The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

There’s a lot of noise out there right now. Political fights. Social media arguments. Endless headlines about what’s wrong with the world and who’s to blame. It’s easy to get caught up in it—and I’ll admit, sometimes I do. But I’ve found a way to quiet it all. I get on my bike. When I ride, I’m not thinking about the latest outrage or who said what on the news. I’m thinking about my breathing, the next curve in the road, how the sun feels on my back, or whether that hill up ahead is going to burn my legs. The noise fades. The world slows down. And for a while, I remember what really matters. Riding gives me perspective. It reminds me that most of what we’re arguing about isn’t nearly as important as we think it is—not in the grand scheme of things. The birds don’t care about politics. The road doesn’t ask how I voted. The wind doesn’t play favorites. When I’m riding, I get to just be . And that’s a rare gift in today’s world. I remember a ride back in 2016 that really brought this h...

Cycling is not only a great way to stay active and explore your surroundings, but it can also be a powerful tool for improving your mental and emotional well-being. By practicing mindfulness while cycling, you can enhance your experience, reduce stress and anxiety, and boost your overall sense of well-being. If you had told me way back when I started cycling that I would be talking about mindfulness I would laugh at you but here I am all those years later doing it. Cycling does change as you age and I find practicing mindfulness pretty cool. This may sound hokey to some of you but I find it serves me well. Understand that I am no longer a competitive cyclist. I do not enter races trying to place high in the standings. If I enter a race nowadays it is just to enjoy the fact that I can ride, meet some cool people, and see if I can finish it. Most of my riding today involves getting ready for multi-day adventures. I don't go fast. It is about endurance but it is also about stopping an...

Spinning Away the Blues: Why Cycling Feels Like the Answer to Everything For some of us, cycling isn't just a hobby, it's an inherent part of our being. It's woven into the fabric of our DNA, a constant hum in the background that reverberates through every aspect of life. And it's true, there's an almost magical way in which a simple spin can solve a multitude of woes, leaving us feeling lighter, brighter, and back in tune with ourselves. Think about it. Feeling under the weather? A heady dose of fresh air and the rhythmic churn of your pedals can clear the cobwebs and invigorate your immune system. Grumpiness threatening to engulf your day? A good, hard ride serves as a pressure valve, releasing pent-up frustration and leaving you with a newfound sense of calm. Need to crack the code on that elusive creative block? The rhythmic thump of your wheels on the pavement can unlock a hidden chamber of inspiration, sending ideas swirling like leaves in ...