CYCLING TO WORK

Are you riding your bicycle to work?  People all over the world are changing their methods of transportation. The millenniums and Y Generation have forced us to think differently about a lot of things. Some do it to save the planet, some to save money, others find they are forced economically and financially to find a better way of doing things. Transporting ones-self five days a week, 50 weeks a year is costly. Whether by car, bus or train, getting from point A to point B sustains a cost whereas bicycling is virtually free. True, there are upfront costs, yet once you have the bicycle, the clothing, a couple of spare tires, a wire bottle and a good pair of shoes, your cost free.  There is one factor which remains a challenge for many – the physical requirements. Hoping on a bicycle and riding 6-8 miles to work doesn’t come easy.

     Google commuting by bicycle and you’ll find articles referencing exercise, fitness, race training, health benefits and more. There is very little however on how to prepare for the commute. If you don’t exercise at all, jumping on a bicycle and expecting to ride 6-8 miles on day one will led to parking your newly purchased bicycle in the garage or hanging it from a hook in the ceiling never to be touched again. If you don’t know your physical limitations, you will end up hating the experience as much as you hate the bicycle.

     Although cycling is a low-impact exercise, any prolonged physically activity (you’re not prepared for) can leave you with injuries.  Back strain, arm pain, shoulder and knee discomfort are problem areas new and many seasoned cyclist experience.  Tiredness, fatigue, a lack of hydration and poor nutrition should be added to the list.  If you are planning to purchase a bicycle, or own one you’re planning to use for commuting prepare yourself for the ride – emotionally and physically. There are rules and regulations when riding in traffic, there are challenges riding up and down hills, bike routes aren’t always available and safety is a major concern.

     Group bike rides are a must. Before heading out alone join a local group bike ride. Most have different levels and many offer indoor classes before taking to the road. Bike Shops such as Bixby Bicycles and Accessories can provide maps to lay out safe routes.  They also have coaches who can help you prepare physically, give nutritional advice, ensure equipment fits properly, and teach recovery methods. No one wants to feel great about bicycling to work and arrive unable to put in an eight hour day. Your boss just might have something to say about that. Being aware of the weather conditions, having extra clothing, and having a plan B is crucial. Bicycling is physical exercise and if you’re in a hot climate you’ll need a way to freshen-up once you arrive at the work place. You don’t want to arrive exhausted neither do you want everyone to smell you coming.  Snow, rain and drastic changes in temperature can make the ride home challenging, have a plan B. Preparation is key!

     Commuting to work by bicycle is more popular than ever.  You save money, see things you’ve never seen before, avoid rush hour traffic and rush hour crowds, save money, save the planet, get your daily dose of exercise, and let’s not forget the freedom of the ride. If you’re properly trained, physically fit, and properly attired for safety and comfort, know your route and have a plan B for unexpected changes in the weather or that requirement to work overtime, commuting by bicycle can be a truly rewarding experience.

Bicycling For Life: Mark Martin

At Bixby Bicycles we enjoy sharing pictures, articles and videos about bicycling.

Mark Martin is both funny and informative in this 12 minute video. 

To all you cyclist and friends of cyclist, it's entertainment with a positive message 

Enjoy, "Bicycling For Life"

To View on Tablet or Phone Click Here

Otherwise Click on the Arrow Below

To View on YouTube

http://youtu.be/4W-3Mnu3Ovo

GROUP RIDE SKILLS AND GUIDELINES

Group rides can be fun, but they can also be dangerous.  Not knowing the rules can turn a rewarding experience into a chain of horrible events.  Regardless of your riding experience or your level of expertise on the bike, the rules remain the same. Here are some basic rules for both the new and seasoned Group Rider.

THE PACE LINE

1.  Ride two by two, side by side. Not to close, yet not to far apart, a few centimeters between riders works best –and handlebar to handlebar.

2.  Group Rides Are Not Races. Most organizers of Group Rides sort riders by experience level. You might feel stronger as you ride, or feel you’re in the wrong group – don’t sprint ahead, even if there is a corner coming up, remain side by side. Remember, it’s up to you to keep up with the speed of the slower rider next to you, and to keep to the side of the road.  If you don’t have anyone to ride alongside you, place yourself in between the two riders ahead of you – your front wheel between their two rear wheels.

3.  Pulling Through:  When the riders ahead of you peel off you should come through to the front and pull the group along with you. Remember, once you are in second wheel, you must come through to the front. To avoid this move, avoid second wheel. Cyclist who feel tired or less fit should peel-off.

4. Peeling Off:  Start by letting the rider beside you know you want to move to the back. Look back for anyone who might be overlapping your back wheel, once confirmed (and traffic permits) both of you should move to the outside and let the group come through the middle.  If only one of you wants to peel off, both should move to the outside, however the rider who wants to remain in the front should maintain pace and speed. Do not speed up and do not get out of the bar-to-bar formation. Maintaining a stead speed allows another rider to squeeze through the gap and go to the front.

5.  Moving to a Slower Group:  If you feel your two tired to continue in the position your in, sit in the back and allow riders who are peeling off front the front of the group slot in ahead of you. Never move into a position you can’t handle. Should you find yourself in a group pace that is to fast, or find yourself in the front of a group, Take a token pull. Ride in front for a few seconds then follow procedures for properly peeling off.

6.  Moving within the Group:  Regardless of the reason or necessity for the move, maintain speed and pace and steadily move in the direction you want to go. Gradual moves maintain safety and allow the other rider/riders to move naturally within the group.

7.  Obstacles and Hand Signals:  Yelling during a group ride isn’t the most effective way to communicate with other riders.  When you see an obstacle in the road ahead of you, put your hand down and give a signal that lets the riders behind you know in which direction they should go to avoid it. Remember, an obstacle worth pointing out is one that will damage a bike or the riders behind you.  Keep safe. Learn the hand signals for peeling off, pulling through, obstacles, etc. Try by all means to avoid yelling. There will always be a rider who didn't hear you or didn't understand what you yelled.

8.  Filling Gaps:  As soon as you see a gap, fill it. Ride into the space maintaining speed and pace.  Remember control is the key. Do not speed up to fill the gap or hit the brakes after filling the gap.

9.  Slowing Down and Stopping:  Remember, you should be riding to the side of the rider in front of you. When you see them slow down, you should stop pedaling and slightly overlap your font wheel with their rear wheel. If you brake, braking should be gradual maintaining your buffer zone.

SUMMARY:  Finding the right group can be challenging. Bixby Bicycle Group Rides offer designated A,B and C groups to safely accommodate each rider’s goal and differences in riding speed. When searching for a group ask about general policies – each group is different. Most importantly keep your eyes and ears open, follow instructions and ensure there is an experienced Group Ride Leader. Be patient as you learn the basic skills and always enjoy the ride.