ride to Bowie the next day. But the universe had other plans. Just five miles outside of Guthrie, I heard the unmistakable sound of a spoke snapping on my back wheel. I’ve al...

Last updated February 3, 2026 - minor edits 🛣️ Quick Read: When a kind stranger made an unexpected offer during my solo cycling tour, I faced a quiet but powerful test of integrity. This isn’t just a story about riding — it’s about remembering who you are when no one’s looking. The Time I Was Tempted — How I Handled It When I set out on a solo bicycle tour across the southeastern United States, I expected the usual challenges — physical exhaustion, unpredictable weather, mechanical breakdowns. What I didn’t expect was an emotional detour that would quietly test my values and sense of commitment. I was excited to explore new roads, meet new people, and soak in the freedom that long-distance cycling offers. One afternoon, while hunting for a bike path that promised 30 peaceful, traffic-free miles, I stopped near a vintage art store in a small Louisiana town. That’s where I met her. The Unexpected Invitation She approached as I adjusted my gear and asked if I was biking c...

Heinz Stücke: The Touring Cyclist Who Covered the Most Miles Ever Real Cycling Experience. Real Cycling Gear Recommendations. Last Updated: January 23, 2026 Quick Answer: Heinz Stücke is widely regarded as the touring cyclist who covered the most miles ever—riding for roughly 56 years, traveling through nearly every country on Earth, and logging an estimated 648,000 kilometers (about 403,000 miles) between 1962 and 2018. When it comes to touring cyclists who’ve covered the most miles in history, one name stands above the rest: Heinz Stücke . Born on January 11, 1940 in Hövelhof, Germany , Heinz set off in 1962 at age 22 with a simple goal—to tour Europe by bicycle. But that ride never really ended. He pedaled through France, Spain, and Portugal, then crossed into Morocco. From there, his route stretched through Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and beyond. Over the decades he rode through 196 countries and 78 territories , logging ...