November 3, 2016
Training Tips at BikeParts.com
With the time change this upcoming weekend, darkness will fall earlier each day making it more challenging to fit training rides in the schedule. But fear not, at Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop, we have training strategies that can help you make the best of the daylight and night hours!
Given that the days with long sunshine hours are ending, there are ways to make the most of the daytime hours. It requires a little planning and creativity. Also, time management plays an important role here. Scheduling your workouts in your calendar; shifting meetings and family obligations to early morning, late afternoon and early evening; and optimizing your lunch hour as ride time, are three areas that can assist in getting your scheduled training in during the daylight hours. Again, the idea here is to create a plan and stick to it. If you plan a ride during the daylight hours and miss it, then it creates stress on how to make that ride up. However, as other bike enthusiasts know, riding at night can be fun, relaxing, and a delightful end to the day. If you are up for a little adventure, here’s how to make night time riding work for you!
Be 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.
Explore your 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 or bike paths 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. A way to overcome this is to invest in a good set of lights. With that being said, be mindful that your route doesn’t exceed your lights battery capacities.
Become a fan of 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 bicycle 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.
Daylight riding or riding at night – it’s all good! As you can see, there’s no need to fear the time change. The time change can mark the end of the season and bring on a new adventure. Embrace creativity and plan your rides during daytime hours. Or, seek adventure and embrace the challenge and make night riding work for you!
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Posted by staffwriter8
October 27, 2016
PhysioPhyx LPR available at BikeParts.com
As athletes, we all want to get fitter, leaner, stronger, and faster! Regardless of age or athletic ability, inherent in every cyclist wish list is a secret weapon to get faster without expending more effort. As such, many turn to nutritional supplements. And, there’s good reason to do so too! As it turns out, many products, including beet and cherry juice, are proving to aid in recovery and providing performance-enhancing benefits for endurance athletes. Here’s an overview of what you need to know.
The benefits of tart cherry juice for endurance athletes includes better sleep, ability to fight inflammation, reduced muscle pain, and immunity boosting. Sounds great, right! And drinking tart cherry juice tastes great and is a nice bedtime snack. To maximize its effects, Coach Lynda Wallenfels suggest mixing in 20g of the slow digesting protein casein to boost protein synthesis while you sleep. Also, consider taking another dose of tart cherry juice the following morning to maximize the performance-enhancing benefits it has to offer.
Another natural food worth investigating is beet juice. A study published in the International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism suggests adding some nitrate-rich beetroot juice to our workout plan can enhance our stamina, strength, and endurance. How does it work? According to the post, Using Beet Juice to Improve Performance, “Beets contain a large amount of inorganic nitrates. These compounds are the precursor to a very important signalling molecule that our body needs to function- Nitric Oxide2. NO is made naturally within our bodies but we can dramatically increase its availability by eating nitrate rich food. Among other roles, NO acts as a vasodilator in functioning skeletal muscle, increasing the size of blood vessels to allow more oxygen flow. “ Granted, beets are not going to make you fast on their own, but for the athlete that cares about marginal gains, they could provide the race winning boost.
In addition to food based nutrition for enhanced performance, there are cycling specific supplements too. At Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop, a favorite nutritional product available post ride 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, a solid training program combined with a healthy lifestyle provide the greatest platform for sustained and improved performance. Adding supporting elements like these mentioned can help. While you are at it, you can make improvements to your bike too! Improve bike performance with lighter bike parts. Minimize mechanicals by replacing old drivetrain parts with new ones. Support your body with a bike fit or cycling apparel like compression gear for recovery. Again, there may not be a single best option for fitness gains but every little bit helps!
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Posted by staffwriter8
October 20, 2016
Fall Colors along the Front Range
Have you noticed the leaves changing on the trees lately?
The Front Range tree leaves are exploding with 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.
True, we love fall rides, but it does take a little extra planning. The days are shorter and the weather is becoming more unpredictable. That’s why it’s more important during the fall season to have the right cycling apparel for the type of riding you are doing.
Ask yourself, what clothing do you need to wear in different weather conditions? Do you have waterproof and wind resistant clothing? Do you have enough of the basic cycling necessities, as in leggings? Arm warmers? Knee warmers? Scull cap? What about your base layers? Do you have enough of them or do you need to add in some fleece lined clothing?
Staying warm, dry, and comfortable is key to riding during the fall season. Lucky for you, at Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop, we can help you with all of your cycling apparel needs. In fact, we’ve got a great end of the year sale on 2016 bikes and cycling apparel in store right now! At a minimum, these are the essential fall riding clothes you need to have on hand.
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 get cold are the fingers. Protect your hands with full fingerers and / or windproof gloves. A popular item to consider are the Endure 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. If you’re not a fan of shoe covers, opt for a warmer shoe all together! We have two favorite options. The Giant Sojourn cycling shoes have a stiff and grippy bottom which are good for walking. A great option for bike commuters. The other favorite is the Defroster cycling shoe. It’s a great option for fall and winter riding and especially on the cold days because these shoes doesn’t require shoe covers.
9. Lights – At the end of this 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.
Which essential items are missing from the list? Make note of it and stop by the shop to check out all of the cycling apparel we have in stock and on sale. 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 – enjoy!
1 Comment | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: arm warmers, base layers, bicycle tools, bike parts, bike sale, cycling apparel, fall cycling, knee warmers, lights, mountain bike, wind vest | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
October 13, 2016
Replace Drivetrain parts in the Fall
Each season has its own ups and downs. Spring and summer seasons are marked with event registrations, travel, and enjoying the cycling lifestyle. The winter season is the least expensive as most cyclist scale down their training or ride more indoors.
However, the fall season is somewhat of a mixture of all that. Racing continues yet weather conditions cause havoc on bikes and bike gear. When you add up all the gear, maintenance, and event fees, then riding bikes can be expensive. Following are 5 ways to save money saving bike tips for fall.
- Patch your tubes. When you get a flat, don’t just throw the tube away. Hang on to it and patch it when you get home. Patches are fairly inexpensive and can give your tube new life.
- Clean and maintain your bike regularly. The maintenance schedule for a bike can vary somewhat on how often it’s ridden. However, performing regular bike inspections can provide injury free and enjoyable riding. Also, regular bike maintenance can extend the life of your bike parts and cycling accessories.
- Look for discounted gear online and at bike swaps. At BikeParts.com we have ongoing closeouts that save on bike parts, cycling apparel, and cycling accessories. Check out those options. Another option is to check out the annual Veloswap here in Denver, Colorado on October 22nd.
- Replace bike parts regularly. Don’t wait until you hear odd little noises or you notice that your bike is taking too long for the brakes to engage before investigating. Some parts of a bike have a set “wear life”. As you put in the miles, they gradually wear out and need to be replaced. Typically, this includes chains, cassettes, chainrings, brake pads, and cleats. Stay one step ahead of the game by purchasing these types of bike parts on sale and have them on hand when you need them.
- Sign up early for races or events. Waiting last minute to register for events can be costly. Avoid late or day-of registration fees for races and events by signing up ahead of time. You’ll have a little extra cash in your pocket—not to mention the extra motivation that comes with making a financial commitment.
With a little planning, it’s easy to save money and continue to embrace the transition from summer to fall. Enjoy!
Leave a Comment » | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: bike closeouts, bike maintenance, bike parts, brake pads, cassettes, chainrings, chains, cycling accessories, Denver Veloswap, fall cycling, tubes | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
October 6, 2016
As we transition from summer to fall, the Colorado mountain colors are beginning to explode into a vibrant mix of autumn hues. The hot, summer days are replaced with cooler temperatures making riding even that more enjoyable. 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?
However, not all cyclist are motivated to ride in the fall. As we mentioned last week in our post, Fall Isn’t End of Season – It’s the Beginning of Next Season. Here’s Why , 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.
You can make the most of fall riding easily in Colorado because there are so many options available to you. Consider adding one or more of these cycling events to your October schedule. You’ll enjoy the added bonus of maintaining fitness through the Fall and even building it well into the winter months.
Road cycling: 10/9 Ride of the Ancients
Mountain bike: 10 /8 12 Hours of Penitence MTB Race
Cyclocross races:
10/15 – 10/16 US Open of Cyclocross
10/23 Shimano CX Series
10/30 Shimano CX Series
It’s important to note, that as you 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.
Just as much as your body has taken a toll from training stress over the season, so has your bike! At Peak Cycles Bicycle shop, we recommend getting a tune-up and replacing workout bike parts. The summer rush has slowed a bit and we have service slots available. Call 303-216-1616 for an appointment. See you soon!
Leave a Comment » | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: 12 Hours of Penitence MTB Race, bike parts, cycling apparel, Fall bike riding, mountain bike, Ride of the Ancients, road bike, Shimano CX Series, US Open of Cyclocross | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
September 29, 2016
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, reinforces this. “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? Here’s our take on how to make the best of the transitional season.
Keep in mind that 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.
In fact, the Fall season is a great time for experimentation. Ride new routes (hint: read the above post 10 Best Fall Front Range MTB trails)! Enjoy the opportunity to get purchase and 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! New cycling accessories don’t have to be costly. Check out our daily closeouts and overstock items to spark renewed interest in your cycling program. Finally, use the Fall Season to refine your cycling aspirations and goals for next year.
1 Comment | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: bike parts, cycling accessories, cycling closeouts, fall cycling | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
September 22, 2016
Cross season begins in the early fall and runs through the end of December. You know, the time of year that those of us who live in places that get real, bona fide winters want to hang up our bikes and hibernate under down blankets. But In Colorado, we don’t do that because it’s cross season and cross is worth going out in the cold for. Fortunately, the cooler temps and bad weather has escaped us so far; however soon on the horizon, cyclocross racers will be greeted with mud, cold, and nastier racing conditions. Makes for more fun, right? Absolutely!
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.
- Cyclocross promotes silky smooth pedaling
- Cyclocross develops your strength and power
- Cyclocross improves your bike handling skills
- Cyclocross teaches you race techniques
- Cyclocross reduces off-season weight gain
- Cyclocross toughens you up to fair better in inclement riding conditions
- Cyclocross improves seasonal motivation
- Cyclocross offers a full body workout
- Cyclocross maintains current fitness and can improve fitness
- Cyclocross offers a mental break from your current cycling regimen and training focus
- Cyclocross provides high intensity training
- Cyclocross means getting to purchase a new cyclocross bike, cyclocross tires, and an assortment of new bike parts!
A final reason to race cyclocross is because it is exhilarating FUN! Whether you are a veteran of cyclocross or a newbie, check out our cyclocross bikes online at bikeparts.com. Dial in the best bike parts and cycling accessories. Get help with your bike fit and setup and be sure to have all the right cycling apparel you need for a successful cyclocross season.
Leave a Comment » | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: bike fit, bike parts, BikeParts.com, cycling accessories, cycling apparel, cyclocross, cyclocross bike, cyclocross racing, tires | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
September 15, 2016
Cycling Accessories for Your Cyclocross Gear Bag
Cyclist in general are obsessed with weight. As in, how much their bike parts weigh? How heavy is the bike? How much is the the scale lying to you?
And, the list goes on. Ironically, cyclocross is the only cycling discipline that counters the weight obsession. That is at least, in the preparation department. Everything else applies. Cyclocross races are short, ranging from 30 minutes to an hour depending on category, yet they require the most equipment prep of any bike racing discipline. Part of that relates to the time of year and the variability of the weather. Racers need to be ready to deal with wind, rain, snow, hail, ice, mud, fog, etc. The gear preparation and the cycling apparel adds up. There is gear for warming up, gear for racing, gear for cooling down, gear for the bikes and gear for creating a fun and enjoyable atmosphere. In addition, it is often not enough to have a single piece of equipment or clothing; several may be needed for the day.
Which ultimately begs the question- What do you bring to a cyclocross race? It will take time to nail down the packing system that works best for you; there are lots of individual preferences. However, we’ve compiled a checklist for you. For starters, plan to use a gear bag that opens up wide and allows you to see everything within quickly. Fill it up with these items:
Clothing
- Rain jacket, rain pants, waterproof boots.
- One set of jersey/shorts and one skinsuit. One to warm up in, one to race in. Having extras is good too.
- Long sleeve jersey for warmups.
- Extra base layers.
- Vest, arm warmers, leg warmers, knee warmers. These are for warm-ups.
- Two pairs of shoes. Race pair and a backup just in case one breaks or the first pair is wet and muddy from pre-riding the course.
- Two helmets. Again, in case of a mechanical.
- Two pairs of gloves. Depending on the weather, you may opt for four or five pairs. Short and long-fingered race gloves, a light, medium, and heavy pair of warm-up or standing around gloves.
- Tights or warm up pants.
- Two to three pairs of socks, preferably wool.
- Large garbage bags or ziplock bags to store wet and muddy clothes and gear.
- Winter jacket.
- Cycling cap and or a beanie.
- Sunglasses with multiple lenses.
Gear and Equipment
- Bike. Make sure it’s clean, tuned-up, and ready to ride. If you need bike maintenance, bring it into the shop! Also, remember to take off the water bottle cages, your saddle bag, and anything else you’ve attached to the bike.
- Pump, tools, chain lube, and other maintenance items.
- Safety pins to pin your number to your jersey.
- Towels: large and small. Use the smaller ones for clean up and the larger one for changing clothes. You might opt for extra towels to wipe down the bike.
- Baby wipes – great for cleaning everywhere after the race
- Heat packs to stay warm prior to and post race.
- Water bottles for before and after the race.
- Energy drink mix, gels, bars, and nutritional items.
- Cash for coffee, food, and extras at the venue site.
- Folding chairs
- iPod or music player – good for warming up.
- Water – bring at least one gallon of water, not only for drinking, but for cleaning.
- Stationary trainer for warming up and cooling down. FYI, bring an extra rear wheel. Warm up on the trainer with a regular tire.
- Spare wheels –Bring wheels with tires that have different treads for different conditions.
Now that you have your gear bag ready, it’s time to race cross. If you are new to cyclocross, check out our cyclocross bikes online at bikeparts.com. Dial in the best bike parts and and tire choice. Finally, register for an upcoming cross race! Click here for a list of races along the Front Range for September. Bring on the cowbell friends!
3 Comments | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: & KNEE WARMERS/COOLERS, ARM, bike helmet, bike nutrition, bike parts, BikeParts.com, cold weather gloves, cycling apparel, cyclocross gear, Cyclocross race, LEG, race preparation, rain jacket | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
September 8, 2016
Autumn is upon us. And while the weather is still looking similar to our old friend summer, it is bound to drop in temperature very soon. Many cyclist grieve the loss of summer; yet, fall bike riding offers the chance to enjoy cooler temperatures, view the changing colors of the leaves, and enjoy the fitness gains achieved over the summer months.
Officially, fall begins September 22 and 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.
With that in mind, which Front Range trails should you have on your bucket list? Following are some of our favorites.
- Buffalo Creek
- Centennial Cone
- White Ranch
- Mount Falcon
- Lair O’ the Bear
- Green Mountain
- Apex + trails
- Golden Gate Canyon
- Hall Ranch
- Lake Pueblo
An essential element to successful fall cycling is knowing what to wear. As the seasons transition from summer to fall, the temperatures change, the days are shorter, and the easy “go to clothing” options for riding are replaced with additional items to keep us warm, dry, and safe. Always aiming on the safe side, at Peak Cycles Bicycle shop, we recommend getting a tune-up, having a set of reliable lights and wearing the right bike clothing. Regarding clothing options, following is our list for smoothing transitioning through the season.
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.
Wind / Rain Jacket – It’s always a good idea to keep a water resistant jacket handy when rain is in the forecast.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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! As you can see, 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! Happy Trails to you!
2 Comments | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: Apex Park, arm warmers, bicycle tools, bike parts, Buffalo Creek trail system, Centennial Cone, cycling apparel, cycling gloves, cycling pants, Golden Gate Canyon State Park, Green Mountain MTB trail, Hall Ranch, knee warmers, Knickers, Lair O' the Bear, Lake Pueblo State Park, Mount Falcon, White Ranch Trail, wind vest | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
September 1, 2016
SOMA DOUBLE CROSS DISC / BIKEPARTS.COM
While the cross country mountain bike and road bike race seasons may be winding down, the cyclocross race season is just starting. After finishing a full cycling season, you might wonder – why continue racing?
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. When you think of it, the fall season is a great time for experimentation. It can be a great opportunity to get test out new bike parts or even a new cyclocross bike.
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 matters, one of the most important parts of all is tire selection and their pressure.
So, as the cyclocross season approaches, what do you need to know? A lot! Whether you’re a seasoned cyclocross racer or a newbie, now is the time to dial in your bike parts and 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 races and cyclocross training week.
Join in the cyclocross fun! Following are races along the Front Range for September:
Cyclocross is a sport meant to be fun, otherwise, there wouldn’t be beer handoffs, money pits, crowds heckling the pros, or pros heckling the crowd. Unless you’re aiming for World Cup titles, there’s no reason to take this sport too seriously. Train, race hard, but above all, remember that it’s supposed to be fun…and don’t forget your cowbell!
1 Comment | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: Back to Basics Cyclocross Series, bike parts, cyclocross, HARLOW PLATT, PRIMAL PALOOZA, RUETER HESS, VALMONT | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
August 25, 2016
If you are a cyclist, you don’t just own a bike. At a minimum, you have a helmet, bike pump, and water bottle; you might also own bike shoes, bike gloves, various sets of tires, bike tools, bike lights…the list goes on! The fact is that keeping yourself and your bike in tip-top riding condition throughout the year requires the use of various bike parts, cycling accessories, and cycling apparel. And that can get expensive. Fortunately, it is that time of year again when we have fantastic deals on all the bikes and cycling gear you love! Yay for bike sales, right?!
Everything 2016 is marked way down. Consider these killer deals:
- Up to 35% off new 2016 Stumpjumpers!
- ’16 S-Works Stumpjumper 650b Medium $5590 (from $8600)
- ’16 Stumpjumper Expert 650b Medium & Small $4000 (from $5900)
- ’16 Stumpjumper Comp Carbon 650b Med & L $2540 (from $3800)
- ’16 Stumpjumper Comp Carbon 29 Large & XL $3040 (from $3800)
- ’16 S-Works and Expert Stumpjumper FSR bikes $5590 (from $8600)
Additionally we can special order any remaining 2016 bikes at crazy discounts.
Not looking for a new bike? No worries – we’ve got you covered on cycling accessory closeouts – everything from gloves, jerseys, bike parts, hydration packs, bicycle tools – you name it! Think about it. There aren’t many better upgrades for your road bike than a new set of wheels. Now is the time to get them. Do you wear a helmet every time that you ride? Probably. Well, now’s the time to replace that helmet. Replace worn out pedals, chain rings, and saddles without spending a ton of money.
If these bikes tantalize your bike senses, stop into Peak Cycles in Golden, Colorado to see what you might find at our sale. We’re confident you’ll like what you see!
Note on bike sale: Bikes must be picked up at Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop in Golden, Colorado. Bike cannot and will not be shipped. No exceptions. This applies to all Specialized, S-Works, Praxis Works and MSW products.
Leave a Comment » | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: bicycle tools, bike gloves, bike lights, bike parts, bike pump, bike sale, bike shoes, bike tools, BikeParts.com, chain rings, cycling accessories, cycling gear, Helmet, hydration packs, jerseys, pedals, saddle, Stumpjumpers, tires, water bottle | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
August 18, 2016
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? Keep riding, of course!
Previously, we blogged about how to finish the season strong and suggested bucket list rides through August of 2016. Now that the road and mountain bike cycling season is nearing its end, it’s time to rally! Dig deep! Celebrate the end of the season with a final push. Then, make the transition to the fall season having no regrets.
The key to late season racing and bike events is really to have fun! Earlier in the season, the focus is on improving fitness or achieving goals. Now is the time to enjoy the gains of your hard work. With fitness levels high, late season bike events offer a chance to experiment with race strategies and new cycling accessories. If experimentation isn’t your thing, then at least replace worn out bike parts or catch deals on bike close outs, bike parts and components. Having a fun, relaxed attitude combined with a celebratory bike event is a great way to finish your season. Here are the bike races and events on tap through October, 2016.
Road Bike Races and Events in Colorado
Mountain Bike Races and Events in Colorado
- September 2-4. 2016 – Yeti Cycles Big Mountain Enduro, Crested Butte, enduro
- September 3, 2016 – Ring the Peak, Manitou Springs, endurance
- September 4, 2016 – Grand Traverse Mountain Bike Race, Aspen-Crested Butte
- September 4, 2016 The Fall Classic XC Breckenridge
- September 9-11, 2016 – Vail Outlier Offroad Festival, Vail, XC, enduro
- September 10-11, 2016 – Vapor Trail 125, Salida 125mi, (night MTB)
- September 15-18, 2016 – Salida Bike Fest, Salida, MTB, 4-days
- September 17, 2016 – Banana Belt Mountain Bike Race, Salida, XC
- September 17, 2016 – Golden Giddy Up, Golden, Festival, MTB, enduro
- September 17-18, 2016 – Todd & Ned’s Durango Dirt Fondo, Durango, 30/50mi, 2-days
- September 18, 2016 – Monarch Crest Crank, Salida, 25mi, MTB
- September 24, 2016 – Rico 50/100, Rico, endurance
- September 24, 2016 – Cougar Slayer, Blackhawk, endurance
- October 1, 2016 – Dolores 100/50, Dolores, endurance)
- October 1, 2016 – 12 Hours of Peaceful Valley, Elbert, endurance
- October 1, 2016 – Pedal 50, Monument, 55mi, gravel *free
- October 8, 2016 – 12 Hours of Penitence, Penitente Canyon, San Luis Valley 12-hr (MTB)
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…or cyclocross! Stay tuned for our cyclocross post by following us on Twitter and connecting on Facebook.
Leave a Comment » | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: 12 Hours of Peaceful Valley, 12 Hours of Penitence, Banana Belt Mountain Bike Race, bike parts, bike parts and components, Bikes and Brew, Cougar Slayer, cycling accessories, Dolores 100/50, Golden Giddy Up, Grand Traverse Mountain Bike Race, ICON Tour of the Moon, Monarch Crest Crank, Pedal 50, Pedal the Plains, Rico 50/100, Ride for Success, Salida Bike Fest, Steamboat Springs Stage Race, The Fall Classic, Todd & Ned's Durango Dirt Fondo, Vail Outlier Offroad Festival, Vapor Trail 125, West Elk Bicycle Classic, Yeti Cycles Big Mountain Enduro | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
August 11, 2016
Training Consistency is Key for Podium Performances
The Rio 2016 Olympic Games kicked off this past weekend and already the mens’ and women’s road races and time trial medal winners have captured the heart’s of cycling fans. Watching the Olympic performances can inspire you to get slimmer, faster, and stronger. More so, you can find inspiration in the Olympics to take your health and fitness goals to new heights. Here’s what Olympic cyclists are doing that you can too.
Olympic cyclists 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. Regardless, Olympic cyclist dial in their race day nutrition needs and execute their strategy accordingly.
Olympic cyclists 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.
Olympic cyclist master race day jitters. They set clearly defined goals; establish race day success rituals; have a bike that fits; have the right bike parts, and wear the appropriate cycling accessories for the event. These may seem obvious but the small things add up to bigger gains.
Olympic cyclist recover smart. Included in the recovery process is quality sleep. According to the post, This Is Your Body On Sleep, reduced sleep negatively impacts your HGH production, and your body’s ability to restore its muscle glycogen supply. May pro cyclists add rolling or massage, stretching, compression, and low intensity activity to aid in recovery and getting a good night’s rest. As a bonus, many cyclist sleep in compression garments because they claim that it lowers perceived muscle soreness the day after a big day on the bike.
With envy, many fans watch the Olympic cyclists and wonder how they can mimic the fitness and performance of such talented athletes. It seems that pro cyclists are often thought to be blessed with nature’s special gifts – a huge heart, enormous lungs and infinite leg power. That may very well be the case; yet, the truth is that most of us have the physiology to be a decent racer – if we trained as much as they do and if we adopted their training habits. Stop by Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop in Golden, Colorado to unleash your inner Olympian! We have all the bike parts and cycling accessories to help you take your fitness to new heights!
Leave a Comment » | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: bike fit, bike nutrition, bike parts, compression, cycling accessories, heart rate monitor training, Olympic cyclists, Pioneer Power Meter, power meter, PowerTap Power Meter, Rio 2016 Olympic Games, Stages Power Meter | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
August 4, 2016
BikeParts.com team rider Dan Dwyer in action!
While the temps are soaring and the days are still long, soon – summer will come to an end. Now is the time to get rolling. All of the rides, races, and cycling adventures you hoped to complete this summer need to have a check mark next to them. Who wants to look back on the season with regret? No one! So get out your planner and make August your best month yet.
If you are competitive cyclist, you may still have the itch for more racing. Fortunately, in Colorado the cycling season finishes strong in August. Following are a handful of road races and mountain bike races happening this month:
- August 6, 2016 – I-25 Kia Copper Triangle, Copper Mountain, 82mi
- August 6, 2016 – Stonewall Century Bicycle Ride, Spanish Peaks, La Veta, 100mi
- August 7, 2016 – Classic Velo Retro Rider, Boulder, Vecchio’s at 10am
- August 9-14, 2016 – Breck Epic, Breckenridge, 35-50mi a day, 6-day stage race, MTB
- August 13, 2016 – Leadville Trail 100 MTB, Leadville, 100mi, MTB
- August 13, 2016 – Red Rocks Gran Fondo, Red Rocks (a hard one!), 33/50/62/100mi
- August 13, 2016 – BStrong Ride, Boulder, 24/69mi
- August 13, 2016 – The Broadmoor Pikes Peak Cycling Hillclimb Gran Fondo, 12.42m, ~8,000ft
- August 13, 2016 – Prestige Imports Vuelta a Dillon Fondo, Dillon, 20/60/90mi
- August 13, 2016 – Tour of the Valley, Grand Junction, 30/50/78/100mi
- August 20, 2016 – Tour de Cure Colorado, Longmont, 10/50/62/100mi
- August 20, 2016 – Tim Kalisch Memorial Grand Loop, Golden, 200mi, 15,000ft
- August 28, 2016 – Golden Gran Fondo, Golden, 20/60/90mi
- August 27, 2016 – Colo Bike Law Lookout Mountain Hillclimb, Golden, 4.6mi, 1200ft
- August 27, 2016 – Venus de Miles, Boulder, 33/51/100mi, women only
- August 27, 2016 – CF Cycle For Life (Cystic Fibrosis), Highlands Ranch, 14/49/65mi
- August 28, 2016 – Good Sam Bike Jam, Lafayette (Boulder County), 62/100mi
- August 29, 2016 – Colorado Gran Fondo, Colorado Springs, 60/100mi
Racing isn’t for everyone. If competition isn’t your thing, there are several Front Range rides you can do. Following are some of our favorites:
- Historic Lariat Loop
- Deer Creek Canyon
- Bergen Park or Idaho Springs to Guanella Pass
- Red Rocks Park Loop
- Bergen Park or Idaho Springs to St. Mary’s Glacier (Alice)
- Idaho Springs to Loveland Pass
- Golden to Cold Springs Campground via Golden Gate Canyon
- Bergen Park to Echo Lake
- Idaho Springs to Juniper Pass
- Manitou Springs to Pike Peak Summit Parking Lot (Pikes Peak Hill Climb)
- Morgul-Bismark Route
- Jamestown Canyon Ride
- Flagstaff Hill Climb
- NCAR Hill Climb
- Lookout Mountain Hill Climb
- Sunshine Hill Climb
- Magnolia Hill Climb
- Mt. Evans Hill Climb
- Pikes Peak
- Trail Ridge Road
The best way to make the most of your bucket list rides is be prepared: mentally, physically, and have fully inspected your bike parts. You want to make the most of your rides, don’t you? Of course! No one wants a mechanical during training or racing. Obviously, 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.
Better yet, why not get a new bike for your bucket list rides? Yep, that’s right – a new bike! Get 20% off all bikes $1000 and up and 10% off all bikes under $1000. Stop by the Peak Cycling Bike Shop for help or visit us at bikeparts.com for all your cycling needs.
1 Comment | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: bike parts, bike tools, BikeParts.com, brakes, Breck Epic, Copper Triangle, cycling accessories, Leadville 100, Red Rocks GranFondo, TOUR de CURE Colorado | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
July 28, 2016
BikeParts.com team rider Joshua Vogt mastered the jitters! #1 at the Rattler Series #3
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 your thoughts and creating successful race day routines is well within your scope of control.
At Peak Cycles Bicycle shop, we’ve found that a little preparation can aid in reducing race day jitters. Here’s what works!
Register for an Event – In order to experience race day jitters, you actually have to be registered for an event! If you don’t have anything planned, select a road race and / or MTB race for the upcoming month. Here’s what we have on tap for Colorado racing:
- July 30, 2016 – 155 Team Challenge Gran Fondo, Montrose
- July 30, 2016 – Colorado Park to Park Challenge, Denver to Winter Park, 96mi (a challenge!)
- July 30, 2016 – Circle the Summit (Bob Guthrie Memorial), Summit County, 21/45/60/100mi
- July 30, 2016 – Cripple Creek Crippler, Ken Caryl, 207mi, 19,000ft, Double Century
- July 31-August 6, 2016 – Colorado Rocky Mountain Bike Tour, Gunnison, 472mi, 7-days
- August 6, 2016 – I-25 Kia Copper Triangle, Copper Mountain, 82mi
- August 6, 2016 – Stonewall Century Bicycle Ride, Spanish Peaks, La Veta, 100mi
- August 7, 2016 – Classic Velo Retro Rider, Boulder, Vecchio’s at 10am
- August 9-14, 2016 – Breck Epic, Breckenridge, 35-50mi a day, 6-day stage race, MTB
- August 13, 2016 – Leadville Trail 100 MTB, Leadville, 100mi, MTB
- August 13, 2016 – Red Rocks Gran Fondo, Red Rocks (a hard one!), 33/50/62/100mi
- August 13, 2016 – BStrong Ride, Boulder, 24/69mi
- August 13, 2016 – The Broadmoor Pikes Peak Cycling Hillclimb Gran Fondo, 12.42m, ~8,000ft
- August 13, 2016 – Prestige Imports Vuelta a Dillon Fondo, Dillon, 20/60/90mi
- August 13, 2016 – Tour of the Valley, Grand Junction, 30/50/78/100mi
- August 20, 2016 – Tour de Cure Colorado, Longmont, 10/50/62/100mi
- August 20, 2016 – Tim Kalisch Memorial Grand Loop, Golden, 200mi, 15,000ft
- August 28, 2016 – Golden Gran Fondo, Golden, 20/60/90mi
- August 27, 2016 – Colo Bike Law Lookout Mountain Hillclimb, Golden, 4.6mi, 1200ft
- August 27, 2016 – Venus de Miles, Boulder, 33/51/100mi, women only
- August 27, 2016 – CF Cycle For Life (Cystic Fibrosis), Highlands Ranch, 14/49/65mi
- August 28, 2016 – Good Sam Bike Jam, Lafayette (Boulder County), 62/100mi
- August 29, 2016 – Colorado Gran Fondo, Colorado Springs, 60/100mi
Set Goals – Everyone has different goals. For some, races are just about getting harder efforts in and saddle time. For others, it’s making the podium. For most cyclist, it’s about achieving personal bests. The most important aspect of having a goals it that it 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. 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. Familiarity with the race course and weather conditions aids in having confidence to tackle anything that comes at you during your big event.
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 forget anything as you prepare for your start. Maybe visualization, mantras, and breathing exercises are your thing. Regardless, each event offers you a chance to build on race day rituals that have helped you in the past and also enhance your support for your next race.
Start Line Mental State – Your thoughts, emotions, and pre race behaviors are components of your mental state; with that in mind, take inventory of your mental state and align them with your goals. It’s easy 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.
Whether you’re entering your first event or you’re a seasoned racer, you’re always likely to suffer from some race day nerves. However, with a little planning you can gain confidence. No matter what your training has been like up until this point, having successful race day strategies in place puts you way ahead of a lot of other people on race day.
Leave a Comment » | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: bike components, bike parts, Breck Epic, Colorado Park to Park Challenge, Colorado Racing, Copper Triangle, hydration, Leadville Trail 100 MTB, mmountain bike components, race day nutrition, TOUR de CURE Colorado | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
July 21, 2016
Summer is a great time to travel. It’s exciting to travel to new locations, spend time with friends and family but for many cyclist, there’s that nagging thought lingering in the back of your mind which prevents you from fully embracing the vacation experience.
How much fitness do you lose when you stop training? It’s a scary thought. When you think about it, you’ve worked hard all year to increase fitness and maximize result on the bike. One option is to take your bike with you on vacation. However, that involves logistics, extra luggage, as well as, the challenge of coordinating your bike riding with non cycling family and friends activities.
Is there a way to take a vacation from your bike and not loose fitness?
For starters, a little time off from the bike might not be a bad thing. The post, Missing training – Adjusting the plan, suggest a few options for recalibrating your weekly training schedule. The big take away is the mindset. “Often remind yourself of the big picture. It’s easy to beat yourself up over missed training, but if you have been steady with training, give yourself a break. Gaining fitness doesn’t happen in one or two days and losing fitness doesn’t happen in one or two days. It takes months of steady training to gain good fitness. A few days missed or logging a fewer less hours than planned for a week is a small blip on the radar.”
With that in mind, there are some options to mitigate fitness loss and accelerate your re-entry to training upon return from vacation.
While on vacation, splurge a little with your food but be mindful too. Eat well. Vacation treats offer irresistible food temptations adding extra pounds to your waste lines. Moderate your reaching for the goodies and opt for nutritious snacks. Eating poorly during vacation can affect your mood and motivation towards training when you return. Mix a variety of non cycling exercise into your vacation. Instead of driving to a close by scenic spot, opt to walk instead. Look for hikes to do as a family. Enjoy other outdoor activities like disc golf or jogging. Discover all the different bike shops in the town you are visiting and make a goal to walk or run to explore the shop, discover the local cycling scene, and browse at bike parts.
When you return from vacation, don’t beat yourself up for missed training! You don’t want to jump right back in to your training and riding routine where you left off before vacation. Ease back into it and give yourself some slack. Great suggestions to do this are made in the post, Making up For Lost Training Time. Basically, be mindful of what you can control. You can control the intensity, duration, and consistencies of your workouts. Don’t go too hard to soon or riding too many miles right away. You can also control the elements surrounding your training, as in, your bike parts, bike functioning, and being well prepared nutritionally to get the best out of your workouts. Remember, while you may feel fresh, you did take some time off so be gentle with yourself. You can also focus your efforts on training with power and heart rate. All play a key role in bringing your training back to where you want it to be.
Enjoy vacation and time off from the bike. With a little planning you can experience all the reward of vacation with minimal fitness loss.
Leave a Comment » | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: bike parts, cycling training, disc golf, heart rate monitor, nutrition, power meter, training on vacation | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
July 14, 2016
With the great weather we’ve been having in Golden, Colorado, it’s hard to keep yourself off the bike! Do you find yourself overtraining? Riding too many long miles? Or simply, skimping on your regular self care? How do you know if you’re pushing the limits too far?
First off, it’s important to note that during the summer months it is easy to get swept away in the joys of riding. The temps are great – the trails are great- riding a new mountain bike or road bike is great! All in all, riding in general is just plain amazing. But, with all the bike riding accompanies fatigue and over doing it. In fact, there are three stages of overtraining. Each stage is defined by certain levels of fatigue and recovery time. But in a nutshell, there are common symptoms cyclists can experience when they overtrain.
- 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
Yikes! That doesn’t sound fun – especially when the mountain bike trails and fun adventure road rides are beckoning. What can you do about it? Consider the tools at your disposal to aid in recovery.
Nutrition Options: A favorite nutritional product available post ride 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”?! Speaking of overdrive – you may enjoy reading more on the subject of nutrition and recovery in these post:
Sleep: Included in the recovery process is quality sleep. According to the post, This Is Your Body On Sleep, reduced sleep negatively impacts your HGH production, and your body’s ability to restore its muscle glycogen supply. Ensure you are going quality of sleep by using the Sleep Cycle App. This cool app analyzing users’ sleep patterns and displays data showing how well (or poorly) you slept during the night. You might also add rolling or massage, stretching, compression, and low intensity activity to aid in getting a better night’s sleep. Many cyclist sleep in compression garments because they 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.
Ultimately, the best way to identify if you are over training is by listening to your body. If you can’t keep yourself from riding, then maybe try the distraction technique! Distract yourself from the trails and road rides with some bike bling! Swap a training ride for a visit to Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop. Check out the new bike parts we have in stock. Try on some of the new Specialized Merino wool jerseys that offer evaporative cooling. Explore new tire or wheel options. The possibilities are limitless. And, once you have that spark back in your legs, you’ll enjoy your riding even more!
1 Comment | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: bike parts, bike tires, compression garments, overtraining, PhysioPhyx, recovery, Specialized Merino wool jerseys, wheels | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
July 7, 2016
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 at the Tour de France and wonder how they can mimic the fitness and performance of such talented athletes. Cycling fans follow each day’s stage, drama, and favorite riders as the Tour unfolds.
Many find themselves inspired by the passion and prowess of the Tour riders and feel the call to unleash their own inner pro. Granted, we may not have the legs, power, endurance, or sprinting power of pro riders, but surely, each of us hears the calling to test our abilities – to push a little harder – to see if we have what it takes when the pressure is on.
So given you’re not riding in the Tour, you can still take on the ultimate cycling challenge. To do that, you need an event or race to test the limits. Fortunately, Colorado has some of the greatest road bike and mountain bike rides in the country. From bone-rattling descents to leisurely loops, locals and vacationers alike welcome the challenge of pushing the limits while taking in breathtaking views that only Colorado has to offer. To unleash your inner pro, you have to select an event.
Following are a list rides, road races, and mountain bike races from our friends over at Pedal Dancer for the month of July.
Cycling Events:
- July 9, 2016 – Tour de Ladies, Parker, 30/62.5mi
- July 9, 2016 – Colorado Classic Double Century, Boulder, 243mi, 16,000ft
- July 9-10, 2016 – Triple Bypass, Evergreen-Avon, 120mi/240mi, 1 or 2 days
- July 16, 2016 – Bike to Build (SLV Century), Alamosa San Luis Valley, 35/60/100mi
- July 23, 2016 – Bob Cool Memorial Mt Evans Hill Climb, Idaho Springs, 28mi, 6,900ft
- July 23, 2016 – Kent Eriksen Tour de Steamboat, Steamboat Springs, 25/40/110mi
- July 23-24, 2016 – Courage Classic, Summit and Eagle Counties, 3-days
- July 23-30, 2016 – 109˚ West Bicycle Tour, SW Colorado, week-long tour
- July 23, 2016 – SOS Outreach Colorado – Eagle River Ride, Beaver Creek, 42/68/100mi
- July , 2016 – Grin & Barrett Black Canyon Buttkicker, Montrose, 33/50/75/115/155mi
- July 30, 2016 – Colorado Park to Park Challenge, Denver to Winter Park, 96mi
- July 30, 2016 – Circle the Summit (Bob Guthrie Memorial), Summit County, 21/45/60/100mi
- July 30, 2016 – Cripple Creek Crippler, Ken Caryl, 207mi, 19,000ft, Double Century
- July 31-August 6, 2016 – Colorado Rocky Mountain Bike Tour, Gunnison, 472mi, 7-days
Road Races:
Mountain Bike Races:
- July 9, 2016 – Winter Park Series (Race Rendezvous), Winter Park, XC
- July 9, 2016 – Leadville Silver Rush 50, Leadville, endurance
- July 9-10, 2016 – Yeti Cycles Big Mountain Enduro, Keystone, Enduro
- July 13, 2016 – Ascent Cycling Series, Colorado Springs, XC
- July 16, 2016 – Breckenridge 100 Challenge, Breckenridge, endurance
- July 20-21, 2016 – Enduro X Games series, Steamboat Springs, Downhill, Enduro
- July 23, 2016 – Telluride 100, Telluride, endurance
- July 23, 2016 – Screamin Beaver Enduro, Fort Collins, enduro
- July 24, 2016 – 40 in the Fort, Fort Collins, XC, endurance, 20 mi, 4500ft+
- July 29-31, 2016 – Leadville Stage Race, Leadville, XC
- July 30, 2016 – RME Copper Crush, Copper Mountain, XC, endurance
Next – plan!
In your planning preparations, you’ll want to gather road ride or trail intelligence. Meaning, there are key elements you should know before heading out on any unfamiliar route:
- Know the profile – How much climbing and descending should you expect?
- Know the route – Where is the start or the trailhead? How long is the route? What is the technical difficulty? What type of terrain will you be riding? And, What are the current trail conditions if opting for a mountain bike ride?
- Know the weather conditions before, during, and soon after you expect to ride. Colorado weather changes quickly and sometimes, radically. Be prepared.
Ultimately, the best way to unleash your inner pro is to be 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.
Next time you are watching a stage in the Tour de France and you find yourself inspired to see what you’ve got – go for it! Pick a cycling event in July, get your bike and cycling accessories dialed in and go big! At Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop, we’re cheering for you!
Leave a Comment » | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: 109˚ West Bicycle Tour, 3 Days of Salida, 40 in the Fort, Ascent Cycling Series, bike parts, Bike to Build, bike tools, Bob Cool Memorial Mt Evans Hill Climb, Boulder Orthopedic Crit, brakes, Breckenridge 100 Challenge, Circle the Summit, Colorado Classic Double Century, Colorado Park to Park Challenge, Colorado Rocky Mountain Bike Tour, Courage Classic, Cripple Creek Crippler, cycling accessories, Enduro X Games, Grin & Barrett Black Canyon Buttkicker, Kent Eriksen Tour de Steamboat, Leadville Silver Rush 50, Leadville Stage Race, Mike Neilds Memorial Bannock Street Criterium, mountain bike, RME Copper Crush, road bike, Screamin Beaver Enduro, SOS Outreach Colorado-Eagle River Ride, Telluride 100, Tour De France, Tour de Ladies, Triple Bypass, Winter Park Series, Yeti Cycles Big Mountain Enduro | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
June 23, 2016
At the end of a strenuous training ride or race, cyclist quickly reach for their recovery drink with the intention of refueling their body to prepare for the next round of hard cycling efforts. But what exactly is the goal of “recovery”? What are the best ways to recover in the training cycle? And, is there a way to accelerate recovery? Here’s a hint: recovery is not just drinking a carb loaded fluid after a hard effort.
Think of it this way, according to Rowe and King, “all effective training plans are structured and involve carefully placed recovery phases. A recovery phase can be a single day in the middle of a training block, or up to a week to really recovery and peak before a specific event. However, a common mistake made by cyclists is to repeat the same training, week after week, all season or all year round. It is the progression and overload, paired with recovery that leads to improvement. Without allowing yourself to recover, you will stop making progress, increase the risk of injury and illness, run the risk of overtraining.”
Here’s what’s happening when you train – you stress your body and break down your muscles. According to Joe Friel, endurance coach and author, “recovery days come in two forms: days of complete rest (“passive” recovery) and days with light exercise (“active” recovery). Passive recovery is generally best for novices. If they take the day off from exercise the day after a workout they will improve greatly. For the pure novice any form of training may very well be too stressful. As fitness improves, the recovery days are better spent doing some very light exercise. For the novice this could be light cross training in a sport such as swimming or cycling. Novice runners should never run on a recovery day. It’s simply too stressful even for somewhat advanced novices. The advanced, experienced athlete is best advised to train lightly on a recovery day as this maintains some of the most basic gains made in previous, harder sessions, especially economy of movement and aerobic endurance. Given the advanced athlete’s high level of fitness, such a light training session is not stressful. But it must be easy. Making these sessions too hard is the most common mistake in training at this level. Regardless of one’s level of experience or fitness, the harder the hard workouts, the easier one’s recovery days should be.”
Is there a way to accelerate recovery? Whether recovering from a hard training effort or as part of your training cycle, there are quite a few actions you can take to facilitate quicker adaptations beginning with your ride style. At the completion of your ride, be mindful to cool down appropriately. Spin your legs out and get your heart rate down. Immediately following your ride, Carrie McCusker, an endurance coach, recommends to “restore fluid and electrolyte balance, to replenish muscle and liver glycogen stores, and to stimulate protein synthesis. You can accomplish this by consuming carbohydrates, protein and fluids within thirty to sixty minutes of finishing your workout. Based on research data, athletes are encouraged to utilize this “glycogen window” to restore the muscles. It is particularly important for glycogen-depleting workouts, those that are longer than two hours or those with high intensity efforts, or if the day involves two or three workouts.”
Included in the recovery process is ongoing proper nutrition, sleep, rolling or massage, stretching, compression, and low intensity activity. Compression gear has risen to new heights in recent years. 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 lots of resources online for you to learn about recovery best-practices and get the fuel and equipment you need for adequate recovery. Bikeparts.com has lots of different types of nutritional supplements all in one place as well as bikes, bike parts, cycling accessories, and cycling apparel that can help you with your recovery training. And if you just want to talk to an expert, stop into Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop in Golden, Colorado to talk to one of our competitive cyclists. Have fun with your summer training!
2 Comments | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: active recovery, bike parts, BikeParts.com, compression gear, cycling accessories, cycling apparel, nutrition, nutritional supplements, passive recovery, recovery, recovery drink, training cycle | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
June 16, 2016
Get Your Dad A New Bike from BikeParts.com for Father’s Day!
Father’s Day is almost here, and it’s the perfect opportunity to show dad how much you care. Nothing says “I care about you” more than showing interest in someone’s life – especially their passions.
So, if you’re stuck wondering what to get your cycling Dad for Father’s day, then look no further! At Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop, we’ve put together a list of spin worthy Father’s day gift suggestions.
Super Plush Gifts:
For those going all our for their cycling Dad, nothing beats a new bike! You might think, he already has one – maybe two- or even three bikes…how could he need another? Truth is, you can’t ever have enough bikes. Consider a new road bicycle or mountain bike for your Dad. Even better, opt for a fat bike!
Maybe a new bike is a bit of a stretch, but you really want to treat your Dad to something he might not purchase for himself. Give him power – a power meter that is! If your Dad is 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 purchase, 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.
Plush Gifts that Don’t Break the Bank:
Does your Dad complain of hands falling asleep while riding? Or shoulder or neck pain after a long ride? Ease your Dad’s discomfort with 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 us a call (303) 216-1616 or stop by the shop in Golden to schedule your Dad’s bike fit. Not only can we help him with the fit, but we carry all the bike parts required to get the bike in the very best setup for his riding needs.
If you aren’t in the market for purchasing a new bike for your Dad, then gift him with a bike demo. One of our most popular demos is a fat bike! Riding a fat bike is a great new adventure. Renew your Dad’s cycling enthusiasm by trying out a new bike. Or, try out some new bike parts! What cyclist doesn’t love bike parts? Whether it’s a new saddle, shifters, brakes, seatpost, fork, pedals, hubs or wheels, your Dad probably wants it. The usual problem is how to know exactly what to get. Our answer, get a gift certificate.
Plush Gifts on a Budget:
If Dad taught you to be thrifty, you may be looking for Father’s Day deals so you can get gifts for Dad that don’t break the bank
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 Dad likes to wear their cycling socks even when he isn’t riding? Why? Because they are so comfortable. Pick out a pair of socks you like for your Dad and maybe even get a pair for yourself!
Tires: Treat yourself to Dad to some new rubber! We have a ton of tires for road and mountain bikes.
Lube: Every Dad goes through it and we’ve got tons of it.
See how easy it is to get your cycling Dad a great gift for Father’s Day? If by chance you are still in need of ideas for creative Father’s Day gifts, 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 Father’s Day!
Leave a Comment » | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: bike fit, bike parts, bottle, brakes, chain lube, Cycling Dad, cycling socks, fat bike, Father's Day, fork, lube, mountain bike, pedals, Pioneer Power Meter, PowerTap Power Meter, road bicycle, saddle, seatpost, shifters, Stages Power Meters, tube | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
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