The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

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...

🚴‍♂️ Cycling for Seniors: Smart, Safe, and Life-Changing Tips for Riders Over 60 Staying active as we age is one of the best gifts we can give ourselves — and cycling for seniors is one of the most enjoyable, low-impact ways to do just that. Whether you're returning to the bike after decades or you're already riding regularly, these practical tips will help you ride smarter, safer, and more confidently. 💪 Why Cycling Is Great for Seniors Cycling keeps your heart healthy, muscles strong, and joints moving — all without the pounding of high-impact activities like running. It’s also a proven way to: Improve balance and coordination Ease arthritis pain and stiffness Boost mental health and reduce stress Connect socially with others through rides and clubs 🧠 Bonus: Studies show seniors who cycle regularly have better memory, faster reflexes, and greater emotional well-being. 🛠️ Bike Setup Tips for Comfort and Safety As we age, comfort becomes more impor...

  Riding a bicycle is a great way to get around, stay active, and enjoy the great outdoors. However, when the wind starts to pick up, what was once an enjoyable activity can become a daunting challenge. In this blog post, we will explore the challenge of riding a bicycle in high winds and provide some tips on how to make it more manageable. The Challenge of Riding in High Winds Cycling in high winds can be a challenging experience, and there are several reasons for this. Firstly, strong winds can create unpredictable gusts, which can make it difficult to maintain your balance and control your bike. Secondly, the wind can create resistance, making it harder to pedal and slowing you down. Finally, when cycling against the wind, it can be physically demanding, requiring more effort and energy than usual. Tips for Riding in High Winds Although cycling in high winds can be challenging, there are several things you can do to make it more manageable. Here are some tips to help you ride yo...

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...

  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...