How To's

Cycling How To's

Whether you are brand new to riding on two wheels or have been doing it for a while, I'm sure that you have come up with some questions.  Hopefully, you are riding with a group of seasoned riders who can help you answer these questions.  For those like me that normally ride alone, those questions might not be getting answered, and in some cases, might not even be recognized as questions at all.  I have compiled a list of my entries dealing with various "How To's" in the cycling world.  I'll add to these as I find more questions to address, and as I build my own knowledge base as well.  If there is something that you might like me to address, feel free to suggest it.

Century ride pointers

My (accidental) first century ride experience -- For those who are contemplating riding a century.  This is a good read on some of the things that will go through your mind as you tick off the miles.

The how to of century riding -- The 100 mile route is a goal of many cyclists.  If you want to accomplish it without looking like this, you will find some great pointers on how to train for it, and accomplish the century ride.

Training for the big day

Training Update for the 2013 Double Down to the Beach -- This was my first double century ride, and a monumental training goal!  This gives you an idea of what goes through the head of an ultra endurance cyclist.

Training Update for the 2015 Assault on the Carolinas -- If you are wondering how to train for a long and steep climb at the beginning of the cycling season, this might help you out.

Training Update for the 2015 Double Down to the Beach --  Much like the 2013 edition, but it contains a bit more information about preparing for a double century ride.

Training Update for the 2015 Ride to Remember -- My first progressive distance multi-day stage event ride offered some different training concerns for me.  This is how I have chosen to address those concerns through training.

Bike Equipment

Making the move to clipless pedals -- If you ride enough, eventually, you will decide to make this move.  It took me longer than most to go clipless, but here is my take on the pedal system.

Getting a full bike fit -- This is something that I highly recommend if you are wanting to achieve maximum comfort and power on a bike.

The process of upgrading a bike -- No matter what bike you buy off the shelf, you will want to make some improvements along the way.  Some are cosmetic, others are more functional.  This entry is all about my 2010 Tarmac and the changes that it saw.

How to keep your bike running smooth -- You rode it, might as well show your bike some love when you get home so that it stays reliable for the long haul.

Riding Tactics

Group riding -- Whether you start out riding in groups, or delve into it later on, here are some pointers and things to keep in mind while riding with other cyclists.

A humorous look at riding in the rain -- Not really a "how to" but this entry puts you in my head as I am riding 100 miles in the cold rain.

How I fuel my ride -- There are so many different schools of thought about what foods are the best for riding.  This entry describes what I've found that works for me for all stages of a ride.

Stationary Trainers

How to get the most out of your stationary trainer -- As a response to many questions about using a stationary trainer, and what is actually needed, I have written this entry.  It is long and involved, but if you make it through reading it, you are ready for your own interval training sessions.

Using a stationary trainer to get back into shape -- Whether you have taken time off due to injury, burn out, weather, etc.  You might have lost some of your former fitness.  Maybe, you are just wanting to build fitness quickly and efficiently.  An indoor trainer might be the answer.

Getting an interval plan that works -- Riding on a trainer doesn't have to be boring or monotonous.  You can read here about some of the interval programs that I have used with great results.

Trainer results --  For those who like to see hard numbers before they make a decision, here are some very convincing results from my time on the stationary trainer.