The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

Cycling can be an incredible way to stay fit, enjoy the outdoors, and push yourself toward new goals. For many of us, it’s more than a hobby—it’s a passion that brings joy, purpose, and even healing. But like any passion, cycling can sometimes become all-consuming. And when that happens, it can quietly begin to hurt the people closest to us. This is something I’ve struggled with personally. As someone who trains and tours long distances, I know how easy it is to let the bike take over. But if we’re not careful, the very thing that gives us life can become a wedge between us and the people we love. ⏳ Cycling Takes Time—and Sometimes Too Much Training rides, recovery days, route planning—it all adds up. When you're chasing a personal goal, it's tempting to justify every extra mile. But over time, that can mean less time for your spouse, kids, friends, or even simple conversations at home. If your loved ones feel they’re always taking second place to the bike, tension and rese...

How to Ride 100 Miles on a Bike: Mental & Physical Tips for Your First Century Ride Quick Answer: You can absolutely ride 100 miles — but not without training, strategy, and mental toughness. Break the ride into smaller chunks, fuel regularly, stay hydrated, and build mileage slowly in training. The right gear makes the difference between finishing strong and suffering through. Are you ready for a challenge? Riding 100 miles on a bicycle — often called a century ride — is no small feat. It’s a test of your endurance, mental toughness, and preparation. But here’s the good news: with the right mindset, gear, and training, finishing a century is within reach for almost any determined rider. 🚴 Mental & Physical Demands of a Century Ride Let’s be real: 100 miles is going to hurt . Fatigue, saddle discomfort, and doubts will creep in. That’s normal. The key is managing those challenges rather than letting them break you. Visualize success: Picture yourself finishing...

Ambassadors Not every cyclist is welcoming — but most of us are just out here because we love the ride. Here's why I see myself as an ambassador for cycling, and why the way we treat others on the road matters more than how fast we ride. I've always seen myself as an ambassador for cycling —not because I ride the fastest or wear the fanciest gear, but because I believe cycling should feel welcoming , not exclusive. Let’s be honest: from the outside, cyclists can look a little...intimidating. The tight-fitting clothes. The expensive bikes. The serious faces. It’s no wonder some people think of cyclists as snobs or elitists. And sure, there are some who live up to that image—but I’ve met far more riders who are just good, down-to-earth people who love the ride and the community it builds. I remember coasting downhill one day in the canyon east of town. A group of three riders was climbing up in the opposite direction. As they passed, each of them gave a nod or a s...

Updated November 23, 2025 The Science Behind How Cycling Can Boost Sexual Wellness — For Men & Women 🚴‍♂️ Real Talk from a 70-Year-Old Long-Distance Cyclist: I’m not a doctor — just a rider who’s logged more than 150,000 miles and started noticing changes I didn’t expect. Cycling improved my confidence, energy, and even intimacy. Here’s what the science actually says — and what I’ve learned firsthand. Can Cycling Improve Sexual Wellness? Yes — regular cycling can improve sexual wellness for both men and women by boosting blood flow, strengthening pelvic floor muscles, improving endurance, and reducing stress. Proper bike fit and a pressure-relief saddle are essential for avoiding numbness and discomfort. Cycling does far more than keep your legs and lungs strong. For me — a 70-year-old cyclist still riding over 140 miles a week — it ended up improving confidence, energy, and overall connection in ways I didn’t expect. What...

  Cycling is one of the best forms of low-impact exercise. It builds cardiovascular fitness, leg strength, and endurance while being easier on the joints than running. But if you’ve been riding long enough, you’ve probably felt it— that sharp or aching pain in your knee . You’re not alone. Knee injuries are one of the most common issues cyclists face , and the cause is often avoidable. Here’s what every cyclist should know to stay healthy, strong, and pain-free on the bike. 1. Overuse: The Silent Strain Repetition is the backbone of cycling—but it’s also a risk. Overuse injuries happen when the same motion is repeated too much without enough recovery. The pedaling action, if done with poor mechanics or without adequate rest, can cause patellofemoral pain syndrome (a.k.a. “cyclist’s knee” or “runner’s knee”). This typically shows up as pain in the front of the knee, especially during or after rides. Tip: Listen to your body. Take rest days, especially after long or intense ...