The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

💡 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...