The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

Most of my bike rides follow familiar paths. I know where the wind will hit, where the traffic is lightest, and even where the pavement is smoothest. I ride through the Texas Tech campus almost daily — but usually along its quieter edges. I avoid the crowded walkways and stick to my set plan. But today wasn’t one of those days. Off Rhythm from the Start The ride was supposed to be a simple 20-miler. I’d had a rough morning, and even though the weather wasn’t especially hot, everything felt off. My neck hurt, my mood was sour, and I just didn’t feel like myself. I almost turned back early. Instead, I kept pedaling. And somewhere on the north end of town, I made a subtle shift — one of those unconscious choices that ends up changing the day. Back Through Downtown — and a Surprise Coming home, I usually swing around the outskirts of downtown Lubbock. It’s a quiet area, not much traffic, not much to see. But today, I rolled straight down Broadway — that old brick road with a bike...

Last Updated: November 30, 2025 Cycling is one of the most powerful mental-health boosters—reducing stress, improving mood, sharpening thinking, and helping older adults stay emotionally strong. Here’s how outdoor cycling supports mental health and how to maximize the benefits. Quick Answer: Cycling outdoors is one of the best mental-health boosters available. It lowers stress, lifts your mood, sharpens your mind, and gives you powerful emotional benefits at any age—especially for older riders. The Mental Health Magic of Cycling Outdoors Cycling isn’t just exercise. For many of us, it’s therapy on wheels. After more than 150,000 lifetime miles as a 70-year-old long-distance cyclist, I’ve felt firsthand how powerful riding can be for clearing your mind, lowering stress, and restoring your outlook. Here’s what cycling really does for your mental well-being. 1. Instant Mood Lift & Stress Relief It’s almost impossible to finish a ride feeling worse than when you st...

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 ...