PREVENTING CRAMPS WHEN CYCLING

Even the greatest, fittest, healthiest most experienced rider can get leg cramps. The medical and sport community will tell you there is no single solution to prevent leg cramps. We do know however dehydration is one of the major contributors. Staying hydrated is mandatory in any sport or exercise program. Cycling in Oklahoma’s steamy fall afternoons and evenings makes it even more important.

It is suggested cyclist keep a diary of where they were riding, the surface, time of day, and weather conditions when they cramp the most. Ask yourself these questions, do you cramp when riding a certain bike, when seat and pedals are positioned in a certain way – is it always the same muscle that cramps?  Many cyclist have discovered keeping a diary helps them identify specific muscles or muscle groups requiring additional stretching, enabling adjustments to training programs. Stretch training is one way in which to reduce cramping. Year round stretch training increases range of motion, builds and supports the core and increases muscle efficiency.  Biomechanically speaking, the “cycling muscles” are muscles that act at three main joints; the hip, the knee, and the ankle. These joints allow you to turn the cranks on your bike in a smooth and efficient manner. Weight training, resistance training and off-bike training such as hiking, walking, running, swimming or aerobics on a regular basis improves muscle function. Hiring a certified USA Cycling Coach to work with you provides the guidance and support needed for a successful training program. 

Knowing your threshold is important. More importantly is listening to your body. Pushing yourself beyond what your muscles and core can handle can lead to cramping and permanent muscle damage. Professional cyclist use a “cycling threshold test”. Whether you regularly work with a cycling coach or not, working with a certified coach for a “cycling threshold test” can make a world of difference. The more you know and understand about your body, the more successful a rider you will be.

In addition, maintaining stress levels, avoiding overtraining, resting after workouts, eating healthy, avoiding drugs and alcohol, applying self-discipline and self-motivation, proper bike fit and being open and honest with yourself, your coach and your fellow cyclist are additional ways in which to avoid cramping. For more information on cramping contact USA Certified Cycling Coach Buster Brown, at Bixby Bicycles.  

NATIONAL BIKE MONTH

In writing this blog, I must assume most of you are already riding. Posted on my social media sites, my website and my online blog, readers and followers tend to be part of my cycling community. So why reinforce National Bike Month to existing cyclist? Because it embodies all the reasons I ride, coach, build, advertise, market, sell and repair bicycles. For me it goes far beyond the economics, health and fitness benefits of cycling. I think it is best said in snippets from my original Mission Statement: “To create new cyclist and to coach and support existing and mature cyclist and racers in a fair, friendly and courteous training environment. To educate the cycling community fostering a healthy fun method of exercise and sustainable fitness.” Yes, I’ve removed the business portions to concentrate on my reason for reaching out to you with this blog. Bicycling is so much more than two wheels, two pedals and a saddle. Cycling for me is a way of life. It’s who I am and one of the reasons I get up in the morning. It’s the social, economic and health benefits I want for you and those you care about the most. Regardless of age, culture, economics, social status, size, weight, health or level of wellness, bicycling can enhance your life - for many it can be a life saver.

We live in a society where obesity and diabetes has become a major problem. A large portion of our society; children, adolescents, teens, adults and the elderly are overweight. Cycling can help, however in many communities it isn’t reaching those who need it the most. National Bike Month gives me and passionate cyclist nationwide the opportunity to expand our reach and amplify a message you’ve heard again and again: Cycling improves mobility, strengthens bones, decreases body fat and boosts flexibility. It’s good for the heart, brain, digestive system and is a great way to burn calories. Cycling brings communities together, is great for the environment, gets children out-of-doors and encourages cycling as a family.

Is National Bike Month still needed? A definite yes! Despite cities adding bike lanes and bike trails, despite bike sharing growing by leaps and bounds, despite biking events, rides, races and tours, large segments of the country remain dangerous for cyclist. National Bike Month highlights the dangers, the benefits and the needs. Bike To School Day highlights the physical, mental, and emotional benefits of cycling to school, Ride To Work Day highlights the benefits of two wheels over four and the CycloFemme Ride highlights women and their place in the world of cycling. National Bike Month sees diverse bike cultures spring up in communities nationwide. 

Will the US, Tulsa County or the community of Bixby look like villages and townships in the United Kingdom? No. However, it is my hope and my deepest desire to see more of our population take advantage of a classic piece of exercise equipment which doubles as a means of transportation, a vehicle for transporting goods, a recreational vehicle, a personal mobility device used for touring and racing and for some the ideal planter. Join me in celebrating National Bike Month and the many events the city and community offers.  Be safe, courtliest, respectful, supportive and demonstrate sportsmanship as you and your family enjoy the ride. 

BUSTER BROWN, 

USA Certified Cycling Coach

NATIONAL BIKE MONTH

“May is National Bike Month, sponsored by the League of American Bicyclists and celebrated in communities from coast to coast. Established in 1956, National Bike Month is a chance to showcase the many benefits of bicycling — and encourage more folks to giving biking a try. Whether you bike to work or school; ride to save money or time; pump those pedals to preserve your health or the environment; or simply to explore your community, National Bike Month is an opportunity to celebrate the unique power of the bicycle and the many reasons we ride.  The League of American Bicyclist.”

CHOOSING BICYCLE SHORTS

Last week during a networking presentation, I asked if anyone knew why cyclist wore bike shorts. There were a few who responded right away – with the right answer of course. If you’re a cyclist you know the answer, however if you’re new to the sport your response – like so many others, might be the wrong one. Cyclist who ride for fun, enjoy riding as a family, or use their bicycle for transportation might stray from the tightly fitted spandex short.  Depending on how you use your bicycle, you might have made the wrong decision. Surprised? Whether you realize it or not, bicycle shorts are an important accessory providing both safety and comfort. 

Bicycle shorts are designed to meet the needs of the cyclist, the professional, casual, new and seasoned cyclist.  Specifically designed to meet the cyclist’s needs, these shorts include, padding, tactically placed seams, flexible fabrics which reduce air resistance and wind block, and fabrics that breathe. Choosing the right pair of shorts is important. Did you know bicycle shorts are made to wear “without” underwear? It’s true and their designed for different types of riding.  Selecting the perfect pair of shorts can be challenging. Bike shops such as Bixby Bicycles & Accessories are staffed with sales associates who can assist with this challenge. 

     First the good news – not all bicycle shorts are tight!  Baggy shorts are available and perfect for the touring or commuting rider. If you ride for fun or casually for exercise – or you want a specific look, baggy shorts can meet your specific needs.  If you choose a baggy short, look for an inner liner – pockets are also available. These shorts have a comfy look and stylish appeal and they come in an array of styles, colors and sizes. 

     However, if you plan on picking up the pace, race training, or high impact exercising tight fitting padded bicycle shorts are a must. They control moisture (wicking), keeping you dry and minimizing chaffing. The pad or leather chamois covers the seams and provides a smooth surface to sit on. Considering they are worn without undergarments it is important to protect the skin against the repetitive friction of the legs against the bicycle seat, to cool the rider down through the process of evaporation, and compress the legs. Tight fitting bicycle shorts protect genitalia in men and women.  They also reduce the weight of a rider’s clothing – improving comfort during long rides or races. Bike short padding, number of panels, the waist band or bib, inseam length, fabric and color are all important.
     Riding for spin classes, triathlons, mountain biking, commuting or enjoying an early evening family ride, clothing is one of your most important accessories – do the research or ask an informed bicycle sales associate.  The right clothing can be one of your most important accessories. Choose tight fitting bike shorts or baggy shorts, thick fabric or thin (based on climate), sheer or shiny, made of wool, Lycra, spandex or a variety of other wicking materials,