The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

Why Cycling Is the Ultimate Lifetime Sport: A Personal Reflection I’ve been cycling since my teens, but I didn’t always know it would become my lifelong sport. In high school, I was all about basketball. I even played into my 30s with coworkers until the pounding became too much. After that, I turned to running—and ran marathons for years. But running did a number on my knees. One of them is now rebuilt. I was already cycling before the knee issues, but after surgery, it became my primary sport—and thankfully, cycling is something I can still do well into my 60s. In fact, I once met an 83-year-old man on a ride who was still pedaling three times a week. Cycling offers something few sports can: it’s sustainable for a lifetime. Let’s explore why. 🚴 Biking for Fun: Fitness Meets Freedom One of the purest joys of cycling is riding for fun. Whether it’s a solo adventure or a ride with family and friends, cycling offers a way to explore the outdoors, breathe fresh air, and stay active...

Why Nutrition Is More Important Than Cycling for Weight Loss Cycling is an excellent way to stay fit, boost cardiovascular health, and enjoy the outdoors. It’s low-impact, easy on the joints, and suitable for almost anyone. But when it comes to weight loss, cycling alone may not get you where you want to go. I know this firsthand. 🚴‍♂️ My Personal Story: 5,000 Miles, No Results For years, I logged over 5,000 miles a year on my bike. I was committed, consistent, and determined—but the scale barely moved. I assumed that all those hours in the saddle would eventually lead to weight loss. They didn’t. Why? Because my nutrition was out of balance. I consumed high-calorie meals, sugary drinks, and oversized portions. I was burning calories on the bike—but I was replacing them just as quickly off the bike. 🥗 The Shift That Changed Everything One year, I cut my riding down to less than 2,500 miles . But that same year, I dropped over 40 pounds —all because I finally took nutrition...

Why Visibility Matters: A Cyclist’s Personal Story and Safety Guide Not long ago, I was riding with a new acquaintance when he spotted a cyclist ahead of us. The cyclist wore a bright jersey and was riding safely. My acquaintance made an offhanded—and disturbing—comment about how cyclists are pretentious and “need to be hit” to realize they’re not special. I calmly told him, “I’m a cyclist too.” I explained that I don’t ride for attention or validation—I ride because I love it. And yes, I wear bright colors. Not for praise. But for survival. This conversation reminded me just how misunderstood cyclists can be—and how critical visibility is to our safety on the road. 🚨 The Hazards of Low Visibility Whether it’s early morning, dusk, fog, or rain, low visibility is dangerous for cyclists. It affects: Driver awareness – Motorists can’t avoid what they can’t see. Reaction time – Both you and drivers have less time to react. Obstacle detection – Potholes, debris, and curve...

Why Cyclists Shave Their Legs: A Veteran Rider Weighs In Welcome, fellow cycling enthusiasts, to another deep dive into the quirky and fascinating world of life on two wheels. Today, we're tackling a question that always seems to pop up—why do cyclists shave their legs? If you've ever watched a pace line fly by and noticed all those shiny, hairless limbs, you may have wondered: is it really about speed, or is something else going on? Let’s break it down—with a few insights (and laughs) from an average old guy who’s been pedaling for over 50 years. 🚴‍♂️ The Performance Argument The Claim: Shaved legs reduce wind resistance and make cyclists faster. The Old Guy’s View: I call B.S. on this one—for 99% of riders. Sure, maybe if you're racing in the Tour de France. But I’ve seen guys with shaved legs who’d gain more speed by trimming their bellies than their leg hair. Once, I overheard a guy at my bike shop debating a seat post that was a few ounces lighter. I told him,...

Cycling for Mental Health: A Ride Toward Happiness Cycling isn’t just exercise or transportation—it’s therapy on two wheels. For me, it’s what keeps my mental health in check. Early in our marriage, my wife noticed something: I’m a better version of myself when I ride. She says cycling is “in my DNA”—and she’s right. When I go too long without getting on my bike, it shows in my mood, patience, and energy. And when I ride? I’m calmer, more positive, and more present. Why Cycling Feeds the Mind The beauty of cycling lies in its simplicity. The wind in your face, the hum of tires on pavement, and the freedom of the open road—these are more than just pleasant sensations. They’re mental reset buttons. Cycling gives you a break from screens, noise, and deadlines. It lets your mind wander while your legs keep a steady rhythm. It’s meditation in motion. Scientific Backing: Cycling and Mental Health Research supports what many of us feel intuitively: cycling is good for your brain. Reg...