Thursday December 31, 2009
With 2010 upon us, it's a time to look forward and think about what you want to accomplish in the new year.
Many cyclists don't set any kind of goal at all, either for distance or total miles or whatever. They are just happy to ride their bikes whenever and wherever they can. Other riders -- particularly those training for fitness or an event -- carefully track their bike miles to make sure they are doing what they need to do to be ready.
Personally, I don't have any kind of overall mileage goal, either for a week or a month or a year, that I need to achieve. I just ride my bike any time I can, whether it's back and forth to work; on shorter jaunts with the family in the evening; or longer weekend rides with my friends. I do track my miles in a simple spreadsheet, however, so I can quantify for myself just how much I've ridden, and how that total compares year to year. I also have a comment line where I'll note interesting items about a particular trip. Things like, "saw a deer," or "early morning ride along the river." Or remarks if I've ridden out of town, such as, "brewery tour in Ft. Collins" Whatever. It's enormously satisfying to watch the miles accumulate, and to see the total at the end of the year
For me, my only goal is to ride more miles in 2010 than I did this year, so long as that's compatible with family and other obligations. So that's not much of a "strict" goal, but something I'd be happy for since it means that I've spent a lot of time on the bike. And at least as many century rides as I did in 2009, because in my mind there's nothing that quite compares to an epic, day-long ride.
Whatever you do, keep in mind that riding is supposed to be fun, and we do it for our bodies, our spirits, and each other. How fortunate we are to be able to enjoy this!
What are you aiming to accomplish in 2010? Any mileage or fitness goals? Or is there something else on your list? Comment below.
Monday December 28, 2009
If you're a person who does spin classes, the matter of what you wear on your feet is always important. Do you drag along your cycling shoes in a bag and change into them once you get there? Perhaps you wear your ordinary tennis shoes and just climb on the bike. I sure hope you don't put on bike shoes at home and then drive with them on before clomping on your cleats through the fitness center. :-)
Seeing this, Louis Garneau has rolled out a new pair of shoes called the new Lite Trainer. They look like any other ordinary pair of tennis shoes that you'd see someone wearing to the gym, only they've also got the built-in features of a cycling shoe, including a recessed SPD-compatible cleat.
Ha! This is brilliant. Put on the shoes at home, go to the gym and walk around like a normal person, yet still climb on the bike for your spinning class and off you go. You're locked into the pedals so you can ride like Lance, yet no more dragging extra sets of shoes along for you.
"We know that cyclists move indoors in order to be able to train year round," said Pierre Perron, Louis Garneau International Marketing Director. "We wanted to offer something that fits the style of indoor cycling with the needs of outdoor cycling."
The Lite Trainer shoes offer an ultralight rubber outsole with laces on top for a traditional fit. Ventilation comes through both a mesh upper and ventilated insoles to keep your feet cool. The shoes are available in both a men's and women's version, and you can find them online for $85-90.
Related article: Spinning Classes - what they're all about, and are they right for you
Question: What kind of shoes do you wear for spinning classes? Normal shoes, bike shoes, perhaps something else? Comment below.
Wednesday December 23, 2009
"The bicycle is the answer to all our questions, the cure for all our problems."
- source unknown
Related Links
Saturday December 19, 2009
Want to see the biggest races in the U.S. up close and personal, where the champions are crowned? Sixteen events in 2010 will provide professional and amateur cyclists of all ages with opportunities to race for the coveted Stars-and-Stripes jersey that signify a national championship. Check out the 2010 schedule of national championships in a variety of cycling disciplines, all sanctioned by USA Cycling.
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