general cycling discussion Archives - Page 5 of 7

Cycling Skills: Riding Winter Roads

A week ago, the northeast was the victim of a brutal snowstorm that buried parts of New England under up to 21" of snow. Heavy, wet, tree snapping, power killing snow. Now, not only did this put all but the most dedicated hard men inside due to precipitation and frigid temperatures, it's raised the spectre of "winter roads." You see, now that winter has reared it's ugly head, we're left with roads covered in salt, cinders, leaves, branches and other debris. Staying safe on "winter roads" can be fraught with proverbial potholes, so here's a few tips to make the ride smoother (and safer.)

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Tags: Coaching, skills|

How to Survive a Charity Ride

Charity rides can be a minefield for new riders and veterans alike. You'll see all kinds at charity events, from the racers out for an "easy" training day to families with small kids doing "long" 10 mile rides. After spending countless miles pedaling through group rides, races, charity rides and solo training rides, I've come to a few conclusions about what to do and what NOT to do on those benefit rides.

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Tags: facepalm, Motivation|

Cycling Skills: Riding in the Rain

With the arrival of Hurrican Irene to the east coast, it comes to mind that perhaps a post on rain riding skills is necessary. Although it's unlikely that you'll be out in anything even remotely resembling a hurricane, rain can still present a hefty challenge, especially if you're not prepared for it.

Think Ahead and Prepare

This should be a no brainer, but check your forecast before you ride. If there's a threat of rain in the forecast, you should consider preparing yourself for a (possible) wet excursion. This means simple things like packing a rain jacket and letting a few PSI out of your tires. It also means changing riding style to be a little more cautious and take fewer risks. Essentially, each one of the following tips is designed to get you home safely and more comfortably.

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Tags: Coaching, training|

Cycling Skills: Reading the Road

There's an old saying that goes something like this: "the smartest rider wins the race, not the strongest." Part of being a smart rider is being able to read the road and adjust your efforts accordingly. I've talked a lot on this blog about climbing position and climbing efficiency, but all the technique and efficiency in the world won't do you any good if you don't use it properly. So, that being said, let's take a look at how to read the road.

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Tags: climbing, Coaching, road, training|

Review: Mavic Zxellium Shoes

Mavic Zxellium shoes.

When you think Mavic, you generally think wheels, right? Well, that's changing with the introduction of Mavic's clothing and shoe lines a couple years ago, and it provides yet another option in a sea of great shoe choices. The real question is, what sets the Zxellium apart from every other shoe out there? After riding them for more than a year, it's time to explore just what makes these shoes work, and what needs a little extra work.

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Tags: components, reviews|