The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

  I love cycling. I'm one of those cyclists that claims cycling is in my DNA. If I go too long without cycling my mood goes south fast. I'm not sure you can classify it as depression but my wife says it causes me to become a grumpy old man. I have read about some seriously depressed people turning their lives around through cycling. I believe in it so here is a post about it. Depression is a serious mental health condition that affects millions of people around the world. While there are many treatments available, some people may find relief from depression through physical exercise, such as cycling. Here are some ways that cycling can help beat depression and improve overall mental health: Boosts endorphins: Exercise, including cycling, releases endorphins, which are chemicals in the brain that can improve mood and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. Cycling can provide a natural boost of these "feel-good" chemicals, helping to reduce symptoms of depression. Impr...

When a Cyclist Gets Hit by a Car: The Uphill Battle for Justice 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. When a cyclist gets hit by a car, seeking justice can be a difficult and frustrating process. Recently, a cyclist in a major city was struck by a car while riding in a designated bike lane. The driver, who was distracted by their phone, veered into the bike lane and hit the cyclist from behind. The cyclist was rushed to the hospital with serious injuries, including a broken collarbone and a concussion. Despite the clear fault of the driver, the cyclist faced an uphill battle in seeking justice for the incident. The driver's insurance company initially denied the claim, arguing that the cyclist was partially at fault for the accident. They claimed that the cyclist was not wearing a helmet and was riding too cl...

As a cyclist, I have experienced moments where the sensation of flying overtakes me. The wind in my hair, the rhythm of my legs, and the sound of my wheels on the road all come together to create a feeling of soaring through the air. Even though I am physically grounded, cycling can make me feel like I have wings. So what is it about riding that gives us this feeling? One reason cycling can make you feel like you're flying is the joy of movement. Cycling is a form of self-powered transportation that allows you to move through the world at your own pace. The simple act of propelling yourself forward can create a sense of lightness and freedom that feels like flight. Another reason is the connection to nature. When you're cycling, you're exposed to the elements with nothing between you and the world around you. This connection to nature can make you feel more alive and like you're a part of something bigger than yourself. The sound of the wind and the scent of the air can...

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...

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 Before you even think about pointing your wheels downhill, give your bike a full safety check. Look over your: Brakes (both front and rear) Wheels and spokes Tire pressure and tread If anything feels off, I don’t guess—I take it to a bike shop. Going downhill fast is no time to test fate with...