Well, after over four months of no riding the bike is finally off the wall and I am working my way toward our first tours in late April. So far I have started with a couple of casual 10 milers followed by a few 30 milers and a 50. Being 65 years old now, I don’t like to push myself until I’ve been riding for a few weeks. I will try to get in a couple of rides up to 60 or 70 miles prior to WOODSOOCK. One of the real fun things I get from riding is attacking hills. Getting out of the saddle and using my body weight to assist on the down stroke gets me up the hills faster and contributes to building my endurance as I get ready for TOSRV. As with flat riding, I also start slow with hills. I attack those rolling rises after dips at first before I graduate to my first out of the saddle hills. These techniques work well for me at 195 pounds. Heavier riders might consider remaining in the saddle as the extra weight on the legs can cause unwanted stress.
I have noticed that several national publications, websites and broadcasters have been praising the use of chocolate milk as a recovery drink after physical activity. It is supposed to contain a balanced carbohydrate to protein ratio. Give it a try; I’m planning to see how it works for me. I’m a chocolate nut anyway.
March’s Ride Leader Training class was very enjoyable. COP leader Steve Barbour and myself worked with 4 new leaders to prepare them to join some 50 current leaders in our programs. Phil Schumacher, of A Gear Higher, who did a super presentation on bike maintenance and pre-ride safety checks, also assisted us. New leaders are Mary Beth Blome, Linda Adams, Hank Colign and Ron Gurth. Ron currently lives in the Indianapolis area but retains his COP membership and participates in our local rides. He has plans for a ride to the National Bicycle Museum in New Bremen, Ohio this summer. My plan is to also hold leader classes on a needed basis through the rest of the year. If you are willing to help with our programs contact me. I am very interested in those who could help new riders get started and help those new riders work themselves up to our regular programs.
One bit of news, the restrooms at the Jersey Baptist Church will not be available at the start of WOODSTOCK. Please keep this in mind before arriving.
Many door prizes are in the works for this years Mid Ohio Century, including Bell Sweep Helmet, Continental Tires, Team Jelly Belly edition of HydraPak, Wheel Set and others.
In case of bad weather the prizes will be awarded to pre-registered riders by drawing and delivered at a later date.
Keep your calendar open on May 17. That is this year’s planed date for the national Ride of Silence.
E-mail me at bicycling (AT) outdoor-pursuits or call 614/877-3085 with your comments or suggestions.