Tips for Solo Riding?
#26
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#27
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I usually hate wind.
But when I was training for the Devil Mountain Double I wore a heart monitor when I was doing TIME CRUNCHED CYCLIST program workouts and the wind didn't bug me.
My goal was to work within specific heart rate zone, so it didn't matter if I was slow or fast, what mattered was that I hit the right zones.In an odd way it was liberating.
My solo ride tip is: Make sure you carry enough crap that two flats won't strand you. I accidentally ley my patch glue go bad and got stuck on a no-cars road. I had to chose: Ride on a flat, walk in my cleats, or walk barefoot. All bad choices.
Don't let me be you.
But when I was training for the Devil Mountain Double I wore a heart monitor when I was doing TIME CRUNCHED CYCLIST program workouts and the wind didn't bug me.
My goal was to work within specific heart rate zone, so it didn't matter if I was slow or fast, what mattered was that I hit the right zones.In an odd way it was liberating.
My solo ride tip is: Make sure you carry enough crap that two flats won't strand you. I accidentally ley my patch glue go bad and got stuck on a no-cars road. I had to chose: Ride on a flat, walk in my cleats, or walk barefoot. All bad choices.
Don't let me be you.
#28
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I know a lot of guys like to go 'pro' and just lay the forearms on the bartops alongside the stem, but with our road conditions, just laying the forearms down with hands haging off the front, is too sketchy for me and also too bruising.
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I personally get lower with my palms on the hoods and forearms on the bars,tucked; as opposed to riding in the drops.
I know a lot of guys like to go 'pro' and just lay the forearms on the bartops alongside the stem, but with our road conditions, just laying the forearms down with hands haging off the front, is too sketchy for me and also too bruising.
I know a lot of guys like to go 'pro' and just lay the forearms on the bartops alongside the stem, but with our road conditions, just laying the forearms down with hands haging off the front, is too sketchy for me and also too bruising.
#30
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wow, from seeing pictures of time trial type setups I was under the impression a stretched out posture with flat back on hands on aero bars was more "aero". This guy has rounded back and elbows down.
re the OP, headwinds just use a lower gear. it's the side winds that really bother me, especially on roads with traffic.
re the OP, headwinds just use a lower gear. it's the side winds that really bother me, especially on roads with traffic.
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I did a loop last week and was into the wind the whole time it seemed... wind can change here pretty quickly. I have been riding solo recently and just try to believe that the wind is helping my training. I will be that much better when I have a wheel in front of me again.
When I ride/drink alone, I prefer to be by myself.
When I ride/drink alone, I prefer to be by myself.
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wow, from seeing pictures of time trial type setups I was under the impression a stretched out posture with flat back on hands on aero bars was more "aero". This guy has rounded back and elbows down.
re the OP, headwinds just use a lower gear. it's the side winds that really bother me, especially on roads with traffic.
re the OP, headwinds just use a lower gear. it's the side winds that really bother me, especially on roads with traffic.
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Joke photo. That position is for non technical non-pedaling descents only.
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Yes to this. I've never done any real testing, but anecdotal observation (occasionally looking at the wattage display on my Garmin) indicates that this is a more aero position than the drops.
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i don't know where you're coming up with "non-technical" here. Sitting on the top tube with your chin on the stem, hands on the flats, doing 55 miles an hour is quite "technical." Pedaling or not.
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And each time there is a break from the wind (trees, buildings, passing vehicles, etc.) ride as hard and fast as you can.
Then when you're back into the headwind again, relax and spin ...
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#43
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And I said "...for non technical... descents". By this, I meant that riders don't use the position on technically challenging descents. A technical descent is one with steep bits, tight corners, imperfect asphalt etc. Get it?
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Yes, this is great advice. I carry a tube, and a patch kit, and compressed air. I once had to change two flats. I also carry my debit card with me just in case. I figure worse comes to worse I can always hitchhike back to my car, and in the case of a big emergency I've got the card to pay for any expenses.
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Tip = have fun.
#48
commu*ist spy
I live in a place where the wind is 25 mph+ at least 3 days a week, and 10+ the rest of the days. If you want to ride a bike here, you are going to ride in the wind, period. Here's what I do to put up with it.
1. If at all possible, plan the first half of your ride to be into the wind, and come back with a tail wind. This lets you do the hard work when you are fresh, and you get the mental benefit of sometimes averaging 25-30 mph on the way back home. You can still work just as hard with a tailwind, you just go faster.
2. Spin. Get your cadence up to 85-95 and just grit it out. Trying to push big gears into the wind is both counter productive and mentally draining.
3. Think about rule 9. When you meet cars on the road and the driver has that "What a dumbass" look on his face let that be a source of pride, not embarrassment.
Most experienced riders will tell you that wind and hills are 90% mental. Wind more so because there's not usually a "downhill." Just concentrate on what a badass you are when that 30 mph gust hits, and remember that no one said this cycling thing was going to be fun.
1. If at all possible, plan the first half of your ride to be into the wind, and come back with a tail wind. This lets you do the hard work when you are fresh, and you get the mental benefit of sometimes averaging 25-30 mph on the way back home. You can still work just as hard with a tailwind, you just go faster.
2. Spin. Get your cadence up to 85-95 and just grit it out. Trying to push big gears into the wind is both counter productive and mentally draining.
3. Think about rule 9. When you meet cars on the road and the driver has that "What a dumbass" look on his face let that be a source of pride, not embarrassment.
Most experienced riders will tell you that wind and hills are 90% mental. Wind more so because there's not usually a "downhill." Just concentrate on what a badass you are when that 30 mph gust hits, and remember that no one said this cycling thing was going to be fun.
#49
commu*ist spy
I've read that it's more aero to bend your elbows on the hood than it is to have straight arms in the drops. I think it's referring to reducing your profile by tucking in your elbow, so your forearm is not catching any extra wind when it's straightened out on the drops. It makes sense, but only if you're racing, imo
#50
commu*ist spy