A Letter to My 13-Year-Old Self About Cycling

a 67 year old cyclist writing on a tablet

Dear 13-year-old me,

I'm writing to you from the year 2023, and I want to tell you how much cycling has mattered to me in my life.

I know that you're not a big fan of cycling right now. You think it's boring and slow, and you'd rather be doing something else, like hanging out with your friends. But I want you to know that cycling is going to become one of the most important things in your life.

As you get older, you're going to start to appreciate the freedom and flexibility that cycling gives you. You'll be able to go wherever you want, whenever you want, without having to worry about traffic or parking. You'll also start to appreciate the health benefits of cycling. It's a great way to stay in shape, and it can help to reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other chronic health conditions.

But most importantly, cycling is going to give you a sense of adventure. You'll get to explore new places, meet new people, and see the world from a different perspective. You'll also learn a lot about yourself along the way.

I'm 67 years old now, and I'm still cycling. I've ridden all over the country, and I'm planning to ride from Canada to Mexico in 2026 after I turn 70.

I know that you don't believe me right now, but cycling is going to change your life. It's going to give you freedom, health, adventure, and a sense of self-discovery. So I urge you to give it a chance. You won't regret it.

Love, Your future self

Comments

Does Cycling Make Sciatica Worse? What Cyclists Need to Know

Does Cycling Make Sciatica Worse? What Cyclists Need to Know Sciatica is no joke — the sharp, radiating pain that shoots down your leg can make even simple movements feel like a challenge. If you're a cyclist dealing with sciatica, you may be wondering: Is cycling helping me or making it worse? As with most things in health and fitness, the answer isn’t black and white. Cycling can both aggravate and relieve sciatica, depending on how you ride, how your bike is set up, and how your body responds. 🚫 When Cycling Might Make Sciatica Worse Cycling can contribute to sciatic pain if certain risk factors are present: Prolonged Sitting Extended time in the saddle can compress the sciatic nerve, especially with a hard or narrow seat. Repetitive Motion Pedaling can irritate the nerve over time, especially if you already have underlying inflammation or nerve impingement. Poor Bike Fit or Posture Hunching over handlebars or riding a bike that isn’t properly fitted can put additio...

Boost Your Focus and Mental Clarity with Cycling

Cycling for Focus and Mental Clarity: How Two Wheels Can Clear Your Mind We all know cycling is great for physical health, but did you know it can also sharpen your mind and improve your ability to focus? Whether you’re struggling with concentration, battling anxiety, or just looking for a mental reset, hopping on a bike may be one of the most effective and enjoyable ways to boost your brainpower. 🚴 How Cycling Improves Mental Focus Cycling isn’t just exercise — it’s a cognitive workout. Here’s how: 1. Increases Blood Flow to the Brain When you cycle, your heart rate rises and blood flow improves — especially to your brain. This delivers more oxygen and nutrients, which can enhance memory, focus, and decision-making . 2. Puts You in a Meditative State Cycling forces you to pay attention: to your breathing, your cadence, the road ahead. This state of flow quiets distractions and trains your brain to focus on the present moment. 3. Reduces Stress and Anxiety Riding a b...

Is 30 Minutes of Cycling a Day Enough to Lose Weight?

Cycling is a popular and effective way to lose weight—and for good reason. It burns calories, builds muscle, improves cardiovascular health, and is easy on the joints. But many beginners wonder: is 30 minutes of cycling a day enough to make a difference? From my own experience, I can tell you that when I first got back into cycling after years of being sedentary, 30 minutes felt like a serious workout. I was sweating, tired, and proud of myself. But as I got more consistent, something became clear: if I was still eating poorly, even 60 minutes a day on the bike wasn't going to move the scale much. That's when I learned that weight loss is a combination of exercise and nutrition —not just one or the other. 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 weight. When we burn more than we eat, we los...

The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

Search This Blog