The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

  I love cycling. I'm one of those cyclists that claims cycling is in my DNA. If I go too long without cycling my mood goes south fast. I'm not sure you can classify it as depression but my wife says it causes me to become a grumpy old man. I have read about some seriously depressed people turning their lives around through cycling. I believe in it so here is a post about it. Depression is a serious mental health condition that affects millions of people around the world. While there are many treatments available, some people may find relief from depression through physical exercise, such as cycling. Here are some ways that cycling can help beat depression and improve overall mental health: Boosts endorphins: Exercise, including cycling, releases endorphins, which are chemicals in the brain that can improve mood and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. Cycling can provide a natural boost of these "feel-good" chemicals, helping to reduce symptoms of depression. Impr...

When a Cyclist Gets Hit by a Car: The Uphill Battle for Justice Cycling is a beloved sport for many, but unfortunately, it can also be a dangerous one. Cyclists face a range of risks on the road, including collisions with cars, which can result in serious injury or even death. When a cyclist gets hit by a car, seeking justice can be a difficult and frustrating process. Recently, a cyclist in a major city was struck by a car while riding in a designated bike lane. The driver, who was distracted by their phone, veered into the bike lane and hit the cyclist from behind. The cyclist was rushed to the hospital with serious injuries, including a broken collarbone and a concussion. Despite the clear fault of the driver, the cyclist faced an uphill battle in seeking justice for the incident. The driver's insurance company initially denied the claim, arguing that the cyclist was partially at fault for the accident. They claimed that the cyclist was not wearing a helmet and was riding too cl...

As a cyclist, I have experienced moments where the sensation of flying overtakes me. The wind in my hair, the rhythm of my legs, and the sound of my wheels on the road all come together to create a feeling of soaring through the air. Even though I am physically grounded, cycling can make me feel like I have wings. So what is it about riding that gives us this feeling? One reason cycling can make you feel like you're flying is the joy of movement. Cycling is a form of self-powered transportation that allows you to move through the world at your own pace. The simple act of propelling yourself forward can create a sense of lightness and freedom that feels like flight. Another reason is the connection to nature. When you're cycling, you're exposed to the elements with nothing between you and the world around you. This connection to nature can make you feel more alive and like you're a part of something bigger than yourself. The sound of the wind and the scent of the air can...

This post has been on my mind for a long time. I have a hard time with drivers who hate me just because I am a cyclist. They cannot stand that I am out on the roads because somewhere and sometime they had a bad interaction with another cyclist that did something egregiously bad that made that driver think we are all like that. It really gets to me because I try to be both a friendly cyclist and a defensive one. Cycling is a great way to stay active, enjoy the outdoors, and reduce your carbon footprint. However, some cyclists do stupid things that give all cyclists a bad name. From blowing through stop signs to weaving in and out of traffic, these reckless cyclists put themselves and others in danger and create animosity between drivers and cyclists. One of the biggest complaints from drivers about cyclists is that they ignore traffic laws. Running red lights and stop signs is not only illegal, but it's also dangerous. It creates confusion for other drivers and pedestrians and puts ...

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 ...