The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

Austin, Texas, is known for its live music, amazing food scene, and a plethora of outdoor activities. But what many people don't know is that Austin is also an incredible city for cyclists. From its rich history to its many events and bicycle trails, Austin offers something for every kind of cyclist. Let's start with the history of cycling in Austin. The city has a long and proud history of bicycle culture dating back to the 1800s. In fact, the first documented bicycle ride in Texas was in Austin in 1885. Since then, the city has continued to embrace cycling, and today it is home to some of the most passionate and dedicated cyclists in the country. One of the things that makes Austin such a great city for cyclists is the many events that take place throughout the year. From charity rides to competitive races, there is always something going on for cyclists of all levels. The city hosts several major cycling events each year, including the Texas Mamma Jamma Ride, the LIVESTRONG ...

If you're unable to exercise at all due to surgery, it can be frustrating. But there are still things you can do to maintain your fitness and make your return to exercise easier. Here are some tips: Eat a healthy diet. Eating a healthy diet will help you to maintain your muscle mass and reduce your risk of injury when you start exercising again. Make sure to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. You should also avoid processed foods, sugary drinks, and unhealthy fats. Get enough sleep. Sleep is essential for muscle repair and recovery. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night. Do isometric exercises. Isometric exercises are exercises that involve contracting a muscle without moving it. These exercises can help to maintain your muscle mass and strength while you are unable to exercise fully. Here are some specific isometric exercises that you can do: Wall sit: Lean against a wall with your knees bent at a 90-degree angle. Hold this position for 30-60 seconds. Plank: L...

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...

I live in Lubbock, Texas. Lubbock is one of the worst bicycle friendly cities I have ever rode my bicycle in. I'm not saying that people hate cyclists here. By unfriendly I mean that there is not much infrasture in the way of bicycle friendliness. We have some bike lanes but there is no rhyme or reason to any of it. You can be riding along on a bike path and then it just stops and there is no alternative. One of the most bike friendly cities I rode in was Santa Fe, New Mexico. I felt very safe there, even at busy intersections because Santa Fe has a vision for cyclists and put it into practice. With that in mind, I heard about Davis, California and how they are so bike friendly that 20% of the community actually commutes on bikes. Read on to see how they did it. Davis, California, is a small city located in Yolo County, just west of Sacramento. Despite its relatively small size, Davis boasts an impressive feat – over 20% of its residents commute by bike. This is a remarkable achiev...