The time is fast approaching when I usually hang up the bike for the year. Although my mileage was down this year, I did gain some experience in several areas of my riding. One area I concentrated on this year was hills. Not an all out regiment of being a hills expert rider, but, just an evaluation of myself at age 65 and if I should switch to newer equipment to accommodate the older muscles. My current bike is a 1992 model carbon fiber edition with only two chain rings in front. This seemed to work well for me fourteen years ago. But, lately I have struggled more on climbs. Based on my trails this summer, I think I will be upgrading to three-ring crank in the front. In fact, I am seriously considering a recumbent or trike style bike for touring. Just an aside, I recently read in AARP of Don Robitaille. At age seventy, Don has completed 85,000 miles on his bike. His most recent ride was a 5000-mile cross-country tour. With my many interests outside of biking, I don't see myself as ever being other than in borderline shape for the twelve to fifteen hundred miles a year I ride.

There are some things I would like to share on my summer hills experience. The most efficient method of climbing is to remain in the seat and use your available gearing to reach the top. I still prefer to stand up at times to shift positions and give my backside a rest or when I run out of gearing. When doing this you should shift into a higher gear (bigger ring in back) to compensate for the added down force of your body weight. I usually go up one ring. But, if the slope is less I will go up two. Another thing I advise is to relax. Use a light grip and don't tense up. I also lean forward over the bars while standing to gain more balance and control on steeper slopes.

Before the bike goes up for the year, I plan to ride the Delaware Double Feature. Why not plan to join me for this end of the season tour and camp out. Andys Burns, Woody Barry and crew have mapped out some excellent loops out of Delaware and we hope for some fall foliage as an added attraction. See the August newsletter for the application.

Our experiment with providing scheduled D level rides didn't generate a lot of riders. We still want to provide entry-level training for those of you that desire it, however, it will be on a one to one basis. Feel free to call if you have an interest.

E-mail me at bicycling (AT) outdoor-pursuits or call 614/877-3085 with your comments or suggestions.