Cycling and Biking Tips

Recently I have run into a lot of newbies wanting to learn more about bike riding. Most of them have limited experience as to how to become confident and skilled on their bikes. Below are a few tips on some very basic skills that will help you boost your confidence on the bike and ride safely. Eating and Drinking While Riding: One of the most important things to a cyclist is learning how to eat and drink while riding. In order to do this you have to be confident in your balance and coordination on the bike. Since eating and drinking require at least taking one hand off the bike, practice riding for short periods of time with one hand on the bars. To take a drink, settle into a comfortable speed, reach down, grab one of your bottles out of the cage; bring the bottle up, open the nozzle with your teeth, take a drink, put the bottle back in it's cage, and push the nozzle closed. While you're workin this "how to drink" thing be sure to keep on pedaling, and keep your head and eyes forward! In the beginning you may need to glance down to find the bottle and place it back in its cage, but as you progress, it will become second nature. No more stopping in order to take a drink, AND you've lessened your chances of getting dehydrated because you don't have to wait to drink!

Eating On the Bike: Eating on the bike actually begins before you get on the bike. If you're going to eat an energy bar or swig a gu on your ride make sure it is easily accessible. Don't put it at the bottom of your pocket or under your jacket or arm warmers. If you open it beforehand and place it in your pocket or Bento box, this will make it easier to open when you're riding on the bike. This way, you won't have to stop in order to eat. When you are ready to eat, place one hand in your pocket to grab your bar or gel. BTW, you want to be consuming 30-60 grams of carbohydrates every hour that you're on the bike. You may be able to open the wrapper with your teeth, or you may have to release both hands off the bike for a second to tear open a stubborn wrapper. If it is not safe to take your hands off the bar, make sure you wait until its safe to ride without hands so you can unwrap the bar. Once you've eaten tuck the empty wrapper or remaining bar into your pocket or shorts. No reason to leave wrappers at the side of the road. Carry your trash home with you. Perfecting these important skills will give you improved confidence and improved ability to control your bike while stopping, starting, eating, and drinking. With these basic fundamentals and techniques, you'll have better skills to make your rides smoother, safer and more enjoyable! Ride out of your mind! Coach Shelley