The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

Bicycling is a fantastic exercise for people of all ages and a great way to maintain good physical health. However, as we age, our physical abilities decline, and we may face additional challenges that can make cycling unsafe or uncomfortable. In this blog post, we will discuss when a senior should know it is time to stop bicycling permanently. It would be a terrible day for me personally if I ever had to stop cycling. It is a huge part of my life and I am afraid I would grieve the loss of it but I also know that the day will more than likely come someday that I have to put my bicycle away. These are the signs that could cause it. Signs It May Be Time to Stop Bicycling One of the most significant signs that a senior should consider stopping cycling is a decline in their physical ability. As we age, our bodies naturally experience a decrease in strength, flexibility, and balance, which are all essential for safe cycling. For example, seniors may experience difficulty getting on and off ...

I love cycling but I always notice many more men out there riding when I go for my training rides. I got to thinking about why there are not as many women cyclists and what can be done so I researched it and this is what I found. Cycling is a popular activity enjoyed by people of all ages and genders. However, statistics show that there are more male cyclists than female cyclists. In this blog post, we will explore the reasons behind this gender gap in cycling and discuss potential solutions to make cycling more equitable. Reasons behind the gender gap in cycling: Safety concerns: One of the main reasons why women are less likely to cycle is due to safety concerns. Women are more likely to feel vulnerable and at risk while cycling, especially on busy roads or at night. This fear of traffic and potential accidents is a significant deterrent for women who may be hesitant to take up cycling. Lack of infrastructure: Another reason why women are less likely to cycle is the lack of infrastru...

As a fellow cycling enthusiast, I completely understand the fear that can arise when faced with the possibility of a flat tire. When I first started riding my bike, I was always apprehensive about venturing too far away from home. I was afraid that if I got a flat tire, I wouldn't be able to fix it and would be stranded. But one day, I decided to face my fear and learn how to change a flat tire, and it changed my life. Now, I regularly travel hundreds of miles from home on my bicycle, all by myself, without any fear or hesitation. The truth is, learning how to change a flat tire is one of the most important skills you can have as a cyclist. It's not a matter of if you'll get a flat tire, but when. So, being prepared and knowing how to handle the situation can save you a lot of time, frustration, and even money. I am going to put a couple of options for tire changing kits you can purchase at Amazon down below. Some give you tools that include a mini-pump but I prefer using C...

Cycling is a great form of exercise, but it can also put stress on your body if you're not careful. Whether you're a seasoned pro, a long distance cyclist, or just starting out, it's important to take steps to prevent common cycling injuries. In this post, we'll discuss some of the most common injuries that cyclists face, and offer tips on how to avoid them. Knee Pain Knee pain is one of the most common injuries among cyclists, often caused by overuse or improper bike fit. To prevent knee pain, make sure your bike is properly adjusted to fit your body, and consider investing in clipless pedals and shoes to help distribute the load across your whole foot. Additionally, make sure to ease into longer rides gradually, and take breaks to stretch your legs and rest your knees. I can always tell when I have been overtraining because my knees scream out at me a little more than usual. When that happens, I take a day off and things go back to normal pretty quickly. Lower Back Pa...

  When it comes to cycling, proper hydration is crucial for performance and overall health. Dehydration can lead to decreased performance, muscle cramps, and even heat exhaustion. Therefore, it's important for cyclists to pay attention to their fluid intake before, during, and after a ride. Water Water is the most important drink for a cyclist. During exercise, the body loses water through sweat, and if not properly replenished, dehydration can occur. When cycling, it's recommended to consume at least one bottle of water every hour, even during cooler weather. In hot weather or high-intensity rides, it may be necessary to consume more than one bottle per hour. One way to determine how much water to consume during a ride is by weighing yourself before and after the ride. If you have lost weight, it's a sign that you may be dehydrated and need to consume more fluids during your rides. Electrolyte Drinks In addition to water, electrolyte drinks can also be beneficial for cycli...

As more people look for sustainable modes of transportation, cycling to work has become increasingly popular. Not only is it good for the environment, but it can also benefit your physical and mental health. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of cycling to work and why you should consider incorporating it into your daily routine. Save Money Commuting to work on a bicycle can have a significant positive impact on your finances. Here's an in-depth exploration of the cost-saving aspects of cycling as a mode of transportation: Eliminate Fuel Costs: One of the most apparent financial benefits of cycling to work is the elimination of fuel costs. As gas prices continue to rise, owning and operating a vehicle can become a considerable expense. By choosing to cycle instead, you completely remove the need to fill up your gas tank, saving a substantial amount of money in the long run. The cost savings become even more pronounced if you have a long commute or encounter heavy traff...

  Does Cycling Affect a Man’s Ability to Produce Semen? I’m 68 years old, so this question isn’t exactly top of mind for me anymore. But I’ve noticed a surprising number of people—many of them women—searching online for answers about whether cycling affects a man’s fertility. I suppose some are concerned their cycling-obsessed partner might be sabotaging their chances of getting pregnant. So let’s dive into the facts. 🚴‍♂️ The Short Answer There’s no credible scientific evidence that cycling decreases a man’s ability to produce semen. In fact, cycling—as a low-impact, aerobic activity —improves cardiovascular health, metabolism, and overall fitness, all of which can contribute to better reproductive health. 🤔 Where the Concern Comes From Some studies have shown that prolonged or intense cycling can cause: Temporary numbness Perineal discomfort Reduced erectile function in some men These effects are typically due to pressure on the perineum —the area between...

Cycling on the Keto Diet: My Story and What You Should Know In 2018, I lost 50 pounds by combining cycling with the ketogenic diet. I was leaner, stronger, and felt fantastic. Then came the pandemic—and like many others, I started gaining weight back. Eventually, I’d had enough. I went back to keto, resumed cycling seriously, and I’ve shed most of that extra weight. I feel better now than I have since 2019. But is cycling on keto safe and effective for everyone? In this post, I’ll explore the pros, cons, and tips for cycling on a low-carb, high-fat lifestyle—using both personal experience and nutritional insights. 🥑 What Is the Keto Diet? The ketogenic diet is high in fat (70–80%), moderate in protein (20–25%), and very low in carbs (5–10%, or under 50g/day). The goal is to shift your body into ketosis , where it burns fat for energy instead of glucose. 🚴 Pros and Cons of Cycling on Keto ✅ Pros Improved endurance from fat adaptation Stable energy levels with fewer bl...