Category Archives: Technique

Aerobars on Group Rides = Bad Idea

It seems that whenever I show up for an organized ride, the pre-ride announcements always include a caution not to use aerobars in a group. And then, a few miles into the ride, I usually get passed by riders down … Continue reading

5 Comments

Filed under Safety, Technique

Training With “Fartlek”

I was in the middle of my regular Tuesday ride at the Veloway today when it occurred to me that I had written about this ride early in the life of the Bike Noob blog. Tuesday is my “fartlek” ride. … Continue reading

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Filed under Technique, training

Falling Into Bad Habits

A couple of weeks ago, I was on a ride in the country on my own. I wasn’t worried about speed, although I maintained a nice average pace. I was just out to enjoy the ride before the day became … Continue reading

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Filed under Technique

Proper Braking Technique

I was on a short easy ride with Mrs. Noob the other day. We were on a slight downhill leading to a stoplight. I noticed as she braked for the light that she applied both brakes at the same time. … Continue reading

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Snot Rockets

A couple of weekends ago, I was out on a ride with an old friend. Before we started, she pulled out a bandana and tied it around her handlebars. “What’s that for?” I asked. “Oh, I have terrible allergies,” she … Continue reading

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Relax

When I bought my road bike three years ago, I was getting the cursory fitting common to bike stores. The salesperson doing the fitting stepped back, and with a scowl, said, “Relax! Your shoulders are hunched. Your arms are locked. … Continue reading

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Filed under Technique, Tips

You’re Going to Fall – Here’s How

Note: The series of guest posts on The Most Important Thing I’ve Learned About Cycling will reappear later this week. I must resume contributing to my own blog! You might have noticed in the Twitter box on the right of … Continue reading

15 Comments

Filed under crash, Injury, Technique

Those @#$%&! Cross Winds!

The wind has been relentless this spring, mostly blowing from the south. I’ve been trying to plan my routes so that I’m heading more or less into it on the way out, and with it on the way back, to … Continue reading

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Filed under Technique, Tips

Having to Clip Out Is No Excuse

Our friend Jeff Hemmel sent this story about another crackdown on bicyclists — this one in St. Petersburg, Fla., where police ticketed 16 cyclists in one day for failure to stop at a stop sign. We’ve covered stop sign issues … Continue reading

19 Comments

Filed under Safety, Technique

Where to Place Your Hands

Recently, I was on a longer-than-usual ride, and after awhile, things started aching. Since the group I was with had already gone 35 miles without stopping, I thought a break was in order, and picked a shady spot under a … Continue reading

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Filed under Technique