The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

One of the top bicycle searches is "best bike shop near me." This blog is read all over the world so I can't very well tell everyone that comes here what the best bike shop in their location is. Yes, I do have a favorite bike shop in Lubbock, Texas. It is Velocity Bike Shop on 50th Street. I have been using Velocity since I moved to Lubbock in 2006 and I am convinced it is the best bike shop anywhere. Below, I discuss what makes a bike shop the best but first let me tell you a short story of why I love Velocity Bike Shop in Lubbock. The story will give you an idea of why you should always trade at a bike shop and not a big discount store like Walmart. I bought a Specialized AWOL in 2014. I rode that bicycle a lot. It was my favorite bike of all time and it was my trusty touring bike.  Starting in 2014, I rode at least one long distance tour every year through 2019. I took the bike to Velocity on a regular schedule and kept it it tip-top condition. I had decided around Dec...

Cycling is a great way to get exercise and stay healthy. However, there is some concern that cycling can damage the heart. In this blog post, we will discuss the potential risks of cycling for the heart, as well as the benefits. The Risks of Cycling for the Heart There are two main ways that cycling could potentially damage the heart: Excessive exercise: When you exercise too much, it can put stress on your heart. This can lead to heart muscle damage and arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats). Overheating: When you exercise in hot weather, your body temperature can rise. This can also put stress on your heart and lead to arrhythmias. The Benefits of Cycling for the Heart Cycling has many benefits for the heart, including: Reduces the risk of heart disease: Cycling can help to lower your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. These are all risk factors for heart disease. Strengthens the heart muscle : Cycling can help to strengthen the heart muscle, making it more efficient at...

Cycling is a great way to get exercise and enjoy the outdoors. But after a long bike ride, it's important to take some time to recover so you can stay healthy and avoid injuries. Here are some tips on how to recover from a long bike ride: Cool down. After your ride, take a few minutes to cool down by riding at a slower pace or walking. This will help your body to gradually reduce its heart rate and breathing rate. Hydrate. Drink plenty of fluids after your ride to replenish the fluids you lost through sweating. Water is best, but you can also drink sports drinks or other fluids that contain electrolytes. Fuel up. Eat a healthy snack or meal after your ride to refuel your body and muscles. Choose foods that are high in carbohydrates and protein, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and nuts. Elevate your legs. Elevating your legs for 20-30 minutes after your ride can help to reduce swelling and improve circulation. You can do this by sitting or lyin...

A flat stomach is often seen as a sign of good health and fitness. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of how to get a flat stomach, cycling is a great way to burn calories and reduce body fat. In this blog post, we will discuss the following: How cycling can help you lose belly fat The best way to cycle for fat loss Other things you can do to get a flat stomach How Cycling Can Help You Lose Belly Fat Cycling is a low-impact aerobic exercise that is gentle on your joints. It is also a calorie-burning activity, which means that it can help you lose weight. A study published in the journal "Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise" found that cycling is an effective way to reduce belly fat. The study participants who cycled for 30 minutes, 3 times per week, lost significantly more belly fat than those who did not exercise. The Best Way to Cycle for Fat Loss To get the most out of cycling for fat loss, it is important to do it at a moderate intensit...

Cycling is a great way to get exercise. It's a low-impact activity that's easy on your joints, and it's a great way to improve your cardiovascular health. Cycling can also help you lose weight, build muscle, and improve your overall fitness level but is cycling a good exercise overall? I was once a long distance runner, but absolutely destroyed my knee because of the unreliability of running shoes back in the 1970's.  I have had multiple operations and finally had to resort to a total knee replacement. I turned to cycling when running became difficult and have never looked back. Cycling changed my life and my health for the better and I am lucky I found it.  In this blog post, I'll take a closer look at the benefits of cycling and discuss whether or not it's a good exercise for you. I will also provide some tips for getting started with cycling and making the most of your workouts. I am going to briefly list the benefits of cycling below and then take a single p...

I will admit it. I am not a cyclist that can truly say that I eat a nutritionally sound diet. If Cheetos was a sound nutritional food, I would be the best eater in the cycling world. Having said that, I am interested in becoming more nutritionally sound so I set out to research as much as I could about it. Here is a summary of what I found about what to eat before and after cycling. Cycling is a great way to get exercise and stay healthy. But it's important to eat the right foods before and after your ride to fuel your performance and promote recovery. What to eat before cycling The goal of eating before cycling is to provide your body with energy so that you can sustain your effort throughout your ride. You want to eat foods that are easy to digest and that will give you a sustained release of energy. Some good options for pre-ride meals include: Oatmeal with fruit and nuts Yogurt with granola and berries Whole-wheat toast with peanut butter and banana Eggs with whole-wheat toast ...

Cycling is a popular form of exercise and transportation around the world. It offers numerous health benefits, including cardiovascular fitness, weight management, and improved mental health. However, in recent years, concerns have been raised about the potential link between cycling and erectile dysfunction (ED) in male cyclists. In this blog post, I will explore this issue and examine the evidence to determine whether cycling causes erectile dysfunction in cyclists. What is Erectile Dysfunction? Erectile dysfunction is a condition where a man has difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse. It can be caused by various factors such as age, health conditions, and lifestyle habits. It can be a temporary or chronic condition and can affect men of all ages. Cycling and Erectile Dysfunction There is evidence to suggest that cycling may be associated with erectile dysfunction in male cyclists. The theory behind this link is that the pressure exerted by ...

Cycling is a popular activity that has many benefits for your physical and mental health. Not only is it a great form of cardiovascular exercise, but it can also help to build muscle, improve flexibility, and reduce stress. In this blog post, we will explore how cycling can change your body. Cardiovascular Cycling Benefits Cycling is a low-impact form of aerobic exercise that can significantly improve cardiovascular health. The benefits of cycling on the cardiovascular system are numerous and well-documented. One of the most noticeable changes that cycling can have on your body is an improvement in heart health. Aerobic exercise, such as cycling, is beneficial for cardiovascular health because it strengthens the heart muscle, reduces blood pressure, and improves overall fitness. When you cycle, your heart rate increases, and your body demands more oxygen, which causes your heart to work harder. Over time, this increased workload can help to strengthen your heart muscle, making it more...

If you're a woman who loves to bike, you know how important it is to have comfortable gear that allows you to focus on the ride, not on discomfort or irritation. The BALEAF Women's 4D Padded Bike Shorts Cycling Underwear with Padding Pockets Bicycle Gear Bike Clothes UPF50+ are an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality, comfortable pair of bike shorts. First and foremost, the shorts are designed with a 4D padded chamois that provides ample cushioning for your sit bones and other sensitive areas. The padding is just thick enough to protect you during long rides, without feeling bulky or uncomfortable. The shorts also feature padding pockets, which means you can adjust the placement of the padding to best suit your body. In addition to the padding, the shorts are made with a stretchy, moisture-wicking fabric that feels great against your skin. The fabric is also UPF50+ rated, which means it will protect you from the sun's harmful rays. One of the standout fea...

If you're a senior cyclist looking for an exciting way to explore the United States, a cross-country cycling tour might be just the adventure you're looking for. With two primary routes to choose from - the Northern Tier and Southern Tier - you have a lot to consider before you hit the road. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at the differences between these two popular routes, so you can make an informed decision about which one is best for your goals and preferences. Northern Tier Route The Northern Tier Route is a 4,265-mile journey that takes cyclists from Anacortes, Washington, to Bar Harbor, Maine, through some of the most scenic and remote areas of the northern United States. While this route offers breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains, the Great Lakes region, and the Atlantic Coast, it is not for the faint of heart. The Northern Tier is known for its challenging terrain, with long stretches of steep mountain climbs and descents. Cyclists will also enco...

Bicycling has become an increasingly popular mode of transportation and recreation in the United States. As more people turn to cycling for exercise, commuting, and leisure activities, the need for safe and accessible bike trails has become increasingly important. One proposal that has gained attention in recent years is the creation of a bicycle trail that runs from the east coast to the west coast of the United States, exclusively for bicycles and pedestrians. This proposal raises the question: should the United States government pass a bill funding the creation of a safe, no-automobiles-allowed bicycle trail that runs from coast to coast? There are a number of reasons why such a trail would be beneficial to the United States. First and foremost, it would provide a safe and healthy mode of transportation for commuters and travelers. With the rising costs of gasoline and the increasing importance of reducing carbon emissions, cycling offers an affordable and eco-friendly alternative t...

Let's take a break from the usual advice, stories, equipments posts and look at the entertainment field of cycling. Cycling has been a popular sport for many years, and it's no surprise that there are plenty of movies about this exhilarating activity. Whether you're a cycling enthusiast or just looking for an inspiring and exciting movie to watch, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are some of the best cycling-related movies of all time. Breaking Away (1979) Breaking Away is a classic movie about four friends from working-class families who dream of a better life. The film is set in Indiana and follows the group as they prepare for the annual "Little 500" bicycle race. The movie is filled with heartwarming moments, including the main character's romance with a university student, and it showcases the joys and challenges of competitive cycling. The Flying Scotsman (2006) This movie is based on the true story of Graeme Obree, a Scottish cyclist who...

Cycling is a great way to get around, but it can also be dangerous. One of the biggest dangers cyclists face is from car drivers. There is a lot of tension between cyclists and drivers, and it can sometimes lead to road rage. Anybody who has ever rode a bicycle has had a driver become aggressive with them. I have had beer bottles thrown at me, cars swerve at me, foul language yelled at me, threats made to me, and so much more. There are a few reasons why car drivers seem to hate cyclists. One reason is that cyclists are often seen as a nuisance. They can slow down traffic, and they can be unpredictable. Drivers may also feel that cyclists are not following the rules of the road. Another reason why car drivers hate cyclists is that they feel that cyclists are not taking their safety seriously. Cyclists may run red lights, ride on the wrong side of the road, or weave in and out of traffic. This can be frustrating for drivers, and it can make them feel like cyclists are not taking the...

Cycling shorts are an essential piece of equipment for any serious cyclist. Not only do they provide a level of comfort that regular shorts can’t match, but they also help prevent chafing and skin irritation. However, it's not just a matter of putting on any old pair of cycling shorts and hitting the road. There is a proper way of wearing cycling shorts that will help you get the most out of them. In this blog post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the proper way of wearing cycling shorts. Choose the right size The first and most important step to wearing cycling shorts properly is to choose the right size. Cycling shorts should fit snugly without being too tight. If they're too loose, they'll bunch up and cause discomfort, while if they're too tight, they'll restrict movement and circulation. Make sure to refer to the manufacturer's sizing chart to determine the right size for you. Get the right style There are two main styles of cycling shorts: bi...

A lot of people come to my blog with the question about how to lose weight by cycling. I try to answer this question in as many ways as possible. Today, I am going to get just a bit into the science of losing weight, but here is the truth, just go ride consistently and you will lose weight but be patient. Are you intrigued by the idea of losing weight while indulging in a fun and exhilarating activity? Look no further than cycling! Beyond the sheer enjoyment, cycling offers numerous scientifically-proven health benefits, including effective weight loss. In this blog post, we'll delve into the science of losing weight by cycling, equipping you with evidence-based strategies to kickstart your journey towards a fitter and healthier you. Tap into the Science of Weight Loss: Weight loss occurs when you burn more calories than you consume. Cycling serves as an excellent tool for achieving this calorie deficit. Depending on your weight, intensity, and duration of the ride, cycling can bur...

Bicycle touring is a thrilling way to explore the world around us while enjoying the freedom and serenity of the open road. Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or embarking on your first bike tour, one of the most important aspects to consider is the clothing you'll wear during your journey. Not only does it impact your comfort and safety, but choosing the right clothing can also enhance your overall experience. In this guide, we'll explore the key factors to consider when selecting your bicycle touring wardrobe, striking the perfect balance between style, functionality, and comfort. 1. Prioritize Comfort Comfort is king when it comes to bicycle touring. Spending hours in the saddle means that you'll want clothing that fits well and minimizes chafing or irritation. Look for moisture-wicking fabrics that will keep you dry and prevent sweat buildup. Clothing made from materials like merino wool or high-quality synthetic blends can be excellent choices, as they regulate temp...

The allure of cycling across the United States is a dream shared by countless adventurers seeking to traverse the vast landscapes, experience the nation's diversity, and challenge themselves on an epic journey. However, with such a grand adventure comes the responsibility of assessing safety concerns and making necessary preparations. In this comprehensive guide, I will explore the immense rewards of biking across the United States while shedding light on potential risks and how to mitigate them for a secure and unforgettable experience. I am going to cover a lot of information and succinctly as possible to answer the question, Is it safe to ride a bicycle across the United States? Embracing the Adventure and Evaluating the Risks Cycling across the United States offers a unique opportunity to witness the country's natural beauty, encounter diverse cultures, and foster personal growth. Yet, it is crucial to recognize the inherent risks to ensure a safe journey: a. Traffic Challe...