The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

Last Updated: December 8, 2025 As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Quick Answer: No — cycling does not raise testosterone. Light riding has little effect, and long-distance endurance riding can actually lower T by increasing fatigue, stress hormones, and calorie deficits. Saddle pressure doesn’t reduce testosterone, but it can cause numbness and ED symptoms that make riders think it does. Here's what a 70-year-old long-distance cyclist has learned the hard way. Does Cycling Raise Testosterone? Short answer? No. Cycling doesn’t raise testosterone. If anything, the more miles you stack up every week, the more likely your testosterone is to dip. Long-distance cyclists — especially men over 50 — tend to see lower testosterone for two reasons: High training volume spikes cortisol, and cortisol suppresses testosterone. Many cyclists under-eat, and calorie deficits lower hormone levels extremely fast. B...

Last Updated: May 31, 2026 Quick Take: Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) is the stiff, achy feeling that shows up 12–72 hours after a hard or new effort on the bike. It’s caused by micro-tears in your muscles as they adapt to new stress. For cyclists, DOMS can mean heavy legs, altered pedaling form, and disrupted training. The good news? Smart recovery and consistency reduce its impact over time. 🚴 My Worst Ride With DOMS A couple of years back, I learned the hard way just how much DOMS can derail a ride. I had knocked out a set of steep hill repeats—more climbing than I’d done in months. I felt proud finishing them, but the next morning my legs were on fire. Still, I saddled up for a planned 40-mile ride. Bad move. From the first pedal stroke, my quads felt like concrete. I struggled to hold even my easy pace, and by mile 20 my form was falling apart. Instead of a solid training day, it turned into a slow grind home and two more days off the bike than I’d planned. Lesson...

Last Updated: September 29, 2025 When a Knee Replacement Starts Hurting Again: What Cyclists Should Know Quick Take: If your knee replacement starts hurting years later, don’t ignore it. Common causes include loosening, infection, or wear. The right steps are x-rays, a bone scan, bloodwork to rule out infection, and a visit to your orthopedic surgeon. My Story: 11 Years After Knee Replacement Eleven years ago, I had a total knee replacement. At the time, it was the best medical decision I ever made. For ten full years, I rode pain-free—thousands of miles on the bike with no regrets. That kind of pain-free living almost made me forget how bad my knee used to be. But this year, something changed. At first, it was subtle—an ache under the kneecap, soreness along the outside of the joint. I figured it was overtraining. Then the pain grew sharper. After rides, the knee swelled up, and sometimes the back of the joint throbbed the next day. I went back to my orthopedi...

Quick Answer: Cyclists can get shin splints from overtraining, poor bike fit, or cleat setup. Backing off intensity, adjusting your fit, and adding recovery tools like compression sleeves can help you ride pain-free. Cycling and Shin Splints: Why They Happen and How to Stop Them Cycling is supposed to be low-impact — and most of the time it is. But every now and then, I’ve felt a dull ache creep up the front of my shins, especially during heavier training weeks. The first time it happened, I thought shin splints were just a “runner’s thing.” Turns out, cyclists aren’t immune. My Experience With Shin Splints on the Bike Every so often, when I get into a groove and push the miles or intensity a little too hard, my shins let me know. That sharp, nagging discomfort tells me I’ve crossed the line into overtraining. These days, when I feel it start, I immediately back off — fewer hills, easier cadence, maybe even an extra rest day. Within a few days, the pain usually eases up. It’s a...

Updated February 13, 2026 🚴 Real Talk from a 70-Year-Old Long-Distance Cyclist: I’m not a doctor — just a rider who’s logged more than 155,000 miles and started noticing changes I didn’t expect. Cycling improved my confidence, energy, and overall connection in ways I didn’t plan on. Here’s what the science actually supports — and what I’ve learned firsthand. Can Cycling Improve Sexual Wellness? Yes — regular cycling can support sexual wellness for both men and women by improving blood flow, lowering stress, boosting mood, strengthening pelvic muscles, and increasing endurance. Cycling does far more than keep your legs and lungs strong. For me — a 70-year-old cyclist still riding over 140 miles a week — it ended up improving energy, confidence, and day-to-day connection in ways I didn’t expect. What’s good for your heart and circulation often helps the rest of life too. 💓 The Exercise–Intimacy Connec...

  Cycling is one of the best forms of low-impact exercise. It builds cardiovascular fitness, leg strength, and endurance while being easier on the joints than running. But if you’ve been riding long enough, you’ve probably felt it— that sharp or aching pain in your knee . You’re not alone. Knee injuries are one of the most common issues cyclists face , and the cause is often avoidable. Here’s what every cyclist should know to stay healthy, strong, and pain-free on the bike. 1. Overuse: The Silent Strain Repetition is the backbone of cycling—but it’s also a risk. Overuse injuries happen when the same motion is repeated too much without enough recovery. The pedaling action, if done with poor mechanics or without adequate rest, can cause patellofemoral pain syndrome (a.k.a. “cyclist’s knee” or “runner’s knee”). This typically shows up as pain in the front of the knee, especially during or after rides. Tip: Listen to your body. Take rest days, especially after long or intense ...

Go Green by Cycling: How Riding a Bike Helps the Planet and Your Health Quick Take: Cycling is one of the greenest ways to travel. It reduces emissions, saves money, improves health, and connects you to your community—while protecting the planet. Want to reduce your carbon footprint and feel better at the same time? Cycling isn’t just a great way to stay active—it’s one of the simplest, most effective things you can do to help the environment. Whether you're running errands, commuting, or just out for a weekend ride, every pedal stroke makes a difference. 🌍 How Cycling Helps the Environment Zero emissions – Unlike cars, bikes don’t pollute the air or contribute to greenhouse gases. Less traffic congestion – Fewer cars means less stop-and-go traffic and cleaner air. No fuel use – You burn calories, not gasoline. Reduced noise pollution – Bikes are nearly silent, making cities and neighborhoods more peaceful. According to the EPA, transportation accounts for ...

Last Updated:  February 28, 2026 Last Updated:  February 28, 2026 Quick Answer Age alone does NOT determine whether a parent can safely ride a bike. With the right setup, the right riding environment, and realistic adaptations, many adults ride comfortably into their 70s, 80s — and beyond. I’m a 70-year-old cyclist and I ride about 150 miles a week . I’ve seen older riders thrive, and I’ve seen a few struggle — not because of age, but because nobody helped them adapt. Most adult children aren’t asking this question because they want to stop their parent from riding. They’re asking because they’re afraid of one thing: a fall . That’s fair. Falls matter more as we age — and prevention becomes everything. 🧓 How Age Actually Impacts Cycling Ability Aging affects every rider differently, but there are a few predictable changes that can influence bike safety: Reduced balance: the #1 i...

Last updated: August 30, 2025 Quick Answer: Most cycling headaches come from dehydration, muscle tension, and neck strain . The fastest fixes are better on-bike hydration (with electrolytes for longer rides), a dialed-in bike fit, posture and stretching, and pacing with short breaks. Cycling Headaches: Causes, Prevention, and Relief Tips 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 Dehydration. Cycling makes you sweat—...

Last Updated: November 29, 2025 Quick Answer: Most cyclists should drink 16–24 ounces of fluid for every pound lost during a ride. If you didn’t weigh yourself, drink until thirst is gone and urine is pale yellow. Replace electrolytes after long or hot rides to speed up recovery. How Much Water Should I Drink After Cycling? Hydration isn’t optional—it’s part of the ride. And I’ll be honest: for years I was terrible at it. I’d crush miles in the West Texas heat, stumble into the house half-baked, and wonder why I felt flat the next day. My problem wasn’t effort—it was water. These days, I take hydration seriously during and after the ride. And if you want stronger legs, better recovery, and fewer headaches and cramps, you should too. Featured Hydration Gear Insulated Cycling Water Bottles  - The ones I use. RENPHO Solar Smart Scale (track pre/post ride hydration) - I used my Renpho scale to break a long time weight plateau and lose 17 pounds down t...

Quick Answer: The best way to recover from a long bike ride is to cool down gradually, hydrate with electrolytes, refuel with carbs and protein (like a Premier Protein Shake), stretch gently, and prioritize quality sleep. Cycling is a fantastic way to stay fit and enjoy the outdoors. But after a long ride, your body needs recovery just as much as it needs training miles. As a long-distance senior cyclist, I’ve learned that recovery is the secret to riding stronger the next day. 1. Cool Down Slowly Don’t slam the brakes at the end of your ride. Spend 5–10 minutes spinning easy or even walking. This gradual transition helps your heart rate, breathing, and blood flow normalize. 2. Hydrate With Purpose Water should be your first choice, but if the ride was intense or hot, replace lost electrolytes. I often mix in a hydration tab or sip a low-sugar sports drink to speed recovery. 3. Refuel With Protein and Carbs Your muscles are hungry after long miles. Pair carbs (fruit, o...

Last updated November 15, 2025 Let’s Talk About That Sore Butt Let me say this upfront:  Listen to your body — discomfort is feedback that something needs adjusting. I’ve logged thousands of miles — and yes, I’ve had rides where I could barely sit down. But I’ve also found what works. If you're an avid cyclist, you've probably experienced that uncomfortable soreness in your backside after a long ride. A sore butt from cycling — commonly known as saddle sores — is one of the most frequent complaints among new and experienced riders alike. Quick Answer: Cycling soreness happens when pressure, friction, and moisture irritate your sit bones and soft tissue. The fix? Get a proper bike fit, wear quality padded shorts, pick a saddle that matches your anatomy, use chamois cream, and stand or shift often during long rides. My quick comfort trio: these three keep me riding pain-free. Comfort saddle with memory foam padding — supports the sit bones without bulk...