Are You Race Ready?

March 20, 2014

Peak Cycles Race TeamThe Spring Racing Season in Colorado is nearly here! With upcoming events like the Louisville Criterium, Front Range Cycling Classic, Ridgeline Rampage, and The Koppenberg, road and mountain bike racers are ready to ride. But, don’t think that just showing up on the line is enough.  Preparing mentally, physically, and being bike ready will ensure a successful start to the season.

Previously, we shared in our Peak Cycles blog post 5 race day strategies to prepare for the Spring races in Colorado highlighting the importance of setting goals, knowing the race route, establishing race day rituals and getting into the proper mental state for racing.

Yet, with road and mountain bike races beginning as early as next month, you need to dial YOU in to your race schedule.  Are YOU race ready?  The post, 5 Steps to Being Race Ready, reinforces the need for mental and physical preparation, as well as nutrition and bike parts checks, but part of racing is using your energy effectively – on and off the bike.

Balancing work, family responsibilities, training and racing is a key component to being mentally and physically ready to tackle the demands of early season races.  As you transition from winter training to spring racing, your mental and physical demands will change.  You need to have a transition plan in place to find balance.

  • Consider making note of conflicting interests.  See what is incongruent with your schedule, your work or family life and commit to sorting things out in a harmonious way.
  • Communicate your needs and expectations to others.  And, on the flip side, let them know what they can expect from you.
  • Plan ahead. Be proactive.  Set specific times for work, family and the bike.
  • Give something back.  If your family supports you in your training and racing, show how much you appreciate it. Combine races with a family outing and maybe promise to take a couple of months off the bike at the end of the season.

You may or may not be at the front of the pack in your early Spring races, but you can definitely show up at the line in good form, race ready, and prepared for a healthy and strong 2014 cycling season.

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Posted by staffwriter8

What Are the Best Bike Parts for Fall Commuting?

October 17, 2012

Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.  ~Albert Camus

Fall bike commuting offers the chance to enjoy cooler temperatures, view the changing colors of the leaves, and reinvigorate our spirits with the freedom riding a bike inspires.  Bike riding isn’t just for recreational fun, it also contributes to good health and positive work/ life balance.  A Rodale Press survey found that Americans want to have the opportunity to bike to work instead of driving, with 40 percent of those surveyed saying they would commute by bike if safe facilities were available.   However, for many, fall bike commuting raises questions.

  • Do I need special bike components?
  • Do I have the right clothing?
  • Do my bicycle parts need extra attention?

Fear not!  Here’s a guide to get you pedaling through the colored leaves.

  • A good route.  Learn how to pick a route you like. Google maps for cycling is a good option.
  • Lights. A set of small, modern LED lights is sufficient.
  • A good helmet.  What do you call a cyclist who doesn’t wear a helmet?  An organ donor ~David Perry.  Wear a bike helmet.
  • A repair kit.  It’s good to carry a small multi-tool, a patch kit, a small pump, and a spare tube for those inevitable roadside repairs.
  • A lock. Invest in a quality lock and use it wisely
  • A way to carry things. This could be as simple as a messenger bag or as elaborate as a set of touring panniers.
  • Be visible. Think Bright colors and reflective materials on your person and on your bike.
  • Motivation. Stay motivated and keep after it! The more you do it, the more you love it!

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.

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Posted by staffwriter8