August 15, 2013
Course strategies, break aways, riding in a small group or a large peloton – these are the thoughts and questions of cyclist wondering how to win at bicycle racing. With only about a month and half left of the Colorado cycling racing and touring season, many are filling up their calendars with the last big events of the season hoping to capitalize on the fitness gains made during the season. The Colorado races and tours on tap for August include:
08/17/2013
- 24 Hours in the Sage
- Steamboat Stinger
- TOUR de CURE Colorado
08/31/2013
- Big Mountain Enduro – Durango
- Grand Junction Off-Road
- Steamboat Stage Race
- Tour de Fat – Fort Collins
The best way to approach any of these rides is to come prepared: mentally, physically, and have fully inspected your bike parts. Functioning brakes are essential on the long, fast descents. Proper gearing can make or break your chance of making a climb. And, having the right bike tools, cycling accessories, and extra bike parts on hand make a difference between a stellar ride and a bail out.
Also, if you are looking to finish your season super strong, consider a 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. The 2013 season is (almost) nearing the end. Let’s finish strong! Finish fast!
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Races | Tagged: 2013 Race Season, 24 Hours in the Sage, Big Mountain Enduro, bike fit, bike parts, bike tools, brakes, Colorado, cycling accessories, Grand Junction Off-Road, Steamboat Stage Race, Steamboat Stinger, TOUR de CURE Colorado, Tour de Fat - Fort Collins | 
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Posted by staffwriter8
July 25, 2013
Dillon Turner – riding fast at UCI BMC World Championships in New Zealand!
Colorado bike races are more popular than ever. The physical challenge of Colorado’s altitude combined with amazing alpine views pair for a cycler’s dream.
What makes it even better? Cool bikes, new bike parts, and team riders crushing it in local, national, and international mountain bike races.
We’re super proud of our team racers at bikeparts.com.
- Congrats to PeakCycles BMX Rider Dillon Turner – riding fast at UCI BMC World Championships in New Zealand!
- High fives to Joshua Murdock and Taylor Shull for impressive showings at the Mountain Bike Nationals in Bear Creek, Pennsylvania!
- Stellar finish for Stacy Moller at the Leadville Silver Rush 50!
Congrats to all of our racers! At BikeParts.com, we do all we can to support our competitive and non completive athletes. And while our racers can tell you, racing takes its toll on themselves as athletes, but also on their bikes. The season is in full swing and most venturing into the shop want to know how to ride faster, ride easier, and what they need to do either get their bike parts in order or keep them well maintained.
What can we learn from our podium finishers? For starters, they start their races with a clean and lubricated chain. They make sure to lubricate the moving parts of brakes and derailleurs. Their brake pads are in good shape and tires have the appropriate air pressure. And, most importantly, after they race, they inspect their bike and replace damaged bike parts.
Get in to the shop to hear about our racers most recent adventures and success stories. Let’s finish this season strong!
Leave a Comment » | BMX, Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop, Races | Tagged: 2013 Race Season, bike parts, BikeParts.com, brakes, Leadville Silver Rush 50, mountain bike, Mountain bike Nationals, UCI BMC World Championships | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
June 27, 2013
These are beautiful days on our Colorado mountain bike trails. What makes them even better? Cool bikes, new bike parts, and team riders crushing it on the Front Rage trails and mountain bike races. Check out some of team riders styling with our latest mtb parts.
Team Rider Josh Murdock on the podium after crushing it on his Specialized Stumpjumper.
Team rider Sam Cory has been crushing it lately on his Specialized Demo 8!
Team rider Taylor Schmidt at Apex Park in Golden, Colorado
Team riders at the Rocky Mountain Endurance Series Ridgeline Rampage
What’s next on tap for the Peak Cycles race team? Lots! Visit us at Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop to find out or look for our bike parts.com team tent at upcoming races!
- Winter Park Epic Singletrack Series
- Keystone enduro
- Rocky Mountain Endurance Series
- Snake River Mountain Bike Race & Festival
- Guanella Pass Hill Climb
- Leadville Silver Rush 50 MTB Race
- Breckenridge 100
Leave a Comment » | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop, Races | Tagged: 2013 Race Season, bike parts, BikeParts.com, BikeParts.com Race Team, Breckenridge 100/68/32, Colorado, Durango Mountain Bike, Guanella Pass Hill Climb, Keystone enduro, Leadville 100 MTB race, Leadville Silver Rush 50 MTB Race, Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop, The Rocky Mountain Endurance Series, Winter Park Epic Singletrack Series | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
May 16, 2013
What does the Ridgeline Rampage, Battle of the Bear, Eagle 40, and 12 Hours of Mesa Verde all have in common? Sure, they are all mountain bike races but they are also all races in which the Peak Cycles Race Team have all raced AND celebrated their success on the podium!
Congrats to all of our racers! At BikeParts.com, we do all we can to support our competitive and non completive athletes. And while our racers can tell you, racing takes its toll on themselves as athletes, but also on their bikes. The season is in full swing and most venturing into the shop want to know how to ride faster, ride easier, and what they need to do either get their bike parts in order or keep them well maintained.
So, what can we learn from our podium finishers that the rest of us can use to better our cycling season? For starters, they start their races with a clean and lubricated chain. They make sure to lubricate the moving parts of brakes and derailleurs. Their brake pads are in good shape and tires have the appropriate air pressure. And, most importantly, after they race, they inspect their bike and replace damaged bike parts.
What other things can we learn from our top racers? Find out for yourself! Stop by the Peak Cycles Bike Shop for the shop ride in Golden, Colorado, follow us on Twitter, or catch up on Colorado racing in our recent blog posts.
What’s next? Look for Taylor J Schmidt, Weston Burcar, Dan Dwyer and Joshua Murdock at this weekend’s RME Indian Creek race. Cheer them on, or better yet, get out there and race!
Leave a Comment » | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop, Races | Tagged: 2013 Race Season, battle the bear, bike parts, BikeParts.com, brakes, derailleurs, Golden, Golden Colorado Mountain Bike Rides, mountain bike, Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop, RME Series, The Rocky Mountain Endurance Series, tires | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
April 11, 2013
The Spring Racing Season in Colorado is here! With upcoming events like the Karen Hornbostel Memorial Time Trial Series, Front Range Cycling Classic, Ridgeline Rampage, and Fruita Fat Tire Festival, road and mountain bike racers are ready to ride. But, don’t think that just showing up on the line is enough. Preparing mentally, physically, and being bike ready will ensure a successful start to the season. Following are 5 strategies successfully used by our Bike Parts Race Team.
Set Goals – For some, early season races are just about getting harder efforts in and saddle time. However, having defined goals can help reduce pre race anxiety and also help you better evaluate your performance post race. Identify what you want to accomplish with this event whether it be a targeted Heart Rate or Power zone, a solid nutrition plan, or attacking certain areas on the race course.
Race Route – Know the course and the conditions. Spring weather can alter race course conditions considerably. Take into consideration the bike parts you’ll be racing and confirm you have the bike components and gear needed to successfully race the course. For mountain bike components – consider tire selection carefully when riding wet and muddy trails.
Race Day Rituals – Designing and refining a pre-event routine is an important part of building a successful race season. Does having a checklist of race day activities 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. Maybe visualization, mantras, and breathing exercises are your thing. Regardless, early season races offer a chance to build on race day rituals that have helped you in the past and also enhance your support for the season going forward.
Start Line Mental State – Your thoughts, emotions, and pre race behaviors are components of your mental state, so take inventory of your mental state and align them with your goals. It’s easy early Season to compare your training and fitness to others. Here is where having your race plan and goals specific to this event comes in handy.
Success Parameters – Evaluate your results based on your goals. What worked? What didn’t? What can you do next race to get a better result? Be objective and explore how your mental and physical training helped prepare you for this event. Remember to evaluate your bike and cycling accessory selections. Did you race the right bike? Would a different wheel set make a difference? Did you suffer from mechanicals? Now is the time to dial in, replace, and buy the bike parts that you need going into your next event.
Do you have any race strategies you’d like to share? Post them here or stop by the Peak Cycles Bike Shop in Golden, Colorado! We’d love to hear them!
6 Comments | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop, Races | Tagged: 2013 Race Season, bike parts, BikeParts.com Race Team, Front Range Cycling Classic, Fruita Fat Tire Festival, Golden, Karen Hornbostel Memorial Time Trial Series, Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop, race strategies, Ridgeline Rampage | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
March 21, 2013
For some, the Colorado road racing season has already started; however, for many, it is just around the corner and many athletes may be pondering which tours and races to plan for in 2013. Whenever you want to achieve something, you have to have a definite goal. As such, it’s important to plan your season right. Whether you are a casual rider or a competitive cyclist, training, racing, recovering and having the appropriate gear, tools, and bike setup are critical to reaching your goals.
For starters, what are you’re 2013 cycling goals? As mentioned in our recent blog post, it’s important to make your goals SMART. As in, specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time-bound. With that being said, Colorado offers world class riding and racing. Now that you are thinking about what your goals are, you need to pick the right events during the cycling season to help you best achieve those goals.
Notably, not all events are equal. Some are harder than others and as such, competitive cyclist can use different course profiles, distances, and bike part options to mindfully select A, B, and C type races according to their training plans and race goals. When you’re working toward a goal that’s important to you, the last thing you want is to face an obstacle or unexpected challenge. A successful season starts off right by planning ahead, getting your road bike in order and getting the gear and resources you need. By selecting the best races based on your specific goals and having the best bike parts associated with your riding style, you are successfully preparing for a rewarding 2013 cycling season.
Now, which races will you do? While there are many tours, races, and events to choose from in Colorado, at BikeParts.com, here are some of our favorites:
- Rocky Mountain Road Cup (RMRC) Road racing events range from March through August. The Rocky Mountain Road Cup is a season long points competition featuring a three-tiered points system that provides competitive cyclist with a great racing calendar. Click here for a downloadable calendar of these events
- The Koppenberg May 5, 2013 The Koppenberg race featuring a 17% grade climb is the queen of the spring time cycling events in Colorado.
- Elephant Rock Cycling Festival: May 31–June 2, 2013 This year’s Elephant Rock Cycling Festival notes the 26th annual pilgrimage to Castle Rock for the Rocky Mountain region’s premier cycling festival. Riders of all ages turn out for this event.
- Ride the Rockies June 8 – 15, 2013 The 28th annual tour will feature 3 scenic mountain passes, a trek over the highest suspension bridge in the U.S. and 20,400 vertical ft. over 7 days and 513 miles.
- Coldwell Banker Denver Century Ride June 15, 2013 The Denver Century Ride features bicycle courses for all skills levels and benefits BikeDenver. This healthy lifestyle cycling event is Colorado’s premier urban bicycle ride and is open to the public.
- Mount Evans Hill Climb: July 2013 Race up 7,000 feet in elevation in just 28 miles on the Mount Evans Scenic Byway.
- Triple Bypass July 13 – 14, 2013 A two day ride from Evergreen to Avon.
- Copper Triangle August 3, 2013 The Copper Triangle is a 78-Mile course with an elevation gain of almost 6,000 feet over three mountain passes. It has has long been considered one of Colorado’s classic alpine road rides Graced with breathtaking scenery, gorgeous roads and three challenging climbs.
Not sure which event is for you? Stop by the Peak Cycling Bike Shop for help or visit us at bike parts.com for maps, information, or general bike components that you may need for your next big event.
1 Comment | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop, Races | Tagged: 2013 Race Season, bike components, bike parts, BikeParts.com, Coldwell Banker Denver Century Ride, Colorado, Copper Triangle, Elephant Rock Cycling Festival, Mount Evans Hill Climb, Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop, Ride the Rockies, Rocky Mountain Road Cup (RMRC), The Koppenberg, Triple Bypass | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
February 21, 2013
A favorite to endurance mountain bike cyclist in Colorado and the surrounding areas is the Rocky Mountain Endurance Series, aka RME. A race series consisting of 6 races, the Ridgeline Rampage, Battle the Bear, PV Cycle Derby, Snake River, Indian Creek, and Breckenridge 100, offers new and experienced racers a fun race series spanning from late April to mid July. Peak Cycles Race Team members have raced this series in the past. Here is a sneak peak as to what to expect from the series.
Pros:
- The race venues are mostly local to the Front Range.
- The trails are accessible to all skill levels.
- The series offers a range of races: cross country, half marathon, and marathon.
- Each race venue offers a diversity of terrain.
- It’s fun to get to go to different places around the state.
- Compared to other big races, the series is cost effective.
- Pre-Race organization is well done.
- Race starts go off on time.
Cons:
- Due to overlapping start/ finish of different disciplines, there can be some overlap on the course with different groups going off. For instance, faster cross country racers starting as marathon racers are finishing or overlapping age groups in the same discipline.
- Unfortunately, as in all racing, there are some inconsiderate racers.
- From years past, it appears the race promoters focus results on the pros and the men’s field and not those of the age groups.
- There is a tendency for the aid stations to close down while slower riders are out there on the course.
What to ride?
For faster but maybe not quite as comfortable riding, one option is a hard tail Stump Jumper or Giant XTC Composite hard tail. If you don’t mind a little extra weight but want a more comfortable ride, the Epic Carbon Expert is a good choice or the Giant Anthem. Both are full suspension bikes. Whether you go the hard tail option or with a full suspension bike, having the right bike parts and mtb parts is going to make a difference over the long haul in terms of performance and comfort. Because these are lap races, there are a few bike components you will want to have on hand.
Some like to race on bottles while others prefer a hydration pack. If you are new to racing or don’t plan to pre-ride the race course, a hydration pack is your best bet. It allows you to focus on the trail without concern as to trail conditions and timing when to drink. Also, you have the option to refill as you pass through on your remaining laps. Keep in mind, these races are going to take some time – as in, a few hours. Comfort is a consideration. Consider good grips like those made by ESI or Ergon and new, good fitting shoes to avoid hot spots.
What other things might you keep in mind? Basic necessities. Make sure you have a good helmet, confirm your bike is tuned up, have on hand plenty of C02 cartridges, and tool kit.
Other than that, you are good to go! Online registration for the series opens March 1, 2013. See you there!
5 Comments | Races, Reviews | Tagged: 2013 Race Season, battle the bear, bike parts, Breckenridge 100, Epic Carbon Expert, Giant Anthem, Giant XTC Composite, Indian Creek, PV Cycle Derby, Ridgeline Rampage, RME Series, Snake River, Stump Jumper, The Rocky Mountain Endurance Series | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
January 17, 2013
Faster! Better! Stronger!
Spring is just around the corner and athletes everywhere are starting to think about key races to do well at and secondary races to use for training and motivation. Lower priority races are commonly used earlier in the season, but these races can also be used throughout the year for training and more. Which races are you considering for 2013? Some of our favorite Colorado races include:
All races provide experience, training benefits, and as a stage to assess your form. So, targeting a handful of races throughout the year to use as a learning experience, in addition to training, is a good idea. But to properly prepare for the cycling season, athletes need to roll out their pre season training plan to reach their full capacity. Do you want to get faster in 2013? Here’s how!
- Build Your Base – Base training is fundamental to any cyclist’s training plan. Base training improves cardiovascular systems and helps you become a more efficient rider. When we say base miles, we’re talking steady mileage of low-intensity rides with low-heart-rate. We’re also talking about having the right base clothing to keep you out for longer rides in cooler temps.
- Build Your Core – Recent studies indicate that cycling mechanics are affected by core stability. Core exercises can be done at home on a yoga mat or at a gym. Certain types of yoga offer good core training as well. Regardless of where or how you do it, building core workouts into your pre season training will provide lasting benefits well into the season.
- Build Balance – A balanced pre season program should contain resistance training (core) as well as time for other cross training aerobic sports such as swimming or x-country skiing. Along with it’s cardiovascular benefits, cross training helps maintain balance skills, muscle strength, hand to eye coordination, and improved range of motion.
- Build Your Bike – Last but not least, get your bike in order. If you are thinking about purchasing a new bike, now is the time. 2013 models are rolling out for both road bikes and mountain bikes. If a new bike isn’t in your future, figure out which bike components need replacing and get your order in before everybody else.
Pre season planning and training paves the way for a long, healthy, and enjoyable cycling season.
Leave a Comment » | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop, Races | Tagged: 2013 Race Season, Breckenridge 100/68/32, Colorado, Durango Mountain Bike, Leadville 100 MTB race, Ride the Rockies, The Koppenberg, The Rocky Mountain Endurance Series, training tips, Triple Bypass | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
January 10, 2013
For those who think they don’t have time to get into shape and start moving, now is the time to take action. The 2013 ride and race season planning in Colorado is well underway. Sure, the motivation to train in the winter months can be taxing. Staleness or burnout from the previous season may linger, or maybe just the colder temps and shorter days weaken our resolve to get on the bike. Yet, there are ways to combat the winter blues. Here’s how!
1. Support Structure
Create a supportive environment that supports your goals. Is there a time of day that works best for you? Then, schedule your training time. Do you train better with a partner? Then, enlist the help of your family and friends. Is your bike riding properly? Check out your bike components, determine which bike parts you need, and get your bike in proper riding condition. Your primary objective in creating a support structure is to foster an environment in which you are supported and held accountable.
2. Atmosphere
Does it matter where you ride? Winter months create weather and lighting challenges. Yet, there are definite options. Inside riding on a trainer or rollers can offer consistent pedal time and the ability to focus on heart rate and power easier than riding outside. If you enjoy listening to music, don’t just play the hard stuff. Consider modulating your listening to slower and medium tempo tunes that simulate heart rate goals and tempo riding. Also, visual cues offer stimulation. A well lit room can create inviting energy and a unique atmosphere to train in.
3. Visual Effects
Sometimes seeing is believing! Pop in a DVD training video or select a few YouTube clips to get your mind in the game. Posters, a vision board, books, maps , or pictures of upcoming races can trigger your motivation to not only get on the bike, but maybe even dig a little deeper than you would have otherwise.
4. Competition Sparks Motivation
One way to stay motivated during longs stretches of training with little competition is to set small training goals. Working to achieve small training goals will make every training session meaningful. It will also provide small successes offering a sense of accomplishment while training for future competitions. In fact, have you scheduled your 2013 races yet? Here are a few worth checking out:
An essential element to being a successful athlete is staying motivated throughout the year. Remember, cycling is supposed to be fun. Set small goals, create a supportive structure and atmosphere for your training environment, and you’ll be amazed at what you can do in 2013!
1 Comment | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop, Races | Tagged: 2013 Race Season, bike parts, Breckenridge 100/68/32, Colorado, indoor training, Leadville Trail, motivation, Ride the Rockies, The Koppenberg, The Rocky Mountain Endurance Series, training tips, Triple Bypass, Winter training tips | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
January 3, 2013
Colorado Cycling
The holidays have passed, the New Year has come and gone, and now, the 2013 Ride and Race Season planning is underway. Whenever you want to achieve something, you have to have a definite goal. As such, it’s important to plan your season right. Whether you are a casual rider or a competitive cyclist, training, racing, recovering and having the appropriate gear, tools, bike setup to reach your goals is critical.
For starters, what are you’re 2013 cycling goals? As mentioned in our recent blog post, it’s important to make your goals SMART. As in, specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time-bound. With that being said, Colorado offers world class riding and racing. A few of our top race and ride recommendations include:
How do you plan to train? Riding in cooler temps and shorter days tugs at motivation. However, having a few rides and races on your radar can help you maintain determination. Remember, buddying up, eating well, or even joining us for our local shop ride in Golden, Colorado can help build training momentum.
Is your bike ready? Our post, Winterizing Your Bike: What’s In Your Tool Kit? offers some great tips for bike maintenance during winter riding. But is your bike set for the 2013 season? Do you need a new bike or maybe even need to replace old bike parts? Sometimes getting a bike fit can help better position you for a season of successful riding.
When 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 2013 right by planning ahead, getting your road bike or mountain bike in order, and getting the gear and resources you need. With the right mental attitude and the best bike parts, your successful training and race prep is well underway.
1 Comment | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop, Races | Tagged: 2013 Race Season, bike maintenance, bike parts, Colorado, Golden, Leadville 100 MTB race, mountain bike, Ride the Rockies, RME Series, Rocky Mountain Endurance Series, Triple Bypass | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
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