The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

Cycling is more than just a way to stay fit or get from point A to B — it’s also a powerful tool for improving your mental health . As someone who rides regularly, I can personally attest to its emotional benefits. After a good ride, I feel calmer, more focused, and just… happier. But skip a few days? I notice a definite dip in mood and energy. So why does cycling have such a positive impact on mental well-being? Let’s break it down. 🚴‍♂️ How Cycling Improves Mental Health 1. It Boosts Your Brain Chemistry When you cycle, your body releases endorphins — natural chemicals that trigger positive feelings and reduce stress. It’s like your body’s built-in antidepressant. 2. It Gets You Outdoors Nature has proven therapeutic benefits. Riding through parks, greenways, or quiet country roads helps reduce anxiety, improve focus, and enhance mood — all thanks to fresh air, sunlight, and the beauty around you. 3. It Builds Social Connections Cycling can be a great social outlet. Whethe...

Cycling is a fantastic activity at any age, and senior cyclists are becoming a powerful and passionate force on the road. The open air, steady motion, and sense of accomplishment all contribute to a healthier, happier life. But let’s face it—our bodies change with time. That doesn’t mean giving up long-distance cycling—it just means adjusting how we ride. Listen to Your Body It sounds simple, but it’s the most important tip for older cyclists. Recovery takes longer as we age, so pushing like you did in your twenties may not work anymore—and that’s okay. Pay attention to soreness, fatigue, or lingering pain. Rest days aren’t weakness; they’re wisdom in action. The key is consistency over intensity. Prioritize Endurance Over Power Muscle mass naturally declines with age, making high-intensity efforts less effective—and sometimes less enjoyable. Shift your focus to endurance. Long, steady rides at a comfortable pace improve cardiovascular health and stamina without excessive strain. You’l...

Mastering the Flat: A Cyclist’s Guide to Fixing Bike Tires and Tubes Flat tires happen. But waiting days for a shop fix is optional. With a few tools and the clear steps below, you can repair a puncture yourself in minutes, save money, and ride away with confidence. 🛠️ Step 1 – Prevent Flats with Smart Maintenance ✅ Check Tire Pressure Every tire lists a PSI range on the sidewall. Staying in that window prevents both pinch-flats (too low) and blow-outs (too high). ✅ Inspect for Debris Run your fingers and eyes over the tread after every ride. Remove thorns or glass before they work through the casing. ✅ Replace Worn-Out Rubber Bald tread, cracks, or exposed casing mean it’s time for a new tire. 🧰 Step 2 – Fixing a Flat (Tube Replacement) Remove the wheel. Flip the bike upside-down or use a stand. Open the brake (if applicable) and undo the quick-release or axle nuts. Pry off one tire bead. Deflate fully, then use two tire levers to lift the bead over the ri...

Check out these 25 lame jokes about cycling. Seriously, they are really bad. Why did the cyclist get a F in grammar? He was terrible at puncture-ation. What did the wheel say when it was having a bad day? I'm wheel-y stressed! When the bike made an inappropriate joke he quickly backpedaled. Why are off-road bikes so shy? They are intro-dirts. My bike's not getting out of bed. He's tyred and feeling flat. Bike was winning at the roulette table. He was on a roll. A cyclist rode past me without making any noise. I couldn't bell-ieve it. I saw someone with one eye riding a bike. I think it was a cycle-ops. Cyclists and inmates have one thing in common. Both are behind bars. I broke my bike today. I have to fork out cash for a new one. I can't find the best position for holding my bike's handlebars. I really need to get a grip. I heard someone putting down cycling. So, I spoke up right away. I'm addicted to riding my bike multiple times a day. It's time to br...

Cycling is a great way to get exercise, reduce traffic congestion, and lower your carbon footprint. However, cycling in urban areas can expose you to high levels of air pollution, which can have negative effects on your health. In this post, we'll explore the link between cycling and air pollution and provide tips for reducing your exposure to harmful pollutants. Air pollution is a major health concern in urban areas around the world. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution is responsible for an estimated 4.2 million deaths every year. In urban areas, the main sources of air pollution are transportation, industry, and energy production. Cycling can help reduce air pollution by reducing the number of cars on the road, but it can also expose you to high levels of pollutants, especially if you're cycling in heavy traffic. The main types of air pollutants that cyclists are exposed to are particulate matter (PM), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and ozone (O3). PM is ...

The Paul Bunyan State Trail is a 120-mile trail that runs through some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in Minnesota. The trail starts in Brainerd and winds its way north to Bemidji, passing through charming towns, forests, and lakes along the way. This trail is a popular destination for cyclists, hikers, and snowmobilers alike, and it's easy to see why. One of the most striking features of the Paul Bunyan State Trail is the sheer beauty of the scenery that surrounds it. The trail takes cyclists through dense forests of pine, spruce, and birch, past shimmering lakes and streams, and across gently rolling hills. The trail is dotted with rest areas, picnic spots, and interpretive signs that offer information about the history and ecology of the area. But it's not just the scenery that makes the Paul Bunyan State Trail so special. The trail is also well-maintained and user-friendly, with a wide, flat surface that's suitable for cyclists of all skill levels. There are s...

When I set out on a solo bicycle tour across the eastern United States, I expected the usual challenges — physical exhaustion, unpredictable weather, mechanical breakdowns. What I didn’t expect was an emotional detour that would quietly test my values and sense of commitment. I was excited to explore new roads, meet new people, and soak in the freedom that long-distance cycling offers. One afternoon, while hunting for a bike path that promised 30 peaceful, traffic-free miles, I stopped near a vintage art store in a small town. That’s where I met her. She approached as I adjusted my gear and asked if I was biking cross-country. Her voice had a warm Cajun lilt. She told me she owned the art store. My Texas drawl intrigued her as much as her accent intrigued me. We talked for nearly 45 minutes — about the road, about art, about life. She was warm, confident, and easy to talk to — the kind of person who feels instantly familiar, even though you’ve only just met. As I got ready to leave...