Tad is down! Repeat, Tad is down! Michael’s voice boomed in LJ’s helmet headset. Signaling an immediate stop, LJ spun his bike around to double back. The men of the Bumble Bee bicycle club followed him. It was their traditional annual men-only outing, established to honor Men’s Health Month in June. Rounding the curve on the coast highway that ran through Big Sur, they could see Tad slowly and painfully getting up as Michael righted his bike.

Their ride on the Old Coast Road began early that morning, with the men riding tandem. Under a sky illuminated with warm rays of sunshine, they rode into the forest filled with towering redwoods, sequoias, pines, and cypress trees. Tangy sea breezes filled their noses with the smell of salty sea spray as the ocean crashed against the distant cliffs, sending mist from its frothy waves upwards, unleashing a powerful sound. Tad’s fall came just as the group entered the turnoff for the Mcway Falls. This is where they planned to stop for lunch and take pictures.

“Hey Tad, how are you, buddy?” said LJ as he hopped off his bike. “It looks like you scrapped your knees and elbow.”

“I slammed into the ground with my left shoulder. I should have mentioned that my bike seat needed adjusting before we started our ride.

Barry approached him with a first-aid kit. “What’s wrong with your seat?”

“It was tilting up, pressing against my groin. It got so uncomfortable that I attempted to level it, and down I went,” Tad said.

“That’s not something you want to happen. Let me grab some bandages while Michael here adjusts the seat,” Barry responded as he inspected Tad’s shoulder for damage.

LJ and Michael carried Tad’s bike off the road and to a flat area. “Let’s take a break here, fix the bike and continue to the waterfalls.”

“Your shoulder is bruised but movable,” Barry noted as Tad slowly rolled it back and forth. “Does anything else hurt?”

“My groin hurts more than my shoulder, but I wanted to discuss something else. I seem to be losing interest in sexual activities and other things. I feel like my testosterone level is dropping,” Tad mumbled.

“Can you tell me a bit more about your symptoms?” Barry asked as he wiped antiseptic on Tad’s elbow.

“I’m always tired, which makes me short-tempered, and I’ve been gaining weight,” Tad replied.

Barry nodded thoughtfully. “We need to get you checked out medically; there could be several reasons for your signs and symptoms. In the meantime, let’s discuss nutrition since certain foods can boost testosterone levels. They have been the topic of much research and discussion recently because,

 Statistics show that American men today have a testosterone percentage of 20% lower than in the 1980s.

Lucky for us, Terry made The Best Egg and Avocado Sandwich for lunch.

Eggs are a reliable source of dietary cholesterol, which helps the body to create testosterone. One large egg has around 186 milligrams of cholesterol, giving the body the perfect combination of vitamins and minerals to produce testosterone.

 Avocados are high in healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals that help balance hormone levels, including testosterone.

Terry, what else is on the menu?”

“I brought an Iced Ginger, Lemon, and Honey drink. Here you go, Tad. You might as well start drinking some now.

Studies have found that ginger can effectively reduce testosterone-inhibiting stress hormones, allowing the body to produce testosterone naturally. It can also help balance the hormones that regulate testosterone.

“Thanks, this is just in time.

“Let’s see how the seat feels now,” said LJ as he walked the bike to Tad. While we’re on the subject. I heard something about oysters and testosterone production?”

Barry nodded.

“Oysters contain a testicular hormone called D-aspartic acid, which helps the body to produce testosterone.”

Terry handed Tad a banana. “I usually have a banana in my backpack, and I brought several for this ride.

Bananas are loaded with potassium, essential for optimal testosterone levels. Additionally, bananas are an excellent source of B vitamins, which help to convert cholesterol into testosterone.

My wife teases me about never leaving home without one,” he laughed.

Barry shook his head and smiled. “Hey, that’s better than walking around with a pomegranate.

Pomegranates contain ellagic acid, which modulates the activity of testosterone in the body.

They’re good for you, but who has time to peel a pomegranate? You’re better off buying pure pomegranate juice and getting its bennies that way.”

“I agree,” said LJ. “Hey, listen, let’s push on to the falls and get settled so we can have a deeper discussion about men’s health. There’s lots to talk about, especially around nutrition.

Research shows that consuming foods such as fatty fish, extra-virgin olive oil, full-fat yogurt, and cruciferous vegetables are all helpful in keeping a healthy testosterone level.

“I’m for that,” said Terry. One of the best ways to stay informed and pay attention to our health is by getting together and exchanging fact-checked and evidence-based info.

The Bumble Bees resumed the ride through Big Sur, feeling togetherness and a sense of adventure. The smell of wild herbs and flowers wafted as they rode, imparting a feeling of calm and leaving a memory they would never forget.

Annie and LJ are a fictional couple. Their storyline promotes healthy eating and earth-friendly practices.