The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

By Bruce | The Old Guy Bicycle Blog Retirement is supposed to be a time to relax — but I’ve learned something over the years: too much relaxing doesn’t make me feel good. What I really needed was a hobby that made me feel alive. Something that kept me moving, gave me purpose, and helped me shake off the fog that can creep in when the routines of working life disappear. That hobby turned out to be cycling. Not fast racing. Not some hardcore competitive grind. Just me, a bike, and the open road — with a little wind in my face and a lot of peace in my soul. If you're newly retired, thinking about it, or already a few years in and feeling restless, let me tell you why cycling has been the best hobby I could’ve chosen. And if you're looking for practical tips to make riding safer and easier, check out my full guide: My Best Advice for Cycling Seniors . 🚲 1. It Gets You Out of the House Look, I love a good recliner and a quiet morning. But if every day starts and ends in ...

The Feeling I Get When I Ride My Bike on Rainy Days Most people think of rainy days as a reason to stay inside. They see the dark clouds and drizzle as a barrier, a signal to cancel plans or delay adventure. But for me, rainy days offer something different—something strangely beautiful. When I ride my bike in the rain, I feel more alive than ever. The first drops always test my resolve. They tap gently on my helmet, slide across my glasses, and soak into my gloves. But once I'm out there, there's no turning back—and I don’t want to. The rhythm of the rain blends with the cadence of my legs, and suddenly, the world quiets. Cars disappear. Trails clear out. It's just me, the road, and the soft hiss of tires slicing through wet pavement. There’s a purity to riding in the rain. It's raw and honest. No pretense, no perfect conditions—just effort, grit, and surrender. You can’t fake your way through it. You either commit, or you don’t. But once I do, I often find a kind...

💡 Quick Take: Struggling with depression or mood swings? Cycling might be the natural therapy you never knew you needed. Here's how two wheels can help lift your spirits and steady your mind. Updated August 8, 2025 I love cycling. I’ve said it before—cycling is in my DNA. If I go too long without getting on the bike, my mood shifts. My wife even says I turn into a grumpy old man. Maybe it’s not full-blown depression, but it’s close enough to remind me how much I rely on cycling to feel like myself again. And I know I’m not alone. I’ve read countless stories of people struggling with depression who found real healing on a bicycle. It’s not a miracle cure—but for many of us, cycling becomes a lifeline. So if you’re fighting the blues or just feel off, here’s why cycling might help pull you through. 🚴‍♂️ 1. Cycling Releases Feel-Good Chemicals When you ride, your brain releases endorphins and serotonin —natural mood boosters that help reduce anxiety, stress, and sadness...

Spinning Away the Blues: Why Cycling Feels Like the Answer to Everything For some of us, cycling isn't just a hobby, it's an inherent part of our being. It's woven into the fabric of our DNA, a constant hum in the background that reverberates through every aspect of life. And it's true, there's an almost magical way in which a simple spin can solve a multitude of woes, leaving us feeling lighter, brighter, and back in tune with ourselves. Think about it. Feeling under the weather? A heady dose of fresh air and the rhythmic churn of your pedals can clear the cobwebs and invigorate your immune system. Grumpiness threatening to engulf your day? A good, hard ride serves as a pressure valve, releasing pent-up frustration and leaving you with a newfound sense of calm. Need to crack the code on that elusive creative block? The rhythmic thump of your wheels on the pavement can unlock a hidden chamber of inspiration, sending ideas swirling like leaves in ...