January 1, 2015
Out with the old – in with the new. That’s pretty much the motto of the New Year.
As we transition from the last year into the new one, it causes many to reflect on the past. Thoughtfulness and evaluation of cycling progress and fitness gained, review of goals achieved, as well as, forward thinking dreams and compelling images of a future to live into. What will 2015 bring?
At Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop, we invite you to join us on a visual journey of years past. We also hope 2015 will bring more of what we’ve accomplished in servicing our customers these last few years.
Staring with humble beginnings here in Golden, Colorado, not only has our shop grown locally, but it has also expanded world wide with our BikeParts.com website.
Reflecting on our growth, it’s easy to attribute our growth to carrying quality brands like Giant, Specialized, Pearl Izumi and specialty bike parts. Our highly rated bike parts and components have become favorites among many.
But offering the best cycling apparel and bicycles isn’t what has really fueled our growth. No different than training, maintaining dietary and fitness routines, and racing to optimize fitness, our bike shop has focused on our own training regimen: Quality customer care. Timely services repairs. Educated and informed product use. Excellent bike fits. 
Fun shop rides. And most of all, fully supporting our local community and customers. Looking to the past, it’s been rewarding to bring the Pro Cycling Challenge to Golden, Colorado. We’ve embraced the sponsoring of bicycle recycling programs, local racers, and community events.

As we reflect on year’s past, it’s with gratitude to our customers, the City of Golden, and our fellow cyclist that we celebrate how far we’ve come. More so, it is with enthusiasm and full commitment to serve and help our customers that we look to a bright and prosperous future.
Wishing you a year that is filled with all the joys, personal rewards, and the grand adventure that cycling brings. Happy New Year 2015.
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Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: bike parts and components, Colorado, giant, Golden, New Year 2015, Pearl Izumi, Specialized Bicycles, US Pro Cycling Challenge |
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December 25, 2014

Merry Christmas from BikeParts.com
Have you been a naughty cyclist or a nice cyclist? Is there a way to tell?
Some cyclist might notice a lot of bike parts, cycling apparel, and other wonderful gifts under the tree and think, yeah! I’ve been nice! And then, again, as competitive and recreational cyclists, it’s easy to be hard on ourselves. Some might think that you’ve been a naughty cyclist. Maybe you think you haven’t trained hard enough this year. Or, your performance was down. Then again, you may consider yourself to be a naughty cyclist because you have been slacking off and didn’t get that scheduled ride in.
Whether or not all that is true – that isn’t the spirit of cycling. No doubt, consistent training is essential to performance. Having the right gear, bike parts, and appropriate road or mountain bike for your cycling specialty is important. But, while we tend to strive for fitness using heart rate monitors and power meters and tracking calories and water intake, and all the performance enhancing rituals we employ, it’s certainly not the spirit of cycling and it is especially not so at Christmas time.
So, what is?
Here at Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop, the true Christmas spirit of cycling is the love of the bike. It’s the adventure cycling brings – the challenge of a new ride, the joy of connecting with friends in meaningful ways, and the building of camaraderie with teammates. It’s about inspiration. Riding and training towards goals that call us to be our best selves and enlist the support of family and friends that unites in powerful connections. At its essence, the true spirit of cycling is really about passion, joy, exhilaration, excitement, camaraderie, enthusiasm, and gratitude.
These are all the very gifts we wish for you and your family this Christmas day. Merry Christmas from Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop and BikeParts.com!
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Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: bike parts, Christmas Spirit, cycling apparel, heart rate monitors, mountain bike, Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop |
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December 18, 2014
Are you stressing yourself out looking for the perfect holiday gift for your cyclist? Look no further! Surprise and delight your favorite cyclist with our list of best bike gifts for cyclist!
Stocking stuffer ideas are first and foremost! We mentioned in our post, Unique Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Cyclist, traditionally, stocking stuffers are smaller gifts that tend to pale in comparison to the main gifts under the Christmas tree. But with some creativity, don’t be surprised if our ideas for stocking stuffers turn out to be a big hit on Christmas morning. The usual suspects for stocking stuffers include multi tools, tubes, bottles, socks, head warmers, arm warmers, shoe covers, gloves, lube, energy bars, gels, chews and similar items. Smaller items that pack a big bang in your cyclist training regime include heart rate monitors and coaching gift certificates.
Combine these ideas with some items better placed under the tree, and you’re sure to delight your cyclist. And what might these gifts be? The very items that make cycling fun! This list of gift items includes a variety of cycling apparel: jerseys, shorts, tights, jacket, cycling shoes and…..a new bike! A new road bike, mountain bike, or even a fat bike might just be the very gift your cyclist is hoping Santa will deliver!
Another option – give the gift of experience! These are gifts that delight the whole year long!
Gift a Bike fit – Does your cyclist complain of hands falling asleep while riding? Or shoulder or neck pain after a long ride? 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. Consider the gift of giving your favorite cyclist a bike fit for Christmas. Not only can we help them with the fit, but we carry all the bike parts required to get the bike in the very best setup for their riding needs. Give us a call (303) 216-1616 or stop by the shop in Golden to schedule your bike fit.
Demo a fat bike! That’s right! Fat bikes are all the rage – they thrive in snow, sand, desert, bogs and mud as well as riding what is considered normal mountain biking. In fact, fat bikes are the fastest growing segment in the bike industry. Book a fat bike demo for your favorite cyclist that will up the giggle factor to their normal winter riding program. Who can’t smile while riding a fat bike?
Gift an App that keeps on giving – Smart phones, apps, and technology are paving the way for increased year round fitness. Consider giving the gift of paid apps to help keep your cyclist on track. The post, Top 5 Apps for Cyclists for Off-Season Fitness Gains, offers great suggestions including Lose it!, Strava, and Sleep Cycle.
We’ve talked about gifts for your favorite cyclist, but what about the bike? There are Gifts To Give Your Bike for Christmas! You haven’t forgotten about the two wheeled friend, now have you? Show some love for the bike this holiday season. Get it some presents!
Your favorite cyclists’ bike’s #1 holiday wish would be to drop the weight – on bike components that is! Consider getting a high quality wheel set. A good wheel set impacts ride quality, ease of pedaling, reliability, and functionality. Maybe purchase some new, lighter tires on your wheels. Another option is to reconsider the current crank set and pedals setup. You can help your favorite cyclist shave some weight there while also selecting lighter handlebars, a lighter saddle, and seat post. Loosing weight never seemed so easy!
And last but not least, what is a cyclist dream gift? Bike parts! What cyclist doesn’t love bike parts? Whether it’s a new shifters, brakes, seatpost, or fork, your favorite cyclist wants it.
See how easy it is to make your favorite cyclist smile this Christmas? Happy Holidays!
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Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: bike fit, bike gifts, bike parts, brakes, cold weather cycling apparel, fat bike, fork, handlebars, mountain bike wheel sets, road bike, road bike wheel sets, seat post, shifters, Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Cyclist, tires |
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December 11, 2014

Fat Bikes at BikeParts.com
Fat bikes – they’re all the rage! While many consider fat bikes to be a trend, they are, in fact, here to stay!The hottest trend in the mountain biking world right now is the oversized bike that can accommodate tires up to 5 inches wide.
Fat bikes are hard to miss. Their bulbous, “fat” tires roll over virtually anything, which makes them an ideal winter mode of transportation because they help cyclists traverse snowy and icy trails with ease and traction.Sounds good, but why ride a fat bike? Fat bikes behave much like a mountain bike but, in many cases, they are much more versatile. You can practically ride them anywhere and they are particularly useful during winter rides in snowy conditions. They are also great beginner bikes and will make you feel like an 8 year-old again, bouncing gleefully all over the trails.
So, how are fat bikes different than other mountain bikes? Many fat bike models today are similar to “normal” mountain bikes, which have slacker head tube angles, lower stand-over heights, thru axles, and tapered head tubes. The main difference is the tires. The wider tires have more traction in both dirt and snow. They climb better than almost any mountain bike and the fat tires provide greater cushion that feels like extra suspension.
But what makes them special is they entice you to ride outside when it’s cold! According to the post, Fat Biking 101: 10 Things You Need to Know Before Biking in the Snow, most people do not ride when it is cold because, well, it’s cold. Fat bikes offer a unique experience and allow you to explore familiar trails in a new light. Fat biking lifts the winter doldrums by giving you a new freedom to ride off-road.
Sounds good so far, right? You might be wondering in what kind of conditions can you ride your fat bike? Fat bikes can ride pretty much anywhere. They do really well on dirt but they are also very capable in the snow. Packed snow will feel very much like riding on dirt. Pushing through heaps of freshly fallen snow will provide more of a challenge and there will be some days when riding is simply impossible. Remember, while sliding around on ice may be fun, ice is ice. The bike will still go down if you are not careful riding on slippery subs.
There are other factors to consider with fat bikes – as in, how to stay warm, best pedal and footwear options, and basically, how does a fat bike ride?
Are you curious about fat bike riding? Demo a fat bike at Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop in Golden, Colorado and stay tuned for more upcoming blog posts on fat bike bike selections, cycling apparel, hydration strategies, fat bike bike parts, and accessories.
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Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: bike parts, cycling apparel, fat bike demo, fat bike FAQ, fat bikes, Fat Biking 101: 10 Things You Need to Know Before Biking in the Snow, tires, winter cycling |
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December 4, 2014

Stocking Stuffers at BikeParts.com
The Holiday Season is in full swing and if you have a cyclist or occasional bicycle rider on your Christmas list, it may be difficult to find just the right bike-related gift.
Traditionally, stocking stuffers are smaller gifts that tend to pale in comparison to the main gifts under the Christmas tree. But with some creativity and useful gifts for all types of cyclist, don’t be surprised if our ideas for stocking stuffers turn out to be a big hit on Christmas morning.
For starters, we’ll focus on small things — stuff that fits in a
stocking. These are the usual suspects:
- Tubes: This is one gift you absolutely positively will get used. Make sure you get the right size of tube. If you aren’t sure, stop in the Peaks Cycling Store and ask one of our friendly staff to help you. Or, visit us online at bikeparts.com
- A good bottle: Every cyclist has a ton of bottles, but that’s not the same as having good bottles. Buy a good bottle and stuff it with other goodies.
- Socks: Did you know cyclist like to wear their cycling socks even when they aren’t riding? Why? Because they are so comfortable. Pick out a pair of socks you like for your cyclist and maybe even get a pair for yourself!
- Warmers: We’re talking about head warmers, ear warmers, arm warmers, leg warmers, and shoe covers – all the necessities to keep your favorite cyclist warm and comfortable out on those chilly winter rides. They nice thing about these is that they fit nicely in a holiday stocking in as much as they do a cycling jersey!
- Gloves: Here’s another thing that every cyclist already has, but which every cyclist can always use more of.
- Bike nutrition – as in Energy bars / gels / chews: Instead of chocolate, fill the stocking (or water bottle) with nutrition, bars, gels, and drinks
your cyclist can use on the bike.
- Lube: Every cyclist goes through it and we’ve got tons of it.
- A gift for off the bike. Maybe your cyclist would enjoy a pint glass, a poster, or some other bike parts goodie.
But what about the unique gifts? These gift ideas could be the very wishes your favorite cyclist has dreamed of!
- Gift a Bike fit – Does your cyclist complain of hands falling asleep while riding? Or shoulder or neck pain after a long ride? 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. Consider the gift of giving your favorite cyclist a bike fit for Christmas. Not only can we help them with the fit, but we carry all the bike parts required to get the bike in the very best setup for their riding needs. Give us a call (303) 216-1616 or stop by the shop in Golden to schedule your bike fit.
- Demo a fat bike! That’s right! Fat bikes are all the rage – they thrive in snow, sand, desert, bogs and mud as well as riding what is considered normal mountain biking. In fact, fat bikes are the fastest growing segment in the bike industry. Book a fat bike demo for your favorite cyclist that will up the giggle factor to their normal winter riding program. Who can’t smile while riding a fat bike?
- Gift an App that keeps on giving – Smart phones, apps, and technology are paving the way for increased year round fitness. Consider giving the gift of paid apps to help keep your cyclist on track. The post, Top 5 Apps for Cyclists for Off-Season Fitness Gains, offers great suggestions including Lose it!, Strava, and Sleep Cycle.
- A cyclist dream gift? Bike parts! What cyclist doesn’t love bike parts? Whether it’s a new saddle, shifters, brakes, seat post, fork, pedals, hubs or wheels, your favorite cyclist wants it. The usual problem is how to know exactly what to get. Our answer, get a gift certificate.
Still need ideas for creative stocking stuffers? Stop by the shop in Golden, Colorado or give us a call at Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop (303) 216-1616 and we’ll gladly help you out! Happy Holidays!
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Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: Apps for Cyclists, arm warmers, bike fit, bike nutrition, bike parts, cycling bottles, cycling socks, fat bike, gloves, head warmer, lube, shoe covers, Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Cyclist, tubes |
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November 27, 2014
Can the power of gratitude make a difference in our lives? How can expressing gratitude create happiness and prepare us for a better cycling season?
We all know that whether you ride every day or once in a while, you know it gives you a space and time apart from the pulls and tugs of work, family, and technology. The ride itself provides both a time in which to pay attention to
gratitude and many things for which to feel thankful.
But many cyclist that have been riding for years or even competitive athletes finishing a season are sometimes left drained, burned out, and not necessarily enjoying the simple pleasures of a bike. Yet finding gratitude is of value to your cycling performance – and probably more than you think!
According to the post,
Thank You. No, Thank you, “adults who frequently feel grateful have more energy, more optimism, more social connections and more happiness than those who do not.”
As today is Thanksgiving Day, express an attitude of gratitude and appreciation for how your cycling commitment enhances the quality of your life.
- Give thanks to family members, coworkers, coaches, fellow riders, and nutritionist for the year long support, feedback and encouragement you receive.
- Give thanks to your favorite bike shop (hint – us! Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop) and the mechanics for keeping your bike in working order.
- Give thanks to the person who does your bike fit and helping you ride more efficiently, comfortably, and hopefully faster.
- Give thanks to the bike and pedestrian committee members and wide range of other bike community leaders in your area for supporting cycling.
- Give thanks to bike manufactures for producing bikes, bike parts, cycling accessories, and bicycle components.
Most of all, give thanks to yourself. Enjoy the day and your ride. It’s your opportunity to enjoy it and be joyful.
Grateful people are happy people.
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Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: bike parts, cycling, cycling accessories, gratitude, Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop, Thanksgiving |
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November 20, 2014
“We grow great by dreams. All big men are dreamers. They see things in the soft haze of a spring day or in the red fire of a long winter’s evening. Some of us let our dreams die, but others nourish and protect them, nurse them through bad days till they bring them to sunshine and light.” ~ Woodrow Wilson
Gone are the epic rides of summer only to be replaced with cooler temperatures, shorter days, and less time on the bike. Aside from cyclocross, the 2014 cycling season is over, but, this season may just be the most important season of them all. Now, it’s dreaming season . Dreams are where the journey starts for next year. Dreams set you down the path towards achieving something you may not have believed you could accomplish. They are what drive you to fit workouts into hectic schedules and push you when you want to quit. Dreaming season is when you start fueling the fire for 2015. Have you dialed in your cycling dreams for next season?
For some, it may seem too soon to think about next year but for others, many are already planning their 2015 race and cycling season. Regardless of which camp you fall into, it’s important to have lofty new goals, new ambitions, and new venues to fuel your cycling passions through the winter months. However, one misstep in planning is not pausing to reflect on what has recently come to pass. Personal reflection of the past season offers insights to truly optimize your training and racing regimen going forward.
Fueling the fires for next year begins with evaluating this past year. Set aside some time for reflection; consider asking yourself 10 Questions to Evaluate the Success of Your Cycling Season. Or, get insights into your performance by evaluating if your goals were smart (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time-bound). You may question if you were Mentally Set Up for Success?
Moving past the emotional and psychological evaluation, don’t forget to take stock of your bike and bike parts performance. Did you have the right bike and tire setup for the conditions, geography, and terrain in which you raced or trained? Take notice of what worked and what didn’t work. It’s easy to get attached to particular brands or a set up because that is what you have always used; but upon reflection of bike accessories and bike part performance, honest appraisal of performance can steer you to look for cycling accessories that will work better for you in the future. Sometimes getting a bike fit can help better position you for a season of successful riding.
As an athlete, there is certainly a lot of value in staying in tune with your achievements and goals. However, it’s equally important to take the time to reflect on those achievements so that you can repeat them. If you find yourself unable to reach your goals, don’t get discouraged – take the time to re-assess them. Equally important, wWen you’re working toward a goal that’s important to you, the last thing you want is to face an obstacle or unexpected challenge. Set up your 2015 right by planning ahead, plan now to get your road bike or mountain bike in order, along with the gear and resources you need. By dreaming big and having the best bike parts, your successful training and race prep is well underway for a successful 2015.
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Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: 2015 cycling season, bike fit, bike parts, cycling accessories, cycling season review, mountain bike, performance review, road bike, training |
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November 13, 2014
As a cyclist, you can either hate the winter, or make the best of it. As temperatures plummet to record lows across the country, some bundle up and dress to embrace the winter chill while others opt for the dreaded trainer. Sure riding the trainer can be a necessary compromise, but it doesn’t have to be all bad. Indoor training is a lot more convenient, and potentially more effective, than riding outdoors. It’s also an optimum means to saying lean and fit to ensure you can have more fun on outdoor rides when the weather improves. The trick is knowing how to master indoor training.
Learn to love the trainer. The post, Don’t Be a Hater! Overcoming Trainer Woes, offers key suggestions to improving your trainer experience with equipment being a key factor. Having the right equipment can make your indoor workouts less boring and more effective. When we’re talking about equipment, sure, we mean having the right bike parts and having your road bike on the trainer, but we’re also talking about having a fan, a trainer tire, a riser block, a sweat towel, a trainer mat, indoor riding clothes, a cadence sensor, a power meter, and a heart rate monitor. You might not think all of these cycling accessories add up to a great trainer workout, but according to the post, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Trainer, it can make all the difference in the world.
You might be wondering how so? Shared in the post, 3 Indoor Cycling Workouts Under 1 Hour, are effective workouts to pair technology with your over/ under intervals, power intervals, and speed intervals. Without the distractions of outdoor scenery, using these tools aids in motivation by setting time goals or power goals to engage your brain. Another motivation technique includes using the technology tools as valuable feedback for precise and strategic cycling in specific zones which adds to up to greater gains later in your cycling season.
If all else fails, forego inside riding all together and get a fat bike! Fat bikes were originally invented for winter trail riding and racing in sub-arctic Alaska and simultaneously, for touring the deserts of New Mexico. But they have gained severe popularity! Their utility has expanded to include all forms of cycling; they thrive in snow, sand, desert, and mud, as well as, riding what is considered normal mountain biking. In fact, fat bikes are the fastest growing segment in the bike industry. Fat Bikes Are Big in Colorado – Check here to find out why!
Sure enough, Winter riding is not without hardship. Evenings comes early, forcing riders to pedal home in the dark. Snowdrifts squeeze streets, eliminating a comfortable side lane for bikes. Frozen fingers and feet are common issues for the unprepared. With that in mind, maybe indoor training isn’t so bad after all?
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Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: fat bike, heart rate monitor training, Indoor Cycling Workouts, indoor training, riser block, trainer, trainer tire |
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November 6, 2014
Halloween has come and gone. Daylight savings time has ended. Ugh, the dreaded winter months will soon be upon us. Keeping up the motivation to exercise on a cold winter day instead of curling up under a warm blanket on the sofa can be difficult, not to mention the allure of the holidays. All distractions pulling our energy and focus everywhere but the bike.
Yet, there are ways to make the transition through the Fall and Winter seasons work. Some use cyclocross to maintain or gain fitness; others use technology as a means to boost motivation. While others, think a little outside the box and choose to focus on support goals. You might be wondering what the heck is a support goal? Supportive goals are those activities that are indirectly related to your cycling yet can positively impact your performance. They are oftentimes activities that are neglected during the season. The Fall and Winter months are ideal to opt to focus on supportive goals. Here’s why.
Selecting a goal to focus outside of the scope of your general cycling regimen can be refreshing and help you feel like you are still on your game. These goals can be less time intensive allowing you to enjoy more family or social time. Check out these support goals for ideas. Consider selecting one to focus on for the month of November and add another one to focus on for the month of December. Before you know it, you’ll be moving into 2015 refreshed and energized with added gains.
Build up your core with core exercises. For some cyclists, strength training is a welcomed part of the training process; however, for others, it is a necessary evil. Yet, to avoid injury as well as get stronger on the bike, strength training is becoming a critical aspect of year round training. The best way to train all parts of the body is through working with a full range of motion while strength training. Dial in the best core exercises for you by reading Year-Round Strength Training for Cyclists.
Improve your flexibility. Consider doing yoga. In cycling, the quadriceps, hamstrings, and hips never rest. As a result, riders often have overdeveloped quadriceps and tight hamstrings, which can pull the hips out of alignment. Also, a cyclist’s spine is constantly flexed forward. If proper form isn’t maintained, it can result in muscle pain and strain in the back and shoulders. Yoga helps ease the tightness, creating core strength, and aligning the spine. Even if you aren’t into yoga, there are 3 poses you should practice.
Improve your body image. As athletes, many have negative self conversations that impact how they feel about themselves and ultimately, affect performance. Learn the Three Steps to Having a Healthy Body Image and move into 2015 feeling better about yourself. It’s important to be healthy, be fit, and be proud of who you are.
Ultimately, if all else fails, remember, the Holiday season is right around the corner! Nothing inspires cycling more than getting a new bike, purchasing some new cycling accessories or getting some new cycling apparel to wear. Better yet, why not add some support goals AND get some new bike parts?!
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Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: body image for cyclist, cycling goals, cycling motivaton, cyclocross, Technology Benefits Your Cycling Training, winter cycling, Year-Round Strength Training for Cyclists, yoga for cyclist |
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October 30, 2014
When the clocks change and the night draws in, cyclists have a decision to make: get in the groove with night riding and embrace the darkness. Or, hang up the wheels and miss out on hours of glorious saddle time.
Sometimes it’s a depressing thought with the time change and the nights closing in. However, night riding can also be relished as one of the most rewarding experiences you can have on a bike, and especially when riding with a group. Riding in the dark heightens your senses, improves your skills and builds awareness. Switching up the training regime can freshen your attitude, spark some fun, and maintain fitness.
The trick to capturing the benefits is to make the time change and night riding work for you. Develop strategies that support your cycling while embracing the darkness. Here’s how!
A Well Lit Bike
Visibility is critical. Outfit your bike with a good light system. You will want lights for the front of your bike. Consider having multiple lights for the front of your bike. One on your helmet so you can shine side roads and traffic and have a second light on your handlebars so you can see at least 10 ft. or more in front of you. For the rear of your bike, opt for a rear red light- particularly one that blinks. A blinking red light is much more likely to get the attention of a passing motorist who might otherwise not notice you.
For those who need a really bright headlight check out the NiteRider Pro 1800 Race on the BikeParts.com website. Designed for mountain bike racing, and with 1200 lumens you can expect to get about 1 hour and 30 minutes of run time. At 700 lumens you should get 3 hours, 400 lumens yields 4 hours, 200 lumens 12 hours, and 80 lumens 25 hours. It takes about five hours to fully charge the four cell Lithium Ion battery.
A Well Lit Cyclist
Purchase cycling apparel that is visible. There are options to choose from including vests and ankle bands. Also, reflective tape is a good idea. 3M makes black reflective tape that is great to put on black wheels. You do not notice it during the day and it shows up white at night. And, as the temperature drops, it’s hard to know what to wear when it’s 50 degrees and sunny outside versus 30 – 35 degrees and cloudy. Riding in transitional weather can be a challenge! But, with clothing that is versatile, lightweight, and easy to pack down, you can find a cycling wardrobe that works for you. Watch our video, How to Dress for Winter Cycling to get ideas.
Ride options:
Riding in the dark makes the riding of any technical section immediately harder than in the day. It takes a good while to overcome this, so don’t set yourself a task to ride the most demanding trails you have. Ease yourself in as the nights start earlier and downgrade your expectations. Remember, you will inevitably ride and travel more slowly than in daylight. With that being said, be mindful that your route doesn’t exceed your lights battery capacities.
Bike maintenance:
Experiencing mechanical difficulties in the cold and at night is not fun! A well maintained bike is a fun bike to ride. Yet, for some, bike maintenance can be a chore. Having the right set of bike components and tools can make all the difference. When prepping your bike for for the colder temps and night riding, there are several things you want to do to keep your bike in good working order. A good thing to always do is to wipe down and inspect the frame. As the weather changes, rain, snow, ice, and road elements pose different cleaning challenges to your frame and bicycle parts. Consider using a stiff, soft-bristled brush to knock off any chunks of dried-on mud that may be on your frame or wheels. Then, follow that up by taking a rag to your bike, wiping it down generally all over to get off any remaining dust or dirt.
Also, remember to lube your chain and cables. As unglamorous as chain lube is, it is a necessity for winter riding. It will keep your bike parts in working order and squeak free! There are many lubes to choose – wet vs dry lube. As conditions vary, you may want to have a couple of different choices on hand. Finally, since you can’t see what you are rolling over in the dark, it’s a good idea to frequently inspect tires, wheels, and brake pads. Check that there is adequate air pressure in the tires. Check that there aren’t any cuts or nicks in the sidewall or tread of the tires. You’ll want to make sure the brake pads are not worn. And, remember to inspect where the brake pads hit the rim; they should contact the rim evenly on both sides and not rub the tire in any way that may cause a flat.
Here’s where the rubber hits the road: the time change can mark the end of the season or bring on a new adventure. Embrace the challenge and make night riding work for you!
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Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: bike lighting system, bike parts, cold weather cycling apparel, How to Dress for Winter Cycling video, night riding, NiteRider Pro 1800 Race Rechargable Headlight, Tips for cycling in the dark, winter bike maintenance, winter riding tips |
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October 23, 2014
While the cross country mountain bike and road bike race seasons may be winding down, the cyclocross race season is heating up. And, it’s not just heating up in Colorado but across the nation.
According to USA Cycling, cyclocross is the fastest growing field in cycling. Why? For starters, it’s fast, frantic, spectator friendly and plain good fun.
Cyclo-cross – or cross, cyclo-x and CX – is a sport that takes modified road bikes off road in races that typically last for 60 minutes and includes obstacles where you need to dismount and run with the bike over your shoulder. While that may not sound fun to some cyclists, contrary to popular belief, cyclocross racing is actually a ton of fun. It’s also technically challenging and physically demanding. The effort and skill required to compete elevates your overall racing fitness and leads to great improvement when the spring races roll around.
At Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop, we find many are cyclocross curious; whereas others, are full in to the sport. Whether you are a newbie or a veteran, cyclocross has something to offer everybody. Here’s a good place to get started.
News and Calendar of races
– 2014-15 Colorado Cyclocross Race Calendar and Professional CX Calendar
– USA Cycling Pro Cyclo-cross Calendar
– Cyclocross News and Race updates
CycloCross 101: Q&A
– How do I learn more about cyclocross? Cyclocross 101
– An Introduction to Cyclocross + 3 Workouts
Learn Basic Cyclocross Skills
– Overcoming obstacles on a cyclocross course
– Cyclocross Training: Mastering the Fundamental Dismount/Remount
Cyclocross Training
– Workouts and Drills to Prepare Yourself for the Cyclocross Season
– How to Plan Your Cyclocross Training Week
Best bike parts for cyclocross
– Cyclocross Bicycle Parts and Cross Bike Components
– What tire tread is best for cyclocross?
Cowbells and Heckling Etiquette
– Cowbell etiquette – How to Play the Cowbell – entertaining video
– An Op-Ed on Heckling in Cyclocross by Daniel Curtin
The bottom line – join some cross races. Keep in mind that you can ride them mainly for fun and general fitness. You don’t have to take it too seriously. And even riding mainly for fun, cross will help you a lot. It improves bike handling and power and builds your cardiovascular system. You’ll be amazed how great you feel and how much more confidence you have on your bike when the race season arrives.
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Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: 2014-15 Colorado Cyclocross Race Calendar and Professional CX Calendar, Basic Cyclocross Skills, cowbell, CycloCross 101: Q&A, Cyclocross Bicycle Parts and Cross Bike Components, Cyclocross Season, heckling, USA Cycling Pro Cyclo-cross Calendar |
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Posted by staffwriter8
October 16, 2014
Using technology in your training benefits you in many ways: you can learn faster; get visibility to your training program and progress; quantify your work; and learn from your success. What are some common and not so common ways to use technology to optimize sports performance?
Heart rate Training – Heart rate training has been viewed in many ways over the years, from very precise to not so precise. Now, a growing number of coaches and exercise physiologists support the use of heart rates as an important part of biological feedback, as heart rates are a direct reflection of what is happening internally. The post, The Variables and Trends of Heart Rate Training, walks you through the steps of learning your “threshold” heart rate range, setting up heart rate training zones, and identifying the daily variables that affect heart rate. A heart rate monitor can be a great bio feedback tool and also help you to monitor your fitness, prevent overtraining, and take your performance to the next level.
Apps – Over the past year connected fitness devices — activity trackers and sensor-laden wearables — have consistently made headlines. There are countless devices that connect back to companion smartphone apps and online dashboards enabling visibility, analysis, and planning for better training and performance. To get an idea of what is available, check out two of our favorite posts including Apple’s picks for top 42 iPhone fitness apps and Top 5 Apps for Cyclists for Off-Season Fitness Gains.
Bike Fit – Leg strength, endurance, and fitness are at the heart of cycling speed, but without a proper bike fit, you are sabotaging your training efforts. In a sport based on such a highly repetitive action, like pedaling, the first line of defense against injury is a proper bike fit. A bike fit doesn’t simply consist of setting saddle height and bar reach. In today’s market, bike brands are designing some top-end rides for us to enjoy, but with these bikes come different geometries. As such, it’s critical to dial in the fit and confirm you have the right bike parts for your optimal performance.
Compression – Medical compression stockings have been used to treat poor blood flow for many years. Recently, the technology has been made available to cyclist of all levels. While the many claim it is difficult to prove that an immediate performance gain from wearing compression garments, many do claim that it lowers perceived muscle soreness the day after a big day on the bike and they can reduce the swelling of legs after prolonged sitting.
There are countless more ways technology can aid in cycling training ranging from power training, cycling software, DVD’s, CompuTrainers, to nutrition and other bio feedback tools. The main goal of them all is to assist you in dialing in your training to optimize your performance as it relates to your goals and objectives. Need help figuring out which one is best for you? Visit us at Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop in Golden, Colorado or ask us on Twitter.
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Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: bike fit, compression garments, heart rate monitor, iPhone fitness apps, off season training, power training, technology in cycling training |
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Posted by staffwriter8
October 9, 2014
As the cycling season draws to an end, many cyclist find themselves at their goal weight or race weight. It feels great, doesn’t it?
There’s ease in choosing the right foods, maintaining portion sizes, and eating a few treats here and there doesn’t seem like a big deal. Yet, for many, the transition to the Fall and Winter season means exercise volume decreases not only in sport but in life as well. There are fewer long rides, no lawns to mow and less walking about outside.
Combined with that, daylight hours decrease and it gets colder which leaves most of us less motivated and reaching for more processed, lower nutrient foods, eating bigger portion sizes; and as a result, we gain wait. Ugh! The dreaded Winter weight gain! It warrants the question, Do Weather Changes Warrant Nutrition Changes? Do hormones play a role? Experts say that cold weather increases the appetite for foods that warm the body quickly, like sugars and carbohydrates. Cold salads are less appealing. Creamy clam chowder and buttered cornbread is a much more pleasing choice when it’s chilly out.
But managing your weight in the off season isn’t a lost cause! The post, 10 Ways to Manage Offseason Weight Control, offers suggestions to keep the pounds off. Suggestions include easy options, as in, writing your food down in a food journal; consider the timing of your meals and intake; and limiting calories on easier exercise days. As we’ve written previously, there are apps for cyclist to manage off-season gains. Which ones are our favorites? The Lose it app. Lose It! allows users get a customized weight loss plan and then use the app to track food, measure activity levels, and connect with peers for group support to reach their goals. The bonus is that it can sync up with most of the popular fitness tracking devices and wireless scales on the market. It also has a large food database for easy reference. Best part – it’s free!
And Winter riding can be equally as fun as Summer riding given you have the right cycling apparel, you know how to dress for winter riding, and you have the right bike parts in your winter toolkit. And while the trails may be covered in snow and the roads less scenic than the Summertime, have no fear of the trainer. Don’t be a hater! There are means to overcoming trainer woes to keep activity up.
Just as much as the Spring cycling season inspires us to get in shape, tackle new challenges, and reach new cycling heights, the Fall season can inspire us too. Discovering new ways to nurture our bodies, maintain the gains we’ve made during the season, and re-energize for the season ahead. With a little mindfulness, battling the Winter bulge doesn’t have to be such an effort.
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Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: Apps for Cyclists for Off-Season Fitness Gains, cycling apparel, How to Dress for Winter Cycling, Lose It, off season training, weight control |
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Posted by staffwriter8
October 2, 2014
Are you overtraining? Is there a way to tell when you are over-reaching versus over training?
Actually, there is! There are three stages of overtraining and each stage is defined by certain levels of fatigue and recovery time. But in a nutshell, there are symptoms cyclists can experience when they over-train.
– get a washed-out feeling
– feel tired
– get grumpy and experience sudden mood swings
– become irrational
– feel a lack of energy for other activities
– suffer from depression
– have a decreased appetite
– get headaches
– get an increased incidence of injuries
– have trouble sleeping
– feel a loss of enthusiasm for the sport
– experience a sudden drop in performance
What can you do about it? First, there is the recognition that training for cycling events takes some serious dedication. As a result, some cyclists are often tempted to exercise longer and harder so they can improve rapidly. They are motivated to get faster and stronger but without adequate rest and recovery. Compounding this, most of us are juggling family commitments, a job, and trying to fit in some social activities. It just isn’t possible to keep balancing all these things.
Begin by asking yourself, Do You Know the Right Way to Train? Having a strategic approach and structured training means every workout has a purpose. Every step, pedal and stroke is being performed with the confidence it’s the right thing to do and performed the right way. The post, The Right Way to Train, shares four essential components of deliberate practice. Having a plan puts parameters on training so that you actually recover and avoid over training in the first place. A component of having a plan is having the right bike parts, cycling accessories, and nutritional components in place to support your efforts. All of these are functional structures that support the full training cycle.
You may also consider slowing down. As the season changes, there are ways to make the most of Fall season training. As the post, Smart Ways to Stop Sabotaging Your Late Season Training suggests, switch gears and include strength training and yoga. Or, better yet, since daylight is short, opt for night rides which add a fresh approach to riding while also reducing intensity.
Ultimately, the best way to identify if you are over training is by listening to your body. Remember, cycling and training is supposed to be fun! Enjoyable and refreshing! Use the changes of the season to renew your body and spirit.
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Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: bike parts, fall training, night rides, over reaching, overtraining, symptoms of overtraining |
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Posted by staffwriter8
September 25, 2014
There’s a saying in the cycling world, “the off season is where you can make the greatest gains” and at Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop, we couldn’t agree more. The off season is a time when cyclist can work on weaknesses without having to worry about performance in upcoming group rides and races. However, there are ways to sabotage the gains.
According to the post, 10 Things Endurance Athletes Need to Stop Doing, cyclist should stop ignoring recovery, stop doing other athlete’s workouts, stop ignoring your diet and your weight and stop ignoring technology in your workouts. Another saboteur are headphones. The post, Seven Reasons to Take Off Your Headphones, questions if listening to music while training actually helps or hinders results. Unfortunately, knowing what not to do is only half the battle. The other half is knowing what to do.
Making the most of fall season training is about keeping it fresh, trying something new, and also, targeting some fitness goals. You can start to make gains by focusing on recovery after your workouts. When you think about it, training is all about stressing your body with hard workouts, and then letting your body adapt to that load. If you do not allow your body to recover and adapt to the training load you’ve imposed on it, you simply will not be able to train and stress your body as hard the next workout. While many riders understand that recovery between workouts is key to building fitness, recovery is also a commonly overlooked injury prevention tool. Recovery, defined as stretching, hydrating, and resting, are traditional tools used by athletes. Some opt for compression gear, as in socks or tights, which are designed to improve recovery and aid in overall sports performance. Late season is a great time to test out new products and evaluate how your body responds.
Building on that – don’t let the hard work you’ve gained this year fall by the wayside! As your training volume and intensity declines, it’s a good idea to begin paying attention to your nutrition and weight. As noted in our post, Top 5 Apps for Cyclists for Off-Season Fitness Gains, managing your training and nutrition in the off-season can be manageable and can mean the difference between winning and losing during the 2015 cycling season.
Other suggestions for late season gains include strength training and yoga. Year-Round Strength Training for Cyclists Matters. Since you are only as strong as your weakest link, the stronger system you build as a whole, the more potential you have for cycling specific gains. And there’s a lot to be said for yoga. Cyclists need to focus on leg strength, which many poses in yoga target, but they also need to focus on flexibility and lower back strength. All key elements in extending the fitness gains you’ve made through the current year.
Finally, keep it fresh and fun. The Fall season can be a great opportunity to get new bike parts. During the 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.
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Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: bike parts, fall season training, late season training for cyclist, Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop, Year-Round Strength Training for Cyclists, yoga for cyclist |
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Posted by staffwriter8
September 18, 2014
Motivation is the foundation all athletic effort and accomplishment. Without your desire and determination to improve your sports performance, all of the other mental factors, confidence, intensity, focus, and emotions, are meaningless.
To become the best athlete you can be, you must be motivated to do what it takes to maximize your ability and achieve your goals. The key question here is what keeps you motivated month after month? Through each season? And, year after year?
The post, Motivation – Using the left or right brain, offers some insights as to how brain function plays a critical role in cycling motivation. As a brief reminder, most people have tendencies which lean toward exhibiting more “left brain” or “right brain” characteristics. You’ve undoubtedly heard of the differences between the two.
Left brain characteristics:
– linear
– logical
– analytical
– serious
– organized
Right brain characteristics:
– holistic
– intuitive
– creative
– fun-loving
– socially adept
One isn’t necessarily better or worse than the other; they both have their functions. But, as this relates to cycling, training, and fitness, it plays a different role. So if you think you are left brained, what are ways to motivate yourself for riding? If data and analytical conversations get you excited , then you need to motivate yourself by the potential numbers to be worked and gained within a workout. This also means to focus on potential elevation gain, distance to be covered, or how many complete intervals you think you can achieve. Focusing on analytical data as in, learning the right way to train or making proper goal setting a priority can help dial in motivation. Another way to use your logical mind for motivation is to research bike parts, bike geometry and test ride cycling accessories to see how it impacts your ride.
On the flip side, if you are a right brained cyclist, consider a holistic approach to your experience. As in, focus on the journey and what you may experience on each ride. Consider multiple options for routes that will allow you to experience the views of the season, then which route best suits the workout. On any day, think about what the feel of the workout will bring, with breathing, the rhythms, and how enjoyable that is. Grasp this and use it to your advantage, because visualization and feel is your main motivation. Visualization can take place off the bike too. Yoga for cyclist and year round strength training and visualizations of a stronger and fitter body can aid in the motivation experience.
Ultimately, what it boils down to is that whether you approach your motivation for cycling from a left or right brained perspective, what matters is that you are having fun and engaged. Motivation is easy to maintain when you are experiencing the rewards of your cycling and training experiences.
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Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: bike parts for motivation, cycling accessories, cycling motivation, proper goal setting, right way to train, training motivation, Using the left or right brain |
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Posted by staffwriter8
September 11, 2014
At the beginning of the race season, enthusiasm and energy is high! About the mid-season point, accumulated season fatigue catches up with most racers. Recovery rate from workouts and from races slows down and finally, by the end of the season, some find their motivation waning. Oftentimes, throughout the season, cyclist find themselves over reaching and over training in their training. What is the difference between the two and how can the Fall season help?
The term over-reaching was adopted by exercise scientists to describe the short-term overload that can be managed within a few days. However, over-reaching can develop into over-training (from which it can be more difficult to recover) if the athlete does not mitigate the factors that caused the over-reaching or fails to allocate proper recovery time. The symptoms of the overtraining syndrome are difficult to define since there can be many and they are seldom exactly the same in any two overtrained athletes. According to Joe Friel, physiologically, the only ones that are common are poor performance and fatigue. However, there are a few other indicators. The symptoms of overtraining are many and include the lack of motivation to race and train, inability to complete most workouts due to fatigue, loss in power, and general overall irritability.
So, How Long Does it Take to Recover From Overtraining? “Most athletes will recover from overtraining syndrome within 4-6 weeks up to 2-3 months. This will all depend on a few factors such as how overtrained you really are, genetics, and age. Determining how overtrained you are can only be answered by the amount of time it takes you to recover.”
The Fall season can be an opportunity to rest and recharge while still maintaining fitness on the bike. The post, How Cyclists Can Manage the Fall Season, shares that this time of year can be very beneficial in letting you recharge the batteries and gain some mental freshness. Right now you’re setting the stage for your mental acuity going into next season. Ignoring mental fatigue right now can actually end up being detrimental to your coming season.
Also, as mentioned in our previous post, The 10 Essentials of Fall Cycling, having access to resources, tips, and a supportive environment makes it easier to enjoy all the benefits cycling has to offer. Knowing where your body is as it relates to your training cycle, motivation, and energy levels can make a difference. The Fall season can be a great opportunity to get new bike parts. During the 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.
All and all, whether you have pushed your limits to the max or not, rest and a reduction in training volume is the only cure to getting back into the groove when it domes to motivation and excitement for training. Use the Fall season to transition into a better 2015 cycling season.
1 Comment |
Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: bike parts, cycling closeouts, cycling overstock items, cycling training, Fall season cycling, over reaching, over training |
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Posted by staffwriter8
September 4, 2014
As we transition from Summer to Fall, the Colorado mountain colors explode into a vibrant mix of autumn hues. What better way to enjoy the brisk temperatures and vibrant colors of the leaves turning than from the view of mountain bike or road bike? The added bonus is maintaining fitness through the fall and even building it well into the winter months. 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.
At Peak Cycles Bicycle shop, we recommend getting a tune-up, 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. Here’s our list:
1. Wind Vest – The wind vest is one of the most used pieces of cool weather gear. It keeps your core body protected from frontal winds, but vents in the rear to keep you from overheating. The wind vest is also very versatile and can be added to different clothing combinations, using it with regular jerseys, winter jerseys, and arm warmers. It’s also easily stowed in a pack or shirt pocket.
2. Wind / Rain Jacket – It’s always a good idea to keep a water resistant jacket handy when rain is in the forecast.
3. Arm Warmers – Arm warmers are a must during the Fall season. While they don’t take up much room, they are great for temperature control.
4. Full Finger / Windproof Gloves – When riding in cooler temps, one of the first things to freeze is the fingers. Protect your hands with full fingerers and / or windproof gloves.
5. Knickers, Knee Warmers, and Pants – As the temperatures drop, it’s a good idea to cover your knees. Many cyclist prefer tights whereas others prefer leg warmers. There are also knickers which allow more airflow over the legs, and they are good for those in-between days. Consider trying out each option and experiment to dial in your preference.
6. Head Band or Skull Cap – The vents in your helmet that are such an asset during the summer months become a major liability when the temperatures begin to drop. To prevent from losing heat from your scalp, be sure to wear a thin skullcap or headband under the helmet
7. Wool Socks – Keeping your feet dry and warm can be a challenge in the cold weather, but nice wool socks are your best bet.
8. Shoe Covers – Shoe covers, also known as booties, cover the exterior of your shoes and protect from cold and wind. There are several options: some that cover just the toes and others that encompass the entire foot. Toe covers are great for Fall but as you transition to Winter riding, you may wish for a pair that covers your entire foot.
9. Lights – Within a month, the days will be much shorter! Plan ahead and get your lights ready. Get a red blinker for the rear that mounts to the bike or your pack, and a decent headlight for the front.
10. Tool kit – The bicycle tools needed to have on hand in inclement weather matter. Discover what the best bike parts for fall commuting and build a tool kit that meets your needs.
Why is all this important? Because having access to resources, tips, and a supportive environment makes it easier to enjoy all the benefits cycling has to offer. It gets you outside – on the bike and riding! Whether you are enjoying the vibrant mix of autumn hues from a scenic country road, a bike path, or a cyclocross race course, 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.
4 Comments |
Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: and arm warmers, and Pants, bicycle tools, fall cycling, Full Finger / Windproof Gloves, Head Band or Skull Cap, jerseys, knee warmers, Knickers, lights, shoe covers, winter jerseys, Wool Socks |
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Posted by staffwriter8
August 28, 2014

Sarah Shull racing in the 2013 Winter Park Gravity Series. Trail: Cruel and Unusual.
At the beginning of the race season, enthusiasm and energy is high! About the mid-season point, accumulated season fatigue catches up with most racers. Recovery rate from workouts and from races slows down and finally, by the end of the season, some find their motivation waning. As the racing 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?
Fortunately, there a variety of options at your disposal! The post, How to Use a Late Season Race for Motivation, suggest selecting late season races that are fun and also promote fitness. 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.
What about adding some skill training? During peak training periods, bike skills and technique is often overlooked. Why not consider improving your skills? The video: Five key skills to improve your bike handling offers great visuals and the post, Body Position on the MTB, dials in where you need to be on the bike to ride your best. Experimenting late season avoids the risk of injury during peak races but also can offer a new challenge – like learning how to do a track stand.
Finally, show some bike love! That’s right! Your bike has been training and racing with you all season long! Give your bike a break – replace worn out bike parts. Maybe even experiment with different or new cycling accessories. Try out a new wheelset or reward yourself with new bike parts and components. After all, your bike has helped you reach your goals all season long.
Ultimately, late season races should be fun. If you love what you are doing and are having fun with it, then you are setting yourself up for more good stuff to come in the following season!
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Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: bike parts, bike parts and components, bike skills, body position on the MTB, cycling accessories, late season racing, motivation, wheelset |
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Posted by staffwriter8