The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

  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-...

Bicycle lanes are an essential part of a city's infrastructure, providing a safe space for cyclists to travel and encouraging more sustainable transportation options. However, despite their importance, many cities fail to keep up with the maintenance of these lanes, leading to unsafe conditions for cyclists. One common issue is the fading of lane markings and symbols, which can make it difficult for cyclists to identify where the lane begins and ends. In some cases, all that is needed is a simple repaint job to bring the markings back to their original visibility. However, in many cities, repainting bike lanes is not given the priority it deserves. This can lead to confusion and danger for cyclists, who may have to swerve into traffic to avoid parked cars or other hazards. Another issue that can arise is the presence of debris, trash, or other obstructions in the bike lane. These can make it difficult or impossible for cyclists to use the lane safely, forcing them to move into traf...

Last updated: January 19, 2026 Quick Answer: Cycling after 60 is one of the safest and most effective ways to stay active — if your setup supports safety and comfort. Most seniors don’t stop riding because they’re weak. They stop because riding feels risky or uncomfortable. That’s fixable. What I Use for Senior Safety: Giro Fixture MIPS II — the helmet I trust at 70 for visibility, comfort, and real ride protection 🚴 Cycling after 60 can genuinely improve your life — but only if riding feels predictable and safe. I’m 70 years old and ride about 150 miles a week. Everything below is based on what actually keeps me riding comfortably, not theory. Why Most Seniors Stop Riding (And It’s Not Age) Most older riders don’t quit because they’re weak. They quit because: They’re worried about falling Traffic feels unpredictable Discomfort builds faster than confidence The solution isn’t toughness or speed. It’s removing friction so riding feel...

Wind is part of cycling — especially where I live. I’ve ridden through West Texas headwinds that would stop most cyclists in their tracks. Here’s what I’ve learned about staying safe, staying upright, and sometimes knowing when to stay home. Handling High Winds When Riding a Bicycle I live in Lubbock, Texas — the third windiest city in America. And I ride a lot in Amarillo too, which tops the list as the windiest. Between those two places, I’ve learned how to ride in conditions most cyclists try to avoid. I’m not exaggerating when I say I’ve battled headwinds that felt like trying to climb a hill that never ends. I’ve pedaled through gusts that pushed me sideways, across open farmland where there’s nothing to block the blast. I’ve finished rides with grit in my teeth and dust in my ears. And yes — I still love it. But even I have my limits. When the wind hits 35 mph sustained — and I know that means 45 to 50 mph gusts — I don’t try to be a hero. I ride indoors. If the sky...

When the World Sleeps, I Ride Sometimes, life gets in the way of our plans—and as a cyclist, I’ve learned to adapt. On busy days when I can’t fit in a daytime ride, I turn to the night. There’s something magical about cycling under the stars, especially on a long, quiet country road. The cool air, the moonlight, the solitude—it’s almost meditative. But as peaceful as it is, night cycling comes with real risks . Visibility drops. Hazards are harder to spot. And let’s face it—drivers don’t always expect to see a cyclist at 10 p.m. That’s why I’ve developed a personal checklist of night cycling safety tips that keep me safe, seen, and still able to enjoy the ride. 1. Be Seen or Don’t Ride Visibility is everything when you’re biking after dark. I light myself up like a Christmas tree—because if a driver can’t see me, nothing else matters. Here’s my go-to setup: A powerful white headlight A bright red taillight Reflective spoke covers ( like these ) Reflecti...

Heinz Stücke: The Touring Cyclist Who Covered the Most Miles Ever Real Cycling Experience. Real Cycling Gear Recommendations. Last Updated: January 6, 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 a...

Cycling can be an incredible way to stay fit, enjoy the outdoors, and push yourself toward new goals. For many of us, it’s more than a hobby—it’s a passion that brings joy, purpose, and even healing. But like any passion, cycling can sometimes become all-consuming. And when that happens, it can quietly begin to hurt the people closest to us. This is something I’ve struggled with personally. As someone who trains and tours long distances, I know how easy it is to let the bike take over. But if we’re not careful, the very thing that gives us life can become a wedge between us and the people we love. ⏳ Cycling Takes Time—and Sometimes Too Much Training rides, recovery days, route planning—it all adds up. When you're chasing a personal goal, it's tempting to justify every extra mile. But over time, that can mean less time for your spouse, kids, friends, or even simple conversations at home. If your loved ones feel they’re always taking second place to the bike, tension and rese...