The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

Austin, Texas, is known for its live music, amazing food scene, and a plethora of outdoor activities. But what many people don't know is that Austin is also an incredible city for cyclists. From its rich history to its many events and bicycle trails, Austin offers something for every kind of cyclist. Let's start with the history of cycling in Austin. The city has a long and proud history of bicycle culture dating back to the 1800s. In fact, the first documented bicycle ride in Texas was in Austin in 1885. Since then, the city has continued to embrace cycling, and today it is home to some of the most passionate and dedicated cyclists in the country. One of the things that makes Austin such a great city for cyclists is the many events that take place throughout the year. From charity rides to competitive races, there is always something going on for cyclists of all levels. The city hosts several major cycling events each year, including the Texas Mamma Jamma Ride, the LIVESTRONG ...

By Bruce | The Old Guy Bicycle Blog I’ll be upfront: I don’t drink. Not because I never did, and not because I think it’s evil. I just know what it does to the body — and more importantly, what it does to performance. After decades in the saddle, I’ve seen plenty of cyclists try to balance training, touring, or racing with regular alcohol use. And I’ve also seen how that usually plays out: slower recovery, more fatigue, and poor decisions that cost people rides, results, or worse. This isn’t a lecture — just a reflection from someone who rides a lot, trains seriously, and has chosen not to make alcohol part of the picture. 🍺 What Alcohol Does (Even in Small Amounts) When you drink, your body stops what it’s doing to process the alcohol. That includes things like muscle repair, hydration, and brain function — which are pretty important if you’re cycling long distances or trying to stay sharp in traffic. Here’s what I’ve observed in others — and why I stay away from alco...

Fueling Your Ride from the Inside Out When you’re logging long miles, grinding up hills, or pushing through headwinds, you think about training, gear, hydration — but do you think about magnesium? If not, you should. This often-overlooked mineral might just be the secret weapon your body’s been missing — especially if you’re a long-distance cyclist trying to ride stronger and recover faster. Should long-distance cyclists take magnesium? Yes, long-distance cyclists may benefit from magnesium supplementation because intense cycling depletes magnesium through sweat. Replenishing it can help reduce cramps, boost muscle recovery, and improve sleep. 🦵 Why Magnesium Matters for Cyclists Magnesium plays a central role in how your muscles contract, relax, and recover. But here’s the kicker: cycling — especially in hot weather — causes you to lose magnesium through sweat. Over time, this depletion can lead to: Cramping Muscle fatigue Poor recovery Decreased power output In fact, e...

🚴 Real Stories from the Road: I’ve ridden over 150,000 miles across deserts, mountains, and backroads—and I can tell you: some bikes become more than just bikes. They become part of you. The bicycle. A simple machine, sure—but for many of us, it’s also a key to something deeper. It’s freedom. Movement. Escape. Joy. And sometimes, if you're lucky, one bike comes along that feels like it knows you . That’s what I call a bicycle soul mate . What Is a Bicycle Soul Mate? It’s not about the brand, the material, or even the price tag. It’s about connection. Your bicycle soul mate feels like it was built for you. The geometry fits. The handling feels natural. The saddle somehow just works. Every crank rotation feels like a conversation—effortless, familiar, and true. 🔧 My Own Story: The Soul Mate That Broke—and the One That Grew on Me My old Specialized AWOL was that kind of bike. A steel touring rig that carried me across states, into storms, and through moments of jo...

Go Green by Cycling: How Riding a Bike Helps the Planet and Your Health Want to reduce your carbon footprint and feel better at the same time? Cycling isn’t just a great way to stay active—it’s one of the simplest, most effective things you can do to help the environment. Whether you're running errands, commuting, or just out for a weekend ride, every pedal stroke makes a difference. 🌍 How Cycling Helps the Environment Bikes are one of the greenest forms of transportation: Zero emissions – Unlike cars, bikes don’t pollute the air or contribute to greenhouse gases Less traffic congestion – Fewer cars means less stop-and-go traffic and cleaner air No fuel use – You burn calories, not gasoline Reduced noise pollution – Bikes are nearly silent, making cities and neighborhoods more peaceful According to the EPA, transportation accounts for nearly 30% of all greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. Replacing even a few short car trips each week with bike rides can signific...