Saturday Rides Starting from Starbucks in Rosemount, MN
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 MoreFor those of you who are fairly new to our sport, and are doing a long ride that involves more than 2 hrs. of saddle time, I highly recommend some sort of chamois cream to protect you from chaffing and the dreaded "saddle sore" which in the past has kept even the pro's off the bike for a few days. The brand Chamois Butt'r Eurostyle is a good one that is formulated to create a cooling and soothing effect.
Either the wind can be your friend or foe. Even the Pro's can misjudge the effects it can have in a race from time to time. The name of the game is conserving energy. That's what I do on the Wed. night Penn Cycle rides which usually average 22-23 mph. Knowing which direction it is from, and getting into position especially prior to taking turns that can quickly change a tailwind into a severe crosswind is paramount to surviving til the end. On our rides that's why you might here me say ride further to the right or left in order to benefit everyone in back of the lead rider. Keep this tip on your mind all the time and you to will be a better more accomplished rider because of it.
This 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 MoreAll group rides experience new riders that show up and ride like they have something to prove as far as their speed and aggressive riding. As recently as last Wed. on the fast Penn Cycle ride, this happened and PO'd a few people. Even Paul Inkala's ride is a group ride in which he tries his hardest to make it enjoyable for everyone including group up spots on the route and stopping for flats. So here's a helpful tip that will keep you out of hot water when riding other group rides. Leave your Superman Cape behind and check your ego. There is an old school saying that goes like this: Do As They Do, Not As You Do!
To 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.
This is a subject that everyone who rides a bike does not want to think about, but is very important. If you ever get into an accident with a car when out riding it's always a good idea to call 911 and get a police report no matter how insignifigant you might think it is at the time. 30 years ago I was hit from behind by an 83 year old man that was not paying any attention to me. A friend of mine at a local well know law firm gave some great advice on what to do said, whatever you decide, never sign a release form from an insurance company until at least a year later. Hope you will never find a need for this!
I have noticed that some riders do not take an extra 10 seconds to wipe off their tires after going through glass. This takes a little practice especially for the rear tire. It's a real "bummer" when your feeling great on the bike and having a flat as you all know too well. Also after washing your machine check the tires for embeded glass that can eventually work it's way to the tube. A sharp tool like an awl or large needle works great. I average 2-3 flats every year riding 5,000 miles.
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.
Wheel touches occur when your front wheel makes contact with the rear wheel of the rider in front of you which unfortunately happened to Tony Martin the Tour de France leader in yesterday's stage. I'm a little surprised that the commentary crew never mentioned what to do if this happens to you because it happens a lot in close contact racing. A wheel touch causes you to loose your balance.
Read MoreWith 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.
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