The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

Cycling Over 60: The Advice I Wish Someone Had Given Me Cycling over 60 isn’t about chasing speed — it’s about chasing freedom, health, and joy. I’ve logged thousands of miles in my 60s and now at 69, and I can tell you: this sport has changed my life. But I didn’t always know what I was doing. I made mistakes. I learned the hard way. And if you’re just getting into cycling — or want to do it smarter and safer — here’s the advice I wish someone had given me years ago. 🚴‍♂️ 1. Comfort Matters More Than Speed You don’t need an expensive race bike. You need a bike that fits your body and makes you want to ride again tomorrow. Prioritize: Upright posture A saddle that works for your anatomy Tires with a little cushion I started with a basic road bike and slowly dialed it in. Now my setup feels like an extension of me. 🧠 2. Your Mind Will Try to Quit Before Your Body Does The first few weeks are the hardest. You’ll feel slow. You’ll doubt yourself. Ignore it. Your b...

Some people collect trophies. Some collect stamps. Me? I collect rides. Each one is like a chapter in a long, two-wheeled novel — full of weather, grit, pain, joy, and perspective. The miles may not be written on medals or bibs, but they’re etched into my legs, my lungs, and my heart. Over the decades, I’ve ridden thousands of miles across states and seasons, but it’s not the total mileage I remember. It’s the moments. The small, quiet, sometimes brutal, sometimes beautiful flashes that stay with me long after the ride is over. --- 🥵 That Ride in the Heat — Kingsville to Raymondville It was part of a long tour down to South Padre Island. I started that day in Kingsville, heading for Raymondville — about 80 miles on open road with little shade and a forecast nearing 110°F. Riviera was the last stop for water. I packed every bottle, stuffed ice in my jersey, and kept pedaling. But 20 miles from the finish, the heat became something primal. My vision wavered, the road shimmered, and for ...

Should a 70-Year-Old Ride a Bike? Absolutely. Cycling is one of the best exercises for older adults—and yes, that includes 70-year-olds. It's low-impact, easy on the joints, and fully adaptable to your personal pace and goals. Whether you're riding around the block or preparing for a cross-country tour, the benefits are profound and lasting. As someone who’s been riding for decades and completed a 962-mile ride across Texas at age 65, I’m now training for a ride from Canada to Mexico as a 70-year-old—and I feel better than ever. Benefits of Cycling for Seniors Over 70 1. Boosts Heart Health Cycling raises your heart rate safely and steadily, helping reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure. 2. Supports Joint and Bone Health Unlike high-impact activities, cycling is gentle on knees and hips. It can also help slow bone density loss and reduce osteoporosis risk. 3. Improves Balance and Coordination Better balance means fewer falls. Cycling sharpens ...

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...