The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

Can Cycling Cause Heart Problems? Cycling is often praised for its heart-health benefits — and for good reason. It improves cardiovascular fitness, lowers blood pressure, and helps with weight control. But if you're a regular rider (especially a senior or endurance cyclist), you may have heard the question: Can too much cycling actually hurt your heart? Let’s dig into what science, doctors, and decades of cycling experience say about the real relationship between cycling and heart health. ❤️ The Good News: Cycling Is Great for Most Hearts Study after study shows that moderate cycling reduces the risk of heart disease , stroke, and high blood pressure. Regular riders tend to have: Lower resting heart rates Improved cholesterol profiles Better weight control Reduced stress levels The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise weekly — and cycling is one of the top choices. So, for most people, riding your bike is one of the ...

  Endurance Cycling for Seniors: Navigating the Challenges of a 24-Hour Bicycle Ride I have rode in the 24 Hour in the Canyon event a few times in the past decade. Riding a bicycle for 24 hours is grueling. The ride starts on a Saturday at noon and ends at noon on Sunday. I always did best the first 8 or 9 hours, which is completely expected. The next many hours are when we would plunge into darkness in the canyon and the temperature would fall from the upper 90's down into the 50's. Believe me, that takes it toll on you quickly.  I loved riding as the sun comes up. You know there are just a few hours left and you start to feel the warmth on your face. It kind of gives you a bit of an adrenaline rush. That last few hours were just painful. You are either close to 200 miles into the 24 hour ride or more. My best was 234 miles but I can't seem to get close to that many miles now. A 24-hour bicycle ride is a challenging feat for any cyclist, but it can be particularly demandin...

🚴‍♂️ Senior Cyclists: Why You Bring Class—and So Much More—to the Bike Path Every time you clip in, you do more than ride—you inspire. As a senior cyclist, you represent: 🏅 Experience & Resilience You’ve faced hills both on and off the bike. Life’s fall? You got back up. A tough ride? Same deal. You know that grit matters more than gears. 🎯 Calm Confidence While spandex-clad racers chase KOMs, you ride with purpose: fresh air, good company, and personal strength. You don’t need to prove anything—you already have. 👥 Community & Connection Your presence sends a message: cycling is for everyone, not just the young or ultra-fit . You’re proof that two wheels can reconnect us—to ourselves and each other. 💬 Why You Should Be Proud of Every Ride 1. Role Model for Healthy Aging Studies show that just 20 minutes of cycling a day can reduce heart disease in older adults—and cutting mortality risk by up to 40% . You’re not just pedaling—you’re adding healthy years. 2. Sharper Mind, ...

I live in West Texas. Lubbock is the 3rd windiest city in the United States. I have often rode my bicycle in extreme winds. Sometimes, if you want to ride you just have to go out and ride in 30, 40 or even 50 mph winds. It's not fun but it is still a ride. I personally will not ride when the sky is extreme red because that dust that is in the air will end up in my lungs and the ride did me more harm than good. Those red sky days usually roll around in the Spring before the farm fields are planted. The wind speeds below are kind of funny to me. The Breezy 10 to 15 mph days are commonplace and I have come to not even notice there is any wind on those days. The windy 15 to 25 mph days are actually great days to ride if you are needing hill work. It is flat around here and riding into 25 mph winds can feel like riding hills. It's when it gets up to 30 mph and above that riding is no more fun but I go anyway on some of those days if I am training for a long distance tour just becaus...