Cycling for Mental Clarity: The Unexpected Benefit That Keeps Me Riding at 70
Last Updated: June 2026 Quick Take: Most people think I still ride because it's good exercise. They're only partly right. After riding more than 155,000 miles over the past five decades, I've learned that the greatest benefit isn't stronger legs or a healthier heart. It's what cycling does for my mind. Every ride leaves me calmer, happier, and thinking more clearly than when I started. After more than 155,000 miles on a bicycle, I've discovered that the greatest benefit isn't stronger legs—it's a clearer mind. When people hear that I've ridden more than 155,000 miles during my lifetime, they usually assume I must really enjoy exercise. I do. I enjoy seeing new places, climbing hills, exploring back roads, and challenging myself with bicycle tours that most people my age wouldn't even consider. Cycling has helped me lose weight, improve my health, and continue doing things at 70 that many people give up years earlier. But if I'm b...
