Pedalations.com

I hope all of you are managing to stay cool this week. My friend Dan and I went out for an evening ride last night. Part of our route included the B&A Trail from Jones Station Road to the end. During that time we passed five or six riders on the trail and to our amazement only one had a helmet on! Even the individual wearing the helmet was using an very old and out dated helmet.  At least he had one on.

 NOTE:

Helmets if not damaged or having not been in an accident should be replaced every three to five years. This ensure that they offer the maximum protection. Over time and use the helmets “breakdown” from perspiration, UV damage, temperature changes etc. Replacement is a small price to pay considering the upside of a properly working helmet. 

After the first few people Dan and I started to pay more attention to whether or not cyclists on the trail were wearing a helmet. The good news is we did pass several more riders on the road that all did have helmets on. I guess people feel “safer” on the trail.

To me it is just to easy to put a helmet on and the consequences of not wearing one are just to great! So please no matter where you are riding wear a helmet!

I am always excited when I see new people getting excited about riding a bike or getting back on a bike. As many know the bike is an ideal activity for the young or old. In this area there are so many places to ride, one can enjoy a different venue on a weekly basis. These are just a few of the reasons the bicycle is ideal for fun and fitness.

However I do get concerned when new riders start with a department store bike. My concern is that their experience won’t be as good as it could be with a bike shop quality bike. The other day I had a customer come in who was getting ready to ride a bike after a long absence. They had just purchased a bike from a mass merchant/department store. The customer was very excited to be getting back into riding but had some very basic questions they needed answered such as how to use the gears and what the proper saddle height should be.  

The customer had purchased a department store bike because they wanted to make sure they enjoyed riding before investing in a bike shop quality bike. I certainly respect that people want to try it first before jumping in headfirst and was glad that this customer came stopped by to gain some more knowledge and pick out a few accessories. Continue reading →

I had “one of those rides” today. You know the one; the ride where everything just feels right.

I’ve managed to get away for a few days from the store and headed to the beach to hang with some family. Of course I took my bike to get in some much needed and wanted miles.

My plan for the week is to mainly put in endurance miles. With my refocus on weight loss and overall general health I’ve planned some long rides I want to do at the end of the year. A double century has always intrigued me as well as riding the Skyline Drive from the Front Royal entrance up to Big Meadows or so. One of my co-workers is also trying to sell me on the idea of one of the 100-mile mountain bike races. Then last Tuesday I went on one of the local group rides and I got dropped sooner then I would have liked. Sure it was the fast group but I would like to think with more focused training and work on hill climbing I could finish the ride with the pack.
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NJ legislators just approved bill #2686, which bans bicycles with quick-release wheels!

I usually don’t take this sort of public stance but this is a little outrageous. When used properly quick-releases are just as safe as bolting on a wheel. A bolt on wheel can be installed improperly just like a quick-release wheel!

If you live in NJ please contact your Assemblymen and Senators now to defeat this bill! If you don’t please contact them and explain how outrageous this legislation is.
Assemblymen: Jon Bramnick 908-232-3673; Reed Gusciora 609-292-0500; Joan Voss 201-346-6400; David Mayer 856-227-5900; Paul Moriarty 856-232-6700. Click for contact info for the Senator in your district. Click here to find your district. You may also contact the commerce-committee chairperson.

Well the season is in full swing. I have a couple things I will be posting on soon; hydration and helmets. I’ve just been busy but please stay tuned. Hope your getting some great rides in in!