The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

I love cycling and have been involved in it since my teens. It became my lifetime sport of choice but it was not always the one I thought I would end up doing into my 60's. As a child and into my high school years, I was a basketball player. I enjoyed playing it into my 30's with some of my co-workers but it really became too difficult for me. Before I became a cyclist I was an avid runner and ran many marathons but the wear and tear on my knee joints pretty much ended that for me. In fact, I have a rebuilt knee now because of my running. I was both a cyclist and a runner before I tore up my knee but turned specifically to cycling once my joints let me down. Cycling can be done way into your senior years. I once came across an 83 year old man on one of my training rides and he was still enjoying cycling about 3 days each week. In this blog post, I want to explore the many benefits of cycling as a lifetime sport. Cycling is a popular sport and leisure activity that has been enjo...

Cycling is an excellent way to maintain fitness, stay healthy, and even lose weight. It's a low-impact sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities. However, many cyclists make the mistake of thinking that just cycling is enough to achieve their weight loss goals. The truth is, nutrition is actually more important than just cycling when it comes to achieving and maintaining a healthy weight. I know this from personal experience. For years, I battled with my weight despite cycling over 5,000 miles a year. I would spend hours on my bike every week, but I didn't pay much attention to what I was eating. I would consume high-calorie foods and sugary drinks without realizing the impact they were having on my body. It wasn't until I decided to make a change in my nutrition that I finally saw significant weight loss results. One year, my cycling dropped to less than 2,500 miles, but I dropped over 40 pounds because I improved my nutrition. I started focusing on eat...

A new acquaintance picked me up and was driving us somewhere when he noticed a cyclist ahead. The cyclist was following the rules and wearing a vibrant jersey. My acquaintance made a remark expressing his dislike for cyclists, claiming they are all pretentious individuals who crave attention and admiration. He even suggested that maybe he should hit the cyclist just to make him aware of his presence. In response, I disclosed that I am also a cyclist, but I don't seek validation from others for my actions. However, I do sincerely hope that drivers notice me on the road. I explained that cyclists wear bright colors as a defensive measure because if drivers fail to see us, the risk of accidents significantly increases. Unfortunately, I never got to understand the exact reason for my acquaintance's animosity towards cyclists. Nevertheless, my intention was to make him realize the dangers cyclists face on the road. I comprehend that some people despise us simply because we choose to...

Welcome, fellow cycling enthusiasts, to another exciting blog post on our bicycling journey! Today, we delve into a topic that has sparked curiosity among both cyclists and non-cyclists alike: the age-old question of why cyclists shave their legs. If you've ever spotted a group of cyclists whizzing past you, you might have noticed their smooth, hairless legs. So, what's the deal? Let's unveil the secrets behind this intriguing cycling ritual but, most importantly, let an average old guy who has been riding a bicycle for 60 plus years give you his thoughts on the practice of shaving legs. Enhanced Performance: Contrary to what some may assume, the primary reason why cyclists shave their legs is not merely for aesthetic purposes. The act of shaving offers tangible benefits that contribute to their performance on the bike. One major advantage is aerodynamics. Smooth legs minimize wind resistance, allowing cyclists to slice through the air more efficiently. This can be especial...

Cycling is much more than just a form of exercise or transportation. It can be a life-changing experience that positively impacts your mental health in numerous ways. The feeling of freedom and exhilaration that comes with riding a bike is hard to match, and it's a feeling that can have a profound impact on your mental wellbeing. My wife found out early in our marriage that cycling was "in my DNA." She says she can tell when I haven't been riding enough by the way I act. She says that cycling makes me a much more pleasant and positive person. I don't disagree. It is what keeps my mental health in check. When you're out on your bike, you're able to leave the stresses of daily life behind and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. The wind in your hair, the sun on your face, and the sound of your tires on the road all contribute to a sense of calm and contentment that is hard to describe. It's almost like a form of meditation, where your mind can wand...

Bicycle maintenance is not something I do enough. It always ends up making the chore of maintaining my bicycle more difficult but it is just the way I am. I do some of this myself but I also take my bicycle to the local bike shop for more difficult items such as changing cable.  I am going to cover 3 bicycle maintenance items that you really need to stay on top of. The Importance of Cleaning Your Bicycle Chain and How Often to Clean It: I usually put off cleaning my bicycle chain until it starts squeaking too much and then I clean it. I know that I am taking life out of my chain but it is just something I procrastinate about. Having said that, here is why you should clean your bicycle chain and how often you should clean it in order to keep it in good working condition. A bicycle chain is one of the most important components of a bike, as it allows the transfer of power from the pedals to the wheels. However, like any other part of a bike, the chain can become dirty and clogged wit...

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...

What is the best breakfast for cyclists? As someone who is not always great at practicing good nutrition, I've always understood the importance of eating a good breakfast. And when it comes to cycling, a good breakfast is even more important. Here's why: Fuel for your ride:  As a cyclist, your body requires a significant amount of energy to fuel your rides. Breakfast is crucial because it provides the necessary carbohydrates, protein, and other nutrients your body needs to maintain blood sugar levels, build and repair muscles, and provide sustained energy. Skipping breakfast can leave you feeling sluggish, fatigued, and unable to perform at your best. On the other hand, a good breakfast can help you power through your ride, improve your endurance, and even enhance your overall performance. So make sure to start your day with a healthy and balanced breakfast that includes whole grains, lean protein, and fruit or vegetables. Better performance:  A balanced breakfast can...

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...