The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

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...

  As an avid cyclist, I prefer riding alone for long distances. The freedom to ride at my own pace and take breaks whenever I please is exhilarating. This sense of control and independence is what makes cycling a fulfilling experience for me. One of my memorable rides was in New Mexico, where I rode 45 miles away from the nearest town. It was just me and my bike, and I relished in the solitude of the journey. While I have participated in group rides before, I find that some groups can be competitive and testosterone-driven. There is always that one person who tries to outdo others, which can be a turn-off for me. As for challenges, I enjoy pushing myself to complete rides spanning hundreds of miles over a few days. However, I am not a competitive cyclist and do not partake in races. While I respect the dedication and hard work of racing cyclists, it is simply not my cup of tea.I have been on a few long tours over the years and have encountered a few groups. Many of the cyclists wer...

Does bicycling change as you age? It may seem ironic, but I believe I am a more proficient bicyclist today than I was two or three decades ago, despite the inevitable physical decline that comes with age. However, it's important to note that I am not a competitive cyclist and do not possess the same racing abilities I once had. As a touring cyclist, I prioritize distance over speed, and I can now ride for longer stretches without much difficulty thanks to the experience I have accumulated over time. The question of whether cycling changes as you age is a common one. On the one hand, it may seem ironic that you could become a more proficient cyclist despite the inevitable physical decline that comes with age. On the other hand, there are a number of factors that can contribute to your improvement as a cyclist, even as you get older. Physical decline as a cyclist as we age As we age, our bodies undergo a number of changes that can impact our cycling performance. Some of the most comm...

Long distance cycling can be a strange hobby, according to some. It's common for people to ask me why I ride 80 to 100 miles a day, day after day, often solo with just my bike and possibly a trailer. To understand why, I have to go back to my childhood in the 1960s. Back then, parents were less worried about their kids leaving the house, and my friends and I preferred to explore on our bikes rather than just hanging out at a neighbor's house. I'll never forget the feeling of adventure, discovering new places that we wouldn't have been able to see without our bikes. Now, over 55 years later, that sense of adventure still thrills me. I love exploring new places on my bike, and I can ride hundreds of miles to do so. It's a love that has stayed with me all these years. If you're a fellow rider, I'd love to hear why you ride. And if you're not a rider but want to be, feel free to join in the conversation as well. I'll be sharing tales of the road, giving ...

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 ...