The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

Staying active and enjoying the outdoors can be difficult for seniors with mobility challenges. Traditional bicycles may no longer be practical, but that doesn’t mean cycling is off the table. Adaptive bicycles offer a safe, comfortable, and empowering solution for seniors who still want to experience the freedom of two—or three—wheels. In this article, we'll explore two popular types of adaptive bikes: recumbent bicycles and handcycles , and offer tips to help you choose the best one for your needs. 🚲 Recumbent Bikes: Comfort and Stability Recumbent bicycles are a favorite among seniors for good reason. These bikes feature a reclined seating position, which relieves pressure on the back, neck, and wrists—ideal for riders dealing with arthritis or chronic pain. Benefits of recumbent bikes: Low center of gravity for enhanced stability Back support from a reclined seat Three-wheeled (trike) options for added balance Electric-assist models available to reduce ...

Let’s get something straight: riding a bicycle shouldn’t feel like a death-defying act. But too often, it does. As cyclists, we’re not just out for a ride—we’re putting our lives on the line every time we clip in and roll onto the road. The harsh reality? It’s not potholes or weather that scare us most. It’s car drivers. The distracted, aggressive, or oblivious ones who treat cyclists as a nuisance rather than fellow road users. 🚘 The Real Problem: Drivers Who Don’t Care Too many car drivers seem to forget—or ignore—that cyclists have every right to be on the road. We’ve all seen it: A driver cutting you off to make a last-second turn Someone flinging open a car door without checking for bikes Getting passed with just inches to spare on a narrow lane Or worse—being outright harassed for “daring” to ride on their road These aren’t rare occurrences—they’re daily hazards for many of us. And let’s not even start on the ones texting, eating, or swiping through socia...

Am I Too Out of Shape to Ride a Bike? Last updated: December 2025 Quick Answer: No. If you can walk around the block, you’re not too out of shape to ride a bike. Cycling is low-impact, joint-friendly, and one of the easiest ways to slowly rebuild fitness—even if you’re older, heavier, or feel embarrassed to start. As a 70-year-old long-distance cyclist, I’ve seen every size, age, and fitness level on two wheels. The people who succeed are not the fittest—they’re the ones who start small and keep going. Why Cycling Works When You Feel Out of Shape Low-impact: Your joints aren’t pounded like they are with running. Fully adjustable effort: You choose the pace, distance, and terrain. Beginner-friendly: Flat paths and quiet streets are perfect training grounds. Great calorie burn: Even an easy 30-minute ride can burn roughly 200–300 calories. How to Start Without Overdoing It Start with 10–15 minutes on flat ground, three times a week. R...

Last Updated: December 2025 Quick Take: You don’t need a pro racing setup to start cycling in your 50s, 60s, or 70s. You need a bike that fits, a good helmet, padded shorts, lights, basic flat-tire tools, and a simple way to carry water. Start simple, ride often, and upgrade slowly as your confidence grows. I’ve ridden well over 150,000 miles on a bicycle, and here’s the truth: I’m not special, fast, or naturally gifted. I’m just stubborn enough to keep pedaling. Cycling is the most forgiving, joint-friendly exercise I’ve ever found, and it can work for you too — especially if you’re starting later in life. If you’re new to riding, or getting back on the bike after years away, the gear options can feel overwhelming. Let’s strip it down to what actually matters for older beginners and ignore the noise. 1. Start With a Bike That Fits (Not the Flashiest Brand) The most important “piece of gear” you’ll ever buy is a bicycle that fits your body and your goals. Brand na...

Electric bikes, also known as e-bikes, have surged in popularity—especially among seniors who may struggle with hills or longer distances due to mobility or stamina limitations. While many riders are embracing the benefits, others question whether e-bikes belong in the world of “real” cycling. So, are e-bikes cheating? Or are they the future of inclusive cycling? Let’s explore both sides of the debate—and take a closer look at how e-bikes can empower seniors to stay active and independent. Arguments Against Electric Bikes Some traditional cyclists argue that e-bikes are a form of cheating , as they provide motorized assistance that makes climbing hills or maintaining speed easier. There’s concern that e-bikes undermine the physical challenge that defines cycling and that they blur the line between bicycles and motor vehicles. Others worry that e-bikes will create trail conflicts or increase accidents due to higher average speeds. In short, some purists believe that e-bikes erod...

Update December 21, 2025 - Minor Edits Quick Take: Proper hydration can mean the difference between finishing your ride strong and ending up in serious danger. Long-distance cyclists should plan for worst-case scenarios by carrying more water than they think they'll need—and the right electrolyte solution to prevent cramps and heat exhaustion. Cycling is one of the best ways to stay fit, explore new places, and clear your head. But whether you’re riding 10 miles or 100, hydration is non-negotiable . I learned this lesson the hard way on a brutal tour from Carlsbad, NM to San Angelo, TX—an experience that nearly ended my cycling career and could have ended my life. The Ride That Almost Cost Me Everything In 2004, I set off on a multi-day ride across Texas. Day two was a scorcher—120 miles from Hobbs to Big Spring. I thought I had planned well: bottles full, jersey pockets loaded, convenience store stops mapped out. But after turning at Andrews, a 25 mph headwind hit me in th...

As we age, our bodies — and even our relationships — go through changes. But staying active can help us feel stronger, more confident, and better connected to others. One of the best ways to stay active as a senior? Cycling . It’s not just good for your heart and joints — it can also boost your mood, your memory, and yes… even your love life. Let’s explore how cycling helps seniors thrive — both on and off the bike. ❤️ Physical Benefits of Cycling for Seniors Cycling is a low-impact activity that’s easy on the joints and adaptable for nearly every fitness level. For seniors, regular riding can offer: 💓 Improved Cardiovascular Health Cycling is an aerobic exercise that strengthens your heart and lungs, lowers blood pressure, and reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke. According to the Journal of Aging and Physical Activity , regular cycling even improves blood vessel function in older adults. 💪 Increased Strength and Flexibility Riding works the legs, hips, and core — e...

Last updated: December 2025 Hotter'N Hell Hundred: Why I Keep Coming Back to This Brutal Texas Ride Quick Take: The Hotter'N Hell Hundred in Wichita Falls, Texas, is more than a famous ride — it’s a test of heat, hydration, and stubbornness wrapped inside a full-on cycling festival. I’ve done the full 100 miles in 110°F heat and the 50-mile “half-hundred” on a cooler year, and I can tell you this: with smart hydration, a modern MIPS helmet, and gear you trust, this event is brutal in all the right ways. If you're a cyclist in Texas — or honestly, anywhere in the United States — you’ve probably heard of the Hotter'N Hell Hundred. This legendary North Texas ride has become a rite of passage for endurance cyclists, and after riding it multiple times over the years, I understand exactly why it keeps pulling us back. Every August, thousands of cyclists roll into Wichita Falls to take on wind, heat, and distance on the open Texas prairie. Some chase a personal b...

Buying a new bike or upgrading your cycling gear can be both exciting and overwhelming. With countless online options and big-box stores offering steep discounts, it’s easy to overlook your local bike shop. But let me tell you — there’s something you won’t find in those places: personal service, expertise, and relationships that go the distance. I’ve been cycling for decades, and I’ve learned the value of a good local shop the hard way — and the right way. 🔧 My Personal Story: How a Local Shop Helped Me Replace My Bike for Free I once rode a Specialized AWOL that had over 30,000 miles on it — a bike I purchased from a local shop I trust and use regularly. One day, the chainstay cracked in half. I took it in, just hoping they could tell me if it was fixable. The shop owner asked me to leave the bike with him so he could investigate. A few days later, he called back with incredible news: Specialized had a lifetime warranty on the frame , and they were honoring it — even after all t...

Cycling is one of the best ways for seniors to stay active, healthy, and independent. It’s low-impact, easy on the joints, and great for improving cardiovascular fitness, strength, balance, and even mental well-being. But let’s be honest — starting out can feel intimidating, especially if you’re out of shape or haven’t been active in a while. That’s why I’ve put together these practical, experience-backed tips for senior beginners who want to start riding safely and successfully — no racing required. 🩺 Start by Talking to Your Doctor Before you hop on a bike, make sure your body is ready. A quick visit to your doctor can help assess your overall health and identify any risks. If you’ve got knee pain, heart concerns, or other limitations, your doctor can help you create a plan that works with your body — not against it. 🎯 Set Realistic, Achievable Goals You don’t need to ride 50 miles your first week. Start small: 20–30 minutes of easy riding a few times a week is perfect. As...

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 150,000 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 rebuilt my lungs, stre...