Riding Tips

Snow Riding

  If you don't have good handling skills this may not be for you.  We sell indoor trainers (All of us use them).  However, if you're brave or silly enough, here are some thoughts from my experience.

1.  Lose the clipless pedals.  Ride on a big pair of platform pedals.  The rationale here should be obvious.  

2.  Wear a helmet.  It's not a matter of "if" but "when".  You will fall and ice hurts.

3.  Be cautious on roadsides when the snow has been plowed.  If you thought the shoulders were narrow before, pile 3' of plowed snow on them and try to ride with traffic.

4.  Set your goals low.  You may ride 20-60 miles at a shot in the summer, but 5-10 on the tundra may be enough.  

5.  Call your riding buddies and meet at a Coffee House for drinks and discussion of the drama involved in getting there.

6.  Have fun.  Isn't that what cycling is all about anyway?

Hill Riding

  Ride hills.  There is no coasting up hills.  We hear many riders/customers share their difficulties with hills.  The best way to make hills enjoyable is to practice climbing.  Try this:

1.  Find a hill that you dislike least.

2.  Approach the hill with fresh legs (just warmed up).

3.  Select a gear that will allow you to keep your cadence above 80 rpm.

4.  Self talk.  Tell yourself that hills are your friends.  You can do this.

5.  Settle into a pace that feels "good".  And keep looking to the top.

6.  Crest the hill and recover briefly.

7.  Coast or pedal easy back to the bottom and do it again.

The purpose of doing the hill repeatedly is part physical and part mental.  If you climb the hill 2 or more times while exercising/training, then it will seem much easier when you encounter the hill and only "get" to climb it once.  Try it. It works.