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...

Bicycle Maintenance Tips: What Every Cyclist Should Be Doing I’ll admit it—bicycle maintenance isn’t something I’m always on top of. I tend to procrastinate, and when things finally squeak or slip, I get around to it. That said, I do what I can on my own and rely on my trusted local bike shop for anything more complicated, like cable replacement. Here are three key maintenance tasks that every cyclist, even the procrastinators like me, should prioritize: 1. Cleaning Your Bicycle Chain: Why It Matters I usually wait until my chain starts squeaking before I clean it—and I know that’s not ideal. But the truth is, a clean chain isn’t just quieter—it performs better and lasts longer. Why clean your chain regularly? A dirty chain reduces power transfer, increases wear on your drivetrain, and makes your ride harder than it needs to be. It also speeds up the breakdown of your cassette and chainrings. How often should you clean it? Every 100–200 miles is a good rule of thumb, or after ...

As a lifelong cyclist who’s not always perfect with nutrition, I’ve come to appreciate just how critical a solid breakfast is—especially before a ride. Whether you're pedaling a few miles or tackling a long tour, starting your day with the right fuel can make all the difference. 🚴‍♂️ Why Breakfast Matters for Cyclists 1. Energy for the Road Cycling demands energy, and your body needs a mix of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats to perform. Breakfast helps stabilize blood sugar, powers your muscles, and prevents early fatigue. Skipping it can lead to sluggishness and poor performance. 2. Enhanced Performance A balanced breakfast improves cognitive function, reaction time, and stamina. It keeps your energy levels steady, helping you ride longer and stronger without mid-ride crashes. Think of it as your ride’s launchpad. 3. Faster Recovery Post-ride recovery begins before you even hit the pedals. A protein- and carb-rich breakfast helps replenish glycogen stores and supports...

As a seasoned cyclist, I can say without hesitation that touring on a bicycle has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life. But it wasn’t always that way. When I first started touring a few decades ago, I brought along a heavy dose of competitive spirit. I treated every tour like a race—pedaling hard, charging ahead, focused on reaching the next town or checkpoint as fast as I could. In those early years, touring was all about performance. I’d start early, ride hard, and collapse at the end of the day—more drained than fulfilled. But something changed. Somewhere along the way, I learned to slow down. I stopped treating the road like a time trial. I stopped chasing miles and started chasing moments. And that changed everything. From Speed to Presence At first, it was small things I began to notice. The scent of pine on a quiet back road. A conversation with a stranger at a roadside diner. The stillness of early morning light over a river. Things I’d missed when I...

Cycling has been a lifeline for me—physically, mentally, and emotionally. It’s more than just a way to stay fit; it’s a form of therapy. Whether I’m rolling out early in the morning or winding down after a long day, the simple act of pedaling has helped clear my mind, calm my nerves, and bring a kind of peace that’s hard to explain unless you’ve felt it. Morning Cycling: Starting the Day with Purpose There’s something special about being on the bike just as the sun is rising. The roads are quiet, the air is cool, and the world hasn’t quite started buzzing yet. When I used to cycle commute to work as a middle school teacher and athletic director, those early miles set the tone for my entire day. Even now, retired and riding for the love of it, I still feel that same benefit when I get out in the morning. Cycling first thing gets your body moving and your brain engaged. You start your day with endorphins flowing—those natural mood-boosters that help reduce stress and anxiety. For me, ...

Commuting on a bicycle is a great way to get to work, reduce your carbon footprint, and improve your health. But like any lifestyle shift, it takes a bit of planning—especially if you want to arrive safely and comfortably. Back in the early 2000s, when I was a middle school teacher and athletic director, I commuted 8 miles each way by bicycle . I was lucky enough to have access to a shower at school, which made things easier—but not everyone will have that luxury. So in this post, I’ll share what worked for me, along with tips and gear recommendations to help you start commuting by bike, no matter your setup. 1. Choose the Right Bicycle While almost any bike will get you from point A to B, some are better suited for commuting. Hybrid bikes, road bikes, and city bikes with flat handlebars and wider tires are solid options. If your route includes rough pavement or the occasional pothole, those wider tires will make the ride smoother. And always make sure the bike fits you properly to a...

Last updated August 7, 2025 Is 30 Minutes of Cycling a Day Enough to Lose Weight? I’ve been riding a bike for over 50 years. At times I was riding 30 minutes a day. Other times, I was doing 300. But no matter how many miles I logged, I could never get to a healthy weight and stay there. I blamed my age. I blamed my metabolism. I even blamed my bike. What I didn’t realize — not until much later — was that cycling alone wasn’t the problem. It was what I was doing off the bike that kept holding me back. So, is 30 minutes of cycling a day enough to lose weight? Yes — but only if you pair it with what it took me five decades to figure out . Here’s the truth that finally worked for me at 69 years old, after thousands of miles and a lot of trial and error. How Weight Loss Works At its core, weight loss comes down to burning more calories than you consume. Our bodies use calories for everything—from breathing to digestion to movement. When we eat more calories than we burn, we gain ...

There’s something special about the feeling of accomplishment that comes with finishing a long bike ride. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just getting started, that mix of exhaustion and satisfaction that hits when you finally stop pedaling is unlike anything else. In fact, I’d argue—it’s the best feeling of all. The Physical High First, there's the physical side of it. Your muscles are sore in that satisfying way that reminds you you’ve earned every mile. The sweat, the sun, the wind in your face—all of it becomes part of the experience. There’s a unique kind of joy in feeling your legs burn and knowing it’s the result of pushing your body to its limits and making it through. The Mental Break Then comes the mental reward. Cycling, especially on long rides, can be meditative. With every turn of the pedals, the noise of daily life fades. Your thoughts drift, your mind clears, and you’re left alone with the rhythm of the ride. But make no mistake—it also takes mental grit. Ther...

A great bicycle trail in the USA is the Paseo del Bosque Trail in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It’s not as long as some of the other trails I’ve written about, but what makes it great is that it gives you something hard to find in Albuquerque—a flat place to ride. This is a city known for its hills and climbs, so finding a scenic, mostly level route makes this trail especially appealing—especially for senior cyclists or anyone looking for a relaxed training day. I’ve ridden this trail myself, and if I lived in Albuquerque, I’d use it often on the days I just wanted to spin my legs without climbing. The Paseo del Bosque runs through the Rio Grande Valley and offers peaceful views of the river, the Sandia Mountains in the distance, and shaded stretches lined with cottonwood trees. It passes through several parks and open spaces, including the Rio Grande Valley State Park. When I first rode it, the trail was about 16 miles long, running from Alameda Boulevard in the north to Rio Bravo Boul...