The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

This is one of the coolest things I have seen in a long time. It is a guy who is touring with his cat. I stumbled upon a video on YouTube that featured this man named Dean Nicholson and his furry companion Nala, who he adopted while cycling through Bosnia. Their story is nothing short of inspiring and heartwarming. Dean Nicholson, a 31-year-old from Dunbar, Scotland, had always dreamt of travelling the world. In 2018, he quit his job as a welder and set off on his bicycle, with the intention of cycling through Europe and eventually reaching  Australia. From there the hope is to fly to Argentina then cycle north to Canada. But little did he know that his life would change forever in Bosnia. One day, while cycling up a steep hill in the Bosnian mountains, Dean heard a faint meowing sound. Curious, he got off his bike and found a tiny kitten by the side of the road. He decided to take her with him, and named her Nala. Since then, the duo has been inseparable, and they have travelled ...

  Endurance Cycling for Seniors: Navigating the Challenges of a 24-Hour Bicycle Ride I have rode in the 24 Hour in the Canyon event a few times in the past decade. Riding a bicycle for 24 hours is grueling. The ride starts on a Saturday at noon and ends at noon on Sunday. I always did best the first 8 or 9 hours, which is completely expected. The next many hours are when we would plunge into darkness in the canyon and the temperature would fall from the upper 90's down into the 50's. Believe me, that takes it toll on you quickly.  I loved riding as the sun comes up. You know there are just a few hours left and you start to feel the warmth on your face. It kind of gives you a bit of an adrenaline rush. That last few hours were just painful. You are either close to 200 miles into the 24 hour ride or more. My best was 234 miles but I can't seem to get close to that many miles now. A 24-hour bicycle ride is a challenging feat for any cyclist, but it can be particularly demandin...

There's nothing quite like the thrill of achieving a major goal, and for many people, traveling by bike is an ideal way to experience that rush. Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or just starting out, embarking on a long-distance tour can be an incredible adventure filled with breathtaking scenery, challenging terrain, and moments of pure joy. For me, one of the most exciting parts of touring by bike has been crossing major milestones along the way. I remember the first time I crossed the mighty Mississippi River on my bike in 2016, feeling a surge of exhilaration as I pedaled over the massive steel bridge that spans its width. It was a moment I'll never forget, and one that reminded me of just how powerful and awe-inspiring nature can be. Those pictures are of me at that moment. But crossing the Mississippi was just the beginning of my journey. As I pedaled further and further from home, I crossed numerous state borders, each one a new opportunity to explore unfamiliar ter...

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...

As a seasoned cyclist, I can attest to the fact that touring on a bicycle has been a truly transformative experience for me. However, it was not always that way. When I first started touring a few decades ago, I was driven by my competitive juices. I thought I had to push as hard and fast as possible to get to the next town or checkpoint. But over time, I learned to chill out, slow down, and enjoy the journey. Since then, I have learned of the transformative power of touring. When I first started touring, I approached it like a race. I would set out early in the morning, with the goal of reaching my destination as quickly as possible. It became important for me to ride hard and fast, pushing myself to my limits. I would often arrive at my destination exhausted, with little energy or enthusiasm for the journey ahead. But as I continued touring, I began to realize that there was so much more to the experience than just getting from point A to point B. I started to notice the sma...

Riding a bicycle is an excellent way to stay active and enjoy the outdoors. However, it's essential to be aware of the road hazards that can cause accidents, injuries, and even fatalities. Here are some tips for avoiding common road hazards while riding a bicycle: Common Road Hazards: Potholes : Potholes are a common road hazard that cyclists face. To avoid potholes, look ahead for potential hazards and steer around them if possible. If you can't avoid a pothole, slow down and rise up off your seat to help absorb the impact. Gravel : Loose gravel on the road can be hazardous for cyclists, especially when turning or braking. To avoid slipping on gravel, slow down and take turns slowly and carefully. Also, be sure to leave plenty of room between you and the cyclist in front of you to avoid kicking up rocks and debris. Railroad tracks : Crossing railroad tracks can be tricky for cyclists. To cross tracks safely, approach them at a 90-degree angle and maintain a steady speed. Also...

Cycling is a great way to stay active and healthy, reduce your carbon footprint, and explore your local community. However, cycling can also be dangerous if proper safety precautions are not taken. In this blog post, I will discuss some top safety tips for cyclists to help ensure a safe and enjoyable cycling experience. Wear a helmet One of the most important safety tips for cyclists is to always wear a helmet. A helmet can protect your head from serious injury in the event of an accident. Make sure your helmet fits properly and is fastened securely. Use lights and reflectors When cycling at night or in low light conditions, it's essential to use lights and reflectors to make yourself visible to other road users. Attach a white light to the front of your bike and a red light to the back. Additionally, wear reflective clothing and add reflectors to your bike and helmet. Obey traffic laws As a cyclist, you are considered a vehicle on the road and must obey traffic laws. This includes...

In 2016, I rode my bicycle from Lubbock, Texas to Pensacola, Florida. The first two days were long rides, each over or very near 100 miles. My third day was from Seymour to Bowie, and it was a pretty uneventful day. When I got to Bowie, I went to a small restaurant to eat and decide if I would get a hotel or camp out. The next day was going to be a shorter day, and a look at the weather forecast showed a slight chance of rain around 9:30. I decided to go to Bowie High School and hang out under the canopy of one of the entrances. Once the rain ended, I decided to go down between the school and a small lake where there was a small covered picnic table that had space to put up my tent. The rain was not bad, and it passed quickly, so I set up and placed my bicycle and trailer up on the metal enclosure. It was really nice, and I was under the canopy, so I left the top cover of the tent open to feel the nice breeze. The ride was over 100 degrees that day, and it felt good to feel that breeze...

  As a 68-year-old cyclist, I can confidently say that age is just a number. Despite being slower than I was 40 years ago, my passion for cycling remains just as strong as ever. Cycling has been a part of my life for decades, and I have no intention of stopping anytime soon. Some may wonder why I continue to ride at my age, but for me, the answer is simple. Cycling is a great way to stay healthy and active, and it keeps me feeling young at heart. It's a low-impact exercise that doesn't put too much strain on my joints, and it's an excellent way to maintain my cardiovascular fitness. Of course, cycling at 68 is different from cycling in my younger years. I have to take more precautions now, such as stretching before I ride and being more aware of my surroundings. I also have to be mindful of my body's limitations and not push myself too hard. But with a bit of common sense and care, I can still enjoy the ride and feel the wind in my face. One of the great things about cy...