Biking/Cycling & Training Resources (08)

Race Transitions
There are many "right" ways to set up your transition area, and they depend on your goals and needs. This article explores the basics of what most people put in their transition area - based on the opinions of others, with the author's own biases thrown in. A pre-race checklist is included and is broken down by running, bicycling and swimming. This article includes information on how to arrange areas for a race. A step-by-step guide is included for what things to put where before the triathlon race.

Bicycling Nutrition for Triathletes
This is a useful article about the usefulness of eating during triathlon preparation. Although putting on weight sounds like what an athlete doesn't need and shouldn't do, food is the fuel that makes that bike go up every one of those pesky and oh so steep hills, and it keeps your feet spinning even through the strongest of headwinds. The article suggests, eating munchies (fig bars, bites of energy bars, bananas) and drinking a sports drink while you ride. This will keep your blood sugar from dropping too much while you ride. This is critical for any ride more than two hours long, especially. If your blood sugar drops too low you will "bonk," as triathletes call it.

How to Ride Rollers When Cycling
Many road cyclists buy indoor trainers without considering rollers. While you do have to learn how to ride rollers, they have several advantages. Besides helping to improve your spin and your bike-handling skills, rollers aren't nearly as boring to use as regular trainers, according to this article. Steps to ride rollers include adjusting rollers for the bike you are using. You do not want the front drum to be just ahead of the front hub. Make sure the tires are in good condition. When you ride rollers, you won't have momentum. If you do fall off at speed, you won't fly at a speed rate, you'll simply flop over. Start riding in high gear. When you improve you can pedal in very low gears.

The Hub for Mountain Bikers
Mountain biking amateurs and pros, unite! This site features all sorts of mountain biking information, from useful forums where you can meet other mountain bikers, to a photo gallery where you can share shots of the dirt or your bike. A section on mountain biking gatherings and races is included, as is a news section to learn the latest in mountain bike happenings. A section on mountain bicycling product reviews will give mountain bikers reviews on top mountain biking products to help them determine if they want to buy them or not. You can even review trails in your area, and also connect with bike shops in your area!

Road Bikes, Triathlon Bikes
So, what is the difference between a road bike and a triathlon bike? This is an appropriate question to ask if your new bike may be used for cycling in events other than triathlons. That is to say, for triathlons but also other types of riding in addition to triathlons. Many people think (incorrectly) a triathlon bike is only good for riding in triathlons. The representatives of the bike shop that wrote this article says that is not correct. Triathlon bikes are well suited for any type of long distance road riding where comfort and efficiency are the primary concern. More information about the comparisons and contrasts between road bikes and triathlon bikes is included here.