The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

As an experienced cyclist, I love the challenge of conquering steep hills. But when it comes to riding back down, I can't help but cringe at the thought. The speed and fear of losing control can be overwhelming, and I find myself riding my brakes most of the way once I hit around 40 mph. I know some people are great at riding downhills, and I have a lot of respect for them, but it's just not something I'm comfortable with. However, I know that handling fast downhills is important for any cyclist, so I've learned some techniques to help me get through it. Firstly, I always make sure my bike is in good condition. I check my brakes, wheels, and tires before I start my descent to ensure that my bike can handle the speed and stress of the descent. If I'm unsure, I take my bike to a professional for a tune-up. Secondly, I always wear a helmet. It may seem obvious, but it's worth repeating. A good quality helmet can save your life if you lose control on the descent. I ...

  For any woman cyclist, there are specific safety concerns that we must consider when riding. While cycling can be a fun and enjoyable activity, it's important to be aware of the potential dangers that some men may pose towards women cyclists. One of the most significant dangers that women cyclists face is harassment from men. This can range from verbal comments and whistles to physical assault. Unfortunately, many women have experienced some form of harassment while cycling, which can be a frightening and upsetting experience. To stay safe while cycling, it's essential to take some precautions. Here are some tips for women cyclists to help ensure their safety on the road: Plan Your Route: Plan your route in advance and choose roads that are well-lit and have plenty of traffic. Avoid isolated areas or shortcuts that are poorly lit. Bring a Friend: Consider riding with a friend, especially if you're cycling in an unfamiliar area. Riding with a partner can help deter potenti...

Sometimes, life gets in the way of our plans, and we have to adapt. As a cyclist, I know this all too well. On busy days when I can't make time for a ride in the daylight, I turn to the night. There's nothing like riding on a long empty country road at night when the stars are shining bright or the moon is full. The peace and solitude can be almost meditative, and the cool night air can be refreshing. However, riding at night also poses some unique challenges and risks that require extra precautions to stay safe. One of the most important things to consider when riding at night is visibility. Since it's dark, I always make sure that I'm well lit up like a Christmas tree, so other road users can see me. I have a bright white headlight and a red tail light on my bicycle, which are essential for visibility. The spokes on my bike are all reflective too and that helps a great deal when I am crossing intersections. I also wear a reflective clothing and ankle bands , so I...

Two-Wheeled Freedom: Why You Should Fearlessly Embrace the Bike (Not Bullets) Pedaling through the wind, sunlight dappling through leaves, a grin plastered across your face - that's the magic of cycling. But hold on a second, a niggling voice might whisper: What about getting randomly shot? Let's address that elephant on the two-wheeled path right now. Yes, gun violence is a reality in some parts of the world, and the fear of the unexpected is understandable. But fear not, fellow adventurers! Let's crunch some numbers and put things in perspective. The odds of being struck by lightning in the U. S.? 1 in 15 million. Being eaten by a shark? 1 in 11. 5 million. Getting hit by a falling coconut? (Yes, it's a thing, apparently. ) 1 in 75 million. Now, the odds of being tragically shot while cycling? Hold your breath... it's incredibly low. In fact, statistics paint a picture vastly different from the dark imaginings in our heads. So, what ar...