The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

Even Cyclists Have Bad Days: Tales from the Two-Wheeled Underworld Most days on the bike feel like magic. Wind at your back, legs spinning, sun glinting off your handlebars — you know, the kind of ride that makes you feel like you could keep pedaling forever. And then there are those days. The ones where it feels like your bike made a deal with the devil, and you’re just along for the punishment. Trust me, I’ve had more than my share. Let me take you on a little tour through the two-wheeled underworld — where flats multiply, storms chase you, and yes, even slugs take their revenge. Exhibit A: The Chain Incident of ’22 It was just a simple Sunday ride — one of those “easy recovery” days where you tell yourself you’re going to spin gently and maybe stop for a cinnamon roll. About 20 miles in, my chain decided to stage a full-blown rebellion. One second I’m pedaling; the next, I’m standing roadside like a stork in Lycra, chain wrapped around my crank like it was auditioning for Cirque ...

🌧️ Real Rides, Real Lessons: I’ve pedaled through sunshine, snow, and storms. But nothing has taught me more about respect for the road than cycling in the rain. This post includes the night I thought I might die — and how it changed the way I ride forever. Conquering Slick Streets: How I Ride Safely in the Rain (and What Nearly Killed Me in Bowie, TX) There’s something freeing about cycling in the rain. Dodging raindrops. Feeling the wind. That satisfying hum of tires slicing through puddles. I used to embrace it — until I learned just how dangerous it can get. One of my earliest wet-weather rides almost ended in disaster. I was zipping along a familiar route when I hit what felt like black ice — an oily patch of road near an intersection. My tires skidded. My heart jumped. Somehow, I stayed upright. But it rattled me. ⚡ The Night That Changed Everything But nothing — and I mean nothing — compares to what happened in Bowie, Texas during my 2016 bicycle tour ...

Last Updated: November 29, 2025 Can cycling really help seniors sleep better? Absolutely. Here’s how regular riding improves sleep quality for older adults—and the gear that actually makes riding easier. Quick Answer: Yes—cycling meaningfully improves sleep quality in seniors by reducing stress, regulating circadian rhythm, and creating healthy physical fatigue. Even short daily rides can help older adults fall asleep faster and sleep more deeply. Cycle Your Way to Better Sleep: How Riding Helps Seniors Rest Better Sleep gets weird as we get older. You can be exhausted all day and then wide awake at 2 a.m., staring at the ceiling like it insulted your family. I’ve been there too. But here’s the part most people never tell you: regular cycling is one of the simplest, most natural ways to improve sleep quality for seniors. No pills. No crazy routines. Just steady movement and sunlight on your face. Why Cycling Helps Seniors Sleep Better 🚲 Reduces Stre...

Last Updated: December 21, 2025 Cycling Knee Pain: Hard Lessons from a 70-Year-Old Long-Distance Rider Quick Take: Most cycling knee pain comes from overuse, poor bike fit, and weak supporting muscles. As a 70-year-old long-distance cyclist who has ridden through decades of knee pain, a total knee replacement, and a brutal round of tendonitis, I can tell you this: if you listen to your knees early and fix the cause, you’ll ride longer and avoid the kind of damage that lands you in surgery. Cycling is one of the best things seniors can do for their bodies. It’s low impact, keeps the joints moving, and lets you stay active without pounding your knees like running does. But here’s the part people don’t like to talk about: cycling can still wreck your knees if you ignore warning signs. I’m not speaking in theory—I’ve lived it. I’ve had knee pain on and off for years. I tried to manage it, rode through it, patched it, and kept going… until the day that knee finally collaps...