Preparing for Your First Solo Backcountry Cycling Trip

July 16, 2020

So you want to do epic rides, great! And you want to ride them solo. Also great! But, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Riding alone in the backcountry is unquestionably riskier than riding with a friend. Sure, the thrill of riding uncharted territory and exploring new rides and routes is exhilarating.  But sometimes, riding into the unknown can also be stressful – especially if you are doing it solo.
Concerns about changing weather conditions, coupled with the fear of a possible crash or getting disoriented or lost, all contribute to less than the ideal ride.

Given the current coronavirus pandemic and the increasing strain placed on front line workers, it’s more important than ever to ride responsibly. Given that, there are extra considerations to take on longer rides and recommended gear to carry, whether it’s just for a big one-day adventure or a much longer bikepacking expedition.

At Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop, we’ve discovered that by planning ahead and taking just a few extra precautions, you can increase the likelihood of having a great riding experience, as well as, coming home safe and in one piece to tell your friends and family all about it.  Here’s what you need to know.

  • Prepare your route and know the profile – How much climbing and descending should you expect?  Have you trained appropriately? Plan within your limits.
  • Know the route – How long is it?  What is the technical difficulty? What type of terrain will you be riding?  And, what are the current trail conditions?  All these factors influence your experience and safety while riding in the backcountry.  An additional consideration is water. Is water available? No doubt, you will definitely want to bring along hydration options. Think water bottles and hydration packs and consider filter options for epic days or routes.
  • Know the weather conditions before, during, and soon after you expect to ride.  Colorado weather changes quickly and sometimes, radically.  Be prepared. Plan ahead. Think through what you will do when faced with challenging weather conditions.
  • Be mindful of the cycling apparel to wear.  Being over or underdressed makes for an uncomfortable ride. You’ll want to have a rain jacket, maybe a wind vest, and several layering options available to you depending on the length and location of your ride.
  • Before you head out on your adventure, know which bike components are best for the terrain type and the right mountain bike tire to use.
In addition to preparing for your ride, you will want a checklist of essential items to carry with you.  By no means is this a complete list but it’s a good starting place for essentials:

Plan for problems.  Not every ride goes as planned. Think ahead and work through any potential problems you may encounter and prepare in advance accordingly. If you need additional clothes, plan to pack them. If you need spare bike parts, or extra lube, or other cycling accessories, add them to your list to purchase and have available for your adventure.

Finally, ride conservatively, especially when riding solo. Ride within your limits.  New ride routes and trails have a way of invoking cycling superpowers!  That is, they inspire us to ride fast and get after it! That is all fine and dandy but when riding solo in remote or uncharted territory, it may be a good idea to pull back just a bit. Keep some reserves in your energy stores in case you do get lost or the ride takes you further from your final, planned destination.  Be mindful of changing weather conditions that may tax your energy reserves and be proactive in eating timely and adding/ removing cycling apparel to make sure you keep your energy steady.  Nothing adds more stress to a ride than getting lost and/or being too cold and not knowing if you can even get to your final destination.

Riding solo in the backcountry can be a fun adventure. Yet remember, it’s safer to ride with a buddy and safer still to ride the backcountry with a group. If you’re going out solo, take extra time to prepare and be conservative. Stop by Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop in Golden, Colorado to pick up the bike parts and cycling accessories you need for your trip and safe riding to you!

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Safe Habits for Cycling in a Post-Pandemic World

July 9, 2020

The Covid-19 pandemic has drastically changed the ways in which we exercise and travel. Whereas there was never before a real need to overthink your next cycling outing, the emergence of the coronavirus has forced avid cyclists to prepare extensively prior to taking to the road. Although lockdown regulations have been eased in most parts of the USA, the highly-contagious virus continues to pose an immense threat. For this reason, very strict health and safety precautions need to be adhered to by all cyclists for the foreseeable future.

Stay on top of your personal hygiene

Although the coronavirus is not spread through perspiration, items touched by an infected person could post a risk according to scientists at Johns Hopkins University. Upon your return home from your ride, be sure to wash your cycling apparel, bicycles, and other cycling accessories thoroughly. Also, remember to wash your hair when you have a shower and disinfect the soles of your shoes before entering your home. While these precautions may seem somewhat over the top it is always better to be over-cautious than reckless. The National Institute of Health (NIH) does, after all, also warn that the Covid-19 virus can live for more than 3 days on certain materials including fabric, plastic, and metal.

Keep your premises clean

It is not only your personal hygiene that should be a priority when cycling amidst the pandemic. If you make use of short-term bike rentals, it is imperative to ensure that you only make use of a trusted rental agency. Disinfection is crucial in slowing down the spread of the virus and it is well within your rights to enquire whether a business has all the necessary precautionary measures in place. Apart from regular disinfection, general cleaning should continue on a daily basis to improve the overall cleanliness of the premises. Even if you are happy with the effort being made to keep the premises virus-free, be sure to carry disinfectant wipes with you to wipe down bike parts including the handlebars, seat, brakes, and other areas of the bike you may come into contact with. Remember to wash your hands right after your ride and follow the standard protocol upon returning home.

Be kind to your immune system

If you want to keep safe and healthy while cycling it is important to ensure that your immune system is as robust as possible. While the physical exercise associated with cycling is undoubtedly good for you, it is important to note that your immune system may not be functioning at its best after a hard ride. During this time, when your body’s defenses are not operating at their best, you may be increasingly at risk to contract an illness. While it is necessary to remain physically active, it is not worth risking your health by over-exerting yourself and falling ill. Instead, opt for shorter, less-intense rides and make sure you fuel your body with plenty of immune-boosting nutrients.

Although it has been months since the first Covid-19 case was reported in the USA, there is no indication of how long the pandemic will continue. For now, the best any avid cyclist can do is adhere to all the necessary safety precautions while continuing to engage in their sport of choice.

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Last Minute Cycling Gifts for Father’s Day

June 18, 2020

Father’s Day is Sunday, June 21. That’s just 3 days from now.

If you haven’t found the perfect gift for your cycling Dad, don’t panic. We’ve got you covered with gift ideas. From upgrading your Dad’s man cave to purchasing spin worthy gifts, you’ll be sure to find what you need at Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop. Read on.

New bike
For those going all out 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 or try an electric bike!

Bike parts
A no brainer for Father’s day is bike parts! Think new drivetrain parts, brakes, saddle, and wheelset.  Or, check out our post, Father’s Day Gift Guide for Cyclists, Road Bikers, and Mountain Bikers for more ideas.

Cycling accessories
There are so many options and choices available if you opt to gift your Dad cycling accessories. Easy picks include:
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.

Cycling apparel
What do you get a Dad that has everything? Clothes! You can’t have too many jerseys, shorts, tights, jacket, sunglasses, and cycling shoes!  Cycling apparel is much better than just getting another tie!

Gift certificates
Gift certificates can be used for purchasing bike parts and cycling accessories.  Also consider a variety of gift certificates, as in, those to Starbucks for after ride coffee.  Or, even a trial membership for yoga.  If your cycling Dad complains of tight muscles, yoga helps ease the tightness, creating core strength, and aligning the spine.

Bonus gift – Ride with your Dad
Riding together with your Dad on Father’s day could be one of his most favorite and memorable shared activities to do.  Consider selecting one of the 20 Colorado Front Range Bucket List Rides or keep it local and ride some of the best mountain bike trails Golden, Colorado has to offer.

Make your Father’s Day memorable!  Gift him with bike parts and cycling accessories that tap into his cycling passion.  Happy Father’s Day!

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Top Ways to Stay Visible While Cycling

February 6, 2020

In recent years the number of accidents involving cars hitting cyclists has gone up considerably. More than 700 cyclists are killed in accidents involving cars annually. While there is no way to eliminate the risk of an accident when you’re cycling make sure that you and your bike are as visible to drivers as possible is a good way to lower the risk of being involved in a serious or fatal car accident.   Following are some tried and true ways for cyclists to stay visible when they are riding.

Wear Neon Colors

Neon colors were popular with everyone in the 80s, but they’re still a popular choice for cyclists because they can make you much more visible when you’re a bike at night. Invest in some high-quality performance wear for cycling that has neon patches or stripes that will light up when car lights hit them. That will increase your visibility and keep you safer when you’re cycling. 

Install Lights On Your Bike

Another way to boost your visibility is to have front and rear lights put on your bike if your bike doesn’t have them already. The front and rear light will function like the lights on a car to make your bike more visible to drivers around you. A front light will also make it easier for you to see the road ahead of you and avoid broken pavement or obstructions. 

Get A Safety Vest

Every cyclist should have a safety vest. Actually, you should have more than one. You should keep one in your saddlebag, one with your bike, and one in the car or at work so that you always have one nearby when you want to go for a ride. Safety vests are inexpensive lightweight vests made from reflective material that will light up brightly when lights hit them. Safety vests are easy to wear, don’t add bulk, and can be worn over any type of clothing. They’re great for visibility and so inexpensive that you can afford to have several of them. 

Ride During The Day

If you like to ride after work to relax this might not be something that you really want to do, but statistically riding during the day when there’s more light means that you’re less likely to be in an accident. Be flexible with your ride times and if there’s a lot of traffic on your usual ride route you should think about switching to a daytime ride to be safer. 

Ride In A Group

Another way to boost your visibility and lower the risk of an accident is to ride in a group with friends. A driver may not see one cyclist that is riding next to the car but they will not be able to avoid multiple cyclists. It doesn’t have to be a big group of bikers to increase visibility and safety. If you can get a couple of friends to ride at lunchtime or after work with you that will help you stay visible and stay safer when you’re cycling. 

This article was provided by www.personalinjury-law.com, an organization dedicated to providing the public with information about personal injury and safety information. Nothing in this article should be construed as legal advice, and it is intended for informational use only. Be sure to review your local cycling ordinances to ensure you ride safe and legally.

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Santa’s Helpers: Saving Money on Bike Parts at Peak Cycles  

December 12, 2019

At Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop, we consider ourselves Santa’s helpers.

Why? Because right now, we have so many crazy, awesome sales and discounts on bike parts and cycling accessories that we’re convinced Santa wants to trade in his sleigh and ride a bike to deliver presents this year.

There is a reason to Bliss Out This Holiday Season with our Huge Specialized Sale. We’ve also got you covered with these special deals too!  

We have holiday gifts for every cyclist on your list.  Save time and money by shopping online at BikeParts.com. The time you save shopping online means you now have time to make those special cookies for Santa, right?!  

Happy Holidays friends! 

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Celebrate Mother’s Day with A Family Bike Ride

May 10, 2018

Family Bike Rides Enjoyed by all at Peak Cycles/ BikeParts.comMoms do so much for their families on a daily basis. From cooking meals to scheduling events and chauffeuring kids. Mother’s Day is a special day to say thank you for all Mom does.  It’s also a day to create special memories.  

This Mother’s Day, why not get the whole family together for a bike ride? Bike riding as a family is a fantastic way to share the love of biking together while also having fun and exploring the wonders only a two -wheeled friend can provide!  The to making the day memorable is making it easy for Mom so she can pedal in pleasure!  Here’s how to do it.  

Before heading out, plan a short destination ride or round trip ride that all in the family can do with ease.  You don’t want to over reach on distance. Also, be mindful of the time of day. Too hot or too cold of temperatures can adversely affect the comfort of the ride.  Put a little planning into your route with stopping points, points of interest, a restaurant or coffee shop and you may find it keeps enthusiasm high and the overall ride more enjoyable. 

Mom’s are safety minded and you want her mind at ease on the ride. Educate your kids on the the rules of the road. Know what the bicycle laws are in your area, and follow them. In most areas, they are going to be very similar to vehicular traffic. Make sure you stop at stop lights and stop signs, signal before turning, and ride on the street. It’s important to model good behavior and teach your family the rules on the road. 

Safety also means making sure all the bikes are in good working condition. Have water, nutritional items and food available. Remember to have sunscreen in case you are out on your ride longer than expected. A good rule of thumb is to carry basic bike tool kit with you too. All of these items contribute to a positive bike riding experience.

You can help your kids feel more excited by making sure everyone in your family has gear that fits. This means both a bike and a helmet.  Kids love clothes, gear, and bike parts too! Dress your kids for cycling success. Investing in a well fitting helmet, along with a jersey, cycling shorts, and a good pair of gloves inspires your kids and affects enjoyment levels and performance. If your child is comfortable, they are going to want to ride. Same goes for Mom! Every woman wants to ride in style. With that in mind, you can never go wrong in getting your Mom cycling apparel!  She can’t have too many jerseys, shorts, tights, jacket, sunglasses, or cycling shoes!  Having a variety of cycling apparel to wear keeps cycling fresh and makes it fun to get out and ride – especially on Mother’s Day! 

Making a Mother’s Day celebration memorable and unique doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive – just some thoughtfulness!  Remember to take pictures of the fun you have on the ride.  Encourage family members to make the day easy for Mom so she can enjoy it to the fullest. Ultimately, a Mother’Day family bike ride allows you to play and create memorable moments together. Enjoy! 

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Prepare for a Great Cyclocross Season with These Tips 

October 19, 2017

Cyclocross Bikes at Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop / BikeParts.com

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! So how do you make the most of cross season? 

First, make a decision  to race!  There are lots of reasons to race cyclocross – including: 

  1. Cyclocross promotes silky smooth pedaling 
  2. Cyclocross develops your strength and power 
  3. Cyclocross improves your bike handling skills 
  4. Cyclocross teaches you race techniques
  5. Cyclocross reduces off-season weight gain 

Yet, most who have raced cyclocross, know the primary reason to do it is because it’s fun! Pick one or two of the upcoming cyclocross races along the Front Range: 

  1. Schoolyard Cross
  2. Shimano CX Series: Boulder Res
  3. Feedback Cup
  4. Shimano CX Series: Sienna Lake
  5. Cross of the North
  6. Shimano CX Series: Salisbury

Now, plan some time to develop your cross skills.  Whether you are new to cyclocross or an avid racer, there’s always something new to learn.  With that in mind, you’ll enjoy all the resources we have at Peak Cycles and BikeParts.com:

Finally, what do you bring to a cyclocross race?  Our post, Race Prep: What to Bring to a Cyclocross Race, dials this in for you so you won’t show up unprepared.  

Now that you are motivated, skilled, and 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 tire choice.  Finally, don’t forget to register for an upcoming cross race!

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Cyclocross Newbies – Tips to Prep for Your First Cyclocross Race

September 7, 2017

Cyclocross bikes at BikeParts.com

Cyclocross is one of the fastest growing sections of cycling – it’s an all-out mad dash through the dirt, pavement, grass, mud, sand, snow and/or ice that will leave you sucking wind, barely able to see straight. Surprisingly, this is addictive and you’ll be excited to do it again.

The course is held on a relatively short track (2 miles or less) making it spectator-friendly as well. Cyclocross is also one of the few sports where heckling is not only carried on by the spectators but encouraged, even by the top-level touring elites.

Sounds fun, right?  It is!  Cyclocross is a wonderful way for road cyclists and mountain bikers to extend their competitive seasons and get a head-start on training for next season. If you are new to the discipline, then where do you start? Following are our tips to get you racing your first cross race.

  • Get a cyclocross bike. If you are new to cyclocross, you’ll want to check out our cyclocross bikes online at bikeparts.com. Equipment choices matter! Things to consider for cross racing includes the best bike parts and and tire choice for the types of races you’ll be doing. 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.
  • Get a bike fit.  As you know, bikes come in all sizes and shapes, and there are endless bike parts and cycling accessories that can be added or swapped to make bikes a better fit for you. When considering a bike that will actually fit you, most bike experts consider things like frame size, frame dimensions, saddle height, top tube and stem dimensions, knee and cleat position, handle bar size, crank length and body angle. Cyclocross is a little different than road or mountain bike riding. Cyclocross is a sport based in technique, and while much of technique is based around handling and body position, both of those factors are determined by the fit of a bicycle. Do yourself a favor and get a bike fit.  
  • Attend a clinic.  If your new to the sport, a formal clinic can be a great way to get acclimated to the sport while making some racing friends. Attending a clinic can help improve your technical skills and help you to confidently navigate your first cross race. 
  • Make a cyclocross gear bag. Although cross races are short, because of the time of year and the variability of the weather during the races, 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.  Granted, it will take time to nail down the packing system that works best for you; however, we have compiled a checklist for you in our post, Race Prep: What to Bring to a Cyclocross race.

Now that you have the tips to preparing for your first cyclocross race, put your skills to use! Get your cowbell ready and plan your cross racing season.  See you at the races!

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5 Tips to Transition Toward Spring Cycling Races

April 6, 2017

Spring riding and racing is just around the corner and athletes everywhere are starting to think about their “A” races as well as secondary races to use for training and motivation.  A given rule of thumb is that all races and events provide experience, training benefits, and act as a stage to assess your form.  

However, while some may have trained through the winter months, many have not.  And the alluring call of gorgeous spring days lures many unprepared cyclist to ride too hard, too fast which can lead to injuries or a set back in the 2017 cycling season. To avoid injury or setback, follow these tips to help transition into a healthy and rewarding Spring cycling season.  

Tip #1
Whether you plan to ride a century, multi-day rides, race or aspire to longer or more frequent rides in 2017, monitoring your early season training and racing sets the stage for a successful year ahead.  Key points to keep in mind include training intensity, duration, and frequency.  Our tip to do this? Use power meters and heart rate monitors to guide you. Given that early season training lends itself to “false” feedback.  Meaning, because you may be fresh, your perceived effort on the bike may be low causing you to push too hard, too soon, and then training suffers later due to increased recovery time or even injury.  By monitoring your efforts with specific data, you objectively know when you are pushing beyond your targeted indictors, as well as, when you aren’t pushing hard enough.  This allows your body to adjust to increased training load over time and in a manner that meets your 2015 cycling season goals.  Check out our post, The Best Training Aids to Launch into Spring Cycling, to dial in which training aid is best for you. 

Tip #2
An often overlooked, yet incredibly powerful tool for improved cycling is a bike fit.   If you haven’t ridden much through the winter, now is the best time for a bike fit.  Why?  Because your body is unaccustomed to the riding position.  You have an opportunity to optimize your position and make needed upgrades to your road bike or mountain bike.  Think of it this way – leg strength, endurance, and fitness are at the heart of cycling speed, but without a proper bike fit, you are sabotaging your training efforts.  In a sport based on such a highly repetitive action, like pedaling, the first line of defense against injury is a proper bike fit.  And, a bike fit goes beyond just setting saddle height and bar reach. To get the most enjoyment and reward from your training programs it’s critical to dial in the fit and confirm you have the right bike parts for optimal performance.

Tip #3
Get your bike race ready – It’s obvious, but often overlooked with the excitement of the season – but that is getting your bike ready to race. Our post, Spring Cleaning! 4 Essential Bike Maintenance Tips to Get Your Bike on the Road, walks you through all the bike maintenance and safety checks needed before embarking on epic training rides.  Fortunately, all the bikes, bike parts , cycling accessories, and cycling apparel you’ll need can be found on our website – bikeparts.com.  And, if you aren’t into doing bike maintenance yourself, Call or stop in to Peak Cycles in Golden, CO to schedule your bike for a full tune-up. 

Tip #4
Be prepared.  April kicks off the season in Colorado with the Boulder-Roubaix, Front Range Classic, Fruita Fat Tire Festival, and Koppenberg Road Race.  Not only are you testing your fitness in these early season races, but you’re also testing your memory!  Don’t forget necessary event and race itms. We’ve prepared a handy, comprehensive checklist for Spring racing.   

Tip #5
Early season cycling tempts cyclists  to jump into race training with all the intensity, determination, and vigor they can muster. While these are positive mentalities to have, its important that competitive bicyclists not let their excitement for spring training cause them to overwork themselves.  Recovery is critical.  Our post, Don’t Compromise Your Spring Training Recovery Rides! Here’s How… offers resources for you to learn about recovery best-practices and get the fuel and equipment you need for adequate recovery.

Finally, have fun! Enjoy the launch of the cycling season!  

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