Saturday Rides Starting from Starbucks in Rosemount, MN
I know a lot of you are so pressed for time to ride, and juggling family life makes your time on the bike even more important that you want to see results in your fitness. But for those of us who have more riding and training time available, I want to recommend LSD (Long Slow Distance) riding from time to time.
Read MoreAbout 65% of your body weight is over the rear wheel. So if you encounter a rough set of railroad tracks, or even a pothole, getting off the saddle and leaning forward will transfer your weight more evenly between the front and the back wheel can prevent these.
If you like to ride with your hands on the "tops", meaning the top of the bars alot, always make sure at least one thumb is wrapped under the bar. That way if you happen to hit a hole or deep crack unexpectedly, and it will happen if you ride alot, your hands won't slide off the bars which would more than likely cause you to crash, and possibly others.
Everyone who has tried riding the trainer knows what I'm talking about when I say, every minute on the trainer can seem like 5 min., unless you are one of the exceptions who can turn off your brain for an hour or two! To make the time go faster I recommend having a TV with the sound off, some rippin good music and a fan blowing on you, all at the same time. There is another solution, and that is check into buying a good light for night riding. I'm not talking about your average $40-60 models. Today your serious night rider is sporting a unit that will cost $200-$400 and I believe they are rated in candle power.
I got an idea for a TOTW from riding on a rural road in Iowa. Just a couple miles from my turn around 300 meters up the road stood 2 of "mans best friends" in the road. I have encountered many dogs in my years of riding of all different sizes but, this I could sense was not the time to test out an all out Adrenalin rush and use my best sprinting abilities to get by them. What is it about mans best friend when he or she is on a bicycle?
Read MoreThis simple tip which I have mentioned before deserves it again. Most every rider has a weakness in all 3 riding disciplines. Time trialing, sprinting or climbing. You all have been in the position of being the last rider to get to the top of a climb at one time or another, only to be gapped when that heart of yours at between 150-180 bpms says please stop. And of course catching back up to the group at this point is nearly impossible.
Read MoreTo avoid any confusion when experiencing a flat tire, try and remember to raise your hand and come to a coasting stop. This can eliminate a possible crash by letting everyone around you know what's happening in a group setting. In the Pro peleton a right hand means a rear flat, and a left means a front tire. But for us any hand will work.
Going with more layers is always best because you can shed them as the ride progresses with the temperature and stuff it in your jersey pockets. Booties and long finger gloves are a must. Remember this simple tip: If you are a little chilly for the first 2-3 miles you should be good to go as your body temp slowly rises. Of course sunny days versus cloudy windy ones will also effect your clothing choice.
With the heat and humidity brings proper preparation as far as fluid intake. If competing tomorrow your extra fluid intake should start now at least 24 hrs. before your event. During the race under these conditions means drinking every 10 minutes when racing. Another thing to consider, is to have a person set up in the "feed zone" usually at the top of a hill to hand you a water bottle.
Read MoreRoundabouts are becoming more popular as you know. They can also mean a more dangerous situation for bike riders. I'm going to give the one on Hwy. 3 just a few miles south of Rosemount as an example. Since it's a single lane one you need to pay attention to vehicles behind you just before entering the circle. Look over your left shoulder and if there's a vehicle coming up on you you have 2 choices to make in a hurry. Either slow down and let them enter the circle 1st, or single with your hand that you are taking up the whole lane. The reason for this is to not get pinched between you and that car with no escape route. Remember that "two objects can't occupy the same space at the same time". The two lane roundabouts are much safer. Be careful out there.
Simply changing your riding position by gearing up 2-3 gears, and standing out of the saddle as if you were climbing a hill even when the road is flat will help promote blood flow to other parts of your body. Be careful to add extra leg power to the cranks when doing this so your bike doesn't go backwards.
Read MoreYou hear this term being used in professional racing especially when there is a breakaway of riders and the main group wants the gap between them and the breakaway to remain the same, or come down in order to set up their sprinters for the win.
Read More