The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

Austin, Texas, is known for its live music, amazing food scene, and a plethora of outdoor activities. But what many people don't know is that Austin is also an incredible city for cyclists. From its rich history to its many events and bicycle trails, Austin offers something for every kind of cyclist. Let's start with the history of cycling in Austin. The city has a long and proud history of bicycle culture dating back to the 1800s. In fact, the first documented bicycle ride in Texas was in Austin in 1885. Since then, the city has continued to embrace cycling, and today it is home to some of the most passionate and dedicated cyclists in the country. One of the things that makes Austin such a great city for cyclists is the many events that take place throughout the year. From charity rides to competitive races, there is always something going on for cyclists of all levels. The city hosts several major cycling events each year, including the Texas Mamma Jamma Ride, the LIVESTRONG ...

Bicycling has become an increasingly popular mode of transportation and recreation in the United States. As more people turn to cycling for exercise, commuting, and leisure activities, the need for safe and accessible bike trails has become increasingly important. One proposal that has gained attention in recent years is the creation of a bicycle trail that runs from the east coast to the west coast of the United States, exclusively for bicycles and pedestrians. This proposal raises the question: should the United States government pass a bill funding the creation of a safe, no-automobiles-allowed bicycle trail that runs from coast to coast? There are a number of reasons why such a trail would be beneficial to the United States. First and foremost, it would provide a safe and healthy mode of transportation for commuters and travelers. With the rising costs of gasoline and the increasing importance of reducing carbon emissions, cycling offers an affordable and eco-friendly alternative t...

Our next great bicycle trail in the USA is The Paseo del Bosque Trail in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It is not a trail like some of the others I post about because it is much shorter but the thing that makes it great is that you can find a flat place to ride in a large city that can be challenging because of it's often steep climbing. This is a great place for senior cyclists to ride and it is very scenic.  I have rode on this trail. If I lived in Albuquerque I would use it for my easier training days when I didn't want to climb hills. There is another path you can follow from the valley to the mountains that is a big climb and very challenging and I will cover that one another day. The Paseo del Bosque Trail is a popular cycling destination in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The trail runs parallel to the Rio Grande through the Bosque, a forested area along the river. It is a multi-use trail that is ideal for cycling, running, and walking. Stretching approximately 16 miles, the trail i...

Florida is a state that is known for its beautiful beaches and warm weather, but it is also a great place for cycling enthusiasts. With miles of bicycle trails that wind through scenic landscapes and coastal areas, Florida offers something for every type of rider. In this blog post, we will explore the best bicycle trail in Florida, the Pinellas Trail. The Pinellas Trail is a 47-mile paved bicycle trail that runs from Tarpon Springs to St. Petersburg, Florida. The trail winds through several municipalities and parks, and offers riders stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico and scenic wetlands. The Pinellas Trail is a favorite among locals and tourists alike, and is considered one of the best bicycle trails in the country. The Pinellas Trail was originally a railroad line that was built in the early 1900s, but was abandoned in the 1970s. In the 1990s, the trail was converted into a bicycle trail, and has since become a popular destination for cyclists of all skill levels. The trail is wid...

Here is another post in our series of Great Bicycle Trails in the USA. I have never been on this one but the tunnels and railroad trestles make me want to ride it someday. Have any of you been on it? Let me know by leaving a comment. The Mickelson Trail in South Dakota is a breathtaking 109-mile-long trail that runs through the Black Hills of South Dakota. It is named after former South Dakota Governor George S. Mickelson, who played a key role in the trail's development. The trail was originally an abandoned rail bed that was transformed into a hiking and biking trail, and it has become a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The Mickelson Trail offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the Black Hills in a way that is both relaxing and invigorating. The trail winds its way through forests, across bridges, and through tunnels, providing stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Along the way, hikers and bikers will encounter a variety of wi...

The East Coast Greenway (ECG) is a 3,000-mile trail that stretches from Maine to Florida, connecting cities and communities along the eastern seaboard of the United States. This trail is designed for non-motorized transportation, including walking, running, biking, and rollerblading, and provides a safe, scenic, and sustainable way to travel through some of the most beautiful landscapes and urban areas in the country. I don't know if it will ever be completely finished in my lifetime but I do hope to ride the parts of it that are finished someday. History and Development The East Coast Greenway was first proposed in 1991 by a group of bike advocates who envisioned a continuous trail that would run from Calais, Maine to Key West, Florida. The idea quickly gained momentum, and in 1996, the East Coast Greenway Alliance (ECGA) was formed to oversee the development and promotion of the trail.Over the years, the ECGA has worked with local communities, state and federal agencies, and othe...

Our 3rd post about great bicycle trails in the USA is in Louisiana and is one that I rode when I toured from Lubbock, Texas to Pensacola, Florida in 2016. The photo here is me on the trail. I was hoping to see an alligator at that stop and even had a game warden chat with me and tell me that a huge one often lies on the bank you can see behind me. This was a really cool trail and the best thing about it was that there were no cars to deal with. The Tammany Trace is a 31-mile long rail-trail that runs from the town of Covington to the city of Slidell on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain in Louisiana. The trail is a popular destination for cyclists, walkers, runners, and nature lovers, offering a unique and scenic experience through Louisiana's beautiful countryside. The Tammany Trace follows the path of an old railroad line that was originally built in the late 1800s. The trail was converted to a multi-use path in the 1990s, and has since become one of the most popular rail-trai...

As March arrives and the weather for enjoying cycling is getting closer, I am going to start a series of posts focused on some of the great bicycle trails in the USA. This is the first one. The Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) is a 150-mile trail that runs from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Cumberland, Maryland. This scenic route follows the path of the Western Maryland Railway, which was once used for transporting coal and other goods. Today, the trail is a popular destination for cyclists, hikers, and other outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore the natural beauty of the Appalachian Mountains. The trail starts in Pittsburgh, a bustling city that offers plenty of amenities and cultural attractions. From there, the route heads south along the Monongahela River, passing through charming towns and historic landmarks along the way. Cyclists will enjoy the gradual ascent up the Allegheny Mountains, which offer stunning views of the surrounding wilderness. One of the highlights of the GAP is th...