The group riding skills you use during your local rides are the same that the pros utilize in races like the Giro d’Italia. (Photo: Yuzuru Sunada)
GROUP RIDING
1. When riding in a large group, be mindful of the riders around you, and always make sure your brake levers are in easy reach. But during especially fast paces, bike-handling skills can be more important than braking prowess.
2. Take a pull at the front, but only if your fitness allows you to do so without interrupting the flow of the paceline. When everyone shares the work, everyone benefits.
3. Be especially mindful of those new to group riding, and show them a bit of patience. Remember, we all started somewhere. Give them encouragement and constructive criticism — they’ll become a better rider for it, and so will you.
4. During hard efforts in long group rides, it’s easy to get caught up in the activities of others. It’s important to stay focused on the riders in your group, but don’t ever forget to keep an eye on yourself. Remember to take slow, deep breaths when the group eases up, and keep yourself hydrated and fueled.
5. If you’re using a group ride as a training effort, then stay on someone’s wheel. That wheel is your lifeline to the group, so cling to it as if it’s the last thing you do. Your bike-handling skills will dictate how close you position your front tire to your buddy’s rear tire, but the closer the better in terms of taking advantage of the draft and saving your energy.
TOOLS & MAINTENANCE
1. Invest in a trusty torque wrench. Carbon fiber parts can become brittle due to overtightening, so the ability to accurately measure how much pressure you’re putting on your bike will increase its lifespan.
2. And if you’ve spent money on a torque wrench, use it correctly; always follow the correct manufacturer’s specifications when tightening bolts.
3. If you need to lube your brake and derailleur cables, use a dry lube. Wet lube attracts dirt and grime.
4. Some manufacturers are notorious for leaving exposed threads on seat binder bolts and quick-release skewers, which offer little else than an opportunity to draw blood. It’s best to carefully cut them down and file smooth to avoid possible cuts.
BMC riders, like France’s Amael Moinard, sport Hincapie clothing.PRO TIPS: CLOTHING CONSIDERATIONS
The following sage wisdom on cycling clothing comes from Hincapie Sportswear.
www.hincapie.com/
1. Fabric softener should never be used when washing or drying your high-tech cycling apparel, because they inhibit the moisture transfer process within the fabric. Air or hang dry your garments to ensure optimum performance.
2. Layering is the key to comfort in cold weather. The multiple layers trap warm air that helps insulate the body. It’s also easy to fine-tune your temperature by venting or removing layers as the conditions change on your ride.
3. Use a moisture-wicking base layer to help move moisture away from your body to keep your skin as dry as possible. Avoid fabrics like cotton that hold water and make you feel damp and clammy.
4. One of the most versatile garments in your cycling wardrobe is a lightweight wind vest. They keep the wind off your core, help you adapt to changing conditions and stow easily in a back pocket when not in use. It’s the one piece of cycling outerwear that will see the most wear year round.
5. Wash your cycling apparel as soon as you can after your ride. The sweat and oils given off by your body can break down some of the materials in your garments over time, so avoid storing wet clothing for any length of time. If you can’t wash them right away, hang them to dry.
6. One of the most critical garments in your wardrobe is your cycling shorts. Opt for a quality pair with an elastic chamois that moves with you for greater comfort. Higher-end products will have more features that you will appreciate as you pedal more miles. You really do get what you pay for with cycling shorts, so invest in your comfort and get a pair that will last.
7. Gloves are not just used to improve comfort on the bike; they also protect your hands in case of an accident. The hands are often the first thing to hit the road when you crash, so find a pair of gloves that fit well and offer good protection for your palms.
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