The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

🌍 Real Talk from the Road: I’ve ridden over 150,000 miles through deserts, mountains, and city streets. What I’ve seen with my own eyes—scorching pavement, choking smoke, washed-out trails—makes one thing clear: climate change is changing cycling. This post is personal and urgent. Will Global Warming Harm Cycling Forever? Cycling is one of the most eco-friendly, life-enhancing activities on the planet. But here’s the harsh truth: climate change could endanger the future of cycling as we know it . While every bike ride helps cut carbon emissions, the warming climate is pushing back—with extreme heat, worsening air quality, and violent weather reshaping where and how we ride. As someone who’s been on the road for decades, I’ve seen the difference firsthand. How Global Warming Puts Cyclists at Risk 🔥 Extreme Heat Summer rides are turning into health hazards . Pavement temps can exceed 130°F by midday in some areas. Heatstroke, dehydration, and exhaustion are no ...

  The open road. The wind in my face. The rhythmic hum of tires against pavement. For as long as I can remember, long-distance cycling has been more than a hobby—it's been a passion, a calling, and a companion through the decades . Where It All Began It started simply: a child’s wobbly ride around the block. But those loops quickly turned into laps, and soon, the horizon was calling. My first true long-distance ride—50 miles—felt like a leap into the unknown. Nervous, aching, unsure... but determined. I finished that ride, and in that moment, something clicked. I was hooked for life. Why Long-Distance Cycling Matters There’s a special kind of magic in long-distance rides. It’s not about speed or medals. It’s about freedom, solitude, and discovery. When you ride for hours—sometimes days—you enter a rhythm that feels almost meditative. Distractions fade, and clarity sets in. Each ride becomes a journey not just through landscapes, but through yourself. Lessons from the Road ...

After decades of cycling, I’ve reached my breaking point. Lately, it feels like drivers are growing more careless, not less. They pass too close, honk like we’re invisible, and treat cyclists like second-class citizens. I used to think it was just a few bad apples — now it feels like a whole spoiled orchard. 🚗 Too Close for Comfort You’re riding along, doing everything right, and suddenly a car brushes by just inches from your handlebars. Do drivers understand how dangerous that is? Even the wind alone can throw a cyclist off balance. 🚪 The Dreaded Dooring Every cyclist knows this nightmare. A parked car suddenly opens its door without warning — and you’re the bullseye. I’ve avoided it by sheer luck and quick reflexes, but many aren’t so fortunate. 🔁 The Right Hook This one really gets me: a driver sitting at an intersection sees you coming… then still makes a sharp right turn directly in your path. It’s reckless, it’s disrespectful, and it’s happening way too often. 📣...

  Flatten Your Front: Cycling Tips to Shed That Belly Let’s face it — most of us would love a flatter stomach. And while cycling is a fantastic way to get fit, logging miles alone won’t magically melt away stubborn belly fat. But don’t hang up your helmet just yet. With smart tweaks to your rides and daily habits, you can target that midsection and start seeing results. 🚴‍♀️ 1. Turn Up the Heat with Intensity Interval Training: Ditch the slow-and-steady routine. Mix in intervals where you ride hard for 30–60 seconds, followed by easy pedaling. These high-intensity bursts torch calories and spike your metabolism. Hill Repeats: Hills are your secret weapon. They engage your glutes, quads — and yes — your core. Attack them regularly to strengthen your entire body. 💪 2. Build a Cyclist’s Core Off-the-Bike Workouts: Cycling mainly works your legs. Add planks, Russian twists, bicycle crunches, and leg lifts 2–3 times a week to sculpt your abs and improve your stability on the bike....