July 29-August 1, 2010
Biking Technique Tips
- Spinning vs. Gear Mashing. Generally it is better to pedal faster in an easier gear than pedal slower in a harder gear. Mashing will tire you out and you'll end up slogging the rest of the distance.
- Brake before corners and take the corners slowly (if at all possible, do not brake while in a corner). Accelerate when straightening out. When cornering, keep your inside pedal up, away from the road.
- Occasionally take one hand off the bar and shake it. This relaxes your shoulder and elbow.
- Improve your cycling by pedaling faster one day of the week, not riding faster. Shift the chain to an easy gear and keep it there on flat terrain. Concentrate on spinning the pedals smoothly, pulling up on the pedals as well as pushing down.
- If you fall, do not put your hand out to stop yourself. Rather, roll as you hit the ground.
- Don’t tightly grip the handle bar. Relax your hands and focus your thoughts on your legs.
- Keep your head up and look forward. It’s harder to breathe when you drop your head. Remember to breathe, and breathe deep.
- Relax the shoulders and keep them down and back, so your chest is open for strong, deep breathing, and keep your elbows bent and down.
- Keep knees tucked in – this maximizes your quads’ power.
- Keep your back flat to help lower back muscles, quads and flexors work together.
- A shorter ride (20 miles) over hills is better for training than a 30-mile flat ride.
Have fun! Make friends that ride the same speed as you do. Exchange phone numbers so you can meet up on training rides. Having fun on the training rides will mean a more enriching riding experience, both while training and on ACT 8.
