The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

Updated May 2026 I retired in 2019 after 38 years as a teacher — most of that time spent in special education. But retirement didn’t feel like retirement. Not really. At the time, I was running a nonprofit food truck that employed people with disabilities. It was a mission close to my heart, and the hours were just as demanding as my classroom had been. So while I had technically stepped away from teaching, I was still going full speed ahead — just in a different direction. We ran that food truck hard through the summer and into the fall. Then, like every year, we shut down in November. That’s when things began to feel different. That’s when it started to feel like… maybe this was retirement after all. But just a few months later, the pandemic hit — and like everyone else, I was suddenly back at home, full-time. But that didn’t feel like retirement either. It felt like survival. We were locked down, routines were broken, and for a while, time stopped meaning anything. I should say...

Last Updated:  June 2026 Yep, that's me on a hot summer ride Quick Take I ride because it keeps me steady — not because I’m trying to win anything. At 70 with 155,000+ road miles, the point isn’t speed. The point is joy , consistency , and feeling alive . I’ve been riding for more than five decades. I’m not fast. I don’t win races. And I’ve never once stood on a podium. I’m 70 years old with 155,000+ road miles behind me — and I still get passed by teenagers in mismatched jerseys and retirees who look like they just rolled out of a Tour de France commercial. And you know what? I don’t care. I ride because I like it — not because I’m good at it. I Don’t Need a Finish Line I’ve never needed a medal to justify a ride. Two wheels. A stretch of Texas road. A headwind I didn’t ask for. That’s enough. Some of my most meaningful...

❤️ A Personal Note: I’ve seen firsthand how cycling transforms lives — not just through epic tours, but through the steady rhythm of daily rides. If you’re wondering how a bike can help protect your heart, this post is for you. As we get older, keeping our hearts healthy becomes more than just good advice — it becomes essential. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for adults over 65, according to the American Heart Association. But there’s good news: cycling regularly is one of the best ways seniors can reduce that risk — and enjoy the ride while doing it. Whether you're just getting back on the bike or already logging weekly miles, this post explains how cycling helps protect and strengthen your heart. ❤️ Why Cycling Is Good for Your Heart 1. It Improves Cardiovascular Fitness Cycling is a powerful form of aerobic exercise. Each pedal stroke gets your heart pumping and your lungs working — which improves how efficiently your body delivers oxygen t...

Updated February 13, 2026 🚴 Real Talk from a 70-Year-Old Long-Distance Cyclist: I’m not a doctor — just a rider who’s logged more than 155,000 miles and started noticing changes I didn’t expect. Cycling improved my confidence, energy, and overall connection in ways I didn’t plan on. Here’s what the science actually supports — and what I’ve learned firsthand. Can Cycling Improve Sexual Wellness? Yes — regular cycling can support sexual wellness for both men and women by improving blood flow, lowering stress, boosting mood, strengthening pelvic muscles, and increasing endurance. Cycling does far more than keep your legs and lungs strong. For me — a 70-year-old cyclist still riding over 140 miles a week — it ended up improving energy, confidence, and day-to-day connection in ways I didn’t expect. What’s good for your heart and circulation often helps the rest of life too. 💓 The Exercise–Intimacy Connec...

Last Updated: November 27, 2025 By Bruce | The Old Guy Bicycle Blog Quick Take: A bike-friendly world wouldn’t eliminate cars or trucks. It would simply make cycling—especially for older adults—the easiest, cleanest, and healthiest way to move through a city while everything else continues doing what it does best. 🚴‍♂️ The Moment This All Clicked for Me I was riding through a quiet neighborhood one morning—70 years old, legs warm, heart steady—when I realized something strange. The entire street I was on was designed for cars, even though there wasn’t a single one in sight. Wide lanes, painted arrows, turning space… all empty. And there I was, just a guy on a bike using maybe two feet of it. It made me wonder: What if our world was finally built for how people actually move, not just how we’ve been told to move? I’ve ridden over 150,000 miles, and here’s the truth: a bike-friendly world wouldn’t look radical. It would look… normal. Cleaner. Calmer. More human. 🌍...

💬 Nervous About Getting Back on a Bike? You’re not alone. I’ve heard from dozens of seniors who waited years to try again—some afraid of falling, others unsure where to begin. This post is for you. Real talk, practical tips, and the quiet encouragement we all need when facing something new. Updated with minor edits on October 22, 2025 Cycling Through Challenges: How Seniors Overcome Fear and Anxiety on Two Wheels The wind spins through spokes. The sun flashes like diamonds off the handlebars. Every pedal stroke whispers a small triumph. For older adults, cycling isn’t just a hobby—it’s a quiet rebellion against fear, anxiety, and the idea that adventure belongs only to the young. 🚦 When Doubt Creeps In “What if I fall?” “What if I can’t keep up?” These aren’t irrational fears—they’re real concerns for many seniors. I’ve had those thoughts too. But I’ve also seen what happens when we push past them. Cycling gives us more than movement. It gives us momentum . Rel...

Last Updated: October 10, 2025 Quick Take Regular, moderate cycling lowers stress, resets your body clock, and helps you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. You don’t need a prescription — you need consistent miles. Does Cycling Help Insomnia? Millions struggle with sleepless nights. Stress, anxiety, and age-related changes can wreck your sleep. After decades of riding, I’ve seen a clear pattern: the nights after a solid ride are the nights I sleep best. Here’s why cycling can help turn restless nights into real rest. Why Cycling Helps You Sleep 1) Calms the mind and tires the body Cycling burns energy and lowers cortisol, which helps your nervous system stop sounding alarms. You finish more relaxed — not wired like after all-out intervals. 2) Nature works like a sedative Outdoor rides layer in fresh air and steady rhythm. That combo tells your brain it’s safe to downshift. Even a 30-minute loop beats another hour of doom-scrolling. 3) Daylight ...

Last updated August 15, 2025 Cycling vs. Running: Why Cycling Is the Best Exercise Choice for Seniors Quick Answer: Both running and cycling can help seniors stay fit and healthy, but cycling wins for most older adults. It’s low-impact on the joints, improves cardiovascular health, and can be done at any fitness level—indoors or outdoors—making it a safer, more sustainable choice. At 69 years old and still riding thousands of miles each year, I’ve learned one thing: staying active as we age isn’t optional—it’s essential. Many seniors I meet tell me they’re torn between cycling and running. Both are great workouts, but after decades of doing both, I can confidently say that cycling has the edge for most older riders. Here’s why. Running for Seniors: The Pros and Cons Running is a classic workout with undeniable benefits. It strengthens bones and muscles, boosts cardiovascular health, burns calories fast, and can be a great stress reliever. For those who enjoy a solo, med...

Cycling is far more than just a way to get from point A to point B — it’s a lifestyle, a health booster, and a way to do your part for the planet. Whether you're commuting to work, exploring your local trails, or pedaling for fitness, the humble bicycle is one of the best companions you could have. Let’s explore why. Health Benefits Cycling is a fantastic form of low-impact exercise that’s gentle on your joints and suitable for nearly all ages. It improves cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles, aids in weight loss, and helps manage chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension. Studies have shown that cycling can cut your risk of heart disease and cancer by nearly half. The CDC recommends 150 minutes of moderate activity per week — cycling fits that bill perfectly. Environmental Benefits Unlike cars, bicycles don’t emit pollutants or rely on fossil fuels. By swapping your car ride for a bike trip, even just once or twice a week, you help reduce air pollution and traff...

Cycling is more than just a way to get from point A to point B. It's a fun, low-impact activity with powerful benefits for your body, mind, and the environment. Whether you're a seasoned rider or just starting out, cycling can help you stay fit, reduce stress, and even shrink your carbon footprint. Here’s why you should consider hopping on a bicycle—today! 🚴 Physical Health Benefits of Cycling 1. Boosts Heart Health Cycling gets your heart pumping, improves circulation, lowers blood pressure, and reduces your risk of heart disease. 2. Helps with Weight Loss It’s a calorie-burning, metabolism-boosting exercise—without the harsh impact of running or high-intensity workouts. 3. Gentle on the Joints Because it's low-impact, cycling is easy on knees, hips, and ankles. It’s ideal for seniors or anyone with arthritis or joint pain. 4. Builds Strength and Endurance Pedaling targets your legs, core, and even your upper body. The more you ride, the stronger and more resili...

Updated: May 2026 That's me, Bruce, The Old Guy, pausing beneath a highway overpass during a long ride, smiling beside my touring bike and trailer — a small moment from decades of cycling experience and passion. Quick Take: After 50+ years and more than 155,000 miles on a bicycle, I’ve learned this: cycling after 60 and 70 isn’t about chasing youth — it’s about refusing to surrender it. With smart adjustments, the right gear (especially a good helmet), and realistic goals, you can keep riding strong into your 60s, 70s, and beyond. After more than 50 years and over 155,000 miles on a bicycle, I’ve learned one truth: Cycling after 60 and now 70 isn’t about chasing youth — it’s about refusing to surrender it. For five decades, the bicycle has been my health plan, my therapist, my weight-loss tool, and my lifeline during the hardest years of my life. It has carried me through retirement, stress, grief, boredom, and the fear of getting old and fragile. It has rebu...

                                   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 ...