The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

Cycling is more than just a way to stay fit or get from point A to B — it’s also a powerful tool for improving your mental health . As someone who rides regularly, I can personally attest to its emotional benefits. After a good ride, I feel calmer, more focused, and just… happier. But skip a few days? I notice a definite dip in mood and energy. So why does cycling have such a positive impact on mental well-being? Let’s break it down. 🚴‍♂️ How Cycling Improves Mental Health 1. It Boosts Your Brain Chemistry When you cycle, your body releases endorphins — natural chemicals that trigger positive feelings and reduce stress. It’s like your body’s built-in antidepressant. 2. It Gets You Outdoors Nature has proven therapeutic benefits. Riding through parks, greenways, or quiet country roads helps reduce anxiety, improve focus, and enhance mood — all thanks to fresh air, sunlight, and the beauty around you. 3. It Builds Social Connections Cycling can be a great social outlet. Whethe...

Last updated: August 24, 2025 Quick Answer: Yes—seniors can thrive on long rides by focusing on steady endurance, comfort-first setup, real recovery, and traffic awareness. A few smart upgrades go a long way. Cycling stays good to you at any age—as long as you respect where your body is now. The goal isn’t to prove you’re 25 again. It’s to stack enjoyable miles, finish fresher, and feel safe doing it. Listen to Your Body Recovery takes longer. That’s not defeat; it’s data. Sleep, protein, and easy days matter more now. One tool I actually use: a foam roller for legs and glutes after hilly rides—it’s simple and it works. Endurance Over Ego Set a steady pace, eat before you’re starving, sip before you’re thirsty. For comfort on long days, two upgrades punch way above their weight: a good pair of bibs and an endurance saddle. Those two alone can turn a “grind” into “let’s add five more miles.” Traffic Confidence = Real Safety My helmet is the ...

Mastering the Flat: A Cyclist’s Guide to Fixing Bike Tires and Tubes Flat tires happen. But waiting days for a shop fix is optional. With a few tools and the clear steps below, you can repair a puncture yourself in minutes, save money, and ride away with confidence. 🛠️ Step 1 – Prevent Flats with Smart Maintenance ✅ Check Tire Pressure Every tire lists a PSI range on the sidewall. Staying in that window prevents both pinch-flats (too low) and blow-outs (too high). ✅ Inspect for Debris Run your fingers and eyes over the tread after every ride. Remove thorns or glass before they work through the casing. ✅ Replace Worn-Out Rubber Bald tread, cracks, or exposed casing mean it’s time for a new tire. 🧰 Step 2 – Fixing a Flat (Tube Replacement) Remove the wheel. Flip the bike upside-down or use a stand. Open the brake (if applicable) and undo the quick-release or axle nuts. Pry off one tire bead. Deflate fully, then use two tire levers to lift the bead over the ri...

By Bruce | The Old Guy Bicycle Dude Let’s face it — sometimes you just need a laugh. Or at least a groan. If you’ve been riding long enough, you’ve already heard some clunkers. But these? These are next-level lame . They’re bad. They’re punny. And they might just make your helmet fly off from secondhand embarrassment. So grab your handlebars and brace yourself — here come 25 cycling jokes that are so bad, you’ll be telling them to your ride buddies tomorrow anyway. 🚲 Why did the cyclist get an F in grammar? He was terrible at puncture -ation . 🚲 What did the wheel say when it was having a bad day? I’m wheel -y stressed! 🚲 When the bike made an inappropriate joke… He quickly backpedaled . 🚲 Why are off-road bikes so shy? They’re intro-dirts . 🚲 My bike’s not getting out of bed. It’s tyred and feeling flat . Pro tip: a mini inflator saves the day faster than a punchline. 🚲 The bike was crushing it ...