The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

Last Updated: August 31, 2025 Cycling & Air Pollution: Ride Smart, Breathe Easier Quick Answer: City riding exposes you to particulate matter (PM), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), and ozone (O₃). The risk is real—but you can cut exposure fast by choosing back-street routes, avoiding rush hour, and using a proper PM filter mask on heavy-traffic stretches. Cycling lowers traffic and your carbon footprint, but it also puts you in the exhaust lane. I’m not here to scare you off the bike—just to help you ride smarter so you keep the fitness benefits without sucking down as much junk. What’s in the air that matters to cyclists? Particulate Matter (PM2.5/PM10): tiny particles that reach deep into the lungs and stress your cardiovascular system. Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂): mostly from diesel; irritates airways and spikes along busy roads and intersections. Ozone (O₃): forms later in the day from other pollutants; can reduce lung function during hard...

The Paul Bunyan State Trail is a 120-mile trail that runs through some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in Minnesota. The trail starts in Brainerd and winds its way north to Bemidji, passing through charming towns, forests, and lakes along the way. This trail is a popular destination for cyclists, hikers, and snowmobilers alike, and it's easy to see why. One of the most striking features of the Paul Bunyan State Trail is the sheer beauty of the scenery that surrounds it. The trail takes cyclists through dense forests of pine, spruce, and birch, past shimmering lakes and streams, and across gently rolling hills. The trail is dotted with rest areas, picnic spots, and interpretive signs that offer information about the history and ecology of the area. But it's not just the scenery that makes the Paul Bunyan State Trail so special. The trail is also well-maintained and user-friendly, with a wide, flat surface that's suitable for cyclists of all skill levels. There are s...

🛣️ Quick Read: When a kind stranger made an unexpected offer during my solo cycling tour, I faced a quiet but powerful test of integrity. This isn’t just a story about riding — it’s about remembering who you are when no one’s looking. The Time I Was Tempted — and Chose Integrity Instead When I set out on a solo bicycle tour across the southeastern United States, I expected the usual challenges — physical exhaustion, unpredictable weather, mechanical breakdowns. What I didn’t expect was an emotional detour that would quietly test my values and sense of commitment. I was excited to explore new roads, meet new people, and soak in the freedom that long-distance cycling offers. One afternoon, while hunting for a bike path that promised 30 peaceful, traffic-free miles, I stopped near a vintage art store in a small Louisiana town. That’s where I met her. The Unexpected Invitation She approached as I adjusted my gear and asked if I was biking cross-country. Her voice had a wa...

As someone who has ridden a bicycle for over 50 years, I've learned the importance of keeping your bike well-maintained. However, I'll be the first to admit that I'm not the most mechanically inclined person. That's why I rely on my local bike shop for most of my repairs. But there are some basic maintenance tasks that I've learned to do myself over the years, and I'm here to share them with you. Cleaning the bike: A clean bike not only looks better, but it also performs better. Use a bucket of warm, soapy water and a soft sponge or cloth to gently clean your bike. Pay special attention to the chain, cassette, and derailleur. Use a separate brush to clean the chain and cassette, and then wipe them down with a clean cloth. Once you've finished cleaning, make sure to dry your bike thoroughly to prevent rust Cleaning and lubing the chain: The chain is one of the most important components of your bike, so it's important to keep it clean and well-lubricated....

Cycling is not only a great way to stay active and explore your surroundings, but it can also be a powerful tool for improving your mental and emotional well-being. By practicing mindfulness while cycling, you can enhance your experience, reduce stress and anxiety, and boost your overall sense of well-being. If you had told me way back when I started cycling that I would be talking about mindfulness I would laugh at you but here I am all those years later doing it. Cycling does change as you age and I find practicing mindfulness pretty cool. This may sound hokey to some of you but I find it serves me well. Understand that I am no longer a competitive cyclist. I do not enter races trying to place high in the standings. If I enter a race nowadays it is just to enjoy the fact that I can ride, meet some cool people, and see if I can finish it. Most of my riding today involves getting ready for multi-day adventures. I don't go fast. It is about endurance but it is also about stopping an...

Updated July 2025: I’ve often wondered what bicycling will look like 50 years from now. After all, I started riding seriously half a century ago — and while the bikes have changed, it’s not as dramatic as you might expect. Sure, frame materials have improved, and components are more efficient and lighter, but the essence of cycling — the connection between rider and road — remains much the same. That might not be true for the next 50 years. When I started researching what experts are predicting for the future of cycling, I found some surprising, even mind-blowing possibilities. If you're interested in reading more, I’ve included citations at the end of the article. Of course, predicting the future is always uncertain. But if current trends continue, here are a few changes we might see: ⚡ Electric Bikes Will Rule the Road As battery tech gets better — lighter, longer-lasting, and faster to charge — electric bikes (e-bikes) will become even more popular. Expect longer-range mod...

I stumbled across a YouTube video that featured a man named Dean Nicholson cycling the world with a very unexpected travel companion: his cat, Nala. Their journey is one of the most heartwarming things I’ve seen in a long time — and it’s a story every cyclist and animal lover should know. From Welder to World Traveler Dean, a 31-year-old from Dunbar, Scotland, had long dreamed of traveling the world. In 2018, he quit his job as a welder, loaded up his bike, and began riding across Europe. His original goal? To make it all the way to Australia — then fly to Argentina and ride north to Canada. But the trip took a surprising and beautiful turn in the hills of Bosnia. A Meow That Changed Everything While climbing a steep mountain pass in Bosnia, Dean heard a tiny meowing sound. Curious, he stopped, looked around, and found a stray kitten on the roadside. She was all alone, barely old enough to survive — and she walked straight up to him. He named her Nala , and that was that. She rod...

💡 Quick Take: Struggling with depression or mood swings? Cycling might be the natural therapy you never knew you needed. Here's how two wheels can help lift your spirits and steady your mind. Updated August 8, 2025 I love cycling. I’ve said it before—cycling is in my DNA. If I go too long without getting on the bike, my mood shifts. My wife even says I turn into a grumpy old man. Maybe it’s not full-blown depression, but it’s close enough to remind me how much I rely on cycling to feel like myself again. And I know I’m not alone. I’ve read countless stories of people struggling with depression who found real healing on a bicycle. It’s not a miracle cure—but for many of us, cycling becomes a lifeline. So if you’re fighting the blues or just feel off, here’s why cycling might help pull you through. 🚴‍♂️ 1. Cycling Releases Feel-Good Chemicals When you ride, your brain releases endorphins and serotonin —natural mood boosters that help reduce anxiety, stress, and sadness...

When a Cyclist Gets Hit by a Car: The Uphill Battle for Justice Quick Answer: When a cyclist gets hit by a car, the legal and insurance battles are often stacked against them. Even with clear evidence, cyclists face blame-shifting, denied claims, and lengthy legal fights. Advocacy and awareness are critical to changing this system. 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. 📍 A Recent Case Recently, a cyclist in a major city was struck by a car while riding in a designated bike lane. The driver, distracted by their phone, veered into the lane and hit the cyclist from behind. The rider was hospitalized with a broken collarbone and a concussion. ⚖️ The Insurance Battle Despite the driver’s clear fault, the cyclist faced an uphill battle for justice. The driver’s insurance company denied the claim, arguing th...

Cycling: The Closest Thing to Flying Last Updated: September 2, 2025 Quick Answer: Cycling can feel like flying because of the joy of motion, deep connection to the outdoors, the high of achievement, and the escape from daily stress. Each ride is its own small flight. There are moments on the bike when gravity seems to let go. The rush of wind, the steady rhythm of pedaling, the soft hum of tires on pavement—it all blends into a sensation that feels like taking flight. You’re still on the ground, but the ride convinces you otherwise. Why Riding Feels Like Flying The Joy of Motion Cycling is self-powered freedom. Every push on the pedals turns into forward motion, and that simple conversion of effort to speed creates a lightness that feels airborne. Connection to the Elements No windshield, no walls—just you and the open air. The wind on your face, the shifting scents of the season, the sky overhead. Riding tunes you directly into the world, and that immersion magnifie...

This post has been on my mind for a long time. As someone who’s been riding America’s roads for over 50 years, I still struggle with one painful reality: some drivers hate cyclists —and not because of anything I’ve done. I do my best to be a courteous, defensive, and law-abiding rider , yet I still see the glares, hear the honks, and sometimes feel the danger of a close pass that was way too close. The truth is, some people judge all of us based on the reckless actions of a few. The Reckless Cyclists Who Make It Harder for the Rest of Us Let’s be honest: some cyclists do stupid things . They blow through stop signs, run red lights, weave in and out of traffic, and sometimes ride on sidewalks where they shouldn’t be. And when they do that, they not only endanger themselves—they damage the reputation of all cyclists . I get why drivers get angry when they see this kind of behavior. It’s confusing. It’s dangerous. And it reinforces the stereotype that cyclists think they’re above th...

Last Updated: August 3, 2025 Quick Tip: If the thought of zooming downhill makes your palms sweat, you're not alone. With the right setup and a few smart habits, you can ride fast down hills without losing your nerve—or your lunch. Why Fast Downhills Scare the Spandex Off Me As an experienced cyclist, I live for the grind of uphill climbs. But let me be honest: steep downhills terrify me. Once I hit around 40 mph, my brain goes full panic mode. My hands clamp the brakes like they’re life preservers, and my internal monologue sounds like a cartoon character yelling, “ YIKES! ” all the way down. I know plenty of cyclists who fly down hills like it’s nothing. Total respect to them—but I’m not built that way. Still, I’ve learned to manage my fear with some solid downhill biking techniques that keep me safe, in control, and maybe just a little less petrified. 🚴 Tip #1: Make Sure Your Bike Is Descent-Ready Check your brakes (both front and rear) Inspect you...

Let’s be honest — even the most dedicated cyclists hit a wall sometimes. Not a literal one (hopefully), but a mental one. That “I just don’t feel like riding today” slump. The drag. The bicycling blues. If you've been there — or you’re there now — you're not alone. Whether you're a casual weekend pedaler or a seasoned long-hauler, losing your spark happens. The good news? You can get it back. Here’s how I fight the bicycling blues when they sneak up on me. 🧠 1. Acknowledge It’s Normal Every cyclist, no matter how passionate, goes through dry spells. Days (or weeks) when the bike stays in the garage and the motivation’s flat as your last tire. That’s okay. Don’t beat yourself up. Recognizing the slump is the first step to getting past it. 🗺️ 2. Change Up Your Routes One of the fastest ways to lose interest? Riding the same loop over and over. Try this: Head a different direction from your usual starting point Add some hills, or chase some scenery Use...

I love cycling. It's hard to put into words how much joy it brings me. I started out as a runner in college, but I also rode a bicycle a few miles to and from my apartment to classes. Little did I know that I was slowly becoming a cyclist. I went to New Mexico State University, and about 5 miles from my apartment was a pretty lonely highway that rambled through some really cool small villages. The thing I loved about riding on that road was that I got to ride for miles under a canopy of pecan trees. It was beautiful and peaceful, and I found myself looking forward to those rides more than my runs. At the time, I didn't really think of it as training. It was just something to do other than running, and it was too far away to run to. But looking back, I realize that those rides were the foundation of my love for cycling. They were my first taste of the freedom and joy that comes with cycling. Fast forward to today, and I'm still cycling. I've participated in many events o...

Cycling has long been recognized as an invigorating and eco-friendly mode of transportation, promoting a healthy lifestyle while reducing carbon emissions . But what if we told you that there exists a secretive community of wizards who have harnessed the power of cycling to elevate their magical abilities? In this article, we delve into the enchanting world of wizards cycling, where the fusion of physical activity and mystical prowess creates an extraordinary experience like no other. Harnessing Magical Energy on Two Wheels: Wizards, with their extraordinary powers and supernatural capabilities, have always fascinated us with their abilities to manipulate the elements and perform awe-inspiring feats. However, the connection between magic and cycling might seem unusual at first glance. But as it turns out, the two activities share remarkable synergies. The act of cycling, with its rhythmic pedaling and the circulation of energy throughout the body, creates a conduit for wizards to tap i...

  Cycling brings freedom, joy, and empowerment—but for women, it can also come with unique safety concerns. While most rides are peaceful and exhilarating, it’s important to acknowledge that harassment and unwanted attention from some men are still very real issues many women cyclists face. From verbal comments to more aggressive encounters, these experiences can turn an otherwise beautiful ride into something distressing. But that doesn’t mean we stop riding. It means we ride smart, stay aware, and support each other. Here are some smart and practical safety tips for women cyclists: 🚲 1. Choose Your Route Wisely Plan your route ahead of time. Stick to well-traveled, well-lit roads or bike paths—especially if riding early in the morning or near dusk. Avoid isolated shortcuts or unfamiliar alleyways when possible. 👯‍♀️ 2. Ride with a Friend There’s strength (and safety) in numbers. Riding with a friend not only adds to the enjoyment but also serves as a deterrent to would-...

Bicycle lanes are an essential part of a city's infrastructure, providing a safe space for cyclists to travel and encouraging more sustainable transportation options. However, despite their importance, many cities fail to keep up with the maintenance of these lanes, leading to unsafe conditions for cyclists. One common issue is the fading of lane markings and symbols, which can make it difficult for cyclists to identify where the lane begins and ends. In some cases, all that is needed is a simple repaint job to bring the markings back to their original visibility. However, in many cities, repainting bike lanes is not given the priority it deserves. This can lead to confusion and danger for cyclists, who may have to swerve into traffic to avoid parked cars or other hazards. Another issue that can arise is the presence of debris, trash, or other obstructions in the bike lane. These can make it difficult or impossible for cyclists to use the lane safely, forcing them to move into traf...