October 1, 2015
A BikeParts.com bike commuter
Fall bike riding offers the chance to enjoy cooler temperatures, view the changing colors of the leaves, and reinvigorate your spirit with the freedom riding a bike inspires. What is true for adults is also true for kids! As the school season is underway, many children are coping with new daily routines which include more structure and less playtime. Riding a bike to school is a great way for kids to get exercise, develop healthy habits, as well as, enjoy some extra playtime.
As many adults know, exercise helps reduce stress, aid with weight management and promote bone, muscle, and joint health. But what you may not know, is that riding a bike to school may also help your child’s academic performance. Bicycling to school can help contribute to the developmental health of children. Despite the benefits, some parents are left with concerns as to how to make bicycling to school a win – win. A win for their child in that they enjoy the experience and a win for the parents in that you have confidence your child arrives safely on their commute. Here’s what you need to know to make biking to school a success for both you and your child.
- Think about whether riding a bike to school makes sense for your child. If your child attends a neighborhood school biking may be a good option. If you child is at a charter school across town where she plays the double bass in the orchestra, biking to school may not work. Look at your child’s schedule and consider biking to school on days that are best.
- Scout a route to school. Look for side streets, other kids on bikes, low traffic speeds and good visibility. Ride the route with your child and make sure he understands the route. Have him lead to show you that he knows where he is going.
- Talk with other parents and the principal to address real and perceived obstacles to getting kids on bikes.
- Dial in your child’s bike. Bring it into the shop for bike maintenance and ensure all bike parts are working properly.
- Make sure your child knows the rules of the road.
- Invest in needed items. Purchase a quality bike lock and teach your child how to use it wisely. Consider getting a quality pannier or messenger bag instead of a backpack. Also, be sure to have the appropriate cycling apparel for the season.
In fact, Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop is only store in Golden, CO that serves kids cycling needs. We have bike parts and cycling accessories that includes windbreakers, gloves, shorts, jersey’s, chamois, pedals, hats, backpacks, and bikes that kids love. Most importantly, we have reflective materials to put on your child’s bike to make sure they are visible. Stop by the shop or visit us online at www.BikeParts.com. We’re here to help you and your family make biking to school a win-win for all!
1 Comment | 
Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: bike commuting, bike lock, bike maintenance, bike parts, cycling accessories, cycling apparel, Fall bike riding, gloves, jersey, kids bike to school, kids clothing, kids cycling accessories, messenger bag, pannier bag, shorts, windbreakers | 
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Posted by staffwriter8
September 24, 2015
Fall Cycling at BikeParts.com
While we welcome cooler temps and colorful foliage that fall cycling offers, the shorter days and fatigue of the cycling season can beckon cyclist to cut their rides short – or skip them all together. Perhaps missing a day or two of riding doesn’t seem like much but it does. According to the post, What Happens to Your Body When You Quit Riding, within a relatively short period of time, undesirable consequences result. As in, your metabolism stagnates. Your blood pressure rises. Your blood sugar surges. Fitness declines. And, inevitable wait gain surfaces. Not fun!
Fall is actually the best time to transition from peak cycling form to a relaxed one. Doing so doesn’t include missing rides. It means shifting your mindset to embrace fall cycling while actually boosting your cycling performance for next year.
The article, Fix Your Flaws in Fall, suggests “if you’re looking to take a big step forward in your racing performance for next season, you can’t wait until next season to start the process.” With that being said, what are the best ways to boost your fall training regimen?
As we’ve share in recent post, Cyclocross is a wonderful way for road cyclists and mountain bikers to extend their competitive seasons and get a head-start on training for next season. The intensity of cyclocross racing provides a training stimulus that’s very difficult to replicate with standard interval training during the fall and winter, especially as the temperatures fall and athletes turn primarily to indoor cycling. The post, The Top 5 Fitness Benefits of Racing Cyclocross, reinforces this stating, cyclocross racing increases power at V02 Max, reduces off season weight gain, and toughens you up!
If you don’t want to toughen up, then opt for an easier approach. Add bike commuting to your fall regimen. While it is not as strenuous as cyclocross racing, it is a chance to enjoy cooler temperatures, view the changing colors of the leaves, and reinvigorate your spirits with the freedom riding a bike inspires. This is most helpful if you are mentally burned out from the season and need to rejuvenate your cycling spirit for the next season. To truly enjoy fall bike commuting, at Peak Cycles Bicycle shop, we recommend getting a tune-up. Who knows what your bike has experienced during the season and to make bike commuting truly enjoyable – your bike needs to be reliable. We recommend having a set of reliable lights and wearing the right bike clothing. Frequently we’re asked what are the essential cycling apparel to have on hand for fall bike commuting. Here’s a great list of bike parts and cycling apparel to have on available. Remember, bike commuting is different than training; as such, your needs may vary regarding nutritional requirements, bike parts that are needed, as well as, clothing options.
The Fall season is a great time for experimentation. Ride new routes! Explore different trials before Winter weather arrives! The Fall season can be a great opportunity to get test out new bike parts. During the racing and cycling season, the focus is on riding; whereas during the Fall, there’s more time for mental wanderings and fun! Check out our daily closeouts and overstock items to spark renewed interest in your cycling program.
Leave a Comment » | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: bike commuting, bike parts, cycling apparel, cyclocross, cyclocross racing, daily closeouts and overstock items, fall cycling, lights | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
September 17, 2015
Did you hear that? That was a cowbell ringing! Because somewhere in the world, there’s a cyclocross race going on! As customary to the cyclocross culture, there’s lively banter, cheering, cowbell ringing, and festivities accompanying a cyclocross race. As many who participate in either cyclocross racing, heckling (or both) know, the cyclocross culture is rich with enthusiasm. It’s a crazy fun cycling discipline inspiring cyclist to an all-out mad dash through the dirt, pavement, grass, mud, sand, snow and/or ice that will leaves athletes sucking wind, barely able to see straight…and desperately seeking fluids!
Traditionally, drinking fluids during a cyclocross race was an unheard of activity. This was partially due to mounting/ dismounting the bike to jump over obstacles as well as shouldering the bike for run ups; however, this was also related to the UCI rules and regulations for professional athletes. However, just recently, the UCI has clarified their stand.
“Riders may carry fluids on their bicycles and install bottles on their spare bicycles in the pit area. Hands-free water carrying systems such as backpacks are permitted, and riders may also carry water bottles in their jersey pockets. However, it is forbidden to receive a bottle from anybody along the course. Extra fluids can only be obtained during the race when a rider takes a spare bicycle, already equipped with a bottle, from the pit area.”
So yes, that means you can drink during cyclocross races. While you might think of it an an opportunity to consume adult beverages, we’re actually talking about water and other nutritional products. Because racers can now drink while racing cyclocross, what are the best options: bottles or a hydration pack? Your choice may come down to individual preference but there are several factors to consider. Weather conditions play a factor as well as course considerations. If the course is slick with mud and minimal safe passing zones, then bottles may be undesirable. The same applies for tricky descents in which a bump tosses the bottle right out of its cage. Then again, if the course dictates multiple run ups requiring shoulder mounts, then having a backpack may be limiting. At a minimum, it’s important to have water bottles and containers available pre-race that can be tossed aside before the start. Equally important is having bottles and nutritional support available immediately post race for adequate refueling and recovery.
Regardless of how you take in your fluids, hydration is important. At Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop, we’re all about supporting good cycling habits – whether that is proper hydration, having a bike that fits, access to the right bike parts, or availability to the best cycling accessories for you. Whether you are a newbie or a veteran, cyclocross has something to offer everybody and so do we. Check out our cyclocross bikes online at bikeparts.com.
Wait! Did you hear that? There’s that cowbell again!
2 Comments | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: bike parts, bottles, cycling accessories, cyclocross, cyclocross bikes, cyclocross racing, hydration packs, nutrition, water bottle cage, water bottles | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
September 10, 2015
Fall bike riding offers the chance to enjoy cooler temperatures, view the changing colors of the leaves, and reinvigorate our spirits with the freedom riding a bike inspires. Officially, fall begins September 23, early in the morning. While we’re only two weeks away from the official fall season, you can see the season transitioning. Days are shorter. The temperatures are cooler. Kids are back in school. And, sadly, vacationing is nearing an end. Now is the time to mark your calendar to get in your favorite rides before winter heads our way.
Mountain bike enthusiast will enjoy several of our local trails. In fact, surprisingly, Green Mountain Trail is a year long favorite for us. Because Green Mountain is less technical than some of the surrounding trails in Golden, some consider it to be boring. Yet, to others, it can be a great trail to do intervals or even test ride a new bike or dial in new bike components before heading out to a more challenging trail. For some, Green Mountain offers the mental ease of road riding, but on dirt. For others, it’s an opportunity to work heart rate and power zones. Either option works, but what we like best about riding Green Mountain trail is that it’s a staple in the trail riding system along the Front Range.
Now, if you prefer grueling climbs, steep and narrow descents and tight switch-backs, then White Ranch may be the trail for you. White Ranch Trail, located in Golden, Colorado near the Peak Cycles bicycle shop, offers an extensive trail system of 20 miles of multi-use trails over both gentle and rugged terrain. You can read why this popular trail is a favorite of ours here.
Close to our shop is also Golden’s Apex Park –the Enchanted Forest trail. This mountain bike ride contains 11+ miles of trails of stellar single track and a delightful surprise with the Enchanted Forest trail. True to its name, the Enchanted Forest provides lush tree cover and is considered a favorite among local riders. Watch our video to see why!
Finally, a favorite to many, the Buffalo Creek trail system is a hands down favorite trail in the greater-Denver region. Why? With a diverse trail system consisting of 20 plus miles of sweet single track and 2,700 feet in elevation gain, you’ll enjoy mountain views, majestic rock formations, great downhills, smooth roller coasters, and almost ALL single track.
Aside from Green Mountain, most of these trails are unrideable in the winter months. Enjoy them now or maybe opt for some fall road rides. As many know, Colorado has some of the greatest road bike rides in the country. Some are shorter, convenient rides whereas others offer steeper, longer climbs and extended distances. Check out our list of 20 Colorado Front Range Bucket List Rides and make plans to get your rides in.
A third option for enjoying the fall leaves and maintaining fitness is bike commuting. Granted, we don’t have a favorite bike commuting route, but we do know that selecting a good route matters! Learn how to pick a route you like. Google maps for cycling is a good option. Because the days are getting shorter, be mindful of the time and we suggesting having a set of small, modern LED lights on hand in case you get stuck at the office.
It’s easy to embrace the transition from summer to fall when you have great rides to look forward to riding. Being mindful of the best clothing options, cycling apparel, bike parts, and nutritional needs during the changing season helps too! So, whether you are enjoying the vibrant mix of autumn hues from a scenic country road, a bike path, or a trail, fall bike rides in Colorado are the best way to get up close and personal with the season’s colors while filling up their lungs with crisp Colorado air.
Leave a Comment » | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: 20 Colorado Front Range Bucket List Rides, Apex Park, bike components, bike parts, Buffalo Creek trail system, cycling apparel, Enchanted Forest trail, Fall bike riding, Green Mountain Trail, LED lights, mountain bike, road bike, White Ranch Trail | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
September 3, 2015
photo credit: ProVeloPassion.com
While the cross country mountain bike and road bike race seasons may be winding down, the cyclocross race season is just starting. In fact, you could officially say that it is now cyclocross season! If you’re new to cyclocross, you might wonder what the big deal is? Cyclist who have ventured into the discipline are passionate about it and here’s why.
Cyclocross is one of the fastest growing sections of cycling – it’s an all-out mad dash through the dirt, pavement, grass, mud, sand, snow and/or ice that will leave you sucking wind, barely able to see straight…and excited to do it again. It’s held on a relatively short track (2 miles or less) making it spectator-friendly as well. Cyclocross is also one of the few sports where heckling is not only carried on by the spectators but encouraged, even by the top-level touring elites.
Sounds fun, right? And it is!
Cyclocross is a wonderful way for road cyclists and mountain bikers to extend their competitive seasons and get a head-start on training for next season. The intensity of cyclocross racing provides a training stimulus that’s very difficult to replicate with standard interval training during the fall and winter, especially as the temperatures fall and athletes turn primarily to indoor cycling. As the season is just now getting underway, what do you need to know?
Transition: If you’ve been racing throughout the summer season, recognize that there is going to be a transition phase. Moving from one form of racing to another takes a bit of adjustment. This generally takes 4 – 6 weeks to fully adjust to a new cycling position, frame geometry, gear ratios, and race tactic specific strength.
Running and Drills: You’ll want to plan time for running and cyclocross specific skills training. Running prepares your body to handle the stress of runs and dismounts at the beginning of cross season. Skill training is essential for safe riding and also, efficiency during the race! The better your skills are, the faster you will go! Skills to focus on include practicing starts, dismounts, remounts, shouldering, cornering, and riding through different conditions, as in, mud and sand. All play an important factor is racing efficiently.
Training: As for training for cyclocross, the best approach is a comprehensive one. Meaning, now is the time to begin planning your season using goals, monthly progressions, and setting a weekly schedule. For those athletes who want to focus their efforts and manage their time, a good plan is to structure your cyclocross training week. While training time, heart rate and power zones vary, a typical training week usually includes a variety of focused activity. As an example, the post, Preparing for Cyclocross Season, shares more on what you need to include in your training plan.
It’s easy to get started with cyclocross. If you are new to cyclocross, check out our cyclocross bikes online at bikeparts.com. Equipment choices matter! Dial in the best bike parts and and tire choice. While bike setup and having the right cyclocross bicycle parts is important, one of the most important parts of all is tire selection and their pressure. Next, sign up for Golden’s very own Back to Basics Cyclocross Series. Held Wednesday evenings from September through early October, the series offers a fun challenge to build your cyclocross skills and enthusiasm!
So what’s stopping you? Plan your cyclocross season now, order your bike parts at bikeparts.com and grab your cow bell! With a little planning, your 2015 cyclocross season can be very rewarding. Sure, cyclocross races are very high intensity and extremely demanding; yet, cyclocross as a sport is meant to be fun, otherwise, there wouldn’t be beer handoffs, money pits, crowds heckling the pros, or pros heckling the crowd! At Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop, we’re gearing up for some cowbell cheer. See you at the races!
1 Comment | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: Back to Basics Cyclocross Series, Basic Cyclocross Skills, bike parts, cyclocross 2015, Cyclocross Bicycle Parts and Cross Bike Components, Cyclocross Training Week, mountain bike, road bike | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
August 27, 2015
Late Summer Riding at BikeParts.com
At the beginning of the cycling season, enthusiasm and energy is high! About the mid-season point, accumulated season fatigue catches up with most cyclist. Recovery rate from workouts and from races slows down and finally, by the end of the season, some find their motivation waning. As the cycling season seems to be getting longer and longer, what are the ways to maintain motivation and also – capture added gains towards next year’s goals? With spring and summer riding in the legs, it’s important to put your late-season form and fitness to good use. Fortunately, there are no shortage of ways to enjoy life on two wheels through September.
Dress for success!
As we transition from summer to fall, the Colorado mountain colors explode into a vibrant mix of autumn hues. Yet to make the transition from summer to fall to winter riding safely, it’s wise to make sure that your bike is working and that you have the proper cycling apparel to keep you warm and also motivated to ride in the cooler temps. We have the best cycling apparel for late summer / early fall heat. Consider factors to consider in cycling apparel for this time of year include: ventilation, storage, water access, and rain/wind gear. As we transition to night time riding, high visibility gear for night time riding is important too! If you haven’t stopped by the shop recently, you may want to check out our hot store items such as Endure pro race cape and Liv shorts and jersey.
Try Cyclocross!
Cyclocross season is nearly upon us! Cyclocross is a wonderful way for road cyclists and mountain bikers to extend their competitive seasons and get a head-start on training for next season. The intensity of cyclocross racing provides a training stimulus that’s very difficult to replicate with standard interval training during the fall and winter, especially as the temperatures fall and athletes turn primarily to indoor cycling. If you are veteran of cyclocross, consider focusing on skill development to keep things fresh. Favorites to practice leading into the season include practicing starts, dismounts, remounts, shouldering, cornering, and riding through different conditions, as in, mud and sand. All play an important factor is racing efficiently. If you are new to cyclocross, check out our cyclocross bikes online at bikeparts.com. Equipment choices matter! Dial in the best bike parts and and tire choice. While bike setup and having the right cyclocross bicycle parts is important, one of the most important parts of all is tire selection and their pressure.
Ride a Fat Bike!
If cyclocross isn’t your thing, maybe a fat bike is! While some consider fat bikes a trend, they are actually steadily growing in popularity. Because fat bikes behave much like a mountain bike, they can be ridden in a variety of conditions and are extremely versatile. Check out our post, Top Fat Bike FAQ’s for answers to your fat bike questions. Or, stop by Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop and take a test ride to see which one is best for you!
Embark on a Gravel Grinder Adventure!
Gravel grinder events are growing in popularity and because of the informal nature of them, you can somewhat create your own event! Perfect for late summer riding to explore new terrain while maintaining fitness. Specifically, gravel road races and rides combine riding on surfaces such as asphalt, gravel, dirt, some singletrack trails and maintenance or B roads. The courses vary from hard-packed dirt to softball-sized rocks. The distance usually ranges between 50 and 150 miles, but can be even longer. What makes this riding great is that you can ride your cyclocross bike, mountain bike, or even your fat bike! A fun way to explore!
All in all, the fall season can be an opportunity to rest and recharge while still maintaining fitness on the bike. By keeping it fresh, trying something new, and also, targeting some fitness goals, it can inspire you to lay down some of your best training in your season. Enjoy!
Leave a Comment » | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: bike parts, BikeParts.com, cycling apparel, cyclocross, fat bike, Gravel grinder, Late Summer Riding, mountain bike, Top Fat Bike FAQ’s | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
August 20, 2015
Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop in Golden, CO
The 2015 USA Pro Challenge is on! With only 3 days before the final stage, pro cyclist will race a short loop north of Golden before tackling the main obstacle of the day, the 4-mile climb of Lookout Mtn. The final stage from Golden to Denver on August 23 is proven to be stellar spectating. And what better way to have the best spectating experience during the race than to stop by the Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop during Stage 7 of the USA Pro Challenge. Here’s why!
1. When most walk into our Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop in Golden, Colorado, they are confronted by a dazzling display of
road bikes,
mountain bikes,
cycling accessories, and
cycling apparel. It’s enough to make your head spin! Enjoy the delightful appeal of a local, mountain town bicycle shop.
2. Located in the heart of Golden, on Washington Avenue, Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop is strategically placed offering you one of the best places to watch the pro cyclist through
Golden, Colorado.
3. Not only that, Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop will be open this Sunday 9-11 and 1-4.
4. We’ll have food and drinks for a USA Pro Challenge party on Sunday.
5. Best yet – we will be selling USA Pro Challenge T-shirts in the store all week.
6. You love the USA Pro Challenge and so do we! We’ve been involved in supporting the race since the inaugural race. Support the locals who support the race!
7. Make good use of your day. During the break between the women’s race and the men’s race, you can get your bike fix on!
Browse through our road bikes and mountain bikes like
Giant, and Specialized and check out our specialty bike parts. Our highly rated
bike parts and components have become favorites among many.
8. In fact, make the day memorable and pick up a select few
bike parts,
cycling accessories, or
cycling apparel.
9. Get your bike questions answered. We love answering questions and talking about the latest and greatest. Asking good questions about your bike and
bike parts leads to having the right bike and gear that not only gets you on the bike, but keeps you riding.
10. Last but not least, the best reason to visit Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop during the Pro Cycling Challenge is because we love cycling! As avid local cycling advocates as well as sharing our expertise on the web at bike parts.com, we encourage cyclist of all levels to embrace our fabulous sport.
See you Sunday and good luck to all racing the USA Pro Challenge!
1 Comment | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: bike parts and components, BikeParts.com, cycling accessories, cycling apparel, giant, Golden Colorado, mountain bikes, Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop, road bikes, specialized, Stage 7, USA Pro Challenge | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
August 13, 2015
Team Rider at BikeParts.com
Gravel what? Yep! You read it right – gravel grinders! Gravel Grinder 101: are popping up all over the country. Generally, they are unsanctioned, unsupported endurance bicycle races on primarily gravel and dirt roads, with little or no outside support, course markings, fees or prizes. There are no governing bodies, race officials, or licenses. Just a dedicated race organizer and some volunteers plotting out a unique course highlighting local, out-of-the-way sights and sounds, with unapologetic bike geeks gathering for a long day of riding. For many cyclist, gravel grinder experiences are the newest and most sought after events. Here’s why these races are growing in popularity.
Gravel Grinder Racing: What You Need to Get Started are gravel road races and rides that combine riding on surfaces such as asphalt, gravel, dirt, some singletrack trails and maintenance or B roads. The courses vary from hard-packed dirt to softball-sized rocks. The distance usually ranges between 50 and 150 miles, but can be even longer. Two of the most popular events are the Dirty Kanza 200 and the Trans Iowa, which are both over 200 miles long. Cyclist ride an assortment of bikes. Over the past few years, the market for gravel grinder specific bikes has exploded. These bikes are similar to cyclocross bikes but have a geometry that’s more suitable for riding all day as opposed to short, one-hour races.
Yet, you’ll see many on mountain bikes and more cyclist tend to ride cyclocross bikes. If you’re curious about an event, don’t shy away from it because you don’t have the “right” bike. Just get the right bike parts and cycling accessories to meet your needs. Because of the terrain type, you’ll be riding through dirt, dust, and possibly mud and sludge. With that being said, you’ll definitely want to liberally coat your chain with chain lube and be sure to carry a small container of chain lube with you on your ride.
You might be wondering what is the appeal of a gravel grinder race? Basically, it’s adventure! Gravel races usually offer up the “most adventurous” roads of your area. These can be forest roads, minimum maintenance roads,or an abandoned jeep road. Don’t let this intimidate you if it’s something you don’t typically ride. Most of these roads lead you to something pretty cool, like an old farmstead, bridge, a beautiful hidden valley or grand vista. The adventure rests in exploring areas you typically wouldn’t explore.
Making the best of the adventure is training properly for a gravel grinder. Gravel grinders bring together different disciplines of cycling. First, the courses are designed to be technically difficult requiring good bike handling skills. Second, depending on the location, the route could be very hilly and offer different types of climbs from short and steep to long sections. Finally, most gravel grinders are lengthy, not necessarily in distance, but in time required to complete them. Read, How to Train for a Gravel Grinder for more tips on training for a gravel grinder event.
Why not try something new? Embrace the new cycling discipline! Try a new adventure! Why? Because with any given gravel grinder event, there’s an adventure out there waiting for you!
2 Comments | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: bike parts, cycling accessories, cyclocross bikes, Dirty Kanza 200, Gravel Grinders, mountain bikes, Trans Iowa | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
August 6, 2015
Just weeks away from the start of the 2015 USA Pro Challenge, Colorado sports enthusiasts and cycling fans around the world wait with anticipation of yet another phenomenal pro race. From August 17-23, leading cyclists from around the world will battle it out in Colorado during the USA Pro Challenge, a seven-day professional stage race that winds 617 miles around the state. One million people are expected to check out the race, which—now in its fifth year—is the largest spectator event in Colorado. Nine cities are hosting the race this year, including Golden, Colorado.
This year, in addition to hosting the final stage start of the 7-day race, Golden will also host the finish for the first-ever Women’s USA Pro Challenge race. This elite, invitation-only women’s race will take place over three days, kicking off in Breckenridge on August 21 and ending in Golden on August 23.
Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop has been local supporters of the race since its inaugural year. Spectators, travelers, and locals alike visit our shop asking for ride directions to ride the race route through Golden and the best places to spectate during the race. Here’s what you need to know!
Stage 3 – Women’s USA Pro Challenge
August 23, 2015 – 10:30 AM – Golden, Colorado – The start line for the women’s race is on Washington Avenue, between 12th & 13th Streets.
Start Time: 10:30 am – Estimated Finish: 11:30am
The women have tested their time trial legs and their climbing legs, now it’s time to test their elbows in some shoulder to shoulder technical circuit racing served up Colorado style in Golden.
This final stage is no mere promenade or flat four corner coronation for the current leader. With hills, technical corners, and plenty of time bonuses up for grabs on this tight 1.5 mile circuit, the overall winner will have to prove their worthiness for one more day. If they survive this circuit they will truly be a worthy winner of the first-ever Women’s USA Pro Challenge and will have proved their skill in all disciplines of the sport.
Stage 7 – Men’s USA Pro Challenge
August 23, 2015 – 1:00 PM -The start line for the women’s race is on Washington Avenue, between 12th & 13th Streets.
Start time: 1:10 pm – Estimated finish: 3:45 pm
For a finale, the Pro Challenge goes back to its roots. This route was the final stage of the first Pro Challenge in 2011 and introduced the world to the cycling crowds on the Front Range. After a short loop north of Golden the race will tackle its main obstacle of the day, the 4-mile climb of Lookout Mountain. Another quick pass of Golden and the race is screaming through Wheat Ridge and Lakewood en route to downtown Denver. Four laps of the familiar Denver circuit await and Civic Center Park, City Park, and 17th street will be treated to blazing speeds as the last prizes of the week are fought over tooth and nail.
The highlight of the stage is the Lookout Mountain climb.
- Length: 5.1 miles
- Total elevation: 1,438 ft
- Average Grade: 5.3% (7%) (steeper in the corners)
- Lookout Mountain climb is called Pillar to Post for the landmarks at the start and finish.
- The climb up and the descent down the treacherous Lookout Mountain provides an intense challenge on the tour’s final day.
So, where are the best places to watch the pro cyclist through Golden, Colorado? Anywhere along the route for either the women’s or the men’s course will be a great place to see the action! Lookout Mountain is a popular viewing area, as the riders climb and change position. Check out the route maps and stake out your spot!
The real question is, if you only have a weekday off in Denver, how would you use it? The final stage from Golden to Denver on August 23 will be stellar spectating. Start your day watching the climb up Lookout Mountain in Golden, then enjoy the Local Golden Festival in Parfet Park, from 9 am – 4 pm. Local merchants and organizations will be on hand to showcase their businesses.
During the break between the women’s race and the men’s race, you can wander downtown and grab a bite to eat, visit one of the food vendors in the park, or grab a beer and watch all the race action on the Jumbo Tron. Of course, we’d love it if you stop by the shop, Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop.
Make the day memorable and pick up a select few bike parts, cycling accessories, or cycling apparel. We’re loving the good cycling vibe that the USA Pro Cycling Challenge brings to our state. Good luck to all racing the ProCycling Challenge!
Leave a Comment » | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: bike parts, cycling accessories, cycling apparel, Lookout Mtn, Peak Cycle Bicycle Shop, Stage 3 - Women's USA Pro Challenge, Stage 7, USA Pro Challenge, USA Pro Challenge 2015, Women’s USA Pro Challenge race | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
July 30, 2015
PhysioPhyx LPR available at BikeParts.com
There are a lot of opinions about why muscle cramping occurs and everyone has their own advice when the topic comes up. Many sports drinks tell you that they key to preventing cramps is magnesium, bike fitters will tell you your saddle is too high or you have incorrect bike parts, and there are also dozens of different home remedies.
Unfortunately, muscle cramping is something cyclists deal with at all levels of the sport. The big question is what to do about muscle cramping, and what can you do to avoid them in the first place.
Interestingly enough, new insights as to what causes cramps is available. The post,
The Real Cause of Muscle Cramps, offers insights into root causes of muscle cramps. And it’s not what you think! Muscle cramps aren’t the muscle; it’s the nerve. While this research continues to evolve to learning more about the root cause of cramps, we can at least use tried and true methods to prevent them. Here’s what we have found works.
Avoid muscle cramps in the first place by hydrating properly before and during your ride. If you’re a female cyclist, you may want to try out
Osmo nutrition. There are three options:
- active hydration
- acute recovery
- preload hydration
What we like about this product is that it is nutrition “based on peer-reviewed science. The science is simple.
Hydration, which refers to the maintenance of water in your blood, is critical to maximizing power, endurance and reducing fatigue. When you’re thirsty, you’ve already lost two percent of your body water—and 11 percent of your power.”
For all riders, another option is
Skratch Labs. Again there are several options to sleet including:
- All day – daily electrolyte mix
- Single workout – exercise hydration mix
- Hyper nutrition – hyper hydration mix
- Rescue hydration – for dehydration
Finally, an all time favorite!
Honey Stinger products – tasty edibles on the ride.
- waffles
- gels
- energy bars
- organic chews
All of those are great nutritional products while riding, but what products are available post ride? As we all know, recovery is a critical element of preparing for the next bout of exercise. New in our Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop is
PhysioPhyx. Here’s what we like about this product. PhysioPhyx LPR takes recovery nutrition to a new level of support and performance by delivering a powerful, evidence-based blend of Carbohydrates + Protein + Leucine. This potent combination of nutrients has been precisely formulated to help ensure you rapidly and effectively restore muscle energy (glycogen), minimize muscle soreness, stimulate muscle repair and speed training adaptations after moderate, intense and exhaustive exercise or competition. In fact, recent studies have shown the nutrient trio of Carbs + Protein + Leucine taken after exercise creates an absolute ideal environment for your body to quickly go into recovery overdrive. Who doesn’t like “overdrive”?!
Overall, preventing muscle cramps in the first place is the ideal solution. Stop by the shop in Golden, Colorado or chat with us on
Twitter or
Facebook about your nutritional needs. We’re happy to share our tried and true methods for avoiding muscle cramping while riding!
2 Comments | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: bike parts, Honey Stinger, hydration, muscle cramping, Osmo nutrition, PhysioPhyx, Skratch labs, The Real Cause of Muscle Cramps | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
July 23, 2015
Racing at Peak Cycles / BikeParts.com
Before a race or a big event, do you ever feel overwhelmed? Nervous? Anxious? For the most part, experiencing those sensations is normal. Yet, oftentimes, negative self talk can exasperate the problem.
Thoughts like, “I haven’t trained enough” or you find yourself caring too much about what other people think. Maybe looking around the start of an event you take a mental inventory and think other cyclist look more fit or have better bikes. Worst case scenario, you notice the weather and assign its condition as to how you think you will perform.
Whatever the case may be, managing self sabotaging thoughts and behavior is well within your scope of control. Being mindful of your pre- event thoughts allows you to fully maximize your training efforts while reaching your race day or event goals. Granted, pretty much everyone that enters an event suffers from nerves of some sort. However, the post, 5 Simple Strategies for Overcoming Race Day Nerves, guides us through easy ways to shift the perspective of nervousness to be an enabler of positive sports performance. And there are other ideas for managing self defeating behaviors too.
Develop race day strategies that work for you. Preparing mentally, physically, and being bike ready will instill confidence leading up to the event. When your mind drifts to negative self talk, re- direct it to the strategies you’ve set for yourself. As an example, develop personal race day rituals. Crafting a pre-event routine is an important part of building a successful race experience. Consider having a checklist of race day activities to help structure your preparation to the start line. Include items such as nutrition, hydration, clothes, gear, extra bike parts and basic bike tools. This way, you won’t be forgetting anything as you prepare for your start. You will show up on the line having confidence in your bike, your bike parts, and nutrition so that you can solely focus on the event ahead of you and not what other cyclist are doing or riding.
A little preparation can aid in reducing anxiety too! Know the course and the conditions. Check the weather ahead of time. Do a mental dress rehearsal of the event using this information. Visualization offers you the chance to “try things on” in a way so that you get more comfortable at adapting to the random things that occur during events.
Ultimately, the more at ease you are going into an event allows you to be more relaxed and focused on the start line Limit any self sabotage you have by preparing in advance. You’ll enjoy your event and it will also pave the way for a longer and enjoyable cycling career.
Leave a Comment » | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: bike parts, bike tools, bikes, hydration, nutrition, Race Day Nerves, race day rituals, race day strategies | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
July 16, 2015
The Tour de France is under way, and the buzz has never been so great! The world’s fastest cyclists and bike manufacturers have sharpened this year’s competition with increased fitness, improved road bikes, better bike parts – leaving us all inspired and gripped on the watching the next day’s stage.
With the addition of GoPro Hero 4 on the riders bikes, it has changed forever how we watch the Tour de France. Ultimately, as spectators, we gain a greater perspective of the event along with a longing for the gear, bikes, and thrill experienced by the pro cyclist. Granted, we may never race in the Tour de France, but we do have access to the great gear the pro cyclist ride!
Watching the Tour de France might give you the itch for a new road bike and it’s perfect timing because shortly our 2015 road bikes and mountain bikes in our Golden, Colorado Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop will be going on sale to make way for the 2016 product releases. Here’s what’s coming in and a brief description of why we like them.
If you can’t stand the wait and are looking to get that new bike thrill now, check out a really nice S-works bike in our store with Shimano XTR components and 11-speed in back. It’s light and fast for racing – just like the tour riders like it!
Be sure to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to keep up with news on bikes, bike parts, and new product releases.
Leave a Comment » | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: bike parts, bikes, Cycling Clothing, Endura FS260 pro race cape, Endura Singletrack mountain bike gloves, Endure lite gloves, Giant - Liv shorts and jersey, Giant 2016 TCR Advanced SL, Giant Any Road Gravel Grinder, Giant Trance Advance 27.5, GoPro Hero 4, road bike, Specialized Fuse 6Fattie, Specialized S-Works Stump Jumper FSR 6Fattie, Specialized S-Works Venge Vias DI2 USA, Tour De France | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
July 9, 2015
S-works bike at BikeParts.com
July – the best month of the year!
As cyclist, we all love July because the Tour de France is in full swing and so is the touring and racing season in Colorado.
With envy, many cyclist watch the pro riders and wonder how they can mimic the fitness and performance of such talented athletes. In fact, it seems that pro cyclists are often all thought to be blessed with nature’s special gifts – a huge heart, enormous lungs and infinite leg power. Yet, in reality this is hardly the case. The truth is that most of us have the physiology to be a decent racer – if we trained as much as they do. Granted, most of us don’t have the time or the resources available to pro cyclists but we can all optimize the talents bestowed upon us by training properly. Here’s what pro cyclist are doing that you can do too.
Cool things first. If you noticed, pro riders are wearing the new GoPro Hero 4. You might wonder how this could help your training? Considering that the winter months can be bleak, capture your favorite training rides on video and reply when riding the rollers or trainer during the winter months. We at Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop can order the GoPro Hero 4 if you like!
Pro rider ride really nice bikes! That’s a given. Great road bicycles don’t have to come at a hefty price tag either. Right now, in our Golden, Colorado shop we have a really nice S-works bike in the store with Shimano XTR components and 11-speed in back. Light and fast for racing. If a new bike isn’t in your budget, then start with the basics. Have good equipment. Meaning, have a bike that fits, get the right bike parts, and wear the appropriate cycling accessories. It may seem obvious but the small things add up to bigger gains.
Pro riders take nutrition seriously – on and off the bike. Many cyclist have different preferences as to how they prefer to get their fuel while riding – whether that is in nutrition bars, gels, and liquids. However, oftentimes, the course may dictate other options. Regardless, proper on bike nutrition is critical. Many of our customers ask us what are the best on-bike nutrition options available? Following are our favorites at Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop:
Osmo nutrition – This product is specific to women offering three options:
- active hydration
- acute recovery
- preload hydration
What we like about this product is that it is nutrition “based on peer-reviewed science. The science is simple. Hydration, which refers to the maintenance of water in your blood, is critical to maximizing power, endurance and reducing fatigue. When you’re thirsty, you’ve already lost two percent of your body water—and 11 percent of your power.” Stop by the shop in Golden, Colorado to learn more.
Another option is Skratch Labs. Again there are several options to sleet including:
- All day – daily electrolyte mix
- Single workout – exercise hydration mix
- Hyper nutrition – hyper hydration mix
- Rescue hydration – for dehydration
Finally, an all time favorite! Honey Stinger products – tasty edibles on the ride.
- waffles
- gels
- energy bars
- organic chews
Pro riders train with power and heart rate. Some mistakingly think that technology takes away the “riding experience” or that it is too costly for their level of riding. However, times have changed and power meters are much more affordable. They offer objective bio feedback to help you perform your best. Our most popular are Stages Power Meters beginning at $1000. Stages Power meter is the lightest, smallest, most technologically advanced unit available today. Another option is the Pioneer Power Meter offered at $2000 and is a bit more sophisticated. A third favorite is a company that’s been around for a while now – PowerTap Power Meter.
Last but not least, a little R&R or active recovery is good too. Some of the most elite cyclists use yoga as part of a successful training program, including 2012 Tour De France winner Bradley Wiggins. Wiggins’ benefits from the focus it brings to his cycling, while others, such as pro mountain biker and Olympian Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski, use yoga to gain strength. From power to endurance, athletes at all levels are incorporating yoga to gain an edge over the competition, and prevent injury.
While you may not be a pro cyclist, you can certainly benefit from the training elements of a Tour rider lifestyle. Stop by the Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop or connect with us on Twitter and Facebook for more training tips and cycling information to make the best of your summer cycling season.
Leave a Comment » | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: and liquids, bike fit, bike parts, cycling accessories, gels, GoPro Hero 4, Honey Stinger, hydration, nutrition bars, Osmo nutrition, Pioneer Power Meter, power meters, PowerTap Power Meter, pro cyclist, road bicycles, s-works, Shimano XTR components, Skratch labs, Stages Power Meters, yoga | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
July 2, 2015
The beautiful scenery and challenging terrain of Colorado’s cycling scene beckons riders from all over the world to ride along the backdrop of blue skies and snow capped mountains. In fact, Colorado has some of the greatest road bike rides and mountain bike trails in the country. And, it’s host to one of the world’s favorite bike races – the US ProCycling Challenge. However, one of the toughest challenges a cyclist can face is how to prepare for a tour or race when traveling from out of state.
A first step in preparation is selecting the road rides, mountain bike trails, and or road and mountain bike races you want to do. July is packed with events including some of our top favorites:
- Firecracker 50
- Tour de Ladies
- Clasica de Rio Grande
- Big Mountain Enduro Keystone
- Triple Bypass
- Longmont Criterium
- SOS Outreach Colorado-Eagle River Ride
- Tour de Steamboat
- Breckenridge 100
- Salida Classic
- Bob Cook Memorial Mt. Evans Hill Climb
- Leadville Stage Race
- Colorado Freeride Festival
Next, you’ll want to gather event intelligence. As in, what are key elements you should know about the event for planning, preparation, etc. You’ll want to know the course profile. If you are a flatlander, most likely, you’ll be interested in knowing how much climbing and descending to expect. Obviously, a no brainer is to have your bike and the correct bike parts in order! If you are accustomed to riding on flat terrain, you’ll also want to have the appropriate gearing for your event. Your legs will thank you for this!
As the event gets closer, you will want to be aware of the weather conditions before, during, and soon after you expect to ride. Colorado weather changes quickly and sometimes, radically. It’s critical to prepared. With that in mind, it is important to know which cycling apparel to pack and have available during your stay.
More importantly, travelers coming from sea level to higher altitudes will want to plan their trip accordingly to allow for acclimation. Specific to altitude acclimations, there is definitely science and research behind acclimating for cycling performance but without getting too technical, following are some of most common approaches. You may consider spending time at higher elevations prior to your event which enables the body to adapt and increase the number of oxygen-carrying red blood cells. This improves your ability to deliver oxygen to the brain and working muscles at all levels of activity, including high-intensity exercise. The longer you can acclimatize – the better. Keep in mind, true acclimation can take three weeks or more.
Another option and an important one is to hydrate and drink plenty of liquids. High elevations can cause fluid loss, so it’s important to stay well hydrated. Your best course of action is to stick with water or liquids that replace electrolytes and avoid sugary or caffeinated beverages. These liquids act as diuretics and can dehydrate you.
Finally, during training and racing, use your training tools for biofeedback. It’s important to know your limits going into an event and modify your strategy if necessary. This includes dialing in your race day nutrition requirements, heart rate limits, and using your power meter for feedback. Power meters are especially useful because they help riders to gauge their efforts.
Colorado tours and races in July can be rewarding experiences. Part of what makes them fun is the scenery and the great Colorado experience. However, to make the even more memorable, it’s important to evaluate your results based on your goals. What worked? What didn’t? What can you do for the next race or tour to get a better result? Be objective and explore how your mental and physical training helped prepare you for this event.
It might seem unimportant to evaluate the experience, but post event evaluation is an important element in deciding if you want to do that event again the following year. If you do, it’s helpful to make note of your bike and cycling accessory selections. What would you change or do differently next time? As in, you might wonder, did you race the right bike? Would a different wheel set make a difference? Build on this foundation to create success in planning and preparing going into next year’s event.
If you are coming in from out of state to participate in one of Colorado’s July cycling events and need help making bike part selections or deciding on the right gear for an event, give us a call at Peak Cycles Bicycle shop. We’re also on Facebook and Twitter and happy to help! Happy riding!
Leave a Comment » | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: acclimation, Big Mountain Enduro Keystone, bike parts, Bob Cook Memorial Mt. Evans Hill Climb, Breckenridge 100, Clasica de Rio Grande, Colorado Cycling in July, Colorado Freeride Festival, cycling apparel, cylcing accessories, Firecracker 50, Leadville Stage Race, Longmont Criterium, power meter, race day strategies, road bike, Salida Classic, SOS Outreach Colorado-Eagle River Ride, Tour de Ladies, Tour de Steamboat, Triple Bypass, wheel set | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
June 25, 2015
Course strategies, break aways, riding in a small group or a large peloton – these are the thoughts and questions of cyclist wondering how to perform their best at bicycle racing. Now that the cycling season is in full swing, many are filling up their calendars with the big events of the summer season. While not a comprehensive list, following are some of the favorite Colorado races and tours on tap for late June and July.
- 40 in the Fort Endurance Mountain Bike Race
- The Bicycle Tour of Colorado
- Boulder Stage Race
- Firecracker 50
- Triple Bypass
- Big Mountain Enduro Keystone
- Breckenridge 100
Sounds good, right? Absolutely! So many different road and mountain bike events to choose from. The main question is how to prepare? How do you know if you are race ready? How do you handle the heat or prepare to ride at altitude? All good questions and we’ve got answers. Ultimately, the best way to approach any of these rides is to come prepared: mentally, physically, and have fully inspected your bike parts.
Previously, we shared in our Peak Cycles blog post 5 race day strategies to prepare for the Spring races in Colorado highlighting the importance of setting goals, knowing the race route, establishing race day rituals and getting into the proper mental state for racing. The post, 5 Steps to Being Race Ready, reinforces the need for mental and physical preparation, as well as nutrition and bike parts checks, but part of racing is using your energy effectively – especially during the summer heat.
Here in Colorado, we’re now into warmer temps and managing the heat while riding and racing is critical not only to comfort, but also performance. Many cyclist, whether recreational or competitive, find dealing with the heat an issue. Suffering from some degree of cramps at one time or another or heat related stomach issues, the heat brings on specific challenges to overcome in the summer months. What, if anything, be done to help you train and race best in the heat?
When it is hot, especially when temps are in the 90-100F (36-40C) range, your body needs to work harder to keep your core temperatures in a safe range to allow the organs to function normally. There are numerous heat–coping strategies to consider when planning a high-intensity workout or doing a race, like those mentioned above, in hot weather.
If you can, acclimate. It takes about 10 to 14 days of frequent exposure to heat for your body to adapt. During this period of time workout daily in hot conditions at a lower-than-normal intensity. After a couple of weeks of near-daily exposure to hot conditions you will begin perform better in the heat than prior although performance will still likely be diminished from what you might have done in cooler conditions.
Focus on nutrition. You want to eat “quality” carbs leading up to, and including, a hard effort or race day. That includes eating plenty of fruits, veggies, etc. Watermelon is a great fruit (carb) to consume even during race day. Also, remember to stay away from the simple carbs. i.e. sugars, sweets, prior to the race or training in hot conditions.
This is obvious, but an often overlooked component. Hydrate. Water is 60% of your body weight and the number one concern on any athlete’s intake list. For both performance and health, the importance of your water intake exceeds that of your vitamin, calorie, and electrolyte consumption. For your road racing needs, be sure to carry the water bottles and containers that you need on your bike but have extras available for bottles that are tossed and extras for immediate refueling post race. If you’re a mountain bike rider, you know tricky descents can bump a bottle right out of its cage. This time of year, it’s best to wear a full camelback as well as have extra bottles on hand.
To train and compete at your best during this upcoming events, it is important to understand how your body copes with heat, and what you can do to keep cool. Everyone adapts differently to heat stress. Need more tips? Stop by the Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop in Golden, Colorado to chat with our racers, mechanics, and other cyclist to see what works for them. Maybe you’ll learn some new heat-coping strategies that will keep you cool when the racing and riding gets hot!
Leave a Comment » | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: 40 in the Fort Endurance Mountain Bike Race, Big Mountain Enduro Keystone, bike parts, Boulder Stage Race, Breckenridge 100, Colorado cycling, cycling in the heat, Firecracker 50, Heat Acclimation, mountain bike, The Bicycle Tour of Colorado, Triple Bypass, water bottles and containers | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
June 18, 2015
Happy Father’s Day from BikeParts.com
What do you get a Dad who has everything? Father’s Day can be a tough one. Everyone knows Dad’s are impossible to shop for. Sure, you could just pick him up another tie or another box of golf balls. But why not get him something unique this year? Why not tap into his true passion and gift him with items he will appreciate year round!
To help you in the ideas department, at Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop, we’ve put together this list of suggestions that we’re sure will help turn his Father’s Day into more than just another game night or round of golf.
1. Get a Fat Bike! Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop is passionate about fat bikes in the winter months but they can actually be ridden year round! They are fun and versatile bikes that can be used in almost any terrain. We have found the Specialized Fatboy to be a highly rated, mid-range fat bike that is usable for a wide range of ages and skill-levels. Splurge and get him a fat bike or get him a bike demo so he can try it out himself!
2. Get New Bike Parts! So many bike parts – the question is what to purchase? Consider getting your Dad a high quality wheel set. A good wheel set impacts ride quality, ease of pedaling, reliability, and functionality. Maybe purchase some new, lighter tires for your Dad’s wheels. Another option is to reconsider the current crank set and pedals setup.
3. Get a Power Meter! Is your Dad a data junkie? Then, this is the ideal gift for him! The main idea behind using cycling training tools is to dial in training to optimize performance as it relates to specific goals and objectives. Our post, The Best Training Aids to Launch into Spring Cycling, dives into the benefits of training with power. As for which power meter to get for your Dad, consider our most popular one, Stages Power Meters, beginning at $1000. Stages Power meter is the lightest, smallest, most technologically advanced unit available today. Another option is the Pioneer Power Meter offered at $2000 and is a bit more sophisticated. A third option is a company that’s been around for a while now – PowerTap Power Meter.
4. Get Cycling Accessories! So what do you get a Dad that has everything? Cycling apparel! You can’t have too many jerseys, shorts, tights, jacket, sunglasses, and cycling shoes! Cycling apparel is much better than just getting another tie!
5. Get a Bike Fit! A bike fit isn’t just for professional riders – they are for anyone who rides whether they are a beginner or advanced rider. A bike fit helps ensure riding comfort but it also impacts technique which is crucial to preventing overuse injuries and how an athlete rides. Give your Dad the gift of riding comfortably. Give us a call (303) 216-1616 or stop by the shop in Golden to schedule your bike fit.
6. Get Gift Certificates! Gift certificates can be used for purchasing bike parts and cycling accessories. Also consider a variety of gift certificates, as in, those to Starbucks for after ride coffee. Or, even a trial member ship for yoga. If your cycling Dad complains of tight muscles, yoga helps ease the tightness, creating core strength, and aligning the spine.
7. Get a Cycling Vacation! The lifestyle here in Colorado celebrates the great outdoors. Even better, Colorado has some of the greatest road bike and mountain bike rides in the country. Some rides are shorter and convenient whereas others offer steeper, longer climbs and extended distances. There are several Destination Hotspots for Colorado Summer Cycling Trips that the whole family can enjoy.
8. Get Riding! Riding together with your Dad on Father’s day could be one of his most favorite and memorable shared activities to do. Consider selecting one of the 20 Colorado Front Range Bucket List Rides or keep it local and ride some of the best mountain bike trails Golden, Colorado has to offer.
Make your Father’s Day memorable! Gift him with bike parts and cycling accessories that tap into his cycling passion. Happy Father’s Day!
4 Comments | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: 20 Colorado Front Range Bucket List Rides, bike fit, bike parts, Colorado Summer Cycling Trips, cycling apparel, fat bike, Father's Day Gifts, mountain bike, pedals, Pioneer Power Meter, power meter, Power Tap Power Meter, road bike, Specialized Fatboy, Stages Power Meter, tires, wheel set | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
June 11, 2015
BikeParts.com Team Rider Kyle Crawley on his way to finishing in 4th Place at the Gunnison Growler 32
Guess who is rocking the coolest bikes, the best bike parts, and crushing it in Colorado’s toughest road and mountain bike races?
You guessed it – Peak Cycles Racers! We’re super proud of Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop Sponsored Cycling Teams including Peak Cycles XC, Gravity and BMX teams, Colorado School of Mines, The Golden High School mountain bike team, Tough Girl Cycling, Twin Peaks Racing, and The Colorado Collective. Early season success has come easily to these athletes. Countless podium finishes and successful racing has caused many followers of the teams to wonder what are the secrets to combining racing and training for a successful summer cycling season? What are these athletes doing that we all can do to improve our cycling performance?
For starters, there are many different approaches to training and racing. Typical training weeks may vary in distance, intensity, and training hours. Some athletes prefer a structured approach to their racing season; whereas others prefer to keep it casual by mixing in shop rides and even front range bucket list rides to test fitness and keep training fresh.
But at a minimum, there are the basics which pretty much everyone follows. This includes ongoing bike maintenance, repairing and/ or replacing bike parts, continued bike nutrition while riding, and a strong focus on hydration on and off the bike. It sounds simple enough but a properly fit bike – that is ready to ride – makes cycling fun, easy, and keeps you riding!
Regardless of your approach, one of the winning secrets for training and racing is using tools for bio feedback. Cycling accessories, as in power meters and /or heart rate monitors offers bio feedback monitoring of your efforts with specific data so that you objectively know when you are pushing beyond your targeted indictors, as well as, when you aren’t pushing hard enough.
Our post, The Best Training Aids to Launch into Spring Cycling, dives into the benefits of training with power. You may also want to check out our post, Heart Rate Training – What You Need to Know for our staff picks at Peak Cycles Bike Shop. You can also learn steps in discovering your “threshold” heart rate range, setting up heart rate training zones, and identifying the daily variables that affect heart rate.
While it’s not a secret, and we hinted at it earlier, an often overlooked component of successful racing and training is a bike fit. If you haven’t ridden much this Spring, now is the best time for a bike fit. Why? Because your body is unaccustomed to the riding position. You have an opportunity to optimize your position and make needed upgrades to your road bike or mountain bike.
There are countless suggestions that we can offer for training and racing tips but nothing can replace the passion, discipline, and love of the sport that our staff and team riders embrace. For more winning race and training secrets, stop by the Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop and ask our staff for ideas and suggestions. Also, keep current by following our Facebook page for updates. Happy riding!
3 Comments | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: bike fit, bike maintenance, bike parts, Colorado School of Mines Cycling, cycling accessories, heart rate monitors, hydration, power meters, Racing and Training Secrets, The Colorado Collective, The Golden High School mountain bike team, Tough Girl Cycling, Twin Peaks Racing | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
June 4, 2015
As part of our introduction of the Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop 2015 Roster of Sponsored Cycling Teams, we’d like to introduce to you a new and notable cycling team in Colorado – the Colorado Collective.
The Colorado Collective is a brand new cycling team founded in October, 2014. What is exciting about this team is that the group is youthful and competitive! This team includes some of the strongest and talented young cyclists in Colorado. Currently the team is made up of 8 young cyclists whose goal is to “bridge the gap between cycling’s unmatched passion and the energy of life’s most fundamental experiences.”
While the team is new, they are forging ahead at a blistering pace making their mark on the cycling race scene. Most recently, the team has experience numerous successes with a 4th place finish at the Koppenburg circuit race and top 5 placings at the Tour of the Gila in New Mexico. Team riders, Kit Recca, Andrew Clemence, and recently raced in the Koppenburg circuit race in Boulder – a rugged 5.5 mile road race circuit featuring a 17% grade climb. Jon Tarkington took an impressive 4th place finish. Also, new recruit, Taylor Warren, led the team at the Lafayette circuit race on Sunday May 3rd with a 5th place finish!
Other recent achievements include Neal Shepherd racing in the Tour de Gila in early may getting 5th in TT and 4th in GC and Andrew Clemence took the win at the Maverick Classic TT at the Colorado Mesa University Cycling Team in late April.
With impressive achievements such as these, it’s easy to see why we at Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop support the team with the best selection of bike parts and components for road cycling and bike parts for their mountain bike racing. Help us support them too! Stay engaged with this promising group of young cyclists. Visit the team website, follow them on Twitter @cocollective15 and connect on Facebook.
1 Comment | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: bike parts, bike parts and components, Colorado cycling teams, Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop 2015 Roster of Sponsored Cycling Teams, The Colorado Collective | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
May 28, 2015
With countless mountain bike trails and exquisite road rides available throughout the state of Colorado, it’s no wonder the state boasts of high percentage of recreational cyclist. Many enjoy the joys of recreational cycling yet some yearn to challenge themselves a bit more and begin to explore ideas of racing road bicycles and mountain bikes.
The idea at first is exciting! But not long after, questions emerge and sometimes the idea of stepping out from recreational riding to racing can seem a tad intimidating. Some cyclist making the transition struggle to find a network for training and racing. Whereas others just can’t seem to find the answers they are looking for to help them make that jump.
Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop staff helps answers questions related to the best bike parts for different race venues. We’ll help get your bike in order prior to racing with a proper bike fit as well as any bicycle maintenance needed before or after your event. We even take it a step further! We have a local group ride to support camaraderie and training and we also support several local race teams. One in particular, Twin Peaks Racing, is the ideal solution for a cyclist taking that first step towards racing.
Twin Peaks Racing is the Colorado front-range racing team for the average joe. Known for its “laid-back culture” and “grass-roots bicycle racing,” the team aims to give cycling enthusiasts of all abilities an outlet for bike racing. The group was found in 1986 and is made up of a group of about 40 men and women. During the 2014 race season, the team competed in 31 races and had 96 individual finished. 40 of those finishes were ranked among the top 10 finishes and 25 ranked within the top 5. In 2015, the team has already seen 3 top ten finishes by Omar Dickson, Mark Mortell, and Jeff Warner.
If you have ever wondered if bicycle racing is for you, this team would be the best next step in moving towards those racing goals. Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop is proud to support Twin Peaks Racing with
bike parts and the
cycling accessories they need for the 2015 season. You can stay up to date with Twin Peak races on their
website or on their
Facebook page. With a great team like Twin Peaks Racing, it’s easy to make the jump from recreational riding to racing!
1 Comment | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: bicycle racing, bike fit, bike parts, Colorado bicycle racing, road cycling, Twin Peaks Racing | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
May 21, 2015
Tough Girl Cycling Team – Sponsored by BikeParts.com and Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop
At Peak Cycles Bicycling Shop, we all love bikes and we share our passion for the sport by supporting eight cycling teams in the Colorado Front Range area.
Members of our teams race in all levels and in multiple disciplines and plan to race a full arsenal of events throughout the 2015 cycling season. That’s why we are proud to support the cyclists who are a part of the Peak Cycles – BikeParts.com Race teams – especially the Tough Girl Cycling Team.
In case you are unfamiliar, the
Tough Girl Cycling Team is a non profit cycling group for women started in 2005
and “promotes active outdoor lifestyles through bicycle racing both regionally and nationally.” Their goal is to “have fun, stay fit, be competitive, and look great doing it!” You will notice from their pictures, they do look great! But their
team members are also great cycling advocates sharing cycling knowledge around
nutrition; bike skills and drills; identifying the best
bike parts for women riders; and also, tips on keeping
mentally tough during training and racing.
When they aren’t inspiring others to ride, they are often found on the podium! There are countless achievements to share but following are a few highlights. Champion Titles include:
- Kay Levesque is 2008 24-Hour Duo Mountain Bike National Champion and 2010 24-Hour Women’s Masters Mountain Bike National Champion
- Lisa Strong is 2006 W’s Team 24-Hour National Champion, 2009 CO State Cyclocross Champion, 2008, 2010 Runner Up CO State Cyclocross Champion, and 1999 Runner Up Collegiate Cyclocross National Champion
- Lynn Bush – 2009 Super-D National Champion – Open Women and 2006 W’s Team 24-Hour National Champion
- Margell Abel – 2004 Cyclocross National Champion, Master Women 35-40, 2000 Cyclocross National Champion, Master Women 30-34, and 1st ever Collegiate Cyclocross National Champion – 1997, University of Colorado
- Rebecca Gross – 2012 Masters Cyclocross World Champion 30-34, 2012 Collegiate Short Track D2 National Champion, 2011 Collegiate Short Track D2 National Champion
Members of the Tough Girls team have had multiple triumphs with podium finishes at various local Colorado and regional races such as 18 hours of Fruita in Fruita, CO and Turkey Cross in Lakewood, CO.
Be sure to spot these inspiring ladies on the trail! Look for them at upcoming events and keep current with Tough Girl activities and successes on their
website, their
Facebook page, on Twitter @ToughGirlTeam and on
Instagram.
1 Comment | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: bike nutrition, bike parts, On Bike Nutrition: It’s Different for Girls, Tough Girl Cycling Team | Permalink
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