The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

Riding a bicycle is an excellent way to stay active, enjoy the outdoors, and reduce your carbon footprint. But sharing the road—especially with cars and unpredictable surfaces—comes with its own set of risks. To ride confidently and safely, cyclists need to stay alert and learn how to handle common road hazards. Here’s what to watch out for—and how to avoid trouble on the road. Common Road Hazards for Cyclists 1. Potholes Potholes are one of the most common dangers. Hitting one at high speed can damage your wheels or throw you off your bike. Avoid them by: Scanning the road 10–15 feet ahead. Steering around them if it's safe. Rising slightly off your saddle when hitting one to absorb the impact with your legs. 2. Loose Gravel Gravel reduces traction, especially in corners or when braking. It’s most dangerous on shoulders, intersections, and rural roads. Stay safe by: Slowing down before turning or braking. Riding in a straight line through gravel sections...

As someone who was once a marathon runner, switching to cycling wasn’t part of the plan—it was a necessity. After a serious knee injury and reconstructive surgery, I had to give up the pounding pavement. What began as a rehab-friendly activity became something much more: a lifestyle, a passion, and a gateway to adventure. Touring cycling has not only preserved my fitness, but it’s enriched my life in ways I never expected. Here’s why touring cycling might just be the best decision you ever make. 1. It's Gentle on the Joints Let’s start with the obvious: cycling is low-impact . After knee surgery, I needed movement that wouldn’t aggravate my joints. Cycling gave me a way to stay active, build strength, and protect my knees—all while feeling the joy of movement again. 2. You Can Explore So Much More One of the greatest joys of touring cycling is how much ground you can cover . Unlike running, which limits how far you can reasonably go in a day, cycling allows you to travel doz...

Riding a bicycle is more than just a great way to stay healthy and active—it's also eco-friendly, fun, and liberating. Whether you're a beginner or someone getting back into the saddle, it's normal to have questions. Below are 11 of the most frequently asked questions about biking—and their answers—to help you ride safely and confidently. 1. Do I Need a License to Ride a Bicycle? In most countries, no license is required to ride a regular, non-motorized bicycle. However, cyclists must follow local rules—such as wearing a helmet, using lights at night, and riding in bike lanes when available. For e-bikes , rules vary. Some areas may require registration, permits, or restrict e-bike use by speed or class. If you're using a bike for commercial purposes (like deliveries), you may also need additional permits. 2. Which Side of the Road Should I Ride On? In the U.S. and most countries, cyclists should ride on the right-hand side , with traffic. In places like the U.K. ...

  When it comes to aerobic exercise, both cycling and running are excellent ways to stay fit, boost cardiovascular health, and clear your mind. I've done both, and while each has its perks, I've found myself gravitating more and more toward cycling—and for good reason. While running is simple and requires little gear, cycling offers unique advantages that make it a better choice for many people, especially as we age or deal with injuries. Whether you're looking to lose weight, stay active, or find a joint-friendly workout, cycling has a lot to offer. 1. Cycling Is Gentler on the Joints One of the biggest advantages of cycling is that it’s a low-impact activity. Unlike running, where each footstrike sends force up through your ankles, knees, and hips, cycling uses a smooth pedaling motion that significantly reduces joint stress. If you’ve ever had shin splints, knee pain, or a nagging ankle issue, you know how frustrating high-impact workouts can be. Cycling allows you...

Cycling is an amazing way to stay fit, experience freedom, and connect with nature. For many of us, it becomes more than a hobby—it becomes part of who we are. But like anything we love, it's possible to take it too far. I’ve been there myself. What started as a fun and freeing activity slowly became something I had to do. I’ve skipped events, pushed myself while sick, and felt guilty on rest days. It took some reflection to realize I needed to find balance again. If you're wondering whether your love of cycling might be tipping into obsession, here are some signs to watch for—along with gentle reminders to help keep the joy in your ride. 1. You’re Always Thinking About Your Next Ride It’s normal to look forward to your next ride—but if it's all you think about, even when you're supposed to be relaxing, working, or spending time with loved ones, it might be time to hit pause. Try engaging in other hobbies or simply being present in the moment. 2. You Prioritize ...