Six Rules for Becoming a Serious Cyclist

1.       Get Serious!

·         Workouts should be a daily plan and not something that happens when you have spare time on the weekends.

·         Cyclists ride with the flow of traffic.  Not on the sidewalk or on the left shoulder facing traffic.  If this seems odd to you stop right here and download a copy of your state’s DMV or MVD rules of the road and stop giving serious cyclists a bad rap.  On the trail we always pass on the left and always yield to hikers and everyone going uphill if we are headed downhill.

·         That weekend ride with your significant other does not count as a workout unless your significant other is as serious as you are about fitness and can give you a run for your money.

2.       Pedals and Computer

·         If you are ready to take the next step and Get Serious about cycling then clipless pedals and a computer are necessary equipment!

·         Pedals.  The only serious cyclists you are likely to see without clipless pedals are BMX racers or freestyle mountain bikers.  Clipless gives you a tremendous amount of power and you’ll be left in the dust if you are riding without and others are clipped in.  The pedal stroke is 360 degrees but without being clipped in you are limited to half of that and are only propelling your bike on each down stroke.  When clipped in you are able to push and pull each pedal through the entire 360 and ride much faster!

·         Computer.  Your best training partner is your computer.  You get a constant display of your current speed and then know when you are “screwing the proverbial pouch” and not pushing yourself.  My simple rule is never slower than 15 mph (road and mountain bikes) unless climbing and I generally try to stay in the low to mid 20’s on the road and high teens on open trails.  In addition to being able to monitor your speed most computers have clock, trip distance, trip time, max speed, total distance functions and some have an altitude function as well.  Get Serious!

3.       Clothing

We wear hiking boots on the trail, a swim suit to the beach and bowling shoes at the alley.  Cycling has its own specialized clothing that serves a distinct purpose.

·         Lycra cycling shorts, sans undergarments, serve many purposes.  There is no bunching up causing hot spots while in the saddle.  When climbing in and out of the saddle (climbing/stretching) the material does not get caught on the nose of the saddle.  Moisture wicking material and a chamois lining add comfort too.

·         Lycra cycling jerseys are also multifunctional.  The long zipper allows you to control ventilation.  Pockets in the back allow you to store the iPod, power gels, etc for easy access.  Moisture wicking keeps you cooler and much more comfortable.  Imagine rolling down your favorite trail and your favorite Motley Crue concert shirt is saturated in sweat sticking to your back then a tree limb reaches out and snags a big rip in your sleeve that was flapping in the breeze.  Not good, wear a jersey.

4.       Hydrate or Die

·         Drink water all day every day and your riding will improve.  If you start depleted you’ll never catch up.

·         For rides longer than an hour you’ll need a gel pack or 2 in a back pocket of your jersey.  After the first hour (or when you feel yourself starting to bonk) squeeze a gel into your mouth then one about every half hour after that.  You’ll be able to ride all day!

5.       Stability and Agility

Rather than constantly riding for time or distance you need to add skills too.

·         On the trail or road you should be able to reach down and grab a water bottle out of its cage take a sip and replace it without swerving out of your line.  You should also be able to ride without hands so that you can open that Cliff Bar or gel pack, adjust iPod, etc.  Practice.

·         On the trails we often encounter obstacles so being proficient with the bunny hop can be very useful.  Practice so that you’ll be able to hop over those small logs and boulders without having to slow down or stop. Do not stand on the pedals when climbing; you loose traction and power.

6.       Ride

·         No single activity is going to improve your riding more than time in the saddle.  Ride daily in all conditions.  It would be quite unfortunate to prepare for months or years for an epic cycling adventure to have inclimate weather ruin the trip.  One of the mottos of the Navy S.E.A.L.S. applies here, “The more you bleed in training the less you bleed in battle.”