forecast calls for rain

So the forecast is calling for rain. Possible flooding, in fact. Where does that put us? On bikes in the rain! Who says you can't ride in the rain? I have a few concerns, sure: lightening, visibility, and hypothermia, oh and traction. Let me address each. There are more lightening strike survivors than fatalities. (where am i going with this... oh yes...) My strong advice is that we shouldn't risk it. Being on a bike in a lightening storm is NOT advisable. Visibility could be a problem in downpours. If you can't see the road while riding, it's probably a good idea to find a spot to wait until the rain isn't so heavy. As for the vehicle passing by, assume it probably can't see you whether it is daylight, or under a rainy sky. Clinically speaking, hypothermia is when your body temperature falls below 95 degrees. In the nutshell, if you are cold either put on some warmer clothes (change into dry clothes), and/or work harder aerobically to create more heat. Wet roads decrease bike-to-pavement contact (i.e., less traction). Wet roads increase the chances of "sliding out" on your bike so be especially careful when cornering. The more likely scenario is that we'll all just ride in the rain. pretty plain. pretty simple.

Counting the days.

This week, I have officially started putting “things” aside to take with me on the Bike Tour: an extra inhaler (you never know when you are going to need one), antihistamine in case of a bee or pollen attack, my CPR mask in case I might need to save a life. Wow, my list seems scary. Though it speaks, “Safety first!” I’ll be your Captain of safety. Dare I say, “This is your Captain speaking.”

Start packing some “things” for your adventure. Maybe you’d like to take a journal. If inspiration hits you, you’ll be prepared to jot down a thought or two. Do you have extra batteries for your camera? The Tour is only one weekend a year, but the memories can be captured on film. I prefer stills. Is your favorite biking jacket smelling like spring or does it stink like you forgot to wash it since last year’s ride? Try to make this a pleasant experience for all of us.

My bike is all set to go; tuned-up, checked out. Lube and air pump standing by.

I’ve got my helmet, my water bottles, my gloves, and my biking shoes ready to be scooped up at any second.

I am counting the days. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and abracadabra: SATURDAY.

Ride the shorter loop!

Just a thought... it's a gorgeous day out today. I dare you to ride the shorter loop in your neighborhood. I bet you can't! I say so because once you get on your bike, you are going to want to stay on your bike.

I love biking! So happy to be riding outside. Yes!

Reply to Nate Barnes, Bike Tour Participant

Hi Nate,
Three things come to mind right away:
1. If you are "seriously kicked" after 20 minutes, you may need to slow down the pace so that you can work out a little longer. It may sound counter-productive, but you said you want endurance. Endurance first. Speed later on. Sounds like you might need to slow down your outdoor runs too. See #3 for more input on that.
2. If you are commited to make substaintal gains in a short period of time, one way to advance is TWO workouts a day. Even if you didn't change the length/effort of your current workout, but added a second 30 minutes per day (i.e., workout in the morning and at night or at lunch then again at night -- depending on your schedule).
3. It's not a secret that treadmill running is "easier" than outdoor running. That is because the belt is moving under your feet... With that said, to make it more comparable to outdoor running, I've read 1% grade on a treadmill is like running flat road outside.
Feel free to call me to talk more.... 603-396-8763 cell.
Lisa :)

From Nate Barnes, Bike Tour Participant

Hi lisa and.....help!!! Read your blog ...wow you are some accomplished athlete. I bow to your unyielding endurance. Right now I am writing to you and eating a reece's peanut butter cup x2 ...probably not the best nutritional supplement hunh...oh well I've been craving chocolate like crazy since I quit smoking in January. Any way enough stream of consciousness blabber. I need some help. My partner Chris Courage (ALA NH director of event planning) said to check out your blog as a resource for training. Training tips you wrote were super. Should be a big help. My big problem is I want what you've got......endurance. I am working on it but man is it slow going. I have been hitting the gym averaging about 30 minutes of cardio i.e. treadmill, elyptical and recumpant bike approx. 3x wkly and doing some light weight training. I just don't seem to have a lot of stamina. I can run almost 3miles on the treadmill but when I get outside....kersplat!! I hit the wall before I get to 2 miles. I'm really getting nervous about the bike thing because as you said I will be using a lot of different muscle groups. When I get on the bike at the gym my butt is seriously kicked after 20 minutes. Yikes. I have been working soooo hard, I think but maybe not hard enough. I know I am kinda throwing a ton at you but I am really excited about this bike tour and I don't want to make an ass out of myself because I can't finish. Any input you might have would be great! Talk to you soon I hope. Sincerely, Nate Barnes

BIKE SETUP AND BODY POSITIONING

Bike setup and body positioning are crucial to feeling comfortable and helping to prevent injury. If you have just dusted off your old 10 speed, or if you’ve just purchased a new road bike, I recommend taking your bike to a bike shop to get properly fitted.

In the meantime, the main things to look for are:

Seat height. You want your seat height to be tall enough that you are able to use all of your leg muscles in the rotation, but not so tall that you are overextending your knee. Your knees should be going straight forward. If you seat is too low, your knees my turn to an outside angle, as if you were sitting Indian style. You want them to go straight forward, as if they were headlights.

Seat aft position. You can move your seat closer or farther away from your handlebars. You don’t want to be reaching for the handlebars (i.e., overextending your arms). You should be able to comfortably rest your hands on your handlebars in all of the positions your bike allows (top of the handlebars, drop bars, aero bars).

Handlebars. If you are a beginner rider, try a higher handlebar position. You can adjust your handlebar position by increasing or decreasing your stem length. Raising your handlebars should prove to be more comfortable because it allows the rider to stay in a more natural, upright position. A higher handlebar gives a rider less efficient aerodynamics, but far superior balance over a low handlebar position.

Need a New Bike, Gear, or a Tune-Up?

The Bike Barn is celebrating Spring with an Open House featuring the latest 2007 models --Guaranteed Lowest Price. Visit the barn at 33 South Commercial Street (exit 5 off 293, first right over bridge), Manchester, NH (tel: 603-668-6555). Tell 'em that I sent you. Spring hours: Weekdays 9:30 -6, Sat 10-4 Sun 12-4. Drop off your bike to the experts at the barn for a tune-up. Your bike will last you that much longer if you take proper care of it. And your safety depends on it!