The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

Cycling is a great way to get exercise. It's a low-impact activity that's easy on your joints, and it's a great way to improve your cardiovascular health. Cycling can also help you lose weight, build muscle, and improve your overall fitness level but is cycling a good exercise overall? I was once a long distance runner, but absolutely destroyed my knee because of the unreliability of running shoes back in the 1970's.  I have had multiple operations and finally had to resort to a total knee replacement. I turned to cycling when running became difficult and have never looked back. Cycling changed my life and my health for the better and I am lucky I found it.  In this blog post, I'll take a closer look at the benefits of cycling and discuss whether or not it's a good exercise for you. I will also provide some tips for getting started with cycling and making the most of your workouts. I am going to briefly list the benefits of cycling below and then take a single p...

Cycling is far more than just a way to get from point A to point B — it’s a lifestyle, a health booster, and a way to do your part for the planet. Whether you're commuting to work, exploring your local trails, or pedaling for fitness, the humble bicycle is one of the best companions you could have. Let’s explore why. Health Benefits Cycling is a fantastic form of low-impact exercise that’s gentle on your joints and suitable for nearly all ages. It improves cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles, aids in weight loss, and helps manage chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension. Studies have shown that cycling can cut your risk of heart disease and cancer by nearly half. The CDC recommends 150 minutes of moderate activity per week — cycling fits that bill perfectly. Environmental Benefits Unlike cars, bicycles don’t emit pollutants or rely on fossil fuels. By swapping your car ride for a bike trip, even just once or twice a week, you help reduce air pollution and traff...

Indoor cycling, also known as spin cycling, is a low-impact cardio workout that is performed on a stationary bike. It is a popular form of exercise because it is effective at burning calories, improving cardiovascular health, and building muscle strength. Indoor cycling is also a great way to cross-train and improve your performance in other sports. Benefits of indoor cycling There are many benefits to indoor cycling, including: Improves cardiovascular health: Indoor cycling is a great way to get your heart rate up and improve your cardiovascular health. This can reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other chronic diseases. Burns calories : Indoor cycling is a great way to burn calories and lose weight. It is also a good way to maintain a healthy weight. Builds muscle strength: Indoor cycling helps to build muscle strength in your legs, core, and glutes. This can improve your overall fitness and reduce your risk of injury. Is low-impact: Indoor cycling is a low-impact exercis...

I am married. In fact, I am married to a non-cyclist. She thinks my long tours are just crazy and wonders why I do them. A few years ago, I was off of my bike for a while and she told me that I needed to get back on it because I was becoming a grumpy old man. I think that was her way of saying that she now understands that cycling is what keeps me sane. Do I wish she was a cyclist? Not really, but if I was single would I search for a partner who was also a cyclist? Probably. So you singles, here is a blog post for you. If you're single and looking for love, finding a romantic match can sometimes feel like a daunting task. Fortunately, there are many ways to meet new people, and one of the most fun and unique ways is by using your bicycle as a tool for romance. Here are some tips on how to find a romantic match using a bicycle: Join a cycling club : Joining a cycling club can be a great way to meet new people who share your passion for cycling. Many cycling clubs offer group rides, ...

Updated on January 19, 2026 Want to meet more cyclists on your rides? Here are 15 easy, friendly ways to start a conversation — even if you’re shy or new. You might be surprised how many people are hoping someone says hello first. Ever ride past someone and wish you had said something — but didn’t know how to start? It happens to all of us, especially when we’re new to cycling or just naturally a bit reserved. But one of the best parts of riding a bike — especially as an older adult — is the people you meet along the way. From casual group rides to surprise encounters at a roadside stop, cycling opens the door to meaningful conversations… if you know how to start them. Why It Feels Hard to Speak Up Sometimes I’ll be honest: when I started riding, I used to feel completely out of place around other cyclists. They had the flashy bikes, the tight kits, the confident riding style — and I just didn’t feel like I belonged. I figured they were probably elite, maybe even a little ...

Last Updated: February 2026 I love cycling. And I still struggle to put into words just how much joy it brings me. I didn’t start out on two wheels. I was a runner in college—miles, routines, sweat, discipline. But I also rode a bike a few miles each day from my apartment to class. At the time, it was just transportation. Practical. Convenient. I had no idea it was quietly changing everything. I Didn’t Plan to Become a Cyclist. It Just Happened. While attending New Mexico State University, there was a lonely stretch of highway about five miles from my apartment. It wound through small villages and open land, far enough away that running there didn’t make much sense. Riding, though—that worked. What made that road special wasn’t the distance. It was the trees. For miles, the road passed beneath a canopy of pecan trees. The light filtered through the leaves. The air felt softer. The world slowed down. Thos...

Cycling has long been recognized as an invigorating and eco-friendly mode of transportation, promoting a healthy lifestyle while reducing carbon emissions . But what if we told you that there exists a secretive community of wizards who have harnessed the power of cycling to elevate their magical abilities? In this article, we delve into the enchanting world of wizards cycling, where the fusion of physical activity and mystical prowess creates an extraordinary experience like no other. Harnessing Magical Energy on Two Wheels: Wizards, with their extraordinary powers and supernatural capabilities, have always fascinated us with their abilities to manipulate the elements and perform awe-inspiring feats. However, the connection between magic and cycling might seem unusual at first glance. But as it turns out, the two activities share remarkable synergies. The act of cycling, with its rhythmic pedaling and the circulation of energy throughout the body, creates a conduit for wizards to tap i...

Updated January 2026 Quick Answer (Real Advice from the Road): Yes—cycling can make you more creative , especially steady, moderate rides. It boosts brain chemicals tied to learning and motivation, lowers stress, and gives your mind enough “quiet” to connect ideas you’d never link sitting at a desk. I’ve had rides where I started out annoyed, distracted, or stuck on a problem—and 30 minutes later, the solution felt obvious. That “mental reset” isn’t just motivational talk. The science behind cycling and creativity is surprisingly strong. In this post, I’ll break down why cycling helps creativity in plain language (with the real brain mechanisms underneath it), and I’ll show you how to ride in a way that reliably produces better ideas . What Creativity Really Means (Not Just Art) When people hear “creativity,” they think painting, music, or writing novels. But creativity is broader than that. It’s the ability to generate a new idea that is also...

Last Updated: July 12, 2026 Quick Answer: Some cyclists keep riding for a lifetime because cycling eventually becomes about much more than exercise. Over the years, it teaches resilience, gratitude, integrity, faith in others, and the ability to adapt when life does not go according to plan. When I first started riding seriously, I thought the bicycle was simply a great way to stay in shape. I enjoyed the challenge, the fresh air, and the feeling of accomplishment that came at the end of a long ride. I never imagined that cycling would remain such an important part of my life for more than five decades. Looking back now, I realize that better fitness was only the beginning. If exercise had been the only reward, I probably would have found something easier years ago. What kept pulling me back was not stronger legs, faster times, or another impressive number on a cycling computer. It was the way cycling was quietly changing me as a person. The bicycle can carry y...

Last updated: August 8, 2026 Quick Take: Cycling’s addictive—but when drive turns to obsession, it steals the joy. Here are 9 signs to spot it early and reset your balance. Cycling is an amazing way to stay fit, experience freedom, and connect with nature. For many of us, it becomes part of who we are. But like anything we love, it’s possible to take it too far. I’ve been there. What started as a freeing habit slowly became something I had to do. I’ve skipped events, pushed while sick, and felt guilty on rest days. If you’re wondering whether your love of cycling is tipping into obsession, here are some signs—and some gentle corrections to get the joy back. You’re always thinking about your next ride. Looking forward is healthy; obsessing during work, family time, or rest isn’t. Practice being present—leave the training plan in the drawer after hours. You prioritize cycling over everything else. If you’re constantly choosing the bike over people or responsi...

Cycling shorts are more than just a fashion statement—they’re one of the most important pieces of gear for anyone who rides regularly. Whether you're new to cycling or upgrading your kit, knowing how to properly wear cycling shorts can make all the difference in your comfort and performance on the bike. Here’s everything you need to know to wear them right. ✅ 1. Get the Right Fit A great pair of cycling shorts should fit snugly without being restrictive. Too tight, and you’ll feel uncomfortable and stiff. Too loose, and you risk chafing or having the fabric bunch up during your ride. Tips for finding your fit: Try them on before you buy, if possible. Don’t be surprised if you need a size up from your regular clothes—cycling shorts often run small. Check for a good balance of support and mobility. Move around in them to test for pressure points or pinching. 🚫 2. No Underwear, No Problem One of the most common mistakes beginners make? Wearing underwear under cyc...

Last Updated: June 2026 Quick Take: Some cyclists keep riding strong into their 70s, 80s, and even 90s. They are not magic. They stay consistent, ride within themselves, recover better, and never fully give up the habit of moving. I used to think cycling had an expiration date. Not officially, of course. Nobody hands you a letter when you turn 70 that says, “Please turn in your bike shoes and report to the recliner.” But somewhere in the back of my mind, I probably believed there would come a day when long rides, bicycle tours, and big cycling dreams would just fade away. Then I got older. And instead of quitting, I kept riding. A few weeks ago, at 70 years old, I finished a 366-mile bicycle tour along the Mississippi River. I was not fast. I was not trying to impress anyone. Some days I felt strong, and some days I felt every one of those 70 years. But I finished it. And more than that, I enjoyed it. That ride reminded me of something I’ve seen ...