The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

Over the years, I’ve completed many long-distance cycling tours. One ride I’ve always wanted to do is a full cross-country ride. However, completing it all in one trip has never been realistic due to family dynamics. My child has moderate disabilities that require either my wife or me to always be present for his safety. This impacts nearly everything we do, including my cycling ambitions. Long-distance cycling is my passion, which is why I schedule my rides during the summer. Since my wife is a teacher (and I’m retired), she’s available to stay home with our son while I’m on the road. To be fair to her, I keep my rides between 5 to 15 days rather than being away for a month or more. I’ve already completed several cross-state rides, including two crossings of Texas, as well as rides across New Mexico and Georgia. Riding across the entire country has always been on my bucket list, but reality has kept it out of reach—until recently, when I realized I’ve already covered a significant por...

Cycling is one of the best low-impact exercises out there. It improves cardiovascular health, boosts mental clarity, and yes—it can help with weight loss. But one common question cyclists ask is: “Is cycling 10 miles a day enough to lose weight?” The answer is: it depends. Factors That Affect Weight Loss Weight loss isn't just about how far you ride—it depends on a combination of personal factors, including: Current weight and body composition: Heavier individuals tend to burn more calories initially. Muscle also burns more calories than fat, even at rest. Diet: You can’t out-pedal a poor diet. Weight loss occurs when you consume fewer calories than you burn. Age and metabolism: As we age, our metabolism slows down, making it harder to burn calories. Cycling intensity: Leisurely rides won’t torch as many calories as high-effort workouts. The harder you ride, the more you burn. How Many Calories Does Cycling 10 Miles Burn? The number of calories burned durin...

Gearing Up for the Grind: What to Pack for a Long Distance Bicycle Ride The siren song of the open road calls, luring you with epic landscapes and the satisfying ache of hard-earned miles. But before you set off on your long-distance bicycle adventure, packing becomes your initiation rite. It's a delicate dance between essentials and extravagance, where every ounce counts. Fear not, intrepid explorer, for this comprehensive guide will equip you for smooth pedaling and sweet dreams under the stars. Bike Essentials: Safety First: Your trusty helmet is non-negotiable. Pack padded cycling shorts for comfort, bright jerseys for visibility, and a windbreaker for sudden gusts. Keep Rolling: Spare tubes, a multi-tool, a pump or mini inflator, and chain lube are your on-the-road mechanics. Invest in sturdy pedals and reliable shoes that fit like a glove. Comfort is King: A well-adjusted saddle can be the difference between bliss and blisters....

Conquering Cobblestones: Can We Save the Earth's Savior, the Bicycle? Forget roaring engines and choked city streets. Imagine yourself gliding down a sun-dappled path, the wind whispering secrets in your ears as your tires hum a soothing symphony against the asphalt. This isn't just a serene escape; it's a revolution pedaled forward, one gear shift at a time. Cycling isn't just good for your body and mind; it's a potent weapon against climate change, a silent warrior slashing through air pollution and paving the way for a cleaner Earth. Studies say with widespread adoption, bicycles could slice global CO2 emissions by a staggering 7%! That's not a drop in the bucket; it's a tsunami of change! But wait, the road to a bicycle utopia isn't paved solely with sunshine and smooth asphalt. Challenges lie in wait, threatening to clip the wheels of this eco-friendly revolution: Safety Concerns: Busy roads and inadequate infrastructure can turn an...