The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

Let’s talk about something most cyclists never do — at least not out loud. The tingling. The numbness. The awkward post-ride soreness that lingers longer than it should. If you’ve ever stepped off your bike and wondered, “Is this normal?” — you’re not alone. In fact, this post is a follow-up to one of the most popular and surprising articles on my blog: 👉 Can Cycling Improve Orgasms? The Surprising Science Behind the Ride But this time, I want to dig a little deeper — into the very real concerns cyclists have about sexual health, saddle pain, and how to ride with comfort and confidence for years to come. 🧠 The Science of the Saddle When you ride a bike, especially for long distances or multiple days in a row, a lot of pressure is focused right where you don’t want it — the perineum , the area between your sit bones that contains major nerves and blood vessels. For men, too much compression here can lead to erectile issues or prolonged numbness. For women, it can cause vaginal d...

Some rides don’t test your legs — they test your heart. In 2016, I was cycling across the country from Lubbock to Florida. I had already put in long, hot, humid days through Texas and Louisiana, and I was somewhere in the middle of central Louisiana on a road that felt like it might never end. From the start of that day, something felt off. My legs were dead. And when your legs go, everything else starts to follow. My neck ached. My shoulders were tight. My spirit was worse. I was days into the tour and starting to feel completely isolated. Even on my worst rides, I usually know I have the physical ability to grind through — but this time, doubt started creeping into my head. The kind of doubt that whispers, “Maybe you don’t have it today.” I had about 60 miles left to ride. I pulled into a convenience store to refill my bottles, mentally counting down how far I had to go — and not liking the number. That’s when I met them. Two large young men — I mean big guys, built like NFL linebac...

If you ride long distances — especially back-to-back days — you’ve probably dealt with it: that uncomfortable soreness “back there” that creeps in no matter how good your bike fit or padded shorts are. I’ve been riding for decades, and while I’ve learned to prevent most issues, every now and then the miles catch up with me. That’s when I reach for this: Yes, that’s my actual stick sitting in our medicine cabinet. It’s called the Chamois Butt’r Solid Anti-Chafing Stick , and let me tell you — it works. I’ve used all sorts of chamois creams and lotions over the years, but this is the only product I consistently go back to when things get sore. 🚿 How I Use It After Long Rides Most often, I don’t need it before a ride — though you could use it that way. For me, the magic happens after I’ve already done the damage: I get off the bike, shower, dry off… Then I apply the Chamois Butt’r stick directly to the affected area. By the next day? That soreness is either gone or dramat...

Let’s get something straight right from the start. This isn’t a list that tells you to wear a helmet or bring your phone. That’s a given. If you’re reading this, I’m going to assume you’re already riding with the basics: A good helmet Cycling shoes and padded shorts A jersey and gloves A cycling computer or phone to track your ride But what about the other stuff ? The items you don’t think about until you’re 15 miles from home with a flat tire, sunburned arms, or cars buzzing past you too close for comfort? That’s what this post is about— the 5 most important items I always take on every ride (no matter how short or long), in addition to the gear above. These are the unsung heroes that keep me comfortable, safe, and prepared. 1. Flat Repair Kit or Mini Pump Flats are part of cycling. It’s not a question of if—it’s when. If you run tubeless, carry a plug kit. If you ride with tubes, bring a patch kit or a spare tube. Either way, you need a way to inflate that tire. I use...

The calendar may flip to July, but for long-distance cyclists like me, the training doesn’t stop — and neither does the heat. Here in West Texas, the summer sun can be relentless, and yet, if you’re training for a big ride or tour, you can’t always wait for a cool morning breeze. Sometimes, you’ve got to ride when the sun’s high, the pavement’s sizzling, and the heat is pressing down like a wool blanket. I’ve done my fair share of rides in the 90s and even 100s. And I’ve learned — sometimes the hard way — that riding smart in the heat is the difference between a good training session and a dangerous situation. 1. Hydration Starts Before You Clip In If you're waiting until you're thirsty to drink, you're already behind. I start hydrating the night before a long ride and take regular sips from the first mile on. I always carry two bottles: both with electrolytes to replace what I’m sweating out. My go-to: Elete Electrolyte Drops . I put these drops in my water bottles be...

By Bruce | The Old Guy Bicycle Blog Cycling long distances often feels like a solitary pursuit — just you, your bike, and the miles ahead. But if you ride the same routes often enough, something surprising happens. You begin to notice the constants — a dog that runs to the fence to greet you, a man sitting on his porch with his dogs, a student with a bubble machine playing with her pet. You don’t know these people or animals. Not really. You don’t know their names or stories. But you miss them when they’re gone. Why I Ride Familiar Routes I’m the kind of cyclist who tends to ride the same roads almost every day. Sure, I mix it up depending on distance or wind direction, but the bones of the route remain the same. There's a reason for that. When I’m on a long tour or a tough event, and I’m five miles from the finish, I like to picture where I’d be if I were five miles from home. It grounds me. It’s familiar. And that mental trick helps me push through, even when I’m exhausted. But...

Thanks for stopping by — especially if you came here from Pinterest or clicked on one of my Etsy links! I wanted to let you know that CreativeBicycleStore on Etsy is temporarily under construction while I upgrade and improve every product listing. That means all of my digital cycling posters are offline for a short time — but for good reason. Over the next few days, I’m: ✔️ Replacing old files with high-resolution PDF and PNG downloads ✔️ Creating beautiful new mockup images so you know exactly what you're getting ✔️ Making sure each file prints clearly in standard sizes like 8×10 and 11×14 This relaunch ensures every buyer receives a product that’s easy to print, frame, and enjoy. 🛒 My shop will reopen by mid-July 2025 , with a cleaner layout, better files, and even more original cycling art. 📍 Want to Stay in the Loop? Here’s how to follow along and come back when everything’s live: 🔗 Favorite my Etsy shop: CreativeBicycleStore 📌 Follow me on...