Do You Cycle?

So this year, I've become fascinated with biking like nothing else. My brother Xander and I co-purchased an entry level road bike. He kept it with him as he attended school at BYU until he left to serve an LDS mission in Kennewick, Washington. When I inherited the bike, I was able to start taking it out on rides.

My first real ride on the bike was from Pleasant Grove, UT to downtown Salt Lake City.

It wasn't the prettiest ride, the bike was out of tune and when I wanted to shift my front derailure I'd have to stop, yell up to Chris, and have him manually shift my bike. Going up over Suncrest (a climb locals are familiar with) proved a struggle. At a few points Chris even had to bike back down the hill and push me as I struggled to pedal. The highlights of the ride were—flying down the North side of Suncrest at 47 mph (according to Strava), watching Downtown SLC come into view as we biked up Wasatch

I learned a few things from this ride.

1. Don't ever question what you are capable of—if you give yourself enough time.
2. A finely tuned bike will make or break your experience.
3. Biking allows you to experience the road in a whole new way.
4. Biking from point A to point B is one of the best feelings in the world.

This ride kindled my interest in biking. Little did I know that later in the year I would be capable of riding in the Salt to Saint Relay. PG to SLC is not the prettiest example of a budding love for biking. No—it was hard, I was tired, and I didn't know if the end would ever come. When I finished though, it was such a great feeling. I wanted more, I craved more, and I've enjoyed some great rides with friends.

I want this blog to be more than just a diary. I want people to comment, follow, contribute, and join us from some rides. If you are interested in writing towards the blog, we'd be more than happy to allow it if you drop us some lines.

So, Do you cycle? Join us!

Winter Biking

When I started commuting years ago I was dedicated and told myself that I would bike no matter what. Unfortunately, this takes a lot more dedication and money than I was anticipating. When winter hit full force I was unprepared. I would wear a hoodie and heavy coat, jeans and some long johns, with wool socks. Constantly my hands, face and feet were cold while the rest of me felt bulky. Because of this I drove more than I would have liked to. This is also applicable not only to commuting, but also cycling for sport/fun, etc. 

By next winter I learned better. Really, the winter, (at least here in Utah) varies a lot, and it can be a slow progression to cold, or a sudden one. I found the key, though, is to have multiple layers, all of which work on their own, or together. At the beginning of the winter, or in the fall all I would need is a few added things to my kit. Some leg warmers, or thermal tights that I could put under (or over) my cycling shorts, a warm undershirt, warm gloves, and a balaclava. The beanie I am seen wearing is really my balaclava. I think they are great because it can be worn like a beanie, being folded up over your head, and if it gets cold can be pulled down to cover your face. 

The amount of layers you wear really depends on what you are comfortable with, but one huge aspect of layering is getting the right stuff. When I first encountered winter I was bulky which was not only hard to bike it but caught ALL of the wind. My cycling effort was greatly increased just because I didn't know how to dress myself.

  

So, here is a list of what I would wear on the VERY cold days. These are days that got down to -9 degrees and I was still pretty warm, (but still pretty cold, which is pretty much inevitable). 

1. Base Layers -- This can include a t-shirt, or jersey or some type of undershirt. 

2. Arm warmers -- These were very important. Especially with the jacket I had, which I'll get to. 

3. Biking Tights -- These are great. They are thermal and warm and can be warn with biking shorts or under pants, if commuting, etc. 

4. Biking shorts or pants -- again, the more layers the better. Of course, if you wear baggy jeans you'll want to get a strap for them so they don't get caught on the crank, or roll them up a bit. 

5. Wool Socks -- seriously, these will keep your feet warm.

6. Over Shoes -- These are covers that go over your shoes and really help keep cold and wind out. 

7. Balaclava -- Again, this is great! You can wear it just to cover your ears, or pull it down to cover your face. 

8. A Thermal Jacket -- The jacket in the picture above reflects the heat I generate back on me. However, it will take about 5-10 minutes to really make a difference in the warmth. It also will cause you to sweat a lot if you don't have a layer under it, hence the arm warmers. 

9. Gloves -- I will wear cheap cotton cloves no matter what, but depending on how cold it is will either wear full finger gloves, (for chill weather) or lobster gloves (for freezing weather). 

10. Sunglasses -- Have you ever had your eyes freeze? I have and it sucks and burns for 30 minutes after. This prevents the cold wind from getting to them. 

11. Helmet -- no cold weather gear should ever compromise your safety. 

Some other tips: 1. Plan ahead. It's going to take you longer to get anywhere, especially if it is snowing. 2. Get good tires. 3. Be courteous to drivers and signal where you're going far in advance. 4. On cold snowy days listen to "Re: Stacks" by Bon Iver, you'll thank me.

 

Squaw Peak

Since being sick I have not been able to go on any major rides. I lost a lot of the muscle I'd gained over the last 2 years of biking and have slowly been working back up to where I was, (which probably will take all the way through next summer). But there is definite progress. 

This last Saturday I was able to ride with Foster, Lorin and Jared, (the group that rode in Salt to Saint except we didn't have Jaron) up Squaw Peak. It was incredible to really see the difference that being sick had made. I've ridden Squaw Peak about ten times and could make it up in about 30-35 minutes. Now I was hitting 45 or 50 minutes. Not only that, but I was EXHAUSTED. I could barely make it up the last (steep) hill. But I did, which I'm pretty happy about. I plan on riding it at least once more before winter hits. 

Me, at the top of Squaw Peak.

If anyone has ever done this ride you'll know, it really isn't that easy. Not only is the average grade pretty high, (about 6.5%), but it only gets steeper as you climb. However, the views you get are amazing! Through the switchbacks that take you to the look-out point you get a climbing view of the city below. The trees around you, (and especially at this time) are beautiful, their leaves beginning to turn autumn colors and the only noises you hear for the majority of the time are that of wind, the cassette on the bike spinning, and your own panting breaths, carrying you to the top. You hit the steep finish ranging from 7-9% grade and stand up on the bike, pumping your arms back and forth trying to get over this last climb. You round the last switchback and see the city below you, from AF and Lehi, all the way to Springville. But there is still the steepest climb left and you mind soon turns to that last hill. The trees shade is gone now, and you feel the sweat really starting to pour. But you pedal, your cadence varying as you stand and then sit and then repeat. Finally, you see the people at the top, most with cars, looking at you like you're crazy or encouraging your last few pedal strokes and you've made it. For me, it was rough, but definitely worth the the feeling of accomplishment. 

All of us. Me, Jared, Lorin and Foster.

 I'm very grateful for all of the riders I've gotten to know and ridden with that have been nothing but encouraging. I'm sure they've all seen or heard my frustrations at slowly getting back to where I once was but they've really helped me along and kept me motivated. I made it to the top of squaw peak last of everyone but still felt accomplished at doing it and am glad I had some awesome riders pushing me and encouraging me the whole way up.

Salt to Saint Relay Race

This year, Jaron, Foster, and two others I had not met until the race, Jared and Lorin did the Salt to Saint 24 hour relay race. The race is from Salt Lake City all the way down to St. George. It is 422 miles long. Because of being sick all summer I was unable to ride in the race, however I did volunteer to drive for them as well as act as tech, (which involved only minor repairs, loading and unloading the bikes from the rack and basically making sure all four were set to go before and during each leg of the race). It was a lot of fun, although I was a bit bummed about not being able to ride. Next year, though, I'll definitely be riding. 

Here are some pictures of the race.

Jaron testing out my bike and getting use to it at the start of the race

Lorin climbing the north side of Suncrest -- Goes over the point of the mountain.

Jaron on his first leg, (the 5th leg) leaving Goshen and heading towards Nephi. 

The hand-off of the GPS. Jaron to Jared who then went up the canyon past Nephi.

Jared, climbing the canyon hills at 20+ mph. 

Lorin waiting for Jared to come out of the canyon. His leg,
(and the following one done by foster) were the windies 

Foster, cruising through another canyon during the night. 

Foster and Jaron crashed early in the morning after a long night.

Foster taking off after Lorin hands off the GPS just inside of Arizona.

Me, after driving for about 22 hours straight with 2 more to go.

Foster finishing the last (and one of the hardest) legs; coming through the finish.

The whole team at the finish
(Jaron, Jared, Lorin, Foster)

All of us home again.
(Lorin, Jared, Me(Chris), Jaron, Foster)

 The whole thing was a ton of fun, even after driving for 24+ hours. We will all be doing it next year and I can't wait. It'll be great to be able to bike the thing with these guys. 

Climbing

 There is, at some point, the moment you want nothing more to collapse and quit, But you don't. You climb, and climb and climb, and all the while you hate yourself while, with each foot you slowly roll past the sense of accomplishment grows stronger and stronger.

Sound familiar? Maybe. For me, there is nothing as rewarding or challenging as ascending a large climb.


 But what is it about climbing that keeps us coming back for more? Actually, I don't know. By all accounts, putting yourself through this type of agony doesn't make much sense, but still we do it, over and over again. Regardless, here are some suggestions to help improve your climbing experience to help it to be a bit more bearable, even enjoyable, and improving your speed on your favorite climb.

One thing I've noticed in my climbing is that switching my position on the bike, from hand position to sitting position, or moving to standing, helps a lot in keeping the monotony at bay as well as using different muscle groups to help relax others. Positioning on your bike, if you haven't found out yet, makes a huge difference in the power you are able to output and the strength you are able to preserve for that final climb to the top.

As far as handle bar positioning is concerned, you will want to keep your hands on the hoods, or on the front bars. this positioning of the hands will help your legs have a lesser extension, preserving energy as opposed to grabbing the drop bars, or taking a tri stance (if you have aero bars) which will help you with a final burst at the end, but for general climbing will cause your legs--that are extending more than normal to be over worked and tire more easily.

Take your time. This is harder than I think most realize. You want to get to the top, you don't want to be past, you want to show that hills are nothing to you. I know that is how I often feel, but speed comes with practice and training. If you go at the speed you feel comfortable with you will naturally become better and faster at climbing. It takes time.

Don't get discouraged. There are times when I've been frustrated with the climb due to my bike or my own riding. But I've never regretted it when I continued on and up. If you're feeling discouraged just get off the bike for a bit and rest or eat something to get your energy back. You'll feel better, and remember why you're climbing this hill. Because it is there and should be climbed.

The Bike Ballroom

© JB Public Art

Since I began cycling earlier this year, I've learned more about the roads that I often drive. I've noticed details like potholes, elevation change, and the overall smoothness of the pavement under my tires. When I end up commuting in an automobile I have greater respect for the roads I drive. I also enjoy the scenery more fully because of the slower pace of biking.

Bikes are allowing people to enjoy the scenery more fully in San Antonio, TX. But not the way you might think. Bike components have been recycled into awesome pieces of art that have become a 6 piece chandelier set to beautify one of the less attractive man-made structures out there: a freeway underpass. LEDs within the chandeliers change colors—the effect is stunning—and I want one of these in my room.

© JB Public Art

© JB Public Art

This project has potential to reclaim space that may have been forgotten, neglected, or even avoided. Bringing a community something pleasing to the eye in place of a bleak empty space. You can check out the artist's full gallery of "Ballroom Luminoso" and read up on more details about this project and others on their site jbpublicart.com.

Go By Bike

This month is Bike Month. A month dedicated to cycling advocacy. Through this month there have been many events pushing biking and encouraging this healthy lifestyle. For me, one who has been commuting with his bike for two years this is one of my favorite times of the year. Because, I get to see many people who would not normally bike dust off their old garage bike and really dedicate themselves to this way of life.

I say way of life because it truly is. Two years ago I caught the bug. I began biking to work with an old twelve year old and very badly beaten up Trek 1000 and haven't looked back since. There is an intense satisfaction of being able to tough it through the cold snow, rain, the blistering heat or any other condition. But before starting off, here are a few things that I feel can help you get out there and get going.

How to begin your commute
1. Tune up your bike -- This isn't always obvious, but it is important. Tune it up before you start. Having a well oiled machine encourages you to ride. When everything is working as it should you will have a better time, not having to worry about this creak, or that rubbing sound. Also, once you get a tune up it is easier to keep up with. Familiarize yourself with ways to easily maintain a smooth running bike. (We will go over this another time).

2. Decide on a route before heading to work -- First, time yourself. Over the weekend take your bike and ride at the pace you'd take going to work. This way you know how long to expect to get to work. Believe me, this will save you a lot of stress those first few days of commuting by bike. Also, pick a good route, look for bike paths that you can take or roads with less lights and less cars. When I first started out I simply went the way I had always driven. It wasn't for months that I discovered a much quicker route with a bike path more direct route that would only be feasible for a bike.

3. Stay comfortable -- How I commute greatly depends on where I am going. When I first started I had to bike nine miles away and then nine miles back. I finally decided on wearing a biking jersey and biker shorts for summer, (and winter gear for winter) and bringing a change of clothes. This actually worked out well. I could change out of the sweaty jersey at work and then back again to head home. But now, working much closer to home, or even when biking to school, I opt for just normal clothed--the only adjustment needed is rolling up my pant legs to avoid them getting caught in the crank set. The point is, be comfortable. It may take a few times to see what suits you best, but it does make a big difference.

4. Be prepared -- I carry the following items with me where ever I go: (1) two extra inner tubes, (2) Tire levers, (3) Pump, (4) Alan wrench set. While getting a flat tire is not optimal, (obviously), its not too bad if you can change it quickly and be on your way. That being said, (as this is probably the most common issue you'll experience) I would suggest changing the tubes for practice once or twice to make sure you can do it in a bind.

5. Secure -- Make sure you have a safe place to put your bike. Personally, I bring it inside. My work allows it and it is easy for me to just lean it at my desk and let it be. If your work doesn't allow this, or there's nowhere to place it, make sure you find a place to lock it up. Another suggestion: Buy a "U" lock. Lock togethe the pole (etc.) you'll be locking it to, your bike frame and the rear wheel. This, for me, is the best way to secure your bike.

Commuting is wonderful. I've enjoyed it, (even through the winters). It has so many benefits and really improves your quality of life. So this month, even though it is finishing up, embrace bike month and commuting by bike. You won't regret it.