As we hit the half-way mark of 2014, I am pleased to post that according to Strava, I've ridden 3,539 miles since Jan 1 - while I've driven only 2,336 miles in my car. #ridemoredriveless #workclosetohome #commute #cycling
https://squareup.com/market/defined-fitness-training-llc/ride-more-drive-less
Monday, June 30, 2014
Sunday, June 29, 2014
It's been a great biking week when...
...you assist with a League of American Bicyclists (LAB) instructor course.
...you ride around Fort Collins with Steve Clark the LAB Bicycle Friendly Community program specialist. He was in town to assess what Fort Collins' needs to do to move from Platinum to Diamond status. It sounds like a non-negotiable is removing the bike ban on College Avenue (State Highway 287) from Laurel Street south to Harmony Road. The Colorado Department of Transportation seems to have the say here, so this might take some doing.
In his PowerPoint presentation that wrapped up our day together, Steve showed our group a variety of innovative infrastructure designs he think will enhance what Fort Collins already has. One right turn lane treatment in the presentation may work very well in Golden on Washington Avenue at the intersection of Hwy. 58, especially going west on the uphill climb. It clearly indicates that bikes should take the left side of the right turn lane as a through lane.
...you help an out-of-town cyclist with some route finding and end up riding over 30 miles together.
...you finally take time to adhere the Lucky Panda sticker (given to you by your son) to the bike you now use for commuting.
...you ride around Fort Collins with Steve Clark the LAB Bicycle Friendly Community program specialist. He was in town to assess what Fort Collins' needs to do to move from Platinum to Diamond status. It sounds like a non-negotiable is removing the bike ban on College Avenue (State Highway 287) from Laurel Street south to Harmony Road. The Colorado Department of Transportation seems to have the say here, so this might take some doing.
In his PowerPoint presentation that wrapped up our day together, Steve showed our group a variety of innovative infrastructure designs he think will enhance what Fort Collins already has. One right turn lane treatment in the presentation may work very well in Golden on Washington Avenue at the intersection of Hwy. 58, especially going west on the uphill climb. It clearly indicates that bikes should take the left side of the right turn lane as a through lane.
...you help an out-of-town cyclist with some route finding and end up riding over 30 miles together.
...you finally take time to adhere the Lucky Panda sticker (given to you by your son) to the bike you now use for commuting.
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
Monday, June 23, 2014
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
Biking as a part of life...
Oh my gosh, I have been so busy lately, I just realized that it's been a month since my last post! Man alive how time get's away... I'm on my work computer trying to get some work done too as I have a two week vacation rapidly approaching. This feels like a much better use of my time. Hahah!!!
So back in the last week of March, I was preparing for 30 Days of Biking that was to kick off on April 1st. I got started before April figuring I'd get myself in that rhythm. April came, as did snow, bitter cold, wind, rain, then warmer days, sun, and dry ground. And through all of that, I rode my bike every single day. There were a couple days that I barely made it a mile... like the day in April the sleeting snow was blowing so hard I couldn't even see. But for the most part, I've either had a purpose for my ride, like the 3.5 miles to the grocery store or I've ridden at least five miles.
April ended and I thought, well geeze, I'm up to 37 days, why not just keep going?! So I did... through a horrible chest cold, traveling out of state on road trips, pink eye, and late night rides just because that was the soonest I could get to it. But here I am, day 83. That's 83 days in a row I've ridden my bike. I've not allowed myself the luxury of just hooking up to my trainer, my wheels actually hit the ground. And even if it's just a quick 5 mile (ends up being about twenty minutes) ride, I still do it. And I love it. It doesn't mean it's been easy, but I tell you, it's been such a good mental therapy for me.
I've read several articles recently about the power of exercise (biking, hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, whatever), and it's very powerful. I can be stressed to the max, but I get out on my bike at 9:30 at night, turn on my light and cruise around in the cool, crisp air, and I feel completely reenergized. I really have a love affair with my bike... Shhh... don't tell my husband. ;)
I am supposed to go on a four day trip with my sisters from Denver to Vegas to Twenty Nine Palms and then to San Diego, and at first I was thinking, oh well.. that'll be the end of my steak. But I can't let it go. I want to keep going!!! It's addicting... so now begins the challenge of trying to work in a five mile bike ride each day without inconveniencing those around me (too much).
HAPPY BIKING!!!!!
So back in the last week of March, I was preparing for 30 Days of Biking that was to kick off on April 1st. I got started before April figuring I'd get myself in that rhythm. April came, as did snow, bitter cold, wind, rain, then warmer days, sun, and dry ground. And through all of that, I rode my bike every single day. There were a couple days that I barely made it a mile... like the day in April the sleeting snow was blowing so hard I couldn't even see. But for the most part, I've either had a purpose for my ride, like the 3.5 miles to the grocery store or I've ridden at least five miles.
April ended and I thought, well geeze, I'm up to 37 days, why not just keep going?! So I did... through a horrible chest cold, traveling out of state on road trips, pink eye, and late night rides just because that was the soonest I could get to it. But here I am, day 83. That's 83 days in a row I've ridden my bike. I've not allowed myself the luxury of just hooking up to my trainer, my wheels actually hit the ground. And even if it's just a quick 5 mile (ends up being about twenty minutes) ride, I still do it. And I love it. It doesn't mean it's been easy, but I tell you, it's been such a good mental therapy for me.
I've read several articles recently about the power of exercise (biking, hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, whatever), and it's very powerful. I can be stressed to the max, but I get out on my bike at 9:30 at night, turn on my light and cruise around in the cool, crisp air, and I feel completely reenergized. I really have a love affair with my bike... Shhh... don't tell my husband. ;)
I am supposed to go on a four day trip with my sisters from Denver to Vegas to Twenty Nine Palms and then to San Diego, and at first I was thinking, oh well.. that'll be the end of my steak. But I can't let it go. I want to keep going!!! It's addicting... so now begins the challenge of trying to work in a five mile bike ride each day without inconveniencing those around me (too much).
HAPPY BIKING!!!!!
Monday, June 16, 2014
Does this bike make me look good?
- You should be able to straddle your bike over the top tube with both feet on the ground and be able to lift the bike off the ground. For a road bike, there should be one to two inches of clearance between the tires and the floor. For a mountain or hybrid bike, there should be three to four inches of clearance. When riding a recumbent bicycle, the leg and arm extension is more important than the stand-over height. This measurement doesn’t apply to “step through” bikes (formerly referred to as “girls” bikes).
- When seated on the bike, you should be able to reach the handlebars without feeling stretched out, hunched over or cramped. There should be a slight bend in the elbows when riding. Bent elbows act as shock absorbers for the upper body when riding over bumps. Pedaling with bent elbows will often help prevent numbness in the hands. Neck pain is often the result of having the handlebars too low or having a long reach.
- When seated, there should be a slight bend in the knee when the pedal is down. If your hips rock from side to side when you’re pedaling, the pedals are too far away and the seat should be lowered. If you have pain in the front of your knees, the seat is too low or too far forward. A seat that is too high can cause pain in the back of the knee. For recumbent bicycles, leg extension is the best judge for frame size.
- The saddle (bike seat) should be flat, not pointing up or down. Any slant can apply unwanted pressure on your arms, back and pelvis. Note that there are many different types of saddles for different types of seats. Large saddles (which are not comfortable on long rides) and gender specific saddles. A saddle should support your pelvic bones yet be narrow enough to prevent chafing when riding. Only you can decide which saddle is best for you. Try several. The most important part of saddle comfort is adjustment.
If you’re not sure whether your
bicycle fits you, consult a local bicycle shop which is experienced in this. Good
bike fit can improve your pedaling efficiency and aerodynamics and actually
make you faster and make you look good!
(Written in collaboration with Robin Hildenbrand, an avid cyclist who lives in Loveland, Colorado.)
(Written in collaboration with Robin Hildenbrand, an avid cyclist who lives in Loveland, Colorado.)
Friday, June 6, 2014
Thursday, June 5, 2014
Monday, June 2, 2014
Hail Ride
Better late than never...but last week on my morning commute into work things were going smoothly and the weather was a lovely 60 degrees and sunny. I did not expect to come across about a quarter mile of ...in the middle of my trail.
Needless to say I was not alone in my shock and about 3 other bikers had to traverse this sketchy terrain along with me. Great news is I met a few other riders, laughed a little and managed to keep upright. All around win. :) Have a great week everybody and thank you for being such rockstars out there- you motivate me to squeeze into my spandex with this ever-expanding belly. :)
Needless to say I was not alone in my shock and about 3 other bikers had to traverse this sketchy terrain along with me. Great news is I met a few other riders, laughed a little and managed to keep upright. All around win. :) Have a great week everybody and thank you for being such rockstars out there- you motivate me to squeeze into my spandex with this ever-expanding belly. :)Bike Share Programs
Shocking news! Bike sharing programs do NOT increase cyclist fatality rates. In it's first year, New York's City Bikes have logged 8.75 million trips for a total of 14.7 million miles with 100 reported accidents, 25 trips to the ER, and no fatalities.
Way to go CityBikes!
Way to go CityBikes!
Woman Power!
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| Little Bellas!!! |
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| Mckenzie, Katie Compton (Pro Rider for Trek), Me |
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| Mckenzie, Teal Stetson-Lee (Pro Rider for Luna), Me |
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