On a ride last year, a friend and I went for a 25-mile ride in the heat. It was just under 90 degrees Fahrenheit when we headed out. Although it was warm and humid, proper hydration seemed to help us from dying out there. I drank more water than usual to keep my hydration levels ready for the heat. I also took some CamelBak Elixir to provide additional electrolytes so that I could absorb the fluids better.

The Bike for Boys & Girls Club ride last year was another very hot event. Although the temps climbed into the upper 80′s, the heat index sweltered well into the mid-90′s. During my 50-mile ride, I ran through a ton of water and Elixir tablets as well as kept my diet to small chunks of banana and fruit so that my metabolism didn’t draw much from the energy I needed for cycling.

The rides a couple of weeks ago were commutes from work. I wore a backpack to and from work. The rides home involved heat in the low 90′s and strong headwinds. Again, I used CamelBak Elixir and added Endurolytes to keep the fluids in balance. And I kept the pedaling as easy as possible.

So I’ve learned that keeping hydrated even before you ride as well as on the bike is important. So is taking it easy. What other techniques have you used? Feel free to share your comments.

I used to review his videos to gain some insight on how to maintain my bike. I found his videos and accompanying transcripts very useful. He definitely seemed to know his stuff, since it also worked for me. However, some of the more advanced maintenance issues could be a little tough to follow.

I recently tried to return to his site to conduct some more involved maintenance on my bike. When I tried to click on a link from a search, I discovered that I had to pay for a subscription to watch any of the videos.

I then did a general search in Google and found what I needed on various other sites, including on YouTube.

Bottom line: You don’t have to pay to find information on cycling maintenance – at least, not today.

In the meantime, see the other cycling links I’ve added to the list in my sidebar, currently visible from my home page.

I ride a bicycle trainer in the winter to keep my cycling fitness up. This ingenious device keeps me pedaling my bike in the winter without worrying about slipping and sliding on icy roads (or watching other vehicles potentially slip and slide into me on those same roads). Just to be clear, though, I am not condemning riding in snow, it’s just not my thing (yet). Let’s face it, though, riding on the trainer can seem more like a chore.

So what keeps me motivated to ride in my basement all winter long? Simply put, when I get back on the road in spring, I’m ready. Even more, I want to keep getting stronger so I can keep up with the stronger riders on group rides.

I’ve been riding on a trainer since the winter after I got my first hybrid bike a few years ago. In that time, I’ve played around with things that do and don’t work for me.

Before you hop on the trainer, though, there are a number of things you need to make the ride bearable. As I stated, riding a trainer alone is very boring. But there are tools that make it more bearable. In addition to a bike and a trainer, here is my list of things that will enhance the experience of riding on the trainer and why they work for me.

Fan

When you work out, you get really warm and start sweating. It’s no different on the bike. But when you’re riding outside, the movement on your bike helps keep you cool. You don’t have that movement when the bike is stationary, though. A fan cools you down, making it much more comfortable on the bike.

Towel

As I mentioned, riding on the trainer gets you sweating. A towel is useful for wiping sweat from your face, especially when it can drip into your eyes.

Sweat catcher

If you’re working especially hard on the bike, a towel is often not enough to keep sweat off the bike. A sweat catcher, like the CycleOps Bike Thong, is very effective at keeping the sweat off, which can be corrosive to the bike (remember that sweat includes salt).

Trainer skewer (axle)

This comes with your trainer. Using this skewer prevents damage to your bike’s regular skewer, which could be damaged from being clamped down in a trainer. Swapping them is easy, so take the extra 10 seconds to do it.

Climbing block

The big advantage of using a climbing block is to stabilize the front wheel and put it close to the same level as the rear wheel. As an added bonus, climbing blocks can help elevate the front of your bike to allow you to work different muscles, similar to how different portions of your body are engaged when climbing. I once tried a phone book in place of a climbing block; my front wheel slipped way too much, so I consider it dangerous and would never recommend it.

Trainer mat

These rubberized mats serve two purposes. The first is that it keeps sweat and other items (as one friend admitted, sports drinks) from ruining your floor. Second, it dampens the noise from your bike and trainer. There is a third advantage as well: when riding on a higher pile carpet, it helps keep your bike stable.

Cycling computer with rear-wheel sensor

This one is optional, but a cycling computer is really useful if you’re trying to maintain a certain cadence or are working towards a speed-specific goal. I especially prefer ones that include heart rate. Some people even use power; I don’t, yet.

Water

Any time you work out, you should always have water available. You will get thirsty on the trainer, so replacing fluids is absolutely critical. One good option is to include an electrolyte drink, especially if you’re riding longer than an hour.

Trainer-specific tire

Tires wear out after normal use. They also wear out on a trainer. A trainer-specific tire is really useful because it lasts much longer when pressed against the trainer’s roller. Also, they are much quieter than regular road tires. If you are changing the tire yourself, invest in a really good tire jack.

Cycling (padded) shorts

If you’re going to spend any amount of time on the trainer, you’re going to want to wear cycling shorts. When riding a trainer, you probably will spend less time out of the saddle, so the padding makes it that much more comfortable.

Cycling cap

I prefer wearing a cycling cap because it captures more of my sweat, meaning I reach less for the towel. A sweatband also works.

Music or DVDs

These really help take the edge off. I used to ride only to music, but I found it didn’t push me enough. Lately, I started using the RealRides DVDs with Robbie Ventura. The Power DVD truly motivates me and keeps me pushing hard when I need it, with the proper structure for effective intervals and really ramping up the intensity. If you’re starting off on the bike, you may find the Ride 101 especially useful, which has a lot more information about riding safely and effectively. There are other options out there as well, so the trick is to find what works to keep you motivated.

There are a lot of things to consider when starting to ride on a trainer. All of the things listed above make it so much more worthwhile, though. After riding for three years on the trainer, I’ve found what works well for me. I’m curious to hear what works for you. Or feel free to ask questions. Happy riding, and I’ll see you on the roads in spring.

This is part three of a three-part series

If you’ve been reading about my new road bike, you know that I pretty much went all out. My new Trek 6-series Madone is one sweet bike, especially since I set it up through Trek’s Project One Web site. With the Madone built (including handlebars wrapped), I was ready to take it on its maiden ride. I don’t often ride as far as I would like, but my goal this year is to accomplish a number of 50-mile rides and maybe push a metric century (62 miles) near the end of the season. At any rate, I had a long Memorial Day weekend coming up, so I figured that I could get some base miles in, including a 50-mile ride.

As you’ll note, the title of this post states first rides (plural). This implies that I actually took the new bike out for more than one ride – in fact, I took it out for two long rides this past weekend. It also involves two friends named Josh: one used to work with me at a previous day job and the other worked with me at my part time job.

I picked up my new Madone on Thursday night and planned on riding the following morning (I had the day off from my day job). Seeing it built up was awesome. It felt amazingly light when I picked it up. And it even had that new bike smell. My goal for the next day was to see how it felt on one of my longer rides (for me, anything beyond 25 miles is long) and to dial in the fit and feel.

Josh, the one that used to work with me at a previous day job, agreed to meet at my place and head out for about a 35-mile ride on Friday morning – we had the day off. I warned him that there were some tough hills (he’s not as strong a rider as me), but he seemed okay with that. He didn’t know that I just got the new bike. He saw the old one and commented on how it was ready – I then pulled out the new one and said, “I’m going to take this one instead.” His jaw dropped; he then commented, “Well, now you’re really going to drop me.” I assured him that I wouldn’t, even though he was riding a Specialized (he rides an Allez). Before we rode out, I was clumsy and dropped the new bike in the garage. Fortunately, no serious damage other than a surface scratch. Still, better to do that early at home and get over worrying about such minor things than to have a significant crash on the road.

The forecast called for really warm temperatures later, so we took off shortly after 7:30. It was truly a beautiful morning – the wind was low and the temperature was just about perfect for a ride. As we headed out, I noticed that the bike felt just awesome. It maneuvered really well – the cornering felt really confident, and the ride was quite comfortable. Riding over the cobblestone crosswalk of my neighborhood, I didn’t notice the usual jarring that I feel with my Pilot.

As we continued to ride out, I feared that I might drop Josh, but I was also getting used to the new double compact. The gearing on the front is different: 50-34 vs. 53-39 on a standard double (or the two big rings on a triple). Also, the shifting was a bit off: at times I tried to shift up, but the chain would get stuck in upshift or downshift limbo. The only way to overcome that was to shift beyond and then back, which seemed to work most times. But once in gear, the Madone felt really good.

The first ride turned out to be just under 40 miles. The bike continued to feel extremely light, nimble, and comfortable. As we climbed some short ascents, I felt like I could get up them quickly. The big test was to see how well I did on some significant climbs.

The first major climb we hit was on a rural road with a little white church – passing the church is the point of no return to one of the most brutal climbs I have encountered so far. It’s steep and deceiving – once you think you’re near the top, it continues to climb at a less steep slope, but it’s still a climb. As in the past, this hill really pushed me. But I made it up, feeling pretty good with about an ounce of energy left – although exhausting it was a great feeling. I waited at the top for Josh, who also conquered the hill just shortly after me.

We encountered two more significant climbs that nearly took it out of me. The first of these two is nearly a mile long that never seems to end. But with the compact, I was able to climb it without dropping too low. The second of these climbs was shorter but steeper. I powered up this one and nearly beat myself up. But I had never spent the entire time climbing it out of the saddle until now, and that was something to be proud of. When all was said and done, Josh and I rode 40 miles. Not bad for a maiden ride.

My second ride was with another Josh. We agreed to ride just over 50 miles, heading north to a small town called Mazomanie and looping back. This route didn’t involve as much steep climbing, but it did mean spending much more time in the saddle. Unlike my other friend, this Josh was a strong rider, had the same model Madone as me (although he had faster wheels), and has competed in Ironman competitions in the past (and was training for one in Lake Tahoe). As we headed out, I felt pretty good about keeping up with him. The last time I rode with him, I was on the Pilot and fell behind him a number of times. This time, he didn’t drop me as often. Although we didn’t encounter as many tough hills, I did struggle up some climbs since Josh is still much stronger than me.

We hit one road, County Road Y, which seemed to take forever. Parts of it were pretty rough, and being on a new saddle didn’t help after about 30 miles (I’ve since played around with the height, horizontal position, and angle since and have it a bit more dialed in now). The ride through Roxbury wasn’t bad, but once past there, the ride to Mazomanie seemed to take forever. I was happy to hit “Mazo,” though, and we made a pit stop and “refueled” at one of the local gas stations. For me, a mini Clif Bar and a refill on water seemed to do the trick (I also had a second bottle filled with Hammer Nutrition Heed).

Once we got on the road again, I felt pretty good. We wound around a park and small lake after turning onto a major county road – winding through there was pretty exciting and reminded me of why I love riding. But once we hit the straightaway, I was also reminded that there is sometimes the voluminous and somewhat monotonous portions of riding as well.

We thought about stopping at the coffee shop in Cross Plains earlier, but neither of us felt the need. We soldiered on, and had a couple of other riders drop in. It was nice having more people riding. They hammered up the first big hill that we encountered since Mazo, as did Josh, and I worked hard to get up it as quickly as I could. Although my butt hurt, I welcomed feeling my legs burn while mashing up the hill out of the saddle a bit more than my tail aching.

At the second climb, Josh informed me that he was going to keep riding to his parents’ house, about 10 miles south of our location (we were about three miles west from where we started). I bid him “good ride” and headed home. As the map had suggested, I made it home with 56 miles on the trip computer. Despite a touch of rain along the way, it was another beautiful day, another beautiful ride, and I did it on my beautiful new bike.

My final thoughts on the new bike? I am really glad I bought it when I did. It has motivated me to keep riding, and I feel stronger when I do. Although I am keeping the Pilot as my commuter bike, the Madone feels extremely awesome. It is quick. It corners extremely confidently. It takes off rapidly. And it helps me power up hills with less effort. The fit is just right for me, now that I have it dialed in. The drivetrain is spot on when adjusted properly (although it is still in the break-in stage), and the brakes help me stop quickly. I expect that I will put on a few miles with the Madone this year – and for years to come.

Click here to read part one of this series.

Click here to read part two of this series.

As I recently posted, I purchased a 2010 Trek 6-series Madone. This is essentially the same bike that Team Radio Shack rides. I may not race, but I do like going for long rides. And as you can probably guess, I’m really excited about it.

The bike was shipped in a box to the bike shop that I work for and would be built by one of the techs there. Most of the components were already on the bike, but it still had to be assembled. This past weekend, one of our techs, Ian, started working on it (after hours, of course). I also indicated that I would list out some specs on the bike. However, I decided that it makes little sense to give the same information that you could read on Trek’s Madone 6 Web site. But I will cover some basics before going into how I chose to enhance my experience.

Specs

The biggest deal with this bike is that it is light – I mean it is really freakin’ light. For 2010, Trek uses OCLV2 carbon, it’s lightest carbon yet (OCLV stands for Optimum Compaction, Low Void). It incorporates high modulus carbon fiber that is laid up in such a way that it is strong and stiff in the most critical locations on the bike but provides awesome compliance (read: comfort) where it counts as well. This also makes it a lightweight bicycle. My Trek Pilot 2.1 (aluminum frame with carbon fork and monostay seatstay) weighs about 23 pounds; this bike, when loaded with my accessories, will be well under 18 pounds (I’ll weigh it when it’s built and ready for its first ride). Ultimately, the carbon frame will not only make this a light bike, but also a very compliant bike.

The innovations don’t stop there, though. The most obvious location of the Madone’s stiffness is its BB90 bottom bracket. This construction is extremely strong because the bottom bracket is molded to incorporate the bearings within the frame, instead of threading them into a narrower set up. For a rider, this means increased power into every pedal stroke, including climbing up hills and sprints. Add to this the frame’s assymetric geometry and E2 headset (including an assymetric tapered steerer fork that combines lightness and stiffness), the bike is designed to balance pedaling force from the rider while also being strong, light, and compliant (again, “comfortable”).

One cool feature that I really wanted was DuoTrap compatibility. This places the computer sensor into the non-driveside chain stay, giving you a clean, seemless, interface (without zip ties). DuoTrap is ANT+ compatible, which is a digital standard that works with a variety of devices, including certain computers, power meters, and GPS units. I have a Garmin Edge 705 already, so I can pair it with the DuoTrap sensor.

Other noteworthy specs about the bike itself:

• I ordered the performance fit; the pro fit is usually better suited for those that race (such as Team Radio Shack).
• I essentially built a Madone 6.5 (although I ordered it as a 6.9). The difference is that my bike has Bontrager RXL wheels, their lightest Scandium alloy wheelset. I figured that I did not need carbon since I don’t race, even though the rest of the bike is essentially carbon.
• The tires are Bontrager Race X Lite AC (A-Case for abrasion resistance) 700 x 23. I normally ride the same tire in 700 x 25, mostly for more comfort.
• I decided to go all out with Shimano Dura-Ace 7900 Compact group set with 50/34 chainrings (hence the compact) and an 11-25 casette (I’d like to think I can climb, but I know better). I went compact because it will give me the happy medium between a triple and a standard double. I prefer Shimano’s shifter action to SRAM, and I couldn’t justify the extra cost for Campagnola.
• Although I considered tacky bar tape, I ended up having Bontrager’s Gel Cork tape instead. I went this direction due mostly to the added comfort and the ease of removal when I need to replace it.
• I selected the paint scheme from the Signature Series options available through Trek’s Project One Web site. I chose the Solid-Team Logo – Obsidian Blue with Platinum lettering. So far, everyone that has seen it has given me very positive comments. I also added the words  ”Ride well-Brian Shah” on the top tube (see photo below – an option with the Signature Series paint schemes).
• Other components include Bontrager Race XXX Lite carbon stem, Bontrager Race XXX Lite VR OS carbon handlebars, Bontrager inForm RXL saddle, and Cane Creek IS8 carbon headset.

Accessories

Riding a bike is one thing. Having the gear that enhances the experience makes cycling fun. I added many of the same things on the Madone that I currently have on my Pilot. As I like to say, stick with what works.

• Computer: Garmin Edge 705 (swapping between bikes); DuoTrap ANT+ compatible sensor.
• Seat bag: Bontrager quick-release 25 cu in Pro pack.
• Pump: Bontrager Air Rush Road (pump and CO2 in one unit).

In some cases, I upgraded components to keep the weight down.

• Water cages: Bontrager Race XXX Lite carbon (the lightest yet).
• Pedals: Shimano Dura-Ace SPD-SL.
• Bontrager Race X Lite tubes (might as well go light inside the tires too).

I don’t know if the weight savings will make a huge difference, but I figured I can do this now, so I did.

Build

As I mentioned, Ian agreed to build my Madone. He started one morning before store opening by truing the wheels. He then installed the handlebars and the K-Edge chain catcher. Then he ran the cables through the brakes and derailleurs. Finally, he then installed the wheels before setting it aside for the day.

After hours, I installed a couple the DuoTrap sensor, cadence band, and wheel magnet. I checked to make sure that they were reading with the sensor. Finally, I installed the water bottle cages.

The only thing left to do is get it set up for me and get it outside for its first ride.

Click here to read part one of this series.

Click here to read part three of this series.

As I will continue to attest, legally cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as other road users. On a bike on the road, bicycles are a vehicle. When we run through a stop sign or red light, we are breaking the law. It makes cyclists look bad, and it puts you into a very dangerous situation. By acting unpredictably, the one time you decide to fly through a stop sign when a driver doesn’t see you could be the last time.

Furthermore, we anger motor vehicle drivers when we disobey traffic laws and signals. I could go into how motor vehicles never stop at stop signs as well. But if a driver’s state of mind is such that he or she is ready to go off, who will stop him or her from deciding to “teach those bicyclists a lesson” with the front of their cars? Do the math: 3,000 pounds of steel and glass versus 200 pounds of rubber and a lot of exposed cyclist.

Although I would hope that bicyclists don’t run through stop signs and get tickets, in a way I’m glad this author pointed out this issue and decided to publish it. It may not open a lot of minds, but I would hope that it helps cyclists realize that they are not above the law.

The argument goes both ways. The one paragraph in the article that really echoes what I think about when I see a bicyclist break a traffic law:

“Demonizing drivers is a bike commuter’s favorite pastime. As for drivers’ attitudes about bikers, [Instructor] Ross points out that when cyclists disobey the rules of the road they’re manufacturing their own stereotype.”

By running stop signs and red lights and by disobeying the rules of the road, you are making the situation worse for all of us. I personally make every effort to stop at all stop signs and red lights – that means bike is completely stopped and foot is on the ground (yes, I use clipless pedals). I request that you do the same. If you are uncertain, take a course in riding safely in traffic. If you know that you’re running stop signs and red lights, think about the consequences. And by all means, don’t take the rest of us down with you.

My favorite:

Q: Why isn’t the sport of cycling more popular in the United States?

A: Generally, Americans are uncomfortable watching athletes in helmets and tight-fitting Lycra clothing. This is why the sport of football is also unpopular and why the Superbowl fails to attract viewers year after year.

Perhaps when I ride next time, I’ll throw on a pair of football pads, a Packers jersey, and a Packers helmet. Perhaps then I’ll stop getting those odd looks from drivers.

As you probably have noticed, I like to bike – a lot. Although I really enjoy my riding my Trek Pilot, I wanted a better bike (what enthusiast doesn’t?). So I bought a new Trek Madone 6-series.

Why such a high-end bike, you might ask? The timing seemed right. Also, I work in a bike shop, so I got a bit of a break on the price. And I like the features of the 6-series, such as the frame is the lightest one ever built by Trek, it integrates the computer sensors, and it is made right here in Waterloo, Wisconsin.

Since I work in a bike shop, I could take these pics while it was being built. The following are first glimpses of my new road bike after opening the box.

More pics and details on the specs and accessories will follow.

Click here to read part two of this series.

Click here to read part three of this series.

So when we finally had some decent weather this past week, I got on the bike and rode to and from work. I only got to ride a couple of days, just in time for more snow to come this weekend. But it sounds like it may be minor, and we should have some nicer days ahead.This year, I intend to spend much more time riding to and from my day job. It’s 18 miles round-trip. Since I am putting in so many hours in both jobs, it may be the only opportunity I have to ride this season. It’s work, but it’s worthwhile.

As I start commuting more, I will learn what works well and what needs to be dropped. For now, the most important thing is to keep what you can at your day job and carry only what needs to go between work and home (such as business clothing and lunch).

I will also be promoting Bike to Work Week. It is a great opportunity to get more people riding. And hopefully some of them will continue throughout the year.

For now, I appreciate any opportunity that gets me outside on the bike. Snow or no snow this weekend, it makes me long even more to get back on the bike for a longer ride.