I was at the information meeting at the JGH a few weeks ago. It was called cycling 101. After the session I realized some of us are not as well informed or prepared as others and it would be helpful if we could exchange that information with each other. We probably have a wealth of cycling info in our heads we could share, and we don't even realize it. So here some of what I've learnt over the past years as a recreactional rider. These suggests are my ideas and thoughts. I am not an expert but I do want to be prepared and it might be overkill but it's my first big ride and I don't want to be stuck somewhere without the equiptment I could easily be carrying in my seat bag. so the first item I bought for my new bike was an under the seat bag I'm bringing 3 tubes and carrying one in my bag. patch kit, and an a tire boot a special (tempory)patch for a sliced tire. 3 levers to remove tire(I can't remember the name) Pump, but to pump a high pressure tire will take alot of elbow grease, so I'm also bringing compesssed air canisters, at least 4 for the ride. (very cheap at mountian equiptment co-op.) 2 per day just in case. Light weight rainjacket. I'm bringing my own energy bars and homemade gatoraide I have two recipes for the homemade gatorade. Both recipes came from dietitons
Hello, Here is an easy homemade recipe for a sports drink that would contain the same amount of carbohydrate (CHO) and electrolytes as any other commercial sports drink (like GATORADE) and is thus optimal when exercising vigorously to rehydrate your system:
1/4 cup fruit juice 1/4 tsp salt 4 tbsp sugar 3 3/4 cup WATER
The second recipe is the same but you don't add the sugar. I was talking to my Psyiso and we both agreed I didn't need the extra sugar now but I will add some for the ride but not 4tbspoons. I plan to bring a few extra small bottles of the gatorade recipe with me in my overnite bag and add the water to it in the morning sunday.
I read an amazing book its called long distance biking( might not be exact title). Its an old book 10 yrs and it was put out by a cycling magazine. We found it in the library. Its a small book and not thick,easy read. The people who put it together were all century or longer cyclists but it had a ton of pertenent information. I asked my GP about sensitive girlie parts and she reccommended olive oil and in her words it didn't need to be virgin. And continuing in the girlie parts subject I have 3 pairs of biking shorts and they all have their pros and cons, so I'm riding long distances and testing each pair out and I might have to go buy a 4th pair cuz each one causes chafing in one area or another. ANY SUGGESTIONS. K Folks this is a start please spread the word so we can all help each other. Forgive the spelling and grammar errors.
thanks for this! I'm sorry I missed the meeting (was that the orientation at the JGH? I didn't know it was going to be a cycling 101...) I have to say I've been lucky with my riding tights (i have to wear long sleeves and long pants)... Pretty comfortable... No seams in the way.. First time out I didn't know you wear them with no undies... I have been using Assos Chamois cream and have no complaints about chafing... I apply it in the nether regions and inner thighs... So far so good! http://www.amazon.com/Assos-Cycling-Chamois-Synthetic-Natural/dp/B000FTO5HU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1243043620&sr=8-1
Thanks for the sports drink substitute. I'll give it a try. I'm not big on gatorade and have only been drinking water but maybe this will be better...
I strongly suggest you consider joining one of the local cycling clubs; they will help you learn more about cycling and provide opportunities for rides with others which in turn creates motivation. The Beaconsfield Cycling Club (http://www.clubcycliste.com) is a good one. It requires participation in a riding clinic before joining the group rides and the last clinic is next Saturday, 30 May. A road bike is the preferred set of wheels in this club. I joined for the first time this year. Last weekend I had two 100 km rides, the one on Sunday was pretty interesting with the wind and the cold (learned how to pedal with blocks of ice for feet and met the Finish Strong team on their ride). I admit, the weather hasn't been great, but I already have more than 900 km under my belt. Happy riding all.
One important thing is to weigh yourself, in your cycling clothes and shoes, the day you leave for the ride. Write the number on your bracelet.
Keeping hydration level optimal, especially during hot weather, is tricky.
Even though everyone says to drink water at every opportunity, you can overshoot as easily as you can dehydrate. The clinical term for this is hyponatremia, where your minerals drop too low as they get diluted by the water you drink.
I know from experience that dehydration and hyponatremia can feel very similar, the easiest way to tell the difference is to weigh yourself.
If your weight is low you're dehydrated, if your weight is ok or high but you feel yucky anyway then you have messed up your minerals.
-- Edited by broadway29 on Monday 25th of May 2009 01:13:39 PM
Tks sharkie, you're right about the electrolytes and too much H20. I'll remember that and tks for all the other info.
-- Edited by broadway29 on Monday 25th of May 2009 01:16:59 PM Shorts-I have noticed the same thing my old worn shorts are more comfy then my new ones. I'll start washing them all every day even if they don't keep them.
-- Edited by broadway29 on Monday 25th of May 2009 01:19:34 PM
They shipped to Canada no problem, had my stuff in a week.
That was a couple of years ago, the shorts I bought are still in good shape despite quite a few trips through the washer and dryer and a couple of wipeouts.
One of my teammates rides to and from work every day.
Two of them are taking spinning classes and haven't been on a real bike yet.
Do you think they have any realistic hope of avoiding the sag wagon?
I don't even know if I will make it because I'm also training for inline nationals and the bike is basically my recovery workout 1-2 times a week.
Max distance so far is 34 km, and aiming for 42 km this weekend.
I do ok on the flats, can cruise along at 30-40 kph with minimal effort - but I can't climb worth crap. Like I wouldn't be able to make it up At-water even in the granny gear.
-- Edited by sharkies10k on Thursday 28th of May 2009 08:03:29 AM
If the pavement is dry I'll be at speedskating practice.
Nationals is 1 week before the ride.
I don't even get to ride my bike this weekend, Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is occupied by the 24 hour relay today and the metro is restricted to bikes tomorrow so I won't be able to get to the Circuit.
This isn't a very sophisticated question. But I was just wondering whether there was a velodrome in Montreal and where? Since you said you have velodrome experience earlier in the thread.
I know. I never got a chance to go there yet because I can't drive.
I did most of my velodrome riding while I was in Houston, it is cement and it is really really nice. And of course there is no winter there, you can ride outdoors year round...
Apparently the Bromont velodrome is wood?
It must be pretty chewed up looking by now from all the winters it's been through.
Anyone else headed to the Circuit tonight so we can all ride and be counted?
I'm going to be on my inlines as it is too early in the day to put my bike on the metro.
besides longs cycle, does anyone know of a cycle shop that has a good selection of cycling clothes? Every decent bike shop that I have been to, with very good bikes, normally only have a few cycling shirts, and a few more shorts.
There is a store in Toronto that specializes in bicycle clothing (in fact everything for cycling except bikes). Don't know if there is a similar store in Montreal.
yup - we blew some moola at mec last night too. New shorts for Garry, new pumps (in house and one for his bike), compressed air cannisters, yoga type pants for me (nothing to do with biking but I liked them and they'll be comfy for after!)... and some new water bottles... then off to Walmart for snacks/trail mix and granola bars and father's day presies... let's just say it was an expensive evening... we can keep in touch by e-mail or make our own yahoo chat group if you'd like to keep in touch... my e-mail is ddkphotos@yahoo.ca
Aw Diane I was there too, to bad we didn't run into each other. I was buying alot of the same things, co2 canisters, water bottle tubes etc etc I bought the clif bars there they are only $1.40 each, priceier elsewhere. Team m.a.d. ya better hurry to MEC, I really strained my account and will be back for more soon. You might have to pay for your goodies yourself.
-- Edited by broadway29 on Friday 19th of June 2009 06:33:49 PM
