MOTIVATING WITH SMART GOALS

Get motivated, keep those resolutions, stay the course, achieve your goals! It is in every inspirational speech, in motivational books, on desk calendars, notepads and heard from parents, teachers, spouses and coaches. They all want us to “Make It Happen”, however remaining motivated isn’t easy. There are a million things standing in your way. Fast Food restaurants are everywhere, soft drinks taste good and go down easy, its been a long day, the weather is bad and its hard saying no to family and friends. 

"If you're very hungry, I can't imagine that any amount of willpower will keep you from eating a cupcake," Mark Muraven, Ph.D.

SMART GOALS
I have learned over time crafting Smart Goals for your exercise or workout program can spur motivation and inspire perseverance. In short, write it down.
 

Make it SPECIFIC. Determine the what, when where and why of your workout. Write it down and be specific. Choose days that fit into an existing schedule and make the time consistent. Forming a habit is easier when a pattern is developed

Make it MEASURABLE. Set daily goals and track your progress, reaching each milestone is motivational. Hire a coach to keep you moving forward – to guide and instruct when things get hard and to acknowledge and applaud your successes.

Make it ATTAINABLE.  Setting an impossible goal is setting yourself up for failure. Hire a trainer or coach who can assist you in setting reasonable attainable goals. Remember you have a life outside of training, whether for fun, exercise or racing. Sure your quest is to follow that star, however dreaming the impossible dream leads to frustration and disappointment.

Make it REALISTIC. Look at where you are now compared to where you want to be and set a realistic goals. It’s important to take work, family, obligations and leisure time into consideration, and most importantly to set goals you believe in. Convincing yourself that all things are possible, will not lead to success. Be honest with yourself and with your expectations.

Make it TIME SPECIFIC.  You are surrounded by electronics, gadgets and tools designed specifically for tracking fitness and health. Determine how long it will take you to achieve your goal. Use a tracker to set mini-goals – a specific date to start and a specific date to end. Name days of the week, hours of the day and the length of time you will be involved in each exercise. If you decide on an hour a day, do an hour a day. Building endurance slowly inspires dedication and prevents injury.

TWEAKING. Things don’t always go as planned. As you progress be prepared to tweak your goals and each component of the SMART GOAL. Life isn’t consistent and things change from day to day. If you build flexibility into your exercise or workout, you’ll find it easier to rearrange a schedule or readjust a goal.  

“There’s no shame in tweaking your goals. In fact, it shows a level of maturity

that will serve you better than the bravado so many cling to as they run themselves

into the ground.” By Craig Hill, Staff writer February 14, 2015 

CHOOSING THE RIGHT BICYCLE SHOP

Choosing the right bicycle is just as important as choosing the right bicycle shop. With the growing popularity of bicycling in the U.S., media, print and online resources have commercialized that special bond between kids and bikes. Often however, the quality of the information you find online comes nowhere near the quantity of sites available. With the recent explosion of the bicycle market choosing a bicycle of any type for any purpose can be a daunting task. As a child your first bicycle was chosen for you, handed down to you, or magically appeared on Christmas morning, shiny and new with training wheels, streamers and a bell you could ring. Brand, shape, size and fit didn’t play into this “rite of passage”.  Making the transition from a bicycle chosen for you to one fitting your specific needs can be challenging. Choosing the right bicycle shop leads to choosing the right bicycle.

Knowing how much you want to spend is important. Bicycles range in price from hundreds of dollars to thousands, not including upkeep, maintenance, gear and accessories; then there’s the overwhelming choice of products. The right bicycle shop offers a trained, knowledgeable sales team asking the right questions, be local to the community you live in and the places you ride, have reasonable hours of operations and an approachable repair and maintenance staff.  Maintaining your bicycle is important. Whether you’re riding for pleasure, for exercise, commuting or racing, having the right bike shop repair and maintenance personnel will keep your bike riding smoothly. A good bicycle shop will quote prices, give estimates and make appointments – with pickup dates and times.

Are you riding off-road, are you riding on pavement, do you need a mountain bike, road, hybrid or commuter bike?  All important questions – easily answered on the internet, however understanding fit, testing various models, test riding, assembly, adjustments, training, access to certified coaches and the comradery of other riders will only happen in a brick and mortar store. Purchasing the wrong equipment, having a bad fit, being unprepared for weather and road conditions and the absence of proper gear and accessories can lead to discomfort, frustration and injury.

The right bicycle shop will provide personal service from a cycling professional who will explain budget (often includes more than just the bicycle), brands, fit, equipment, gears and accessories. The customer service focused bicycle shop will include individual and group training sessions, group rides, and accessories such as helmets, all weather clothing, shoes, protective wear and nutritional products.  The riders physical fitness, experience and riding goals are considered when choosing equipment, providing maps, bicycle trails, access to events and in developing a coach/rider training program.  

Fitting the person to the bicycle and not the bicycle to the person should be the mission and the goal of each customer interaction.  Specialized service, Individualized training plans, a concentration on fitness and injury prevention, coupled with a wide range of products, a knowledgeable staff, and bicycle training and coaching in a clean, safe and friendly environment makes knowing and understanding the options an easy one. Local to and invested in the community, the right bicycle shop is open to new, novice and experienced riders and racers. With the right brick and mortar bicycle shop, you’ll enjoy the experience and enjoy the ride.

BUSTER BROWN, USA Certified Cycling Coach

ICE & SNOW BICYCLING

 

 

Bicycles on ice? Yes, definitely challenging yet extremely rewarding. With the right bicycle, proper care of your equipment and winter-bicycling skills you can bicycle for convenience, commuting, and for exercise or pleasure throughout the year. With the fresh air, a winter wind and amazing scenery you will arrive feeling alive, refreshed and accomplished. Icebiking, also known as Snowbiking or winter bicycling dates back to the days of the horse and carriage. Prior to the popularization of the automobile, bicycles were a major means of transportation throughout the United States. “The freedom of movement afforded by the bicycle would not easily be surrendered to autumn breezes or winter chills. Getting off the bicycle meant walking in many cases.”

Maintaining control of the bicycle on icy roads requires a different riding technique. Riding slower, using back brakes, sitting upright as you navigate and being aware of narrower streets due to plowed snow is important. Metal-studded tires improve traction, chains and hub gears shield the drive train, and drum and hub brakes operate when wheel rims are caked in ice. With unpredictable conditions, your frame must be able to handle changing road conditions. Mountain bikes with wider tires are a must in heavy snow and ice. Bixby Bicycles has a full line of Mountain Bikes available.  

The right handle-bars, fenders with mud flaps, and proper clothing are a necessity. Dressing in layers allows the skin to breath, and proper sunglasses allows the rider to see through snow-glare, the reflection of the sun on newly fallen snow and in blowing snow. Being seen is also important. Wear brightly colored clothes easily seen in cloudy, stormy and foggy weather; reflection tape is essential.

Enjoy your bicycle year round, even in every changing Oklahoma weather.  Buster Brown, our USA Certified Cycling Coach offers instruction in Icebiking, and Bixby Bicycles and Accessories specializes in mountain bikes, winter equipment and winter wear.   If you keep your crank spinning, sit upright, keep your front wheel light and your handle-bars high, riding on snow and ice can be just as rewarding as snow-boarding or skiing. Following some simple rules, being physically and mentally prepared, having the right equipment, gear and clothing will make Icebiking, or Snowbiking a fun, safe and rewarding experience.  

BUSTER BROWN, USA Certified Cycling Coach

Bixby Bicycles & Accessories

www.bixbybicycles.com



PREVENT CRAMPS WHEN CYCLING

Even the greatest, fittest, healthiest most experienced rider can get leg cramps. On September 29 2014, a cycling news headline read: “Cramps Costly for Cancellara at Ponferrada Worlds”. This article by Barry Ryan, ran on September 29, 2014. Dropping out of a race or posting “absent” can be devastating for any rider.  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 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.  

WOMEN'S CYCLING

More women than every have taken up bicycling, as a mode of transportation, for fun family outings, or as a source of exercise. Transitioning from the indoor stationary bike to hitting the road on two wheels add a fitness activity beyond the routine workout. Bicycling as a mode of transportation gets you from point A to point B while working important muscle groups and delivering a cardiovascular workout.  Riding as a family combines quality family time and a fitness program unlike any other, strengthening upper and lower body, increasing stamina, decreasing stress and accelerating weight loss.

Bicycle fit, specifically the seat or saddle is important for women’s health. The wrong fit can lead to muscle and joint pain, back pain and general discomfort. Like male cyclist, a poorly fitted saddle can cause skin infections, swelling, numbness and risks to sexual health.  When purchasing a bicycle women must concentrate on fit of the Saddle, pedal, handlebars and frame. Our team specializes in fitting women riders - new or seasoned.

Proper clothing is also important. When cycling to work, wear cycling shorts with thick seamless padding. Remember cycling shorts are intended to be work without underwear - a backpack should be used to carry additional clothing and freshening toiletries. Bicycling is an exercise – perspiration is to be expected. Carrying a pair of street shoes is a requirement. Whether you are cycling as a means of transportation, for family outings or as a source of exercise proper foot wear if a must.  The medical community suggests you remove cycling shorts as soon as your ride is complete. It is also highly suggested shorts be laundered after each ride.  Shorts worn on the morning ride to work, should not be worn on the return trip home. An extra pair of shorts (and in hot weather a shirt) should be in that backpack.

Be safe, but most importantly, be smart. If you feel numbness or tingling get off your bike and walk. Never put on soiled or moist shorts, shirts or shoes. If you’re uncomfortable, something is wrong. Discomfort means your equipment isn’t fitting properly, ignoring this can lead to major medical problems.  Know the rules, regulations and guidelines for solo riding and group riding – different states often have different guidelines. Because you easily did 10 miles on a stationary bike does not mean you can do 10 miles on the road, even a summer wind can stifle your efforts.

Feeling sluggish, stressed out, need a healthy workout, suffering knee and joint pain, need a weight loss program, looking for an activity the whole family can participate in? Bicycling is your answer. Call us or come by Bixby Bicycles for more information on Women and Cycling.

BICYCLING & SEXUAL HEALTH



Relieve stress, restore stamina, exercise muscle and stop to smell the roses if time permits; and it will. As transportation, for exercise, training for the big race or for pleasure you can’t beat the joy, benefits and fun of riding a bicycle. Today people worldwide are improving brain power, connecting with friends and family, improving health and sleeping more soundly thanks to two wheels, two pedals and a leather seat. I know, I begin as a toddler. With the wind at my back, I discovered the freedom riding a bicycle could bring.

SEXUAL HEALTH AND BICYCLING
 
Who knew it could change your sex life? For the better – some say. Scientists worldwide have disagreed on the effect bicycling has on male sex organs. They know and most of us agree it is great exercise and the more you exercise, the more fit you remain, and being fit affects all areas of your life. However, researchers have found in some cases the bicycle seat causes problems:

RESEARCH FINDINGS:  National Institute for Occupational Safety

“Researchers from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health(NIOSH) evaluated 17 members of a bicycling police patrol unit in Cincinnati, Ohio. The men averaged nearly 5½ hours in the saddle each workday. Almost all of them experienced genital numbness from time to time. Those who rode the most were at the highest risk for erectile dysfunction, and the men who exerted the most pressure on their bike seats had the most problems. In a follow-up study, the NIOSH researchers found that bike-riding patrol officers who used a no-nose saddle reported penile numbness far less often than those using a standard saddle. A team from NIOSH also looked at bike riding and sexual function in women who rode for an average of two hours several days a week. These women experienced decreased genital sensation compared to women to ran several days a week. In a later study, the team found that narrow seats and so-called cut-out seats increased pressure on the perineum.”

HE DISAGREES - William D. Steers, Urologist, Univ. of Virginia School of

William D. Steers, chairman of the urology department at the University of Virginia, School of Medicine in Charlottesville, believes there isn’t really a problem: “The whole cycling impotence thing is really out of proportion. In China 90 per cent of the male population cycles, and they don’t seem to have a problem maintaining the population.”

  

SOLUTIONS: Harvey B. Simon, M.D., Editor, Harvard Health

You don’t have to give up biking to preserve your sexual function. In fact, you can break the vicious cycle of biking and sexual dysfunction by taking a few simple precautions.

• Don’t use a racing seat with a long narrow nose. Pick a wide seat, ideally with plenty of padding. Special gel-filled and shock-absorbing seats are even available.
• Don’t tilt your seat upward, a position that increases pressure on the perineum.
• Be sure your seat is at the correct height, so your legs aren’t completely extended at the bottom of your pedal stroke.
• For extra protection, consider wearing padded biking pants.
• Raise the handlebars so you are sitting more upright.
• Shift your position and take breaks during long rides.

Above all, be alert for early warning symptoms. If you experience tingling or numbness in your “privates”, get off your bike. If the problem recurs even with a broad, padded, well-positioned seat, consider switching to a recumbent bike.

GOOD NEWS:

University of Chicago Researchers: “It’s a well-known fact that hormones called endorphins are released during and after physical exertion and produce a feeling of satisfaction and extreme well-being. They are sometimes called the body’s own opiates. But did you know that they can also make you feel aroused? Researchers at the University of Chicago discovered that one in four women had experienced sexual arousal while exercising.

Dr. Michael Roizen Wellness Institute Cleveland Clinic  “….the importance of being an athlete in the bedroom as well as on the bike is justified on health grounds. For men, the more the better. The typical man who has 350 orgasms a year, versus the national average of a quarter of that, lives about four years longer. 700 orgasms a year could add up to eight years to your life.

IN CONCLUSION
Safety in any sport is important. Our bodies are strong in so many ways, yet we as humans remain fragile. Cycling Weekly reports:

 “partaking in high aerobic activity such as cycling produces feelings of intense well-being and increased sexual vitality? And according to some research, cycling has the power not only to make you more desirable to the opposite sex, but also to increase your level of sexual satisfaction, and even your lovemaking ability.”

As a USA Certified Cycling Coach I can share a few simple things you can do beyond listening to your body.  Wearing well fitted shorts with chamois or gel inserts will ensure minimum discomfort. Chamois cream used prior to a ride is also advised – Assos, Vaseline, or nappy rash cream can be used, and check your riding position, and the reach of your bicycle. If your seat is properly adjusted, your weight will be carried through your ischial tuberosities.   

Bicycling is one of the best sports for cardiovascular conditioning. Increased energy, taking longer to tire, and being more attuned to your body are just some additional benefits. Join us for a bicycle ride.

 Call Bixby Bicycles for more information.

Bixby Bicycles Oklahoma State Age Based Championship Race

You all won! When a team comes together and you win, its not just Stormy that won, its the team. I believe anyone of you could have won the race yesterday, it was Stormy's time, it was Ryan's time.  I cant tell you how proud I am of this team, and to be a part of it yesterday was awesome! Its not because you won, its because you worked as a team and won!

We started building the Bixby Bicycle Work...s team months ago. I know there has been a lot of frustration in previous races. Major learning curves and lots of training.  I watched the finish and as the Cat 5 group turned the corner, we expected three riders and a heads up sprint, but what I saw was fantastic, A solo rider wearing blue and yellow! What more could we ask for, as a coach and part of the team.  But there was more, what I heard after the race was even more exciting. The TEAM pulled it together, the TEAM had a plan, the TEAM put it in place.  With Ryan off the front, knowing he could pull off the finish - if he rode smart the rest covered and blocked. It took pressure off the group!  Look at the energy that was saved by not riding so hard. With Ryan off the front, you blasted your way to a top finish.

Stormy - 1st (what a way to go out), Ryan 2nd (great job staying out in front and taking pressure off the other teammates), Stephen 5th place, (what a finish, heard he was solo for a while), Brock 7th, Jason 15, Derrick 17, Matt 18th, Mike 20, Robin 21, Dan 23, Danny 25, Micah 26, Bob 27, Robert 32, Steve 33.

You did it team you did it!!! Thank you to Stephen who took control of the team meeting and to Joe for all his support.  Great job guys!!!

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The Oklahoma State Road Race (Age Based) is in the record books for 2014 as a major success.The event turned out spot on with only a few small issues. From what I heard from the riders, they had only good things to say. Course was fast and fun, clean bathrooms, started on time and lots of fun.  The race is small if you compare it to other larger events but still time consuming, lots of sleepless nights, lots of dollars spent, tons of volunteers and police.

As the promoter of this race, I want this event to be safe fun and exciting for all riders. The credit goes to all the volunteers, the Bixby Police Department, Tulsa County Police, Jack McNeal and his group of officials.I tried to offer a good prize list, with prices for Cat 5, Juniors and I wanted to separated the masters group. I also wanted to make sure registration went great, and  results and pay out was in a timely manner. Thanks to Jack McNeal and Heidi Hoop I believe we did just that.

I want to say THANK YOU to everyone that pitched in. It would not be possible without all the support and riders.  Thank you to the following: David D. Perry, my right hand man, Heidi Hoop, John Hoop, Dale Nicola, Gary Haddad, Joe Lederer, Tony Miller, Robert Founds, Stephen Phillips, and Cheryl, Steve Nave, Julie Wood Nave, Jeanean Diehl, Erin Tawney, and Collin, Jason Watts, Roger, Robin Ameen, Allison (Cindys Daughter), Bob Weaterhbie, Dan Henderson, Rich Dahlgren, Randy Shaw, Rivers Berndt for the great photos and so many more. If i missed you, it was not intentional.

I have to say Thank you to Cindy McNeill, my girlfriend. If you knew what she had to put up with the past few days, whew!

Please visit the SPONSORS, South Pointe Honda, Scott Hugh Shoemake, Grand Bank, David Perry Insurance Agency, Bixby Bicycles, Vittoria Tires, Tifosi Glasses, Louis Garneau Clothing, Cytomax nutrition products, J and B importers, Phil Johnson, The Pita Place for providing us a great wrap,

We added $1,000.00 to the prize list from last year and hope to make it better next year, if we earn the bid for 2015. Send me an email or private message on Facebook for any feedback that will help me improve the event for next year.

Thank you again for all your support, you made it possible!