Saturday, April 4, 2015

From Steve Wasden: Some Things I Have Learned in Thirty Years on a Bike

Some things I've learned from my thirty years on a bike for a safer and more enjoyable TNR.

1. Keep your head up and be aware of what the bike in front of you is doing, also so you can see what is up ahead on the road.

2. When you take a pull try to keep the speed steady and where it was when you got to the front. If we are going 22 mph and you get to the front and quickly crank it up to 25 mph and don't fall off until 18 mph that is a bad pull. It's dangerous and wears a person out quicker. If you feel the group can go faster, then increase the speed slowly. Also fall off before you become so tried you can't hang on to the group and we end up waiting for you.

3. When you fall off to the side after a pull, signal that you are pulling out. A simple arm gesture is all it takes.

4. Let others behind you know what is up ahead. Point out pot holes, RR tracks, people slowing down, rumble strips and dogs.

 5. If you're feeling strong take a little longer pull, if you are struggling to hang on don't worry about pulling at all. This way everybody can get the workout they are looking for.

6. Learn h
ow to ride in a straight line.

7. It's not important that everybody finish together for the TNR, but I do think it's important that everybody gets to ride with someone else for most of the ride. If you see someone drop back and if you're totally knackered, also drop back and make a friend.  

8 If you are persistent and come most every week, you become a better rider and you will become faster.

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