The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

Over the years, I’ve completed many long-distance cycling tours. One ride I’ve always wanted to do is a full cross-country ride. However, completing it all in one trip has never been realistic due to family dynamics. My child has moderate disabilities that require either my wife or me to always be present for his safety. This impacts nearly everything we do, including my cycling ambitions. Long-distance cycling is my passion, which is why I schedule my rides during the summer. Since my wife is a teacher (and I’m retired), she’s available to stay home with our son while I’m on the road. To be fair to her, I keep my rides between 5 to 15 days rather than being away for a month or more. I’ve already completed several cross-state rides, including two crossings of Texas, as well as rides across New Mexico and Georgia. Riding across the entire country has always been on my bucket list, but reality has kept it out of reach—until recently, when I realized I’ve already covered a significant por...

In 2016, I was riding from Lubbock, Texas to Pensacola, Florida. It was a long and challenging ride, but I was having a great time. One day, I was about 10 miles into an 80-mile day when I broke a spoke. I was in a very secluded area, and I didn't see another cyclist or car for hours. But I was prepared. I had the gear I needed and the knowledge to fix my spoke. Without it, my ride would have ended on day 2. This experience taught me two important things that are essential for any long distance cyclist: basic bicycle repair knowledge and a positive attitude. Basic Bicycle Repair Knowledge Even if you are a seasoned cyclist, you are bound to encounter some mechanical problems on a long distance tour. You may be far away from home and bike shops, so it is important to be able to fix basic problems yourself. Here are a few things you should know how to do: Change a tire Fix a broken chain Adjust your brakes and gears True your wheels Replace a cable Replace a broken spoke You c...

Riding a multi-day bicycle tour can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it can also raise a lot of questions for those who are doing it for the first time. Whether you're riding solo or with a group, here are some answers to commonly asked questions about multi-day tours on a bicycle: How do I pack for a multi-day bicycle tour? Packing for a multi-day tour requires a bit of planning and strategy. You'll want to pack lightweight, durable, and versatile clothing that can be layered for changing weather conditions. Bring along essential tools, bike repair supplies, and extra tubes in case of flat tires. Don't forget to pack toiletries, sunscreen, and insect repellent. I make a list days before the tour and I have a place to lay everything out and check it off the list. I am not going to give you my list because everyone has different needs but I will tell you this, the weight you are going to be carrying on your bike will be more than you probably are used to....

As people age, they often seek out new experiences and opportunities to maintain their physical and mental well-being. Cycling is one activity that is gaining popularity among seniors because it offers a low-impact exercise that can improve cardiovascular health, muscle strength, and balance. Senior cycling vacations are becoming increasingly popular, and for good reason. In this blog post, we will explore why senior cycling vacations are an excellent choice for seniors looking to stay active and have fun. Benefits of Cycling for Seniors Cycling is an excellent low-impact exercise that is ideal for seniors who may have joint issues or other health concerns. Here are some of the benefits of cycling for seniors: Improved cardiovascular health: Cycling is a great way to improve cardiovascular health, which is especially important for seniors. Regular cycling can reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems. Cycling is an aerobic exercise that gets the heart ...