The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

Sometimes, life gets in the way of our plans, and we have to adapt. As a cyclist, I know this all too well. On busy days when I can't make time for a ride in the daylight, I turn to the night. There's nothing like riding on a long empty country road at night when the stars are shining bright or the moon is full. The peace and solitude can be almost meditative, and the cool night air can be refreshing. However, riding at night also poses some unique challenges and risks that require extra precautions to stay safe. One of the most important things to consider when riding at night is visibility. Since it's dark, I always make sure that I'm well lit up like a Christmas tree, so other road users can see me. I have a bright white headlight and a red tail light on my bicycle, which are essential for visibility. The spokes on my bike are all reflective too and that helps a great deal when I am crossing intersections. I also wear a reflective clothing and ankle bands , so I'

  Touring cycling has become an increasingly popular activity among outdoor enthusiasts. It provides an opportunity to explore the beauty of nature while getting some exercise. There are many fantastic locations for cycling tours in the United States, but some states have become particularly popular among touring cyclists. In this blog post, we will explore the top states for touring cyclists to ride in. California California is often considered one of the best states for cycling tours. With its stunning coastline, majestic mountains, and beautiful national parks, it has everything a cyclist could ask for. The state also has a wide variety of terrain, from flat roads to challenging mountain passes, making it an ideal location for cyclists of all levels. Oregon Oregon is another popular state for touring cyclists, particularly the Pacific Coast route. The state's stunning scenery includes rugged coastline, sandy beaches, and lush forests. The state is also home to numerous bike-frie

  When it comes to touring cyclists who have covered the most miles ever, there are a few names that come to mind. However, one cyclist stands out above the rest - Heinz Stücke. Heinz Stücke, born in Germany in 1940, started his cycling journey in 1962 at the age of 22. He set out on his first tour from his hometown of Hövelhof, Germany, with the intention of cycling through Europe. He pedaled through France, Spain, and Portugal, and eventually reached Morocco. He continued his journey through Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, and soon found himself cycling around the world. Stücke's cycling adventure didn't stop there, as he continued to tour for over 50 years, covering a staggering 648,000 kilometers (or approximately 403,000 miles) in total. This distance is equivalent to cycling around the equator over 16 times, or making more than 15 trips from New York to Los Angeles. Stücke's journey took him through over 200 countries, and he was always eager to learn about differe

Are you ready for a challenge? Riding 100 miles on a bicycle is no easy feat, but it's definitely possible with the right mindset and preparation. In this blog post, we'll discuss what it takes to conquer a century ride and share some tips to help you reach that finish line. First and foremost, let's be clear: riding 100 miles on a bicycle is not for the faint of heart. It's a true test of endurance and patience, and you'll likely experience a fair amount of discomfort along the way. But don't let that discourage you! With proper training and mental preparation, you can overcome the challenges and emerge victorious. One key aspect of long-distance riding is mental toughness. Yes, physical fitness is important, but it's not everything. When you're in the midst of a grueling ride, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and defeated. But with the right mindset, you can learn to manage your thoughts and emotions and push through the difficult moments. Here are a

Cycling is a popular form of exercise that can provide a range of health benefits, from improving cardiovascular function to reducing stress and anxiety. But did you know that cycling can also potentially enhance your sexual function and lead to stronger, more intense orgasms? Here's what you need to know about the science behind how cycling can improve orgasms. The Link Between Exercise and Sexual Function Regular exercise, including cycling, can have a positive impact on sexual function for both men and women. This is because exercise can improve cardiovascular health, increase blood flow, and boost the production of sex hormones, all of which can contribute to better sexual function. For women , cycling can help to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which are important for sexual function and can contribute to stronger, more intense orgasms. In particular, cycling can target the pubococcygeus (PC) muscle, which is responsible for controlling bladder and bowel function as well

  Cycling is a fantastic form of exercise, providing numerous health benefits such as improving cardiovascular health, muscle strength, and overall endurance. However, as with any sport, there are risks of injury if proper training and precautions are not taken. One common area of injury for cyclists is the knees. In this blog post, we'll discuss how improper training can lead to knee injuries in cyclists. Overuse One of the most common causes of knee injuries in cyclists is overuse. Overuse injuries occur when the same motion is repeated over and over again, putting strain on the muscles and joints involved. Cycling involves a repetitive motion of pedaling, which can put stress on the knee joint if not done correctly. This can lead to conditions such as patellofemoral pain syndrome, also known as "runner's knee," which causes pain in the front of the knee. Improper Bike Fit Another cause of knee injuries in cyclists is an improper bike fit. A bike that is not adjuste

Cycling is a great way for seniors to stay active and healthy, but it's not uncommon to experience knee pain from time to time. Knee pain can be a frustrating and debilitating issue for cyclists, but with the right knowledge and precautions, it can often be prevented or managed. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the common causes of knee pain in cyclists, as well as some tips for prevention and treatment. Causes of Knee Pain in Cyclists The most common causes of knee pain in cyclists include: Overuse injuries : These occur when you cycle too much or too intensely, without giving your knees enough time to rest and recover. Improper bike fit : If your bike is not adjusted properly to your body, you may be putting excess pressure on your knees, causing pain and discomfort. Muscle imbalances : If your leg muscles are not equally strong, it can cause your kneecap to track improperly, resulting in knee pain. Prevention of Knee Pain in Cyclists Preventing knee pain when cycling

I am posting this article in the middle of the summer even though it is about winter cycling. There is a good reason for that. By the time Google indexes this post and it gains traction in Google's organic searches, it will be winter and that is why it is being posted in July. Cycling in cold weather can be a challenging experience, especially when it comes to keeping your extremities warm. In particular, the ears, fingers, and toes are the most vulnerable parts of the body during cold rides. To make your winter cycling experience comfortable and enjoyable, it is essential to invest in the right gear to keep these body parts warm and protected. In this article, we'll take a look at the three most important things to have well covered on cold rides and recommend some products from Amazon that can help you stay warm and comfortable on your winter rides. Ears The ears are one of the most sensitive areas of the body when it comes to cold weather. Exposing them to cold wind can caus

A couple of days ago I wrote an article about the greatest cyclists in American cycling history. It mainly focused on the media darlings that we have all seen on the Tour de France and other big time races. I am particularly impressed with ultra-long-distance cyclists too and wanted to give them some recognition too.   Cycling is a sport that has captured the hearts and minds of millions of people around the world. Whether it's the rush of wind in your face as you ride through beautiful landscapes, the feeling of pushing yourself to your limits, or the satisfaction of achieving a long-sought-after goal, there is something truly special about cycling that keeps people coming back for more. One of the most challenging and rewarding aspects of cycling is long distance and ultra-distance riding. These events push cyclists to their limits, challenging their physical and mental stamina as they ride hundreds or even thousands of miles in a single race. And in the United States, there are

PAPLUS Ankle Compression Sock for Men and Women 2/4/6 Pairs, Low Cut Compression Running Sock with Ankle Support I recently purchased these cycling socks for myself and have been extremely happy with my purchase. The socks are incredibly comfortable and have made a noticeable difference in how my feet feel during and after long rides. The moisture-wicking technology is especially helpful in keeping my feet dry and comfortable, which is important for preventing blisters and other foot-related issues. I would highly recommend these socks as a gift idea for any senior cyclist in your life. They're a great way to show your support for their hobby and help them stay comfortable on the road. Other customers seem to agree with my assessment of these socks. One customer wrote, "These socks are a game-changer for long rides. They keep my feet comfortable and dry even on hot, humid days." Another customer noted that the socks have held up well after multiple washes and are still ju

  Bicycling has been a popular form of transportation, recreation, and exercise for over a century. The modern bicycle as we know it today has undergone numerous changes and innovations since its invention in the early 19th century. In this blog post, we will take a look at how bicycles have evolved over time, from the early days of the penny-farthing to the modern-day e-bike, and how seniors have played a role in the evolution of cycling. Early Days of Bicycling: The Penny-Farthing The first bicycles, also known as velocipedes, were invented in the early 19th century. These bicycles had a simple design, with two wheels connected by a wooden frame and pedals attached to the front wheel. However, it was the invention of the penny-farthing in the 1870s that revolutionized bicycling. The penny-farthing was a high-wheeled bicycle with a large front wheel and a small rear wheel. It was named after the British penny and farthing coins, which were of different sizes. The penny-farthing was po

I love long-distance touring cycling where you put your gear in a trailer or panniers and hit the road but when I think of the greatest American cyclists of all time, I think of the racing cyclists because they are the ones who get the attention. Of course, the Tour de France is a tour but it really is more racing than they kind of riding I do. Nonetheless, here are some thoughts about the greatest cyclists in American cycling history. Cycling has a long and storied history in the United States, with many accomplished athletes who have left their mark on the sport. From Olympic champions to Tour de France winners, American cyclists have achieved great success on both the national and international stages. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at some of the greatest cyclists in American history. Lance Armstrong is undoubtedly one of the most well-known American cyclists of all time. His seven consecutive wins in the Tour de France from 1999 to 2005 captured the attention of c

C yclists are often seen as a monolith, a group of people with the same interests, motivations, and even fashion sense. But is this really the case? Are cyclists all alike? In short, no. Cyclists are just as diverse as any other population group. They come from all walks of life, with different ages, genders, ethnicities, and socioeconomic backgrounds. They have different reasons for riding, from commuting to work to getting exercise to racing competitively. And they have different styles, from the lycra-clad road warrior to the laid-back cruiser. Here are just a few of the many types of cyclists you might encounter: The commuter: The commuter cyclist is the one you see most often, riding their bike to and from work. They're usually practical, with bikes that are designed for durability and comfort. They're also often the most safety-conscious cyclists, as they're aware of the dangers of sharing the road with cars. The road cyclist: The road cycl