The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

  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 is a wonderful way to stay active, explore new places, and connect with like-minded individuals. However, as with any community, there may be individuals who exhibit behavior that is perceived as elitist or entitled. This can be harmful and divisive, and can create an unwelcoming atmosphere for those who are new to cycling or who do not fit into a certain mold. As cyclists, it is our responsibility to foster a positive and inclusive community that welcomes individuals of all backgrounds, experience levels, and interests. Here are some tips for Fostering Inclusivity and Combating Elitism in the Cycling Community: Lead by example : One of the most effective ways to combat elitism and entitlement is to model positive behavior yourself. Follow traffic laws, show consideration for other road users, and prioritize safety over speed or performance. By demonstrating respect and consideration for others, you can inspire others to do the same. Promote education and knowledge-sharin...

I used to get up early in the morning to watch the Tour de France every year that Lance Armstrong was winning it. It was riveting to watch and some of his achievements were awe-inspiring. His name will forever be synonymous with cycling, but for very different reasons. The former professional cyclist was once revered as a hero, a cancer survivor who had beaten the odds and won the Tour de France seven times in a row, an incredible feat that no other rider had ever accomplished. However, Armstrong's reputation took a dramatic turn when he was stripped of all his titles due to doping allegations. Armstrong's use of performance-enhancing drugs was not just a secret within the cycling community, but also became public knowledge when he was accused of doping by a fellow rider in 2010. Armstrong initially denied the allegations, but in 2012 he was stripped of all his Tour de France titles and banned from professional cycling for life. He later admitted to doping during all his Tour d...