The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

Sometimes, life gets in the way of our plans, and we have to adapt. As a cyclist, I know this all too well. On busy days when I can't make time for a ride in the daylight, I turn to the night. There's nothing like riding on a long empty country road at night when the stars are shining bright or the moon is full. The peace and solitude can be almost meditative, and the cool night air can be refreshing. However, riding at night also poses some unique challenges and risks that require extra precautions to stay safe. One of the most important things to consider when riding at night is visibility. Since it's dark, I always make sure that I'm well lit up like a Christmas tree, so other road users can see me. I have a bright white headlight and a red tail light on my bicycle, which are essential for visibility. The spokes on my bike are all reflective too and that helps a great deal when I am crossing intersections. I also wear a reflective clothing and ankle bands , so I...

  When it comes to touring cyclists who have covered the most miles ever, there are a few names that come to mind. However, one cyclist stands out above the rest - Heinz Stücke. Heinz Stücke, born in Germany in 1940, started his cycling journey in 1962 at the age of 22. He set out on his first tour from his hometown of Hövelhof, Germany, with the intention of cycling through Europe. He pedaled through France, Spain, and Portugal, and eventually reached Morocco. He continued his journey through Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, and soon found himself cycling around the world. Stücke's cycling adventure didn't stop there, as he continued to tour for over 50 years, covering a staggering 648,000 kilometers (or approximately 403,000 miles) in total. This distance is equivalent to cycling around the equator over 16 times, or making more than 15 trips from New York to Los Angeles. Stücke's journey took him through over 200 countries, and he was always eager to learn about differe...

Cycling can be an amazing way to stay fit, enjoy the great outdoors, and meet new people. For many cyclists, it is a passion that brings them joy and fulfillment. However, like any passion, cycling can also become all-consuming, leading to negative consequences in other areas of life. One such consequence is when your cycling obsession becomes dangerous to your relationships with people. This is an area that I have had troubles with too. It is not easy to fix when you have a huge goal in mind but you have to deal with it or you could lose people who are very important to you. One of the most common ways that cycling can damage relationships is by taking up too much time. Cycling can be a time-consuming activity, especially if you are training for a race or trying to achieve a personal goal. This can lead to neglecting other important areas of your life, such as spending time with your family, friends, or significant other. If your loved ones feel like they are always playing second fid...

Are you ready for a challenge? Riding 100 miles on a bicycle is no easy feat, but it's definitely possible with the right mindset and preparation. In this blog post, we'll discuss what it takes to conquer a century ride and share some tips to help you reach that finish line. First and foremost, let's be clear: riding 100 miles on a bicycle is not for the faint of heart. It's a true test of endurance and patience, and you'll likely experience a fair amount of discomfort along the way. But don't let that discourage you! With proper training and mental preparation, you can overcome the challenges and emerge victorious. One key aspect of long-distance riding is mental toughness. Yes, physical fitness is important, but it's not everything. When you're in the midst of a grueling ride, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and defeated. But with the right mindset, you can learn to manage your thoughts and emotions and push through the difficult moments. Here are a ...

  The Lonely Legion of the Lidless Nod: A Field Guide to Cycling's Socially-Distanced Denizens Ah, the elusive "non-waver. " They glide, they conquer hills, they chain lube their way into our hearts... until you try to greet them like a fellow two-wheeled warrior and get about as much recognition as a fly buzzing around Lance Armstrong's ego. These lone wolves of the asphalt come in many flavors, each dripping with their own brand of "don't-talk-to-me" vibes: The Tunnel Visioner: Eyes glazed with Strava glory, these folks are locked in a one-man velodrome against the clock. A friendly "hello" might shatter their fragile aero-bubble, causing them to veer into traffic like a startled hummingbird. The "I'm Too Cool for School" Crew: Rocking vintage hipster frames and ironic handlebar mustaches, these cycling fashionistas wouldn't acknowledge a velodrome unless it served craft beer and artisanal chain grease. Yo...