Beginners Group Ride Skills (podcast)

By | Published June 13, 2013

sundayride3 300x300 Beginners Group Ride Skills (podcast)With the arrival of warm temperatures and sunshine, many people begin to get the itch for company on their rides.  Beginners and long time solo riders alike will begin to start searching out group rides.  But honestly, how many actually attend one of the gatherings?  Why don't more people try them out?  

In today's podcast, we'll talk about some of the obstacles beginners (or advanced riders new to the group riding scene) face, and ways to overcome them.  We'll also learn some ways to keep ourselves and our fellow group riders safe and happy on their rides.

We'll talk about:

  • Information you should know before the ride (speed, length, terrain, drop/no drop)
  • How to endear yourself to a new group (show up EARLY!)
  • Finding out information from the group before you leave the meeting area.
  • Learning the importance of communicating with the group.
  • Safe and predictable riding
  • Being able to take criticism if you make mistakes.

Questions and comments are always welcome.  Remember to rate this podcast on iTunes.

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On Cycling Hero(in)es

By | Published June 5, 2013

photo 3 300x300 On Cycling Hero(in)esOver the weekend I had the pleasure of attending the Parx Casino Philly Cycling Classic with the finish atop the legendary Manyunk Wall.  The close atmosphere of the event, combined with a large, high quality field allowed spectators and fans an amazing opportunity to get up close and personal with the action and the main protagonists in the field.  

Not only did we watch the Bicycling Classic (which allowed anyone who had a bike and $25 to pin on a number and do a couple laps of the wall) but we were able to watch a brutally hard women's race and an action packed men's race.  As the day wore on and we watched as riders suffered for the glory of the win, the QOM/KOM points, the points jersey and even just to stay in the race, it occurred to me that events like the Philly Classic cement cycling's foundation of a sport full of heroes.  The more I pondered the events of the day, the more I realized why we react to cycling the way we do.  

And honestly, it made me think about who my heroes are.  Perhaps you'll consider who yours are as well.

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Choosing Cassette Gearing

By | Published May 31, 2013

cassette1 300x300 Choosing Cassette GearingWhile we've already dealt with choosing crankset gearing, you may still be in the dark about choosing cassette gearing.  Along with your crankset gearing, that cluster of cogs on your back wheel is what will determine if you're toddling happily up the next climb or walking (and cursing) on the way up.  

So how do you assure that you're not plodding when you should be pedaling?  What factors go into choosing a proper cassette to match your ability and terrain?  

Let's look at how to choose the proper gearing for you.

 

 

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Safe Cycling In The Rain

By | Published May 24, 2013

lightweighwheel Safe Cycling In The RainHow many of have you looked out the window at raindrops falling from the sky and said "ugh, it's raining.  I don't want to ride in this."  Be honest.  

Good, now of those of you who answered "yes" to the last question, how many of you would ride in the rain if you felt more comfortable?  How about if you could feel safer?  

Riding in wet conditions, from damp roads to a driving rain, can not only be safe and comfortable, but it can even be fun.  It's a great way to keep you on your toes, keep your skills sharp and break out of the ordinary riding rut.  Roads that are wet change character completely: climbs become more demanding of finesse to prevent wheels from slipping, descents require perfect lines and braking and handling skills are sharpened by the constant barrage to your senses.  But in order to safely partake in these fitness and skill challenges, you'll have to have the proper preparation and keep a few things in mind.  In today's podcast we'll discuss a few of these such as:

  • Proper dress for warmth (and maybe even dryness)
  • Tips to ensure road safety, including braking distance and traction concerns
  • Post ride concerns to make sure you recover well (and keep your bike happy)

As a side note, there's only a few days left to take advantage of my Giro d'Italia modular training special.  Remember to use coupon code "giro2013" to take 15% off all modular training plans.  And keep a look out for my new Century Module, which will be coming out in the next week or so.  

Questions and comments are always welcome.  Post below to get the discussion rolling (hopefully in the dry.)

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Giro d’Italia Week 2 Recap

By | Published May 20, 2013

2013GiroRoute 261x300 Giro dItalia Week 2 RecapAfter a harrowing first week that delivered surprises aplenty, the second week of the Tour of Italy was slated to break the race wide open.  Those little jabs that were thrown in the first week were slated to become haymakers as the GC contenders stop with the shadow boxing and come out swinging.  But some of those GC men were on the back foot and already staggered: defending champion and bib number 1 Hesjedal had two bad days in the ITT and the following mountain stage, conceding nearly 4 minutes and dropping him into 11th place overall.  Bradley Wiggins survived the trials and tribulations of the first week, with a good ITT and surviving the following mountain stage without giving up significant ground.  But with Vincenzo Nibali resplendent in pink, who would be the one to break his stranglehold of the race?

 

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