One of the bike shops in my city has closed and the other was sold to new owners that are selling bikes not much better than Walmart now. I got four tires for my bike that were the last four road tires in the shop. I have been riding since February and I have seen few road bikes even on warm days. I will have to order everything off the web now. I will also have to get equipment to do all the repair work. I am 74 and I will do whatever it takes to keep riding.

It may not be the fault of the bike shop that they do not have stock. It can be very hard to find replacement bikes or parts in today's market. I tried to find a replacement for a front tire on a recumbent bike. The existing tire is a Primo Comet 406 X 1.35 (20") road tire. In past years I could find numerous sources for this tire. Not these days. Came up with no sources that have one in stock. I could buy a Schwalbe overpriced tire that fits at about twice the old price but I absolutely hate that brand with a passion.

The most important thing that you can do to keep riding is not to die.

and i thought it was to have a low resting heart rate.

And never ride under 19 mph?

That's what most of us do anyways. At least I have been for 20+ years. Other than groceries I pretty much buy everything online. Mostly from Amazon and Ebay and few online bike stores.

Cheaper that way anyway. Bike shops charge too much money for tires, helmets, apparel and other items anyway. And half the time the shop doesn't have what I need in stock.

I'm thinking there is a sliver lining here. I have some stuff that may be worth more because of the shortage of inventory. I bought a Cycle ops pro 400 and never used it. It is virtually new even though I bought it six years ago.

That's a nice looking hamster wheel...

I paid big bucks for it and it just decorates my spare bedroom.

Makes a good rack to hang clothes on!

I've come to the point in my life where I'm not really concerned where the "world" is headed. Much like when I was child, I just ride my bikes and have a good time. Someone else can worry for me.

For 60 miles straight into a 20mph headwind.

And 12,000 feet of climbing...

... and downhill both ways ... while passing e-bikes ...

Changing times the way they are now, are hard on most people. Maybe more so for those of us in the age bracket of above 65. Looking for various bike related items can be quite frustrating now. I believe it is going to be a while before it gets better, and the cost is going to continue to climb. I am not a hoarder, but fortunately, I like to have spare consumables, such as tires, tubes, cables on hand. I really am glad that I am not late teen to early twenty year old now. It would be hard not to think; "Is this what it is going to be like for my whole life?".

Having said that, all generations go through their challenges and changes. Obviously, the reality sets in when ones self is going through it. Bicycles have been an important part of my life for a long time, and I hope that continues for a good many more years.

no age is safe from the impacts & outcomes.
Taking care of handicapped/disabled elderly, balancing 3+ workloads, ensuring one owns health is in check, & then figure out some sleep regimen that supports all if it.

se la vie

Quote Troul " no age is safe from the impacts & outcomes.
Taking care of handicapped/disabled elderly, balancing 3+ workloads, ensuring one owns health is in check, & then figure out some sleep regimen that supports all if it.

se la vie"

Troul, c'est la vie, indeed. I could not agree with you more. Quoting John Lennon: " Life is what happens to you when you're busy making other plans." No one is exempt.

on gravel...

Agreed.

Ordering online also saves me gas and wear and tear on my car. "Local" bike shop is 46 mile round trip for me.

with two flat tires...

I support one of our local shops thru buying gear for a youth mentor program that I help manage where we ride bikes a few times a week.
The shop donates an entry level hybrid, basic helmet, and bottle cages for each new kid every year, so we buy all the maintentance tools, spare consumables, etc from the shop. A couple thousand for wireless computers and lights, half a grand for gloves, etc.
Since the program was cancelled in 2020, we took that time to buy some basics to prepare for upcoming years. It was unreal how much had to be special ordered. And special orders are filled 1 time per week, so if I went there the day after orders had been entered, my order would be entered the next week and then it would take up to a week to ship to the store. 2 weeks after I paid, I would receive some things.
I am forever appreciative of how the store supports our program, and I wasnt in a hurry for this stuff so it didnt actually matter that it took a long time to arrive, but if it were products for personal use I wouldnt have waited that long.

The shop has online ordering so they arent some tiny operation. I dont know if their process for special orders is archaic because they just dont think it matters, or if they need to keep it at 1 time per week to ensure they meet a vendor threshold for pricing or shipping. Whatever the reason, its driven me to order most everything online and only look at buying from them if its something that is priced comparably to the internet and I dont want it right away.

Maintaining bikes on one's own is quite possible, especially with videos on the 'net.
That sounds like a new experience and very positive.

Too bad a bike shop closed - we need more good ones (and fewer bad ones).

I try to keep a whole bunch of vintage bikes ready to roll with top level tires. Nothing easier to maintain than friction shifters with rim brakes. I need the handicap, and vintage parts are much more available than anything new these days.

In my bike world everything is fine. I believe you create your own happiness in life.

As did nearly EVERY exercise “machine” that I ever had 😜! The treadmill had serious “clothes rack” abilities 😎.

Reminds me of when we had a Nordic Track!

In heavy snow at 100 degrees Fahrenheit.