The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

  Cycling for Focus and Mental Clarity: How Two Wheels Can Clear Your Mind We all know cycling is great for physical health, but did you know it can also sharpen your mind and improve your ability to focus? Whether you’re struggling with concentration, battling anxiety, or just looking for a mental reset, hopping on a bike may be one of the most effective and enjoyable ways to boost your brainpower. 🚴 How Cycling Improves Mental Focus Cycling isn’t just exercise — it’s a cognitive workout. Here’s how: 1. Increases Blood Flow to the Brain When you cycle, your heart rate rises and blood flow improves — especially to your brain. This delivers more oxygen and nutrients, which can enhance memory, focus, and decision-making . 2. Puts You in a Meditative State Cycling forces you to pay attention: to your breathing, your cadence, the road ahead. This state of flow quiets distractions and trains your brain to focus on the present moment. 3. Reduces Stress and Anxiety Riding a b...

REAL CYCLIST INSIGHT: I’ve logged more than 150,000 miles in the saddle. While I’ve never personally battled sciatica, I’ve listened closely to other riders who have — and I’ve seen what helped them keep turning the pedals. Sciatica is no joke. The sharp, radiating pain running from your lower back down the leg can make everyday life hard — let alone riding. If you’re in the saddle with sciatica, the big question is: is cycling helping or hurting? Like most things in health, the truth is: it depends. Bike position, posture, and the root cause of your pain all play a role. 🚫 When Cycling Can Make Sciatica Worse Prolonged Sitting: A narrow or overly firm saddle can put pressure directly on the sciatic nerve. Repetitive Motion: Pedaling on an already irritated nerve can flare up inflammation. Poor Fit or Posture: I swear by professional bike fitting. It’s one of the smartest investments I ever made and a key reason I’ve avoided sciatica myself. A slo...

For more than 50 years, I’ve lived much of my life on two wheels. Roads have changed. Bikes have changed. I’ve changed. But the feeling of freedom I get while pedaling never has. I started riding in my teens, chasing that rush of speed and independence. Back then, it was about getting somewhere fast, feeling strong, and testing limits. Now, in my late 60s, it’s about something deeper: reflection, health, peace, and connection. The journey means more now than ever before. Over the decades, cycling has given me more than physical fitness. It’s taught me patience on long climbs, resilience when the weather turns, and gratitude for every sunrise I’ve ridden into. It has brought friendships, challenges, and moments of pure joy — the kind that only comes when your legs are burning and your heart is full. I’ve pedaled through cities, deserts, mountains, and quiet country roads. I’ve ridden in rain, wind, blistering heat, and the chill of early morning. And no matter where I ride, I always ...