The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

  My Lifetime Love Affair with Long Distance Cycling The open road. The wind in my hair. The rhythmic hum of the tires on the pavement. Long-distance cycling has been my lifelong passion, a constant in a world of ever-changing landscapes and fleeting moments. It began innocently enough. A child's bike, wobbly at first, then gaining confidence with each pedal stroke. Soon, those short rides around the block weren't enough. The allure of the horizon beckoned, whispering tales of distant lands and untold adventures. My first real long-distance ride was a blur of nervous excitement and aching muscles. Fifty miles seemed insurmountable then, a mythical distance I could only dream of conquering. But I did it. And with that first triumphant finish, I was hooked. Over the years, the rides have grown longer, the challenges more demanding. From scenic coastal routes to grueling mountain passes, each journey has been a unique tapestry of physical and mental fortitude. There's a certai...

  Up Your Nose With a Rubber Hose: My Rant About Car Drivers Who are Blind to Cyclists Okay, I'm officially at my wit's end. I've been cycling for years, and I've seen it all. The impatient honking, the near misses, the outright disregard for my very existence on the road. But lately, it feels like things have gotten worse. It's like some drivers have developed a selective blindness when it comes to cyclists. We're invisible. We're annoyances. We're simply not worth acknowledging. Passing too close: I've had countless close calls with cars whizzing past me inches away. It's terrifying and frankly, dangerous. Do these drivers even understand the physics of wind? Doorings: The dreaded "dooring." You're happily cruising along, minding your own business, and suddenly a car door swings open right in front of you. It's a miracle I haven't ended up on the hood of a car yet. Right Hook Turns: This one takes the cake for sheer ...

  Flatten Your Front: Cycling Tips to Shed That Belly Hey fellow cyclists, let's talk about something we all secretly (or not so secretly) want: a flatter tummy. While cycling is fantastic for overall fitness, simply hopping on the bike won't magically melt away that stubborn midsection. But fear not, fellow riders! With a few tweaks to your routine and some mindful habits, you can effectively target that tummy and achieve a more sculpted physique. 1. Ramp Up the Intensity: Interval Training: Forget leisurely rides. Incorporate high-intensity intervals into your rides. Alternate between bursts of all-out effort and periods of recovery. This will significantly boost your calorie burn and rev up your metabolism. Hill Climbs: Embrace the challenge of hills! Climbing engages your core muscles as you maintain balance and power. 2. Prioritize Core Work: Off-the-Bike Training: Cycling primarily works your lower body. Strengthen your core with exercises like planks, crunches, Ru...