The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

In 2016, I was riding from Lubbock, Texas to Pensacola, Florida. It was a long and challenging ride, but I was having a great time. One day, I was about 10 miles into an 80-mile day when I broke a spoke. I was in a very secluded area, and I didn't see another cyclist or car for hours. But I was prepared. I had the gear I needed and the knowledge to fix my spoke. Without it, my ride would have ended on day 2. This experience taught me two important things that are essential for any long distance cyclist: basic bicycle repair knowledge and a positive attitude. Basic Bicycle Repair Knowledge Even if you are a seasoned cyclist, you are bound to encounter some mechanical problems on a long distance tour. You may be far away from home and bike shops, so it is important to be able to fix basic problems yourself. Here are a few things you should know how to do: Change a tire Fix a broken chain Adjust your brakes and gears True your wheels Replace a cable Replace a broken spoke You c

If you're a senior cyclist looking for an exciting way to explore the United States, a cross-country cycling tour might be just the adventure you're looking for. With two primary routes to choose from - the Northern Tier and Southern Tier - you have a lot to consider before you hit the road. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at the differences between these two popular routes, so you can make an informed decision about which one is best for your goals and preferences. Northern Tier Route The Northern Tier Route is a 4,265-mile journey that takes cyclists from Anacortes, Washington, to Bar Harbor, Maine, through some of the most scenic and remote areas of the northern United States. While this route offers breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains, the Great Lakes region, and the Atlantic Coast, it is not for the faint of heart. The Northern Tier is known for its challenging terrain, with long stretches of steep mountain climbs and descents. Cyclists will also enco

Embarking on a long bike ride can be both exhilarating and challenging. The freedom of the open road, the wind in your face, and the sense of accomplishment as you conquer mile after mile—it's a feeling like no other. But what happens when unexpected circumstances leave you dehydrated and desperate for a sip of water? That's exactly what I experienced during a recent adventure, when a chance encounter with a stranger turned into an unforgettable act of kindness. The Ride Begins: I was on day 11 of a 12 day tour from the Oklahoma-Texas border to South Padre Island . This was going to be my most difficult day. It was a little more than 80 miles, which isn't bad, and it was a flat ride, which is very good. What made it bad? There was a 60 mike stretch with absolutely no water resources available. Making matters worse was the weather forecast. It was going to climb up over 110 degrees in the mid-afternoon. I pedaled away before sunrise trying to ride as much as I could in the c

Riding a multi-day bicycle tour can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it can also raise a lot of questions for those who are doing it for the first time. Whether you're riding solo or with a group, here are some answers to commonly asked questions about multi-day tours on a bicycle: How do I pack for a multi-day bicycle tour? Packing for a multi-day tour requires a bit of planning and strategy. You'll want to pack lightweight, durable, and versatile clothing that can be layered for changing weather conditions. Bring along essential tools, bike repair supplies, and extra tubes in case of flat tires. Don't forget to pack toiletries, sunscreen, and insect repellent. I make a list days before the tour and I have a place to lay everything out and check it off the list. I am not going to give you my list because everyone has different needs but I will tell you this, the weight you are going to be carrying on your bike will be more than you probably are used to.

As people age, they often seek out new experiences and opportunities to maintain their physical and mental well-being. Cycling is one activity that is gaining popularity among seniors because it offers a low-impact exercise that can improve cardiovascular health, muscle strength, and balance. Senior cycling vacations are becoming increasingly popular, and for good reason. In this blog post, we will explore why senior cycling vacations are an excellent choice for seniors looking to stay active and have fun. Benefits of Cycling for Seniors Cycling is an excellent low-impact exercise that is ideal for seniors who may have joint issues or other health concerns. Here are some of the benefits of cycling for seniors: Improved cardiovascular health: Cycling is a great way to improve cardiovascular health, which is especially important for seniors. Regular cycling can reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems. Cycling is an aerobic exercise that gets the heart

I am a cyclist who has toured extensively throughout the United States. I have often debated the question of whether or not to carry a firearm while touring. There are many factors to consider, including the need for personal protection, the risk of violence, the legal consequences, and the availability of alternative methods of self-defense. Personal Protection One of the main reasons why people choose to carry a firearm while touring is for personal protection. Many cyclists feel vulnerable and exposed to potential threats when they are riding in remote areas or unfamiliar territories. A firearm can provide a sense of security and deterrence against attackers, both human and animal. Deterrent A firearm can also be a deterrent against crime. Potential attackers may be less likely to target a cyclist who is visibly armed. This is especially true in areas where crime rates are high. Sense of Security Even if you are not likely to ever use a firearm in self-defense, it can still provide

Introduction If you are a senior cyclist and have been thinking about taking on a long bicycle tour, this article is for you. In this guide, we'll be discussing why seniors should consider cycling long tours and how to prepare for them. We will also discuss some of the benefits of doing so as well as what to consider before embarking on such an adventure. Preparation Here are some things to consider when preparing for a long cycling tour: Bike maintenance : Make sure your bike is in good condition and ready for a long trip. This includes checking the brakes, tires, chain, and other components. It's a good idea to take your bike to a professional bike mechanic for a tune-up before the trip. Packing : Pack as lightly as possible, as you will be carrying everything on your bike. Consider packing clothes that can be easily layered for different weather conditions, and bring rain gear just in case. First aid : Bring a first aid kit that includes essentials such as bandages, antisept

If you're planning a multi-day tour, you know how crucial it is to have a reliable bike. Don't risk getting stranded on the road! I am a seasoned cyclist who has ridden thousands of miles. I can attest to the importance of investing in a quality bicycle. Personally, I ride a Specialized Diverge and it has been a fantastic bike for me. In fact, I rode it for 962 miles across Texas in 2020 without any issues. And the best part? I didn't even have to pay for it! Here's how it happened: during a training ride on my Specialized AWOL in January 2020, the chainstay suddenly cracked. Thankfully, Specialized offers a lifetime warranty on their frames, so I took my bike to my local dealer. They were able to replace it with a Diverge in just a few days. While I still prefer the ride of my steel-framed AWOL, the Diverge has been an excellent training bike. It has also been a great option for touring. Although I'll likely purchase a new steel-framed bike for my nex

Hi. My name is Bruce Bussell. I am 68 years old and am an avid touring cyclist. I live in Lubbock, Texas but have rode my bicycle thousands of miles around parts of the country. I am starting this blog to show people my age that you can be active and ride farther than you ever dreamed you can ride. During 12 very hot days in July, 2020 I rode my bicycle 962 miles from Texhoma, Oklahoma to South Padre Island. In the summer of 2016, I pedaled over 1050 miles in 19 days from Lubbock to Pensacola, Florida. I have rode so many multi-day tours that I don't have space to cover them all here. Anyone can do this. In fact, just a few years ago I weighed 85 pounds more than I do now.  I'm going to share all I can about equipment, training, nutrition, and everything else I can think of to help you do this too. My next post will be thoughts on why there is no better experience than riding a bicycle across the open road. Stay tuned. Here is the next post of my blog:  What Makes A Long Time C