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...

An honest story from the road: a solo cyclist faces temptation, chooses integrity, and pedals away changed. A quiet test of values on tour. 🛣️ 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 eastern 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 town. That’s where I met her. ...