New Years Day Events & Rides

Wow folks,
There are a lot of ways to spend your New Years Day burning off your New Years Eve calories and alcohol!

A few things from the boards:

~ Miles 4 Meredith Ride
CCVA Thread Link. Info:
Date: January 1, 2009
Time: Starts 11:30, Ride Time 12:00
Location: MTB - Freedom Park; Road Bike - Mt. Trashmore Overflow Parking Lot

~ 2nd Annual Polar Plunge!
Thread Link.
Time: 12pm
Where: Pony Pasture

~ Metro's 2 Parks, Plunge, & Beer Ride.

EVMA Dec Meeting Summary.

TRAIL NEWS

Wahrani Nature Trail: Thanks to Kodey Stambro, who installed the directional signs as his Eagle Scout project.
EVMA will also being supervising another Eagle Scout project which will be replacing 4 bridge not replaced during work done to the trail last year. Any help would be greatly appreciated. More info to come.

New Quarter: Clair & Becky Walizer have flagged off 2 new sections which will add up to a mile to the existing trail. We will be cutting in the new sections in January – details on work dates will follow.

Freedom Park: Team Rukus has installed the 20th trail feature on the new section of trail. The newest feature is called the MONSTER BRIDGE. Word is spreading about this great trail system and riders are coming from as far as Northern VA to check out the latest additions.

** Please remember to ride this trail with caution, especially if it is your first time. Take a moment to look at any features that you are not familiar with. Jumps and drops have been added, some having "drop off" back sides as high as 2'.
Let’s ride fun but safe as well. Thanks to all the great people who helped make this trail fantastic.

York River: We are hoping to extend the trail from Laurel Glen to Riverview. This could be approximately 4-5 miles total on the Laurel Glen side of the trail system. It will probably not be a loop section but the 2 trails will be accessible by the fire road. More details to come.

Proposed Scout Trail: Kirk and Penny presented a proposal to the Tidewater BSA Council for a bike trail at Pipsico Scout Reservation. More info to come.

Link to more in the Post and Conversation on the forums.

Richmond-MORE's Dec. 08 Meeting Summary

This is a summary for the last meeting for Richmond-MORE in 2008.
Discussions included the development of a strategic plan for 2009, had a local park update.

Some stats for 2008 was 3000' of new and improved trail created with over 3000 man hours invested. In that trail care, the huge project of bridges and stone work in Buttermilk Heights in which the stone work alone consumed over 1000 man hours!

Listening and reacting to the input of riders, the park also noted the installation of 25 TTF's (technical trail features) while the need to remove only 5 TTF's.

Richmond-MORE also the need to fulfill board openings for Treasurer and Secretary, and for someone to be our lead person for Park Patrol at JRPS. A person was also nomination for Ride Coordinator, but I don't have the name to report.

A huge thanks to everyone who helped Richmond-MORE work through 2008. Being involved takes a lot of time and commitment!
Thank you from CCVA.

Link to post and conversation on the forums.

Commuting in the rain basics.

Taking to the rain.

I'll be honest, it's hard for to get motivated for a commute by bike ride when the weather gets too rainy, cold, or hot.

A small secret though, once you do it, it’s not that bad at all. A few thing that you need to consider for rainy days and/or winter riding on your commute.

Two best tips for rainy and cold weather riding:
~ Dress in layers so that you can peel off a layer at a time if you get too hot.
~ If you are dressed and already hot before even leaving out your door, you are overdressed!
Have on enough clothes that you can "slightly" feel is cold as you walk into it since your body will heat up during the ride and create a barrier of heat to keep you warm. This slightly lighter way of dressing allows just enough heat to escape to keep you from overheating on your commute.

Preparing your person:
Eye protection
Eye protection will protect your eyes from the cold, rain, and can also help to produce better overall lighting situations on your ride. Many glasses these day come with multiple lens for all types of lighting situations and a standard 3 lens kit should come with the following: Brown/Black lens (bright sun), Amber/Yellow lens (low light/fog), & clear lens(night time).

Outerwear
Look for a good riding jacket &/or pants. One that has vents and is wind & water resistant or even wind/water proof. These
items can range in pricing from $50 - 300. a piece and while you do get what you pay for, most products in the $70-150 price range really do a great job and will last you a long time.
Remember that cycling pants and jackets are tailored especially for cycling by giving longer sleeve & back panel to keep you covered when you are in the bar reach position.
Another nice feature is a jacket by which the sleeves will unzip leaving you with a cycling vest.

Footwear
Most cycling related shoes have vents built in and in the winter and rain this can be pretty unpleasant, but a few tips to keeping your feet warm is to look for items like: wool socks, toe shoe covers, or even full shoe boot covers.
(Prices rage from $5 - 40)

Gloves / Hats / Masks
Like jackets and pants, try to find gloves that will help to keep you warm by being wind/water resistant or proof.
Keeping in mind that the more bulky the glove, the harder it is to use the controls on your bike.
Skull caps and helmet covers help keep you warm by keeping the cold air off of your head.

Preparing your bike.
Lights
Lights are a must and are usually required by law. Most localities require a front and rear light and just like on a car the front is white and the rear is red.
There are two types of ways to view lighting on your bike, to been seen by, and to see by.
While there are many types of lights on the market, LED's are now the most widely used because of their small size, high visibility, and long last run times.
Lights will range from $10- 100. This is not a place to go super cheap and in my experience the best lights to buy are usually between $20-30 price range. They tend to last a longer, be waterproof, are very bright, and have better over all construction.

Fenders / Racks
Using fenders & racks on your bike adds another layer of protection to you as it helps to keep the water & debris on the road off of your person.

Be (extra) alert
Riding in the rain or the winter sets you up for new hazards to encounter.
Items like leaves, wet road stripes, steel plates and grates, and icy surfaces are all very slippery. So take the ride a little slower and be a little more "alert" than normal as just like in a car your reaction times will be slower that under normal conditions.

Bike / gear clean up
Try to dry off your bike with at least a quick wipe down with a dry cloth, paying close attention to the chain and brake surfaces.
Keep your chain well lubed, usually with a "winter/wet" weather chain lube.
And wash your helmet, gloves, etc on a fairly regular basis as you will still sweet even on the coldest of rides.

Time to get back to basics!

It's been way to long since the group rides have been on a regular basis and the only way we'll keep the momentum of this sport growing, teach awareness, trail etiquette, etc, is to lead by example!

So let's get the ball rolling again. Fun paced rides with thought of food, beer, coffee, and good times and friends to follow.

We'll rotate parks and range from Local to parks within an hours(ish) drive.
To not regress into the recent months of $4.00 a gal fuel, carpooling will always be a good option too.

Ideas for this Sunday 11/16: Poor Farm Park, meeting @ 11am w/lunch to follow at El Azteca (sp).

Follow this topic.

Another way people are taking to bikes.

We all know that folks are commuting to work on bikes more and more these days; and for years people have been using bikes to deliver everything from mail to pizza.

But here is a completely new concept. Taking your job on the road.

Pibby's Bicycle Repair Benefit Raffle for Richmond-MORE!

Pibby's Bicycle Repair is hosting a raffle to benefit the Richmond Chapter of MORE. The prize is a Wilderness Trail Bikes LazerDisc XC 26"
wheelset, complete with Shimano SM-RT75 160mm disc brake rotors, Michelin XC dry2 tires, and Salsa Flip-Offs stainless steel skewers.
Total package valued at $750!

One ticket costs $5, or strengthen your chances with three tickets for $10. There will be no limit on the number of tickets you can buy because ALL of the proceeds will go into trail work and advocacy in the Richmond area.

The drawing for the wheels will be held at the RA-MORE information table on November 9th during Richmond Multisports' Twisted Tire Fall Cup mountain bike race at Poor Farm Park. You do not need to be present at the drawing to win the wheels. Please contact Chip at Pibby's Bicycle Repair, pibbys@mac.com, for tickets and information.

Pibby's Bicycle Repair
731 W. Marshall St.
Richmond, Virginia 23220

804 622-4778 phone
pibbys at mac dot com
www.pibbys.com

Tuesday - Saturday
10 am - 6 pm

Metro Perspective...

People often ask "why" when someone mentions using a singlespeed (SS) or a fixie (singlespeed bike w/out the ability to coast) and usually it's dismissed by others around as a "crazy thought," a "fad," or "someone just trying to be different."

I usually will argue that it's about the simplicity of simply riding, but here Metro took it deeper. A clear next level incite to why so many of us long to ride without gears, suspension or all of the above.

This came out of this post.

But that’s the first step of addiction. It’s a gateway bike part, you start with free wheelin’ and that leads to wanting to try new things like gears, then before you know it you’ve blown all your money on derailleurs, cassettes, big rings, little rings and shifty bits. If that wasn’t bad enough you will finally find yourself off the deep end one day living in a trailer park but happy that all you have left in life (and all that you need) is your full suspension bike. That’s the way the mind of a junkie works. If you get “lucky” you might find yourself a high roller or drug dealer (rather than a blue collar tweaker) that can afford to live the good life and indulge in fancy things like Carbon and Titanium. Then my friend you might be fooled into thinking you are on top of the word with your high end full-suspension all carbon fiber 19 pound, 27 geared, all Ti bolts and aluminum rotors high zoot mountain bike that practically rides it’s self. But you my friend are wrong.

I was just talking to someone a few weeks ago that was riding a very nice looking very expensive bike. I ask him how he liked the bike and he said “the bike rides it’s self I just sit on top and pedal, I don’t even have to think about line choice as the suspension lets me roll over anything. I think 5” of travel is perfect for the local (JRPS, Poor Farm, PSP) trails.

Being polite I told him “good to hear, she’s a beauty, have a nice ride today.” But in my mind I was thinking, I can go to the gym and sit atop a stationary bike and “just pedal w/o thinking.” As a matter of fact that’s the only way that I can stand to ride a bike indoors! I come to the trails for the experience. I like to interact and be in control (or at least feel in control of the situation). I like to know how hard I can lean into a corner before my tire breaks loose or what the easy and hard lines are through a tricky section. I like to know that there is a rock drop/jump up ahead that I can’t quite make yet but one day I will practice it enough to do it with style and make someone else who can’t do it say WOW the way I say it when I see someone do it now.

I like riding my bike to be like a relationship with a girlfriend/boyfriend. There should be a lot of hands on stuff and a lot of action. Some uncertainty is necessary and the payout is always a good feeling.

Others apparently view riding their bike as some view their marriage. They just sit back and put in just enough effort to keep the thing rolling not really knowing exactly how to get through a certain rough time other than to just hold on and trust that instinct and love (suspension) will pull them through unharmed. It’s a very passive game of pleasure.

Think about the crazy stuff you did when you were dating verses the stuff you do (or did) while married. That’s kind of how I view biking. At the end of the day though ride what ever gets you off!

Ah, the Spirit of Cycling...

The spirit of cycling can be a very unique experience for each of us, but somehow I think it touches all of us on a level few can describe.

Bikes are each their own works of art in terms of form and function and VillageIdiots RatRod is a prime example of unique flava' meets function = art.

> Olde Fashioned Group Ride, Poca Sunday at 1200 Noon

So what da ya say?!

What: A fun social ride of the Lakeview trails
Where: Pocahontas State Park
When:High Noon
Meet Place: Heritage Center parking

Anyone, Everyone, come one, come all as it looks to be a perfect riding day...

Followed up by a BBQ near the swimming pool area.
Just look for all the cars with bike racks.

Charcoal will be supplied, just bring your choice cut, side, or drinks to share.
Plates, napkins, etc are always welcome too.

For more information, here is the link to the forums thread: Ride & BBQ Link

Rainy Days...

With all the rain we've had lately, I thought I'd throw up the post about leaving the trails to dry for at 24hrs after a good rain.

And if you just have to head out for a ride, Pocahontas State Park (while they close the MTBike trails) offers about 30 miles of fire road that you can take your energy out on and still get in a lot of nature!

BoyScouts of Brady Sanders Camp need your help!

Hi all,

I'm looking to recrute several riders that would be interested in sharing some of their time and expertice with some Boy Scoots out on the trails on Sept 20th. These are kids that are looking for advanced riding skills, but there are some basic riding needs as well.

Here's the official request below - if interested please contact me via pm or email ASAP. I can't attend as I'm out of town but still would like to help. How's about some of you, Thanks!!
email is cycle ed @ earthlink . net.
Follow this topic on the forums...

One of our troop goals is to create some higher adventure activities for the older scouts whenever possible - and for this trip the boys were interested in seeing if they could get some guidance on advanced trail riding skills. We haven't determined yet what exactly that means, so any suggestions you have would be welcome....

Most have basic to intermediate mountain biking skills - so I believe they would be happy to have any instruction or tips that someone could provide to help them with more advanced skills and a guided ride or on-course type instruction would be ideal if something could be arranged.

Again any suggestions are welcome and we appreciate any involvement your group could provide. (Although our initial thought is the higher adventure focus - if there are individuals willing and available to do more basic instruction for the younger boys, they would be very welcome as well.)

We don't have final counts yet - but I can give some guesses;

For the advanced/venture type stuff - approx 5 - 8 (and maybe a few leaders)
For the younger ones, if that's an option - approx 12 - 20 - which can we easily break into smaller groups as needed.

For timeframes - we are completely flexible to work around whatever schedules you/your folks can provide (weather may also come into play, but of course we probably won't have line of sight to that until last minute).....And FYI - we are happy to provide meals if that helps with scheduling/planning, just let us know....

Thanks
Greg M

.

Cycling Trivia

So I'm thinking of starting up a section on the blog called "Cycling Trivia" and the intent is to more or less share some incite to cycling as I learn more facts about the business side, laws, tips, tricks, etc.

So, now for some Cycling Triva:
Today I'm writing to give some information about the Giant Bicycle Company.

Why Giant you ask? This one is simple. There's not a day that goes by that I don't get from a customer, "Who is Giant?, I've never heard of them before."

And while I profess to not know about all brands, Giant is such a major brand that I thought to share some of my knowledge about Giant with eveyone.

First, Giant Bike Company is and always has been a Taiwanese based company and to them they are similar to what Cannondale is to the US.

In fact, they started out about 35 years ago (read 1972)and the company actually took about 5 years to get up and running. Unlike many other companies, Giant wanted to be different, they wanted to be in control of their company in every aspect.

So King Liu, founder of Giant bikes wasn't going to settle on anything less than making their own tubing and welding their own frames. Than the major hurtle was finding a way to get someone to place orders, in walks Schwinn bicycles.

After a few years, Schwinn was 75% of Giants main business before Schwinn decided to head to China for cheaper manufactured bikes leaving Giant holding the bag of a lot of frames/bikes and all while loosing a 3/4's of their business.

Determined not to fail, Giant simply renamed the frames/bikes and marketed them under the name Giant. Going door-to-door in the US, they found shops willing to sell Giants to compete with Schwinn and it's been retail for Giant since!

That said, Giant actually makes many of the major brands frames/bikes and it's this simple economic advantage which is why a similarly spec'd bike offered from Giant can and usually is 5-15+% cheaper than their competitors.

In fact Giant actually even makes all their own Hydroformed tubes and carbon fiber bikes while many others use still a 3rd party.

What brands can be linked to Giant?
Source for below quote: Allanti

Giant, a Taiwanese company started in 1972, manufacturers their own bikes - including the carbon bikes, which is unique in the industry (i.e., most other brands utilize other manufacturers such as Advanced or Martec).

In addition to making their own bikes, Giant also makes, or has made, bikes for many other prominent brands, including Trek, Specialized, Schwinn, and Bianchi. Giant's claim to fame is that they have the most sophisticated and efficient manufacturing facilities in the bicycle industry.

A bit of trivia is that Giant owns 30% of Hodaka, a key Taiwanese supplier for many brands such as Bianchi.

Anyhow, I just thought I'd share some trivia and

Twisted Tire Race postponed until Nov. 9th.

Due to potential severe weather conditions for the Richmond area Friday & Saturday, the trails at Poor Farm may be too wet to race on, potentially causing unnecessary damage and injury to riders and the trails.

So Richmond-MultiSports is postponing the Twisted Tire until Nov. 9th, 08.

Any comments or feedback can come to me directly by phone.

Laurie Mehler
Richmond Multisports Race Director
cellular 804.389.0588

Link: RainOptions Thread.
Link: Twisted Tire Roll Call Thread

She Rocks The Trails Event, Sept 21, 08

Click here to talk about the event & get latest info.
About the Race

RunRideRace and Team Luna Chix have joined forces to host an all-women's event with a portion of the proceeds going to The Breast Cancer Fund. The event will take place on the beautiful trails of Camp Hilbert in Goochland Virginia.

This is the first year that RunRideRace and Team Luna Chix have teamed up to offer this event.  Join us and help raise awareness and to eliminate the environmental causes of Breast Cancer. A portion of each entry will be donated to The Breast Cancer Fund. Please invite your family, friends, neighbors and co-workers to participate.

Register
Donate
Contact us with questions, comments, suggestions. Click here.

Details:
What & When:
September 21,2008
8am Go Girl 4-Mile Run
8:15am Go Girl 3 mile walk
9:45am SheRocks Trails Mountain Bike Ride. This is a non-competitive & beginner friendly 3-Mile event.
10:30am SheRocks Trails Mountain Bike Races. Beginner to advanced divisions (6, 12 and 18 miles).
1:30pm Lunch & Awards

Where:
Camp Hilbert 2240 Maidens Road Richmond, VA 23102
About 10 minutes West of Short Pump, Richmond VA.

Entry Fees:
$20 Walk OR Ride
$25 Go Girl 4-Miler
$30 Mountain Bike Race
$50 Run and Bike Race
Swag:

1st 100 to sign up receive a SheRocks Trails/GoGirl T-Shirt

V'ORDERVES 2008 - The Virginia Off-Road Series Finale Meets RMS Twisted Tire Nov 9th.

Virginia Off Road Series Grand Finale 2008
Nov 9th, 2008
Camp Hilbert
Maidens Va
9am til...

Come on out and enjoy the Virginia Off Road Series Grand Finale! To kick things off will be the Twisted Tire Race put on by RMS followed by a cookout and finally the VORS Award Ceremony.

It has been a great season and hope everyone had a great time!

Latest Info. & Forums Thread.
Register

Questions?? email us at VORS@cycleva.com

Hope to see you there!!

Jared & Woody
Virginia Off Road Series,

Jim Popp Ride For Cancer Research

Jim Popp Ride For Cancer Research
When: Sat Aug 23, 2008
Where: Richmond, Va
Donation: Just $25 per rider
Registration Form

Riding for a cause. Join the gang on Saturday August 23rd for a 60 mile ride from Richmond to Yorktown.

The Jim Popp Ride For Cancer Research.

'Ride for Jim' is an epic fundraising bicycle ride that will last from June-September 2008.

The goal of raising $50,000 will take everyone's help, so we encourage you to donate or support us any way you can!

They will even load you full of carbs at the 'Finale Rally' block party in Westover Hills the night before the ride (Friday Aug 22nd).

So Bring your family - there will be lots of fun and entertainment.

www.rideforjim.org - for details!
RideForJim Ride Log

Nathan Burrell article in Urban Views Weekly.

Nathan Burrell
Trails Manager for Department of Parks, Recreation & Community Facilities

A volunteer survey administered last year suggested that a half million patrons visited James River Park. This year, employees and volunteers are certain that number has grown. Although nature has a daily hand in making the James River Park System such a dazzling beauty, each member of its small staff and every volunteer is integral to its well-being.
Continue Reading on Urban Views Weekly Here...

Upcoming Events:

MORE's Annual Douthat Trip Don't wait, they normally sell out in less than a week!
Trip Dates: Sept 12-14th

EVMA's The Mountain Bike Marathon is August 17. Meet at Freedom Park @ 9 am. The plan is a lap there, ride to YRSP, a lap there, ride to NQP, a lap there, then ride back to Freedom Park. Laps may be abbreviated or extended depending on demand. Kirk and Penny will provide SAG support (i.e. we will have water, food, tools etc. - our excuse to drive between the parks).

Thread Here.

EVMA's Douthat Camping Trip.
Sept, 19-21.
More Details to come, check HERE for updates.

Aug. 17-18, CEd's 5th Annual"18hr Scouts Honor" Race!
Come one, come all as this race is a terrific endurance race that takes place in our metro area!
BikeReg 18hr Sign-up
Read more or comment here in the 18hr Thread.

And as a bonus a Local Bike Shop is helping to promote the race by offering discounts to racers on supplies needed for race day! Link.

August Cycling Challenge!

So you think (or maybe you know) that you're just that good!

Well, put your foot to the pedal and prove it!

By this time of the year most people are feeling super fast as they've dialed in their bikes, timing, and had plenty of chances to hit their favorite trails.

The idea of this August's Cycling Challenge is to show up for your local rides sporting pedal opposite from what you are currently sporting.
This means all those using Clipless & ToeClips need to go Platform/Flat style and all those using Platform/Flat style need to go Clipless & ToeClips.

I will guarantee taking this challenge will show you just how much skill pedals can give or take away from a person.
And to top it off, it'll make all your rides more challenging and I know how we mountain bikers are always in search of the next tough challenge!

So take the August Cycling Challenge and just out of your comfort zone!

Follow the Thread topic here.

"Tunes for Trails" raised $2000.00!

I have to say that while I am now a silent face of Richmond-MORE, I am very excited to see so many people so willing to help out the club that I co-founded only a few short years ago. Countless amounts of energy goes into running a club like Richmond-MORE and it's an awesome feeling to watch the club take on a life of it's own as new people join up and use their drive and talents to help push the club to further heights!


While so many constantly deserve a "Thank you" for the efforts they put forth to improve the Richmond mountain biking scene, this time the "Thank you" goes out to Terrell Bowers & the Green Giants for putting on the "Tunes for Trails" benefit concert at Cap Ale, and Clark Jones for really working with Terrell to make this event happen and get the word out.

This concert raised $2000.00 for Richmond-MORE, with a total of 245 people showing up for the event.

If anyone wants to learn how to get more involved in Richmond-MORE or their local club, feel free to contact me and I'll be happy to make the connections happen.

You can contact me on the forums, I'm f5000sl.

TUNES for TRAILS Benefit Concert

When: Jul 25, 2008 (9pm to 2am)
Where: Capital Ale (Downtown Richmond on 7th & Main St)
Why: 100% of the $5.00 cover goes to support the downtown James River Park System trails. RA-MORE is the beneficiary of the event.

Green Giant will be performing live, in their own style of Hard-Driving, Soulful Rock. (originals and familiar covers)

Come one, come all and help support the JRPS and all those clubs & associations that are working hard to create the wonderful trails that brings a smile to all of our faces!

PS> Donations to support the Ra-MORE & JRPS can be made at any time.

Challenge de RedBull

Redbull chugging contest from the PSP Mtn Bike Festival in May.
Comic relief provided by Timotheus.

The Tour

No matter how you cut it, July is all about Le Tour de France.

Love it or leave it, the scandals that rock the cycling world continue to ooze from every pour of the Tour. It's hard to believe that so many are caught, or so many are even doping when you can bank on the Tour testing you.

But a larger question is, do other events even bother to test, or just hide their heads in the sand when it comes to doping. I mean, how can the Tour seem to catch so many when other races seem to never catch a sole?

Well, either way the Tour is once again shaping up to be a Tour to remember with fewer American's that in the last few previous and with two American Teams which are all seemly doing well after the first 7 stages.

One thing for sure, this race will come right down to the wire and you should expect the Tour this year to be wider open than ever in terms of strategy and organization.

While people claim and accuse Lance Armstrong and his previous teams of cheating and just not getting caught, people fail to admit that while Lance was racing, the Tour was a whole different race. Every day seem very calculated and exact, and while all the teams have freewill, it seems that maybe,(and IMO) just maybe Lance one by simply outsmarting everyone.

The evidence of his game is clear in the lacking of game that has unfolded over the last two years since he retired. Even though his former mates are still racing, no one seems to be able to pull off the wait & attack games like Lance.

Even still, this like all is promising to be another great tour and with about 14 stages to go, it's still anyone's game.

Saturday Morning's 29er ride. (James River Park)

L->R: Scott (HeadLummox), John (Unsafe@AnySpeed), Kevin (KPayton), Joel (UbberGoober), Jay (F5000sl), Joel (DirtSurfer)

Hydration

Let me start with a very important point, proper hydration should be an everyday goal, not just something you think about prior to/during times of exercise. Especially since there is no real way to hydrate on/during the day of any event.

Know you're limits, which means being honest when you are feeling poorly and taking immediate action to remedy heat related exhaustion.

Dehydration does not suddenly happen, you body gives you many clues along the way which includes during normal daily routines.

Symptoms of dehydration (partial list of main issues from lesser to more severe):
~ Thirst, dry mouth, bad breath, dry skin
~ Infrequent and Medium to dark colored urination
~ Confusion, dizziness and headaches
~ Muscle aches and cramping
~ Rapid Heartbeat and/or breathing

Bottled Water and Your Activity Level:
A person's body weight, and their activity level, determine the amount of water needed to maintain proper hydration. A good rule to follow is to drink at least eight, eight-ounce servings of water a day, adding more for each hour of activity.

Hydration becomes even more complex and important in the heat.
As Temperatures Rise, So Does Your Body's Need for Water When summer comes, remember to keep your body properly hydrated when the 'heat wave' comes.

Heat exacerbates hydration issues, so if:
~ If you find yourself getting tired, do yourself a favor, PLEASE STOP & REST!

~ Cycling is an activity that takes lots of concentration, if you are tired or unfocused, this is when accidents and injuries normally happen.

Summer hydration tips....
* Bring a supply of bottled water with you when traveling.
* Drink extra bottled water in extreme heat to keep body temperature low.
* Drink before you feel thirsty.

Daily water requirements (8-ounce servings) with one hour of activity: Your weight
In Pounds: Light / Activity Moderate /Activity Strenuous
115: 9 servings / 9 1/2 servings / 10 servings
125: 9 / 10 / 11
150: 9 / 10 / 11 1/2
175: 9 1/2 / 10 1/2 / 12 1/2
200: 9 1/2 / 11 / 13 1/4

Thread on CyclingCentralVa.org: Hydration Discussion

Hydration Calulator

Bike Fitment.

This article is also a thread on the forums, you can also visit the forums using the link below to ask questions or see questions asked. Proper Bike Fit (Forums Thread)

Looking for a first bike or new bike or even moving from Brand "X" to Brand "Y", IMO one key fitment procedure is to isolate the TT (top tube) length.

Fitment of the TT is important no matter what style of bike you ride, from road to mountain, from 26" to 29" bikes.

** A lot of conventional thinking was to worry about seat tube height, but that was because in the days of yester most companies used 100% horizontal TT (Top Tubes) which gave less stand over clearance, so by choosing a shorter seat tubed bike, the TT was also mounted lower giving more stand-over clearance.

About TT length:
There are two types of TT lengths, ETT (Effective TopTube) and Standard TT length.
Of the two, the ETT is the most important measurement.

Because of slopping TT's measuring the tube length itself can be decieving when compared to a taking a measurement from a straightline.

How it works:
Measuing up a TT is simply measuring the distance from the center of the ST, to the center of the HT.
That number is your TT size.

But, with many new bikes that have sloping TT's, you need a more accurate measurement to tell you the whole story.

ETT length takes the measure from the center of the ST (seat tube), to the center of the HT (head tube), but is does so using a perfectly level horizontal line. Accurately measuring the straightest distance between the two tubes.

When considering TT lenght, accounting for proper stem length is also important.
This is usually a 100mm stem for most mountian bikes.

Stem length can and will effect how you bike handles. Too long or too short of a stem will slow up or speed up steering as well as add or detract from your weight being centered over certain areas of the bike.

This effects turning, climbing, jumping, descending, and braking.

Example: Your current frame has a 23.5" / 596.9mm / 59.69 CM ETT, and is fitted with a 100mm stem.

If you are using a stem shorter than 100mm, IE a 90mm, consider purchasing a frame with an ETT 10mm less than what you are currently riding. 23.5" / 596.9mm / 59.69 CM ETT - 10mm =23.1" / 586.9mm / 58.69cm

If you are using a stem longer than 100mm, IE a 120mm, consider purchasing a frame with an ETT 10mm more than what you are currently riding. 23.5" / 596.9mm / 59.69 CM ETT + 10mm =23.9" / 606.9mm / 60.69cm

Under normal riding, a stem that is +/- 10mm from the 100mm standard is fine, but if you start moving towards +/- 20mm, you should consider finding a frame or brand closer to your proper size.

Something missed, misinformation, or if you want to add something, feel free to help correct the problem.

Ride Preparation

Ride preparation is one of the single most important and easy things you can do to help ensure a fun ride.

Ride preparation includes everything from performing maintenance on your bike to making sure you have enough water, food, gear, maps, etc to make it back from your ride safely. Try to plan your ride in advance, so everything goes smoothly on the day of the ride. Points of interest: gear, ride buddies, carpooling, meet/ride times, maps, weather, etc.

A great start is with the Pre/Post Ride Checklist.

Plan ahead and get organized. Research where you are going and prepare accordingly.
~ Print maps of the route you are taking albeit road or trail
~ Make sure to bring your all your cycling essentials and store them all in one place, like a large gym bag. I keep my shoes, helmet, CamelBak, gloves, and mutlti-tools all in one large bag so I can just grab and go.
~ Plan for the extreme points of the weather that is possible as some long rides can have unforeseen events that might leave you in the elements longer than intended. So when possible, carry an extra layer of clothes, extra food & water, etc.

Eat and drink for a before a ride or event. There is nothing worst than getting 5 or 10 miles down a trail and bonking. Eating properly sometimes needs to be done even days in advance (though this is usually for racing purposes).

While riding with people of like abilities can be relaxing, when you ride with people who are of different skill level than yourself you are pushed to excel and this is key to growing your skills.

More experienced riders have knowhow and will teach you by watching them or instruction which in turn you can share with others later. This can be tremendously helpful to those less experienced and you will gain confidence as you share the skills you have learned.

Have patience: Do not try to ride above and beyond your skill level, you will always see someone better, and only saddle time will get you there. Sometimes walking a new trail first can give you more of an idea of what to expect then just riding it.

Group Riding and trail Etiquette

Everyone has different tendencies and ways to ride, so in group and trail riding situations it's important to know a few common riding tips to help keep everyone safe and having a good time.

These suggestions can be adapted for both road and mountain biking.

1. First and maybe foremost, Have fun!
2. Be patient. Remember that we all had to start somewhere.
3. Be encouraging to other riders, respect others skills, abilities and learning curves.
4. When you fall on an obstacle, make every effort to clear the area for the next rider and allow them the opportunity to try it as well.
5. Give loud verbal Warnings to otehr riders, such as "rider up!" as you head around a blind turn, or "obstacle", "Stopping" to alert riding behind you of an upcoming event.
6. Group rides are just that, "group rides." So make sure you come back with everyone you started with. It's common to regroup at road & trail intersections.
7. Always move off to the trails side and avoid stopping in the middle of the trail, near obstacles or the bottom of hills if you can help it, this way others can continue by.
8. Approaching others. Slow down and say "Hello" as you approach other riders & trail users. If you need to pass, ask then let the person(s) know "Passing on the left." It's common to announce how many more riders are in your group that still need to pass. Allow faster and smaller groups to "play through" so that they can move at their pace.
9. Ask riders with mechanical issues if they need a hand. It's kind, curious, and you may need a hand one day also.
10. Respect the trail design. Please only ride on open trails and keep from using/making short cuts.
11. Keep a reasonable distance between you and the rider in front of you. This allows them room to make mistakes while allowing you time to react. This is especially true when riding over obstacles, descents, or difficult climbs.
13. It's not rude to ask to go ahead or ask to be passed. A group will find it's natural speed and you will feel more comfortable knowing your not holding someone up or slowing yourself down.
14. Designate a sweeper to ride last if there are beginners or riders of varying skill level on the ride.

Cycling Essentials, Safety, & Gear:

Helmet: No matter what your cycling discipline is, please wear a helmet. In most parks it's a rule. Riding without helmets jeopardize can trail access for everyone. If you see somebody without a helmet, be a friend and remind him or her to get one.

Gloves: Gloves can really help remove some of the stress placed on you palms and protect your hands in the event of a crash.

Shorts, Shirts, & Shoes: There are so many choices it is hard to decide, this is really a personal preference. The important part is to make sure that you feel comfortable in whatever you choose, and make sure you are dressed for the conditions outside!


Hydration & Snacks: Very important! Be sure to have water bottles or hydration packs. Exercise equals sweating and sweating leads to dehydration. So always carry some water during hot days and/or long rides. It also never hurts to carry a little something like a candy bar, cookies, or energy bars to help put if you bonk on a trail.

Basic Tool Kit: At minimum you should have some basic tools to fix your bicycle.
While many "standard/automotive" tools can be used to repair your bike, they are many special tools that are sized to work with bike related applications.
Many bike shops carry "multi-tools" which are tools designed to carry with you on your bike while on a ride, these tools are temping to use as your main tool for home use also, but I have to stress that these tools are not designed to be used as everyday tools, so definitely consider purchasing a separate home tool kit.

Home Tool Kit:

~ First, buy yourself a small toolbox that you set to the side just for your bike tool collection. This will keep all your tools organized and keep your "cycling" specialty tools separate from your standard tools.

~ Pumps, there is are two different style tube stems, schrader and presta. So when buying a pump, look for one that will work on both valves.
** Little adapters can be purchased to make presta valves look like a schrader valve.
** Also note that a floor pump is for "home" use, while what are call "mini" pumps are used to carry along on your bike.

~ Tire Levers, buy 2-3 levers so that 1 can act as a pry-bar and the others to remove the tire.
** Consider levers labelled "Steel Core" as they will last longer and the only levers strong enough for very tight rim/tire combinations.
~ Hex/Allen Wrenches (Usually a grouping of 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, & 10 mm are a good start)
~ Quality Phillips & Flat head screwdrivers. (Make sure the tips remain in good condition)

~ MORE to come...

Tools to Carry on a ride or commuter:

Safety tips: Try to always ride with a buddy, but if you can not, it is a good idea to bring a cell phone, or at the very least let somebody know where you are and when you'll be back!

Pre/Post Ride Bike checklist:

Before a ride & after a ride there are always a few things you should check over on your bike.

At a minimum you checklist should include checking:
~ Tire pressure
~ chain tension
~ quick releases (tightened)
~ lube chain
~ proper function of your shifters and brakes.

An expanded checklist might include:
~ Look for wearing and cracks in your cables & brake lines
~ Wheels straight?
~ Inspect the joints and welds of your frame for cracks and chipped paint
~ Tears in your tires (in pattern and sidewalls)
~ Overall tire wear
~ Inspect brake pads
~ Chain length
~ Inspect cassette and chainring teeth for excessive wear.
~ Nuts and bolts tight on: Cranks, pedals, handlebar, stem, headset, seatpost clamp.

Personally, I like to clean my bike after each ride, this usually means using "Honda Polish" (mc polish, similar to furniture polish for bikes) or good old mild soap & water. This really helps you look over your bike well. When drying off, look for paint chips, stress cracks, and cracks in the welds of your frame.

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Tool To Carry With You On A Ride.

Basic Carry Along Tools : At minimum you should have some basic tools to fix those trail/roadside bike issues. Find what are called a Multi-tools which are "cycling specific" tools so they only give you the common tools needed to fix most minor emergency issues.
Theses tools usually contain:
~ 2, 4, 5, 6, & 8 mm Allen (Hex) wrenches
~ Both a flat & phillips drivers

Then more complex multi-tools may also carry:
~ Levers
~ Chain breaker (Tool used to remove/set pinned sections of a chain)
~ 10 & 12mm open wrenches
~ sharp blade(s)

The tools will range is price from $10-50. >

Fixing flats: Consider carrying a spare tube as well as a patch kit, Tire Levers (minimum 2 & steel cored are the best), & air pump. All of these tools can be carried in convenient little under the seat bag.