By Coach Fred Matheny Pro athletes develop simple techniques that become automatic. A three-point shooter's follow through or a golfer's silky stroke are techniques they've honed until they no longer think about them. Pro cyclists, too, develop characteristics that separate how they look on a bike from the rest of us. It's not simply a matter of appearance. Unlike golf, … [Read more...] about 3 Essential Cycling Techniques for Roadies
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Which Tools & Gear Should I Carry While Bicycling?
By Coach Rick Schultz I am often asked coaching- and riding-related questions on rides. A recent one is a fairly common question, but it's an important one to new riders – and one that most experienced roadies find interesting in terms of comparing how they would answer it to how another rider would reply. That question is: “What are the most important tools/gear I … [Read more...] about Which Tools & Gear Should I Carry While Bicycling?
How Can I Get Used to Clipless Pedals on a Bicycle?
Question: I recently got my first pair of clipless pedals and I'm having a terrible time learning to use them. When I stop, I still try to pull up to release. That doesn't work, and I end up flopped on my side. Any pointers? -- Mary M. Coach Fred Matheny Replies: You'll really like clipless pedals once you learn the "twist out" style of release. It will become a reflex. Then … [Read more...] about How Can I Get Used to Clipless Pedals on a Bicycle?
Why Does Speed Change Unpredictably on Group Rides?
Question: I'm new to road riding and enjoy going with our local Sunday group. But I don't understand why the pace is so variable. We're cruising along talking, then suddenly the pace increases drastically or several riders go sprinting up the road. What's going on? -- Harry I. RBR Replies: Welcome to pack dynamics! You may not be in a road race, but sometimes it's hard to … [Read more...] about Why Does Speed Change Unpredictably on Group Rides?
How to Avoid Getting Dropped on Fast Cycling Club Rides
The major activity of any cycling club, racing or touring, is the group ride. As a result, it's important to know how to hang tough on a given ride and make yourself welcome on the next one. Success is often due to more than fitness. Here's a club cycling primer! … [Read more...] about How to Avoid Getting Dropped on Fast Cycling Club Rides