The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

I started getting headaches both during and after some of my longer rides. It concerned me enough to do some research—and what I found surprised me. I wasn’t drinking enough water. Once I started hydrating better during rides, the headaches stopped completely. Not everyone’s solution will be that simple, but many cyclists do experience headaches. If you love riding, it's frustrating when your favorite activity leaves you feeling miserable. Here's what I've learned about the most common causes—and how to fix them. 🚴‍♂️ Common Causes of Headaches After Cycling 1. Dehydration Cycling makes you sweat—a lot. If you’re not replacing lost fluids, you may end up dehydrated, and dehydration is a leading cause of post-ride headaches. This is especially true in hot weather or during longer rides where water intake is often neglected. 2. Muscle Tension Long rides require sustained effort from your legs, back, and core. If you're pushing harder than your fitness level supports—or h...