It’s a New Year… Foster Your Cycling Passions

The weather is crisp and clear here in California. With proper attire, the cycling is beautiful. The turn of a new year prompts us all to forget the pitfalls of the past year, and embrace promising endeavors for the future. Cycling goals are the fun resolutions to make. What will you choose this year? Maybe to start cycling, commuting, maybe complete a century, dabble your feet in the racing game, or get stronger so that the hill that stopped you in your tracks last year won’t do it again. Road, mountain, cyclocross, recreational riding – there are so many options!

My goals are lofty this year. I’m going to experience racing for the first time, increase the number of centuries I participate in, expand our Women On Wheels program with Sara at Alameda Bicycle, and introduce more women to cycling through the Giant for Women program. My excitement for this season is unbridled.

The key in setting your goals is to keep it simple and clear. Build on what you’ve already accomplished and if you’re just starting out, welcome to a fun healthy way of living.

There are great resources out there for you to connect to the cycling world and find your passion. The first stop should be your local bike shop. They will not only help you out in finding the perfect bike, but should also have connections to local cycling groups. Many shops offer extensive literature sections with listings of rides and races. Often local riding clubs have websites that list their weekly rides and may have links to century ride information. If you are thinking about racing, check out the NCNCA website for Northern California and Nevada, and USA Cycling for national racing. For professional racing information, the internet is ideal for up-to-the-minute excitement. Velo News has a plethora of information on all the pro team changes for 2007.

Coast to coast it is winter out there and if you’re in the middle of our country, in recent weeks you’ve seen winter harder than any of us. Cold weather can dampen even the most passionate cyclist’s motivation. There are several ways to push through and keep up your strength and fitness. Trainers and rollers can be the key to staying on your bike. What’s so great about these devices? They utilize your own bike. Trainers mount to your rear axle and then adjust against your tire to allow use of all the gear ranges your bike offers. You can develop specific workouts for your goals. Rollers offer the same benefits and give you an even more realistic workout on your bike without weathering the harsh elements. However, rollers take quite a bit more skill and balance to use. The bike is not mounted to the device, so mounting and dismounting the bike requires practice.

If you’re not deterred by the elements and can’t stand the thought of staying in the house for your workouts, proper attire is the key. Update your wardrobe with specific winter pieces that will keep your core and leg muscles warm. There are several cycling apparel manufacturers who’ve developed great pieces specific for the weather in your area. Base layers, tights, long sleeve jerseys, warmers (head to toe), to name a few, can really make your ride more comfortable. Most winter apparel offers thicker and thermal fabrics. In Northern California, layering is the key. Your ride can start out at 30 degrees and finish at 60-65. Being able to remove layers for climbing or as the temperature elevates and put them back on for descents can make the difference between a one hour ride and a three to four hour ride. Check your local bike shop for new winter apparel and ask questions about the key features and benefits for the type of riding your doing.

Good luck in setting your goals for the year and staying strong through the remaining winter months.

The passion for cycling is contagious. I encourage you to foster yours and share it others this year.

-Kelli