The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

  The Biggest Threat to Long Distance Cyclists: The Rise of the Distracted Driver The Growing Risk on the Open Road When we think of cycling dangers, we often picture potholes, sudden storms, or mechanical failure. But for today’s long-distance cyclists, the most serious threat comes from something far more modern: distracted drivers. In the era of smartphones and endless connectivity, drivers are more mentally absent than ever before. That inattention has deadly consequences for cyclists—especially those riding long stretches of road. What Makes Distracted Driving So Dangerous? 📱 Texting While Driving Texting takes a driver’s eyes off the road for an average of five seconds—long enough to travel the length of a football field without looking. For a cyclist in the lane ahead, that’s potentially fatal. 📲 Scrolling Social Media Even a quick glance at Instagram or TikTok can steal the driver’s focus. A car veering slightly over the white line can mean disaster for a cyclist ...

  Will Global Warming Harm Cycling Forever? Cycling is one of the most sustainable and health-boosting activities around. But the harsh truth is this: climate change could put the brakes on it—perhaps for good. While cycling reduces carbon emissions and promotes a greener planet, global warming is already reshaping how—and when—we ride. From scorching temperatures to increasingly dangerous weather events, the environment is turning against cyclists. How Global Warming Puts Cyclists at Risk 🔥 Extreme Heat Long summer rides are becoming health hazards. In many cities, pavement temperatures can climb to dangerous levels by midday. Heatstroke, dehydration, and exhaustion are more likely—especially for older riders and those with health conditions. 🌫️ Worsening Air Pollution Hotter weather increases ground-level ozone and worsens smog. Breathing that air while pushing hard on your bike can damage your lungs and increase your risk of respiratory issues. 🌡️ Intense Heatwaves H...

  The open road. The wind in my face. The rhythmic hum of tires against pavement. For as long as I can remember, long-distance cycling has been more than a hobby—it's been a passion, a calling, and a companion through the decades . Where It All Began It started simply: a child’s wobbly ride around the block. But those loops quickly turned into laps, and soon, the horizon was calling. My first true long-distance ride—50 miles—felt like a leap into the unknown. Nervous, aching, unsure... but determined. I finished that ride, and in that moment, something clicked. I was hooked for life. Why Long-Distance Cycling Matters There’s a special kind of magic in long-distance rides. It’s not about speed or medals. It’s about freedom, solitude, and discovery. When you ride for hours—sometimes days—you enter a rhythm that feels almost meditative. Distractions fade, and clarity sets in. Each ride becomes a journey not just through landscapes, but through yourself. Lessons from the Road ...

  After decades of cycling, I’ve reached my breaking point. Lately, it feels like drivers are growing more careless, not less. They pass too close, honk like we’re invisible, and treat cyclists like second-class citizens. I used to think it was just a few bad apples — now it feels like a whole spoiled orchard. 🚗 Too Close for Comfort You’re riding along, doing everything right, and suddenly a car brushes by just inches from your handlebars. Do drivers understand how dangerous that is? Even the wind alone can throw a cyclist off balance. 🚪 The Dreaded Dooring Every cyclist knows this nightmare. A parked car suddenly opens its door without warning — and you’re the bullseye. I’ve avoided it by sheer luck and quick reflexes, but many aren’t so fortunate. 🔁 The Right Hook This one really gets me: a driver sitting at an intersection sees you coming… then still makes a sharp right turn directly in your path. It’s reckless, it’s disrespectful, and it’s happening way too often. 📣 Honk...

  Flatten Your Front: Cycling Tips to Shed That Belly Let’s face it — most of us would love a flatter stomach. And while cycling is a fantastic way to get fit, logging miles alone won’t magically melt away stubborn belly fat. But don’t hang up your helmet just yet. With smart tweaks to your rides and daily habits, you can target that midsection and start seeing results. 🚴‍♀️ 1. Turn Up the Heat with Intensity Interval Training: Ditch the slow-and-steady routine. Mix in intervals where you ride hard for 30–60 seconds, followed by easy pedaling. These high-intensity bursts torch calories and spike your metabolism. Hill Repeats: Hills are your secret weapon. They engage your glutes, quads — and yes — your core. Attack them regularly to strengthen your entire body. 💪 2. Build a Cyclist’s Core Off-the-Bike Workouts: Cycling mainly works your legs. Add planks, Russian twists, bicycle crunches, and leg lifts 2–3 times a week to sculpt your abs and improve your stability on the bike....