The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

I used to put in 5,000+ miles a year on my bicycle and pretty much stayed the same weight because I ate a really bad diet. One year I scaled my riding back to about 3,000 miles but changed my diet and dropped 20 pounds. What did that teach me? Cycling alone will not help you lose weight unless you pair it with a sensible approach to nutrition. Cycling with a decent diet will do wonders for you. In fact, the pounds will melt right off. Cycling is a great form of exercise that can provide numerous benefits for your health and fitness. It's a low-impact activity that can help improve cardiovascular health, strengthen muscles, and boost endurance. Additionally, it's a fun and enjoyable way to get outside and explore your surroundings. One of the most popular reasons for cycling is weight loss. Many people turn to cycling as a way to shed excess pounds and improve their overall health. However, despite its many benefits, cycling alone may not be enough to achieve your weight loss go...

How riding a bicycle 100 miles a week changes your health I usually ride at least 100 miles per week, sometimes much more when I am training for a long distance ride. Once I started riding that much, I started noticing signs of becoming more healthy.  In the winter time, my cycling drops off and, unfortunately, my eating ramps up. It does not take long to feel the health benefits I built up going away. Riding 100 miles a week works out to 20 miles a day if you ride 5 days a week and around 17 miles if you ride 6 days. I do not recommend riding 7 days a week every week because your body needs the rest.  If you are new to riding, 20 miles may sound like a lot but it is actually easy to work up to that and pretty soon you might even start to look at 20 miles as an "easy ride day." Check out the rest of this post to see how riding a bicycle 100 miles a week changes your health. Riding a bicycle is a great way to exercise and improve your health. It is a low-impact activity that i...

  As we age, our risk for heart disease increases. According to the American Heart Association, heart disease is the leading cause of death for people over 65 years old. However, regular exercise can help to reduce this risk, and cycling is an excellent way for seniors to improve their heart health. In this blog post, we'll explore how cycling can benefit the heart health of seniors. Cycling improves cardiovascular fitness Cycling is a form of aerobic exercise, which means it gets the heart and lungs working harder. Regular cycling can improve cardiovascular fitness, which is the ability of the heart and lungs to deliver oxygen to the muscles efficiently. This leads to improved circulation, lower blood pressure, and reduced risk of heart disease. Cycling reduces inflammation Inflammation is a natural response of the body to injury or infection. However, chronic inflammation can contribute to the development of heart disease. Regular exercise, including cycling, has been shown to re...

  Cycling has been long hailed as an environmentally-friendly mode of transportation, and for good reason. But does riding a bicycle truly mean you have gone green? Let's take a closer look at the environmental impact of cycling. First and foremost, cycling produces no emissions. This means that riding a bicycle is a zero-emission mode of transportation, which is great for the environment. In contrast, cars, buses, and trains all produce emissions that contribute to air pollution and climate change. So in terms of emissions, cycling is definitely a green option. However, there are some environmental costs associated with cycling. For one, bicycles require resources to manufacture, including metals, plastics, and other materials. The production of these materials can have a significant environmental impact, including pollution and carbon emissions. Additionally, bicycles require maintenance, which can also have an environmental impact. The production and disposal of bicycle componen...

As the wheels of time turn, so do the wheels of our bicycles, carrying us through life's adventures. As a seasoned cyclist at the age of 67, I have come to understand the unique challenges that come with riding long-distance tours in my golden years. Nevertheless, with experience and a few well-honed tricks up my sleeve, I've managed to make these rides more enjoyable and fulfilling. In this blog post, I will share my insights on the challenges I've faced and the strategies I employ to make long-distance tours easier, so fellow cycling enthusiasts can continue to embark on epic journeys regardless of age. Embrace the Changing Dynamics As we age, it's crucial to acknowledge that our bodies might not be as resilient as they once were. But don't let that deter you from riding long distances! Embrace the changing dynamics of your body and understand that it may require more care and recovery time. Set Realistic Goals Long-distance tours are exhilarating, but it's es...

I am married. In fact, I am married to a non-cyclist. She thinks my long tours are just crazy and wonders why I do them. A few years ago, I was off of my bike for a while and she told me that I needed to get back on it because I was becoming a grumpy old man. I think that was her way of saying that she now understands that cycling is what keeps me sane. Do I wish she was a cyclist? Not really, but if I was single would I search for a partner who was also a cyclist? Probably. So you singles, here is a blog post for you. If you're single and looking for love, finding a romantic match can sometimes feel like a daunting task. Fortunately, there are many ways to meet new people, and one of the most fun and unique ways is by using your bicycle as a tool for romance. Here are some tips on how to find a romantic match using a bicycle: Join a cycling club : Joining a cycling club can be a great way to meet new people who share your passion for cycling. Many cycling clubs offer group rides, ...

I never realized how much riding a bicycle would impact my life until I started doing it regularly. When I first got on a bike, it was purely for fun - I wanted to feel the wind in my hair and the sun on my face. But as I started cycling more and more, I began to realize just how much it was changing me, both physically and mentally. For one thing, cycling helped me become more active and fit. Before I started riding, I was pretty sedentary and weighed 275 pounds - I spent most of my days sitting on the couch. But once I started cycling regularly, I found that I had more energy and felt stronger. I could ride longer distances and tackle more challenging terrain. I also noticed that I was losing weight and toning my muscles, which made me feel more confident and proud of my body. But it wasn't just the physical benefits that made a difference. Riding a bike also helped me become more mentally resilient. When I was first starting out, I would often get frustrated by hills or tired le...

Cycling is far more than just a way to get from point A to point B — it’s a lifestyle, a health booster, and a way to do your part for the planet. Whether you're commuting to work, exploring your local trails, or pedaling for fitness, the humble bicycle is one of the best companions you could have. Let’s explore why. Health Benefits Cycling is a fantastic form of low-impact exercise that’s gentle on your joints and suitable for nearly all ages. It improves cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles, aids in weight loss, and helps manage chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension. Studies have shown that cycling can cut your risk of heart disease and cancer by nearly half. The CDC recommends 150 minutes of moderate activity per week — cycling fits that bill perfectly. Environmental Benefits Unlike cars, bicycles don’t emit pollutants or rely on fossil fuels. By swapping your car ride for a bike trip, even just once or twice a week, you help reduce air pollution and traff...

Cycling is more than just a way to get from point A to point B. It's a fun, low-impact activity with powerful benefits for your body, mind, and the environment. Whether you're a seasoned rider or just starting out, cycling can help you stay fit, reduce stress, and even shrink your carbon footprint. Here’s why you should consider hopping on a bicycle—today! 🚴 Physical Health Benefits of Cycling 1. Boosts Heart Health Cycling gets your heart pumping, improves circulation, lowers blood pressure, and reduces your risk of heart disease. 2. Helps with Weight Loss It’s a calorie-burning, metabolism-boosting exercise—without the harsh impact of running or high-intensity workouts. 3. Gentle on the Joints Because it's low-impact, cycling is easy on knees, hips, and ankles. It’s ideal for seniors or anyone with arthritis or joint pain. 4. Builds Strength and Endurance Pedaling targets your legs, core, and even your upper body. The more you ride, the stronger and more resili...

I recently had someone tell me about a friend of theirs who used to be a very good runner, but now their knees just won’t let them run anymore. They asked me a simple question: “What can I tell my friend to convince them to try cycling instead?” Well, here's what I’d say—and maybe it'll help others in the same situation, too. As we get older, our bodies change. Activities that once felt easy—like running—can become difficult, especially when it comes to our joints. The knees, in particular, take a beating from years of pounding pavement. But that doesn’t mean it’s time to stop moving altogether. Not by a long shot. Cycling is a fantastic alternative to running, especially for people who still want to stay fit, healthy, and active without punishing their bodies. Here's why: 1. It’s Easy on the Joints Unlike running, cycling is low impact , which means it’s gentler on your knees, hips, and ankles. The smooth, circular motion of pedaling is ideal for people with joint issues ...

There was a time in my life when I used to go to bicycle events just to watch. I loved the atmosphere, the energy, and the excitement of the cyclists speeding by. But as much as I enjoyed being a spectator, I couldn't help but feel like a big blob. Watching all those fit, toned cyclists made me realize just how out of shape I was. At first, I didn't think much of it. I would simply sit on the sidelines and cheer on the cyclists, wishing I could be as fit and fast as they were. But as time went on, I started to feel increasingly self-conscious about my own physique. I would try to hide in the crowd, hoping nobody would notice how out of shape I was. Then one day, something inside me clicked. Instead of feeling sorry for myself, I realized that I had the power to change my situation. I didn't have to sit on the sidelines anymore. I could be one of those fit, toned cyclists too. So I decided to take action. I started going to the gym regularly, working out and building up my e...