The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

  Many years ago, I was prescribed beta blockers to manage high blood pressure. At the time, I didn’t think much of it—I took the pills and kept riding. But something started to change. On longer training rides, I began to feel a sudden wave of fatigue . Not the kind you can push through. One moment I was doing fine, and the next, I felt like I hit a wall. The ride home? Miserable. Eventually, I brought it up with my doctor. He listened and explained something I hadn’t considered: fatigue like I was experiencing is a known side effect of beta blockers . He switched me to a different medication—and just like that, the problem disappeared. This experience taught me how important it is for cyclists—especially those of us taking heart or blood pressure medications—to understand how these drugs affect performance . What Are Beta Blockers? Beta blockers are a class of medications commonly prescribed for: High blood pressure Heart disease Certain anxiety conditions They...

Living in Lubbock, Texas means learning to live with wind. A lot of it. We’re not talking gentle breezes—we’re talking 40 mph gusts that can knock your hat off, slam your door shut, or, in the case of cyclists, turn a ride into a full-on battle. But here’s the truth: for those of us who ride, those high winds can actually be a gift in disguise . Wind as a Training Partner I’ve trained in winds strong enough to make you question your life choices—20 miles straight into a headwind that felt like climbing a mountain that never ends. No breaks. No relief. Just legs grinding and lungs burning. But you know what? It’s one of the best workouts you’ll ever get. Cycling in strong winds builds: Endurance – You push longer and harder. Strength – Every pedal stroke takes more muscle. Mental toughness – It’s you vs. the wind, and you learn how to win. Treat Wind Like Hills Here’s a mindset shift that helps: think of wind like terrain . Headwind = uphill. Shift into a lo...

Cycling down a steep hill can be one of the most exhilarating parts of a ride—or one of the most nerve-wracking. For some, it’s a thrilling rush of wind and speed. For others, it’s white-knuckle time, hands glued to the brakes, heart pounding with every curve. So let me ask you: Which type of cyclist are you? Do you tuck in , trust your bike, and let gravity pull you into the thrill? Or do you feather your brakes , cautiously checking your speed as you navigate each turn? For Me, It’s Somewhere in the Middle I’ll admit it—I love the feeling of speed on a good descent. The wind rushing past, the sense of flight—it’s part of what makes cycling feel like freedom. But I also know the importance of staying in control . I’ve seen what can happen when confidence outruns caution, and I’d rather enjoy the ride safely than end it with a crash. The Daredevils: Speed, Skill, and Trust Some cyclists I know go all in on the descents. They: Tuck into an aerodynamic position Hold off t...

Caffeine is one of the most popular performance-enhancing tools in the cycling world. And for good reason—it works. Whether you’re sipping coffee before a ride or taking caffeine supplements mid-century, many cyclists rely on it to stay sharp, ride longer, and keep their energy levels up. So what exactly can caffeine do for cyclists riding a century ride (100 miles) ? Let’s break it down. What Is Caffeine and How Does It Work? Caffeine is a natural stimulant found in coffee, tea, cocoa, and many soft drinks, energy drinks, and supplements. It works by blocking adenosine, a neurotransmitter that promotes sleep and relaxation. In doing so, it increases alertness, enhances focus, and reduces the perception of fatigue. For cyclists, especially during endurance events like a century ride, this can translate to some real performance benefits. 1. Reduces Fatigue and Delays Exhaustion One of caffeine’s most important effects is its ability to delay the onset of fatigue . During a long ...

Cycling is one of those beautiful activities that can feel like magic. There are days when it’s all sunshine and tailwinds, when the road feels like a ribbon of joy stretching out in front of you. Your legs are light, the sky is blue, and it feels like you’re riding through Candyland —a place where every mile is effortless, and time seems to melt away under your tires. But just like in life, cycling has its valleys too . When the Ride Turns Dark One day you’re gliding through the landscape like you’ve got wings. The next day, it feels like you're pedaling through the Valley of Darkness . Your legs are heavy, the wind is relentless, and even the smallest hill feels like a mountain. We’ve all been there. And while those days can feel defeating, they’re also the days that make you stronger. The Power of Perseverance It’s during the hard rides—the ones where everything feels off—that your mindset matters most. That’s when it helps to remember: The joy you felt during your last great ...

  At 68, I’m not as fast as I was 40 years ago—but the passion I have for cycling hasn’t faded one bit. In fact, in many ways, it’s stronger now than ever. Some folks ask me why I still ride, and the answer is simple: cycling keeps me alive—physically, mentally, and emotionally. It’s a part of who I am, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon. Cycling Keeps Me Young at Heart Let’s be honest—our bodies change as we age. But that doesn’t mean we have to stop moving. Cycling is a low-impact activity that’s gentle on the joints and great for maintaining cardiovascular health. It helps me stay active, flexible, and feeling young at heart. Yes, I stretch a little longer these days. I take a bit more care with traffic, heat, and hydration. And I listen more closely to what my body is trying to tell me. But with a little caution and a lot of enthusiasm, the ride is still worth it . Cycling Is Social—Even When I Ride Alone One of the unexpected gifts of cycling is how social it...

As cyclists, we tend to feel like we’re in pretty good shape—and for the most part, we are. After all, we’re regularly out there strengthening our hearts, lungs, and legs. But here’s something worth remembering: being fit doesn’t make us invincible. Even the most active riders can face health problems, and staying informed is key to preventing them—or catching them early. Here are some of the most common health concerns that cyclists should keep on their radar: 1. Heart Issues Can Still Happen Cycling is great for your heart, no doubt about it. But that doesn’t mean heart problems can’t happen—especially as we age. Some cyclists, even those who ride regularly, may still experience: Arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat) Chest pain or tightness Shortness of breath Heart attack symptoms If something feels off, don’t ignore it. Listen to your body. If you feel dizzy, lightheaded, unusually fatigued, or notice unusual chest sensations, seek medical attention right away . It’...

I recently had someone tell me about a friend of theirs who used to be a very good runner, but now their knees just won’t let them run anymore. They asked me a simple question: “What can I tell my friend to convince them to try cycling instead?” Well, here's what I’d say—and maybe it'll help others in the same situation, too. As we get older, our bodies change. Activities that once felt easy—like running—can become difficult, especially when it comes to our joints. The knees, in particular, take a beating from years of pounding pavement. But that doesn’t mean it’s time to stop moving altogether. Not by a long shot. Cycling is a fantastic alternative to running, especially for people who still want to stay fit, healthy, and active without punishing their bodies. Here's why: 1. It’s Easy on the Joints Unlike running, cycling is low impact , which means it’s gentler on your knees, hips, and ankles. The smooth, circular motion of pedaling is ideal for people with joint issues ...

Female cyclists are a force. They’re strong, determined, and inspiring. But along with the physical challenges of riding, many women face something they never signed up for: harassment. From rude comments to aggressive behavior, female cyclists often have to deal with unwanted attention from men while simply doing what they love—riding their bikes. This behavior is not only disrespectful, it's dangerous. No one should feel unsafe or intimidated for being on the road. Sadly, some women give up cycling altogether because of it. That needs to change. Staying Safe While Riding While we work toward a world where harassment is no longer an issue, there are steps female cyclists can take to protect themselves and ride with more confidence. 1. Know Your Right to Be There You belong on the road as much as anyone else. Don’t let anyone make you feel otherwise. If someone harasses you, avoid engaging and focus on getting to a safer space—toward other people, a business, or well-traff...

Cycling is a beautiful sport. It challenges the body and mind, combining strength, endurance, and skill. Whether it’s road cycling, mountain biking, track racing, or cyclocross, cycling has something for almost everyone. And yet, there’s one glaring issue that continues to hold the sport back: a serious lack of diversity. This isn’t just about representation in pro races or Olympic teams. It’s about who feels welcome in the sport. And right now, too many people—especially from marginalized communities—still feel like cycling isn’t for them. How Did We Get Here? The roots of this problem run deep. Historically, cycling has been dominated by European countries, where the sport originated. This dominance is still evident today—just look at the rosters of elite races like the Tour de France. Most of the top-tier athletes come from Europe or other affluent countries with strong cycling traditions and support systems. But the problem goes beyond geography. Bicycling can also be an expensive ...

As I pedaled slowly up a steep mountain road, struggling against the thin air and burning legs, a familiar quote floated into my mind—one that felt more meaningful than ever in that moment: "Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving." — Albert Einstein I’ve heard that quote dozens of times, but during this particular ride, it hit me differently. As I pushed through the pain, one pedal stroke at a time, it wasn’t just a nice phrase—it was a lifeline. The climb was brutal. The altitude was high, the air was thin, and my body was screaming for relief. But I didn’t stop. I kept moving—slowly, steadily, and stubbornly—until I reached the summit. And let me tell you, that feeling at the top? It was indescribable. It wasn’t just about conquering the mountain—it was about conquering the voice in my head that said, “You can’t.” Perseverance: One Pedal Stroke at a Time This ride taught me more than just physical endurance. It reminded me that per...

As we age, joint pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility become more common—and for senior cyclists like me, those issues can get in the way of something we truly love: riding our bikes. That’s where acupuncture comes in. I’ve been using acupuncture off and on for decades. I first gave it a shot back in my 20s when someone told me I could throw away my blood pressure meds if I tried a few sessions. I was skeptical—but it worked. I was sold. And now, in my late 60s, I still rely on acupuncture to keep my joints moving and my body feeling good. What Is Acupuncture, Anyway? Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice that involves placing very thin needles at specific points on the body. The goal is to restore balance, reduce pain, and improve overall health. While it’s been used in Eastern medicine for centuries, acupuncture has only recently gained more recognition in the Western medical world—and for good reason. Why Acupuncture Can Help Senior Cyclists Cycling is great ...

Every cyclist, no matter how experienced, goes through slumps. Maybe it’s a streak of bad weather, an injury, or just one of those days when getting on the bike feels harder than it should. I've been there too—and if you're reading this, you probably have as well. The good news is that motivation isn't about always being fired up. It’s about having tools in your back pocket to keep going when things get hard. Here are some ways I—and many other cyclists—stay motivated when the ride gets rough: 1. Set Achievable Goals Having a goal gives your rides purpose. But the key is to make those goals realistic and measurable. Instead of something vague like “get better at cycling,” try “ride 50 miles in under 4 hours” or “increase weekly mileage by 10%.” Break your big goals into smaller ones: Ride 30 miles in under 2.5 hours. Improve average speed by 1 mph. Add one longer ride per week. And don’t forget to celebrate small victories! Each step forward is proof you...

I remember a ride I took through the park one afternoon—not for the distance or the weather, but for the conversation I had with a woman who joined me for a stretch. What she shared stuck with me, and I think it’s worth passing along. As we pedaled side by side, she told me about a time when she was out riding alone and a group of young men on bikes started catcalling her. “I felt like one of those angry cartoon characters,” she laughed, “steam coming out of my ears.” But behind the humor was something deeper—she described how moments like that made her feel small, self-conscious, and embarrassed. And yet, instead of letting it define her, she made a choice. She said, “I’ve learned not to let that kind of negativity get to me. People who go out of their way to put others down are usually dealing with their own insecurities.” That hit home. Like her, I’ve been on the receiving end of harassment while cycling. It’s frustrating, even infuriating. But hearing her talk about how she rec...

If you ride regularly—whether it’s on city streets or country roads—you know how quickly your bike can collect dust, grime, and chain gunk. Keeping your bicycle clean isn’t just about appearances. It helps your bike ride smoother, last longer, and perform better. That’s why I always keep my Anndason 8 Pieces Precision Bicycle Cleaning Brush Tool Set close at hand. This affordable kit (under $20!) comes with everything you need to clean just about every part of your bike. It’s designed for all types—mountain bikes, road bikes, city commuters, hybrids, BMX, even folding bikes. I’ve used it on my own bikes many times, and it hasn’t let me down. What’s in the Set? Chain scrubber Chain brush Tire scrubber Tapered detail brush Wheel brush Sprocket scraper Sprocket brush Frame cleaning sponge The chain scrubber is the real hero of the set. It wraps around your chain and gives it a deep clean without needing to take anything apart. When I don’t feel like using th...