The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

Why Fast Downhills Scare the Spandex Off Me As an experienced cyclist, I live for the grind of uphill climbs. But let me be honest: steep downhills terrify me. Once I hit around 40 mph, my brain goes full panic mode. My hands clamp the brakes like they’re life preservers, and my internal monologue sounds like a cartoon character yelling, “YIKES!” all the way down. I know plenty of cyclists who fly down hills like it’s nothing. Total respect to them—but I’m not built that way. Still, I’ve learned to manage my fear with some solid downhill biking techniques that keep me safe, in control, and maybe just a little less petrified. Tip #1: Make Sure Your Bike Is Descent-Ready Before you even think about pointing your wheels downhill, give your bike a full safety check. Look over your: Brakes (both front and rear) Wheels and spokes Tire pressure and tread If anything feels off, I don’t guess—I take it to a bike shop. Going downhill fast is no time to test fate with...

I always have people tell me how unsafe cycling is. Of course, these people are usually non-cyclists who just think it is a dangerous sport. They don't actually ride like we do. In the spirit of all of the unthinking people who give me their uninvestigated opinions, I am going to write a post about why cycling is safe and why cycling is unsafe. Why Cycling is Safe While the question of cycling safety might arise, it's surprising to discover the numerous advantages that contribute to a secure experience for riders. Beyond the obvious benefits of exercise and environmental awareness, cycling offers a surprising level of safety that makes it a viable and enjoyable form of transportation. 1. Physical Fitness for Resilience: Cycling acts as a powerful form of exercise, strengthening cardiovascular health, building muscle, and improving flexibility. This overall physical fitness translates into increased resilience and faster recovery potential in case of minor accidents. 2. ...