The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

🚴 One Ride at a Time: After my solo bike tour ended on Day One, I committed to something new — one organized event a month. This is the start of that story, beginning with the Buffalo Gap Tour de Gap. I Trained 6,000 Miles for a Tour That Ended on Day One — So I Started Something Better I trained over 6,000 miles for a solo bicycle tour from San Diego to Las Cruces. Six thousand. That’s a number most people don’t throw around lightly. I rode in wind, in heat, in the middle of nowhere. I pushed through the doubts and the soreness. I dialed in my gear. My legs were ready. My heart was in it. And then — Day One. Crash. Broken bike. Bloodied pride. Tour over before it even began. I stood there in the desert, stunned. After all that work, after all that discipline, it was just… gone. I could’ve shut it all down. Put the bike in the garage, closed the door, and let the disappointment settle in like dust. But instead — I chose something else. One Event a Month. ...

Back in May 2024 , I briefly mentioned one of the scariest moments I’ve had while riding. You can read that post here:   👉   Even Cyclists Have Bad Days But today I want to tell the full story. 🐍 Life in Snake Country I lived in Carlsbad, New Mexico from 1989 to 2006 — about 17 years. We were out in the country, roughly 5 miles outside of town. And if you’ve never lived in the desert, let me tell you: it belongs to the snakes. We had snakes come right up to the house. Some were harmless, the kind you leave alone because they eat the mice and keep the real pests in check. But others — like the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake — were not welcome. Those snakes were venomous, aggressive, and dangerous. They killed two of our outdoor cats. One of them even killed our Jack Russell Terrier, Zack — who was only trying to protect our backyard, where our 3-year-old son Nicholas liked to play. Zack died the next day from the bite. That moment has stuck with me ever since. I don’...

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...

  Cycling brings freedom, joy, and empowerment—but for women, it can also come with unique safety concerns. While most rides are peaceful and exhilarating, it’s important to acknowledge that harassment and unwanted attention from some men are still very real issues many women cyclists face. From verbal comments to more aggressive encounters, these experiences can turn an otherwise beautiful ride into something distressing. But that doesn’t mean we stop riding. It means we ride smart, stay aware, and support each other. Here are some smart and practical safety tips for women cyclists: 🚲 1. Choose Your Route Wisely Plan your route ahead of time. Stick to well-traveled, well-lit roads or bike paths—especially if riding early in the morning or near dusk. Avoid isolated shortcuts or unfamiliar alleyways when possible. 👯‍♀️ 2. Ride with a Friend There’s strength (and safety) in numbers. Riding with a friend not only adds to the enjoyment but also serves as a deterrent to would-...

Cycling has been a lifeline for me—physically, mentally, and emotionally. It’s more than just a way to stay fit; it’s a form of therapy. Whether I’m rolling out early in the morning or winding down after a long day, the simple act of pedaling has helped clear my mind, calm my nerves, and bring a kind of peace that’s hard to explain unless you’ve felt it. Morning Cycling: Starting the Day with Purpose There’s something special about being on the bike just as the sun is rising. The roads are quiet, the air is cool, and the world hasn’t quite started buzzing yet. When I used to cycle commute to work as a middle school teacher and athletic director, those early miles set the tone for my entire day. Even now, retired and riding for the love of it, I still feel that same benefit when I get out in the morning. Cycling first thing gets your body moving and your brain engaged. You start your day with endorphins flowing—those natural mood-boosters that help reduce stress and anxiety. For me, ...

  A rare photo of me doing what I love most: riding solo. Last Updated: January 25, 2026 Why I Prefer Riding Alone (And Why It Makes Me a Better Cyclist) Quick Take: I’ve ridden well over 150,000 miles, and I still enjoy group rides now and then. But I’m a solo rider at heart. Riding alone gives me clearer thinking, steadier confidence, and the kind of quiet challenge that keeps me coming back to the bike year after year. After enough miles, you stop pretending you’re every kind of cyclist. You learn what actually works for you. For me, it’s simple: I ride best when I ride alone. This isn’t a knock on group rides. I’ve had plenty of fun rides with other people. But when I need the kind of ride that clears my head, strengthens my grit, and reminds me why I’m still doing this at 70? I want silence, space, and my own pace. Solo Riding = Real Freedom When it’s just me and my bike, the ride becomes hone...

Last updated: February 4, 2026 Quick Answer: You don’t have to pick a side. Solo rides give you freedom and mental clarity; group rides add motivation, safety-in-numbers, and new routes. Choose what fits today —the road’s big enough for both. After 155,000+ miles, I’ve learned cycling is as much about choice as fitness. Some days I want silence and a steady rhythm. Other days I want the shared grind and the laughs at the stop sign. I’m not loyal to one camp—I ride what fits my head and my legs. 🚴‍♂️ Riding Solo: Control, Clarity, Zero Drama When I ride alone, I set the pace, pick the route, and stop when I want. No egos, no clock-watching. My most peaceful ride? A stretch in New Mexico—45 miles from the nearest town. Just me, the road, and a sky big enough to swallow noise. Full flexibility—pace, route, rest stops, all yours. Mental reset—quiet miles do their job. Train exactly how you feel—no compromises. Tradeoffs: It can get isolating. I...