20 Feb 2021: Feel the tide turning on the weather. Just a few more boring spins on the trainer!!
26 June 2020: Just chatting with a neighbor who “used to cycle”. Quit because she could not repair a tire on the road. Get what you need and practice before going out. Great Weekend, Mike
25 June 2020: Ride to be seen for Safety!!
9 June 2020: Relax EVERYTHING above the waist while riding.
17 May 2020: COVID the Great Motivator!! Thirty-Three years cycling in Harford County, Maryland and never have I seen more cyclists on the road as yesterday!!
26 April 2020: Can’t stress enough that Bike Maintenance is essential for Safety — especially brakes — take time to ensure they work.
Ground Hog Day 2020: Don’t cha just love mild winters?
6 Oct 2019: Cycling provides excellent photographic opportunities.
25 Aug 2019: Free registration at https://www.cycle4perrypointfisherhouse.eventbrite.com to volunteer-ride on 21 Sep at Perry Point VAMC for Veterans and their Families.
11 Aug 2019: At my advanced age a ride needs to include discussion topics: Grandkids, Gardening, Dogs, or God Forbid, Cycling.
21 Jul 2019: My fitness can wait when it’s 110 out; what say you?
Bastille Day 2019: Get out there and ride your own Tour de France.
30 Jun 2019: Year is half over. On target to meet your 2019 cycling goals?
23 Jun 2019: Carry 2 water bottles in hot weather and be ready to share one with a riding partner if needed.
9 Jun 2019: We cyclists are people who should greet each other in a friendly manner on the roads.
2 Jun 2019: Don’t assume you are safe on Recreation Trails.
19 May 19: Small in the front, big in the back: Granny Gears.
Happy Mother’s Day!!
Cinco de Mayo 2019: Farmer’s Markets make great stops on Club Rides.
28 Apr 2019: Fair weather cyclist in my old age: nothing under 45 F, over 13.7 mpg winds, or threat of one drop of rain.
Easter 2019: 66K miles on a bicycle and people still offer me unsolicited advice — kicker is I’m still learning.
14 Apr 2019: Watching the Masters, struck me that golf and cycling have both “gone tech.”
31 Mar 2019: Have mercy on the driving public: Walmart sells bikes from the toy department.
24 Mar 2019: Is this season’s cycling event schedule in place?
17 Mar 2019: My first sign of spring: Frogs croaking in a swamp on one of my rides.
3 Mar 2019: Man!! Thought by March I could change the snow tires out on my bike.
24 Feb 2019: Rookies: good safety starts with good equipment: bike, cycling clothing, helmet, lights, water bottle with holder, phone, glasses, tire repair.
17 Feb 2019: Reminder that fear for their safety is the number one reason wanna be’s don’t ride.
10 Feb 2019: Hey engineers, if you want to know which roads to fix first, ask a cyclist.
3 Feb 2019: A Cyclist’s Dream Come true: Pux Phil says early spring.
29 Jan 2019: If you want to see Baby Boomers cycle, go to Palm Beach, Florida.
30 Dec 2018: Have a Happy New Year!!
23 Dec 2018: Have a very Merry Christmas!!
16 Dec 2018: Cycling Gear makes great Christmas Gifts — just sayin’
9 Dec 2018: A case of the blindingly obvious: Layer up for Winter Cycling
2 Dec 2018: You ain’t imagin’ things; the Maryland Cycling Weather has been terrible in 2018.
18 Nov 2018: So Thankful for the Blessings of Bicycle Riding.
11 Nov 2018: The Military trains folks to be fit. That’s why many of us Veterans are cyclists.
04 Nov 2018: Let’s be working on those off-season fitness plans.
28 Oct 2018: Here came the 15 million questions about cycling at a party last night: curiosity and admiration. Let’s have our elevator speeches ready to encourage them.
21 Oct 2018: Hey Veterans, let’s help and encourage wanna-be cyclists. There’s a ton of them out there.
14 Oct 2018: Bicycles are right-handed so that right handers can apply more pressure to the rear brake than the front. Sorry Southpaws.
7 Oct 2018: CO2 leaks out of tires much faster than regular air.
30 Sep 2018: Wanna be a cyclist? Be Enthusiastic about Hard Work; Work Hard at Enthusiasm.
23 Sep 2018: Cycling presents Great opportunities to socialize.
16 Sep 2018: The bicycle is an amazing machine.
09 Sep 2018: Instead of riding in the rain, true cyclists hunt for cycling over football on TV.
26 Aug 2018: Participating in Group Events can flatten the learning curve.
19 Aug 2018: Cycling is popular here in Korea too.
12 Aug 2018: Hey Cyclists, Should I worry about losing fitness on my 3 week vacation?
4 Aug 2018: Veteran Cyclists: Let’s help wanna be’s overcome fear for their safety
29 July 2018: Drafting in a peloton can save about 30% energy and make you faster but leave it to experienced cyclists.
22 July 2018: Riding with others mitigates safety risk.
15 July 2018: The wider the tire, the less the pressure, the fewer the flats.
8 July 2018: Shift before you get to the hill, not on it.
1 July 2018: If drivers can’t come within 3 feet of us, we shouldn’t come within 3 feet of them — just sayin’.
24 Jun 2018: Cycling is a Team Sport.
17 Jun 2018: Rookies: PRACTICE TIRE REPAIR when not under stress.
10 Jun 2018: You represent a growing cycling community on the roads. Leave a favorable impression.
3 Jun 2018: Cycling again? Check: good bike, proper clothing, helmet, water bottle, pump, tire kit, practice tire repair.
27 May 2018: Help others on a ride; you might need it returned one day.
20 May 2018: It’s OK to sing while you’re cycling.
13 May 2018: Happy Mother’s Day!!
6 MAY 2018: Some of us aren’t reading this blog so I shout this time: SADDLE BACK AND UP TO CURE NUMB HANDS!!
29 April 2018:Rookies: add miles each day out no matter how nice the first spring day.
Easter Sunday 2018: Happy Easter!! Plan on commuting? Plan, Rehearse, Execute, Plan some more.
11 March 2018: Be where drivers expect you to be on the road for safety.
16 July 2017: Courtesy makes cyclists safer.
9 Jul 2017: Cycle for something bigger than yourself to increase your chances of sticking with it.
2 Jul 2017: 2016: 13.5 mph. 2017: 14.1 mph…….because I lost 20 pounds on Nutrasystems — jus’ sayin’
25 Jun 2017: Us cyclists are hippy dippy weather people.
18 Jun 2017: No difference in obtaining cycling or non-cycling goals: determination, patience, perseverance.
11 Jun 2017: Always and only feel those sitz (Pelvis) bones on the saddle.
4 Jun 2017: Rookies: You MUST ride the white line between travel lane and right turn lane if riding straight at an intersection to prevent right-turning drivers from cutting you off.
Mother’s Day 2017: Keep things in perspective on this Mother’s Day: It’s not about the Bike.
7 May 2017: You’ll never stop learning to ride but you can flatten the learning curve by riding with others and talking cycling.
30 Apr 2017: Awareness and Fund Raising Rides are a Great way to get started — can safely ride with others for a good cause.
23 Apr 2017: Ride to be seen — lights, bright clothing, no “hiding” on road.
16 Apr 2017: Move saddle up as high as possible without stretching toes and rocking hips.
9 Apr 2017: Relax fingers, hands, elbows, shoulders, toes……brain, anything else you can think of in saddle.
2 Apr 2017: Dress in Layers in Cold, especially when attending an April Fools Day Cycling Class.
26 Mar 2017: You can shorten the cycling learning curve by finding mentors. Come to 2400 Churchville Road, Bel Air on Saturday 1 April 2017 at 2 pm to get started.
19 Mar 2017: Thinking of bike commuting? Plan, rehearse, execute, plan some more.
12 Mar 2017: To prepare for the Nor'easter, get those new snow tires with studs......... Hey, cycling is supposed to be fun.
5 Mar 2017: Drivers can see you better if you have lights, front and rear, day and night.
26 Feb 2017: Ride where drivers expect to see you. Riding against traffic is a no-no.
19 Feb 2017: Be determined to overcome obstacles to learning your new sport of cycling: mechanical, weather, health, and injury.
12 Feb 2017: New cyclists can shorten the learning curve by finding a mentor.
5 Feb 2017: Find quite roads and streets to learn to ride. Military installations are good options.
29 Jan 2017: Invest in good accessories for Safety: Helmet, tight fitting clothing, tool, and phone bag, water bottle cage, lights.
22 Jan 2017: I think fear for Safety is the greatest impediment to a potential cyclist. So first in a series: Lights front and rear, day and night.
8 Jan 2017: Thinking about New Year's resolutions: Knocking off those extra pounds greatly increases your chances of sticking with your new sport of cycling.
1 Jan 2017: One of our missions is to promote the sport of cycling by encouraging others to pick it up. I think the following keeps new folks from riding with us: Fear for their safety, fitness (weight), and equipment issues. Follow us here or at www.facebook.com/cycle4heroes each Sunday afternoon. We need your fresh ideas!!
25 Dec 2016: Have a Very Merry Christmas!!
18 Dec 2016: Bike stuff makes great Christmas Gifts. Get yours at www.bikeshopbelair.com
11 Dec 2016: Get your cadence on your trainer to 90 rpm and slowly increase the resistance as the winter rolls along
4 Dec 2016: Did you know they have an official name for when your nose runs on cool-weather rides? Vasomotor Rhinitis..........Runny Nose.
27 Nov 2016: Invest in quality equipment if you're serious about cycling again.
20 Nov 2016: Learn to patch a tube as well as carry a spare -- you never know........
6 Nov 2016: It happened again today -- twice. I bet at least 5 people per week ask me about Cycling. I think it comes from latent desire and admiration. Deep down they want to be on the bike just like us. Hey, look, enough already!! Get off your hinny, get your hands on a bike, study this blog, look up a cyclist, and ask only one question: Will you help me get started?
29 Oct 2016: Perfect riding conditions: Libra sun, Fall color, 60F, light winds -- what say you?
19 April 2016: Ride white line at intersections with right-turn lanes -- less chance right-turning vehicles will cut you off.
12 April 2016: ALWAYS attempt to gain eye contact with drivers; NEVER expect to23 Oct 2016: Wet leaves are a hazard
16 Oct 2016: Here's my off-season workout; what's yours? 20 minutes rowing machine pulling 130 watts, 20 minutes nautilus machine, 20 minutes spin at 90 rpm.
9 Oct 2016: Rookies: For your own safety, you must ALWAYS adhere to traffic laws!!
2 Oct 2016: Only one topic allowed in a cycling group: cycling
25 Sep 2016: How to climb hills: Shift before hill, keep cadence high, prepare to suffer.
18 Sep 2016: Early in my cycling career I learned something every time out -- still learning after 60k miles. You can speed up the learning process by cycling with others.
11 Sep 2016: If you are going to ride, might as well ride for something bigger than yourself -- I ride for Military and Veteran Families through Fisher House Foundation.
4 Sep 2016: I say anything under 2 weeks not riding and you lose no fitness -- what say you?
28 Aug 2016: We have the perfect ride for Families and beginning cyclists. You can commune with other cyclists and gain valuable experience. Check our routes below. You can add to or subtract from the miles.
21 Aug 2016: This rain has me thinking: You're a true cyclist if you worry more about your bike getting wet than your body.
15 Aug 2016: Don't let the cooling effect of moving thru air fool you in the heat -- still need to replace those fluids.
7 Aug 2016: Feel inside of tire for cause of flats before putting the tube back in. Sometimes bad rim tape causes flats.
31 Jul 2016: Invest in tires to match your riding style -- touring tires for touring for example.
24 JUL 2016: Your saddle should be level to the ground for comfort
19 Jul 2016: Don't worry, all cyclists purchase motor vehicles to support their habit.
12 Jul 2016: Carry a sealable food bag to protect your electronic devices and wallet from the wet.
5 Jul 2016: Poor saddle position causes most comfort issues on the bike. Try raising and moving saddle back to cure numb hands.
28 Jun 2016: Metric Century charity ride coming up? Be able to ride 35 miles in one training ride and you'll make the 62. Be sure to eat and drink on the ride.
21 Jun 2016: Cycling can help you lose weight, but most loss comes through proper diet.
14 Jun 2016: Shift into the gear you need to get up the hill before you start up the hill.
7 Jun 2016: Before putting inner tube back in, run fingers inside tire to check for reason for flat. Check on rim too.
31 May 2016: Saw it on Saturday: We all need to carry 2 water bottles on rides longer than 1 hour in hot weather. Some of us do not take every opportunity to drink early in the ride -- one bottle should be gone in first hour.
23 May 2016: Ride to be seen: With traffic, bright clothing, and lights; don't "hide" on shoulder.
17 May 2016: Commuting Fundamentals: Think, Plan, Rehearse
10 May 2016: Sign up for Ride to Work Day
3 May 2016: Eat and drink during long rides -- bonking ain't fun.
26 April 2016: Charity Rides are a Great Way to start cycling -- safe, fun, and support a good cause.
5 April 2016: Can anyone in bike land tell us why you don't tip over after you learn to ride -- except when you buy new toe clips?
29 March 2016: Sit on the saddle, heal on pedal, slight bend at knee -- allows for good spin and less stress on muscles and joints.
22 March 2016: Sheriff Deputies recently stopped a jogging friend of mine and great heartache ensued because he was without identification. I suggested ROADID.COM who provides great value for us Road Warriors -- don't leave home without it.
15 March 2016: A bike is an amazing machine because it uses physics to maximum advantage. Many fly wheels on a bike -- a body in motion tends to stay in motion. One tool are the pedals and legs -- the faster they go, the better the mechanical advantage. Target is 90 rpm per minute. What's your cadence?
8 March 2016: My first true sign of spring are the frogs croaking from the swamps on my evening APG rides -- what's yours?
1 March 2016: Ride from 1 to 4 pm on sunny days to beat the late winter chill.
23 Feb 2016: Proud to announce Fisher House Foundation approved our program for 2016!! Donate here.
16 Feb 2016: Sign up for Fund Raising Rides to gain experience in a safe environment.
9 Feb 2016: Ride for something bigger than yourself to cycle a lifetime.
2 Feb 2016: Be determined to overcome set-backs -- soreness, weather, maintenance issues, develop alternative fitness plan for winter.
19 Jan 2016: #4: Get out and ride but build up those muscles slowly -- don't do too much too soon.
25 Jan 2016: #5: Think Safety -- helmet, lights both day and night, safe routes, no music, ride to be seen
12 Jan 2016: #2: Invest in reliable equipment at www.bikeshopbelair.com. Buy good tires but learn how to fix a flat.
5 Jan 2016: How to Ride a Bike
Again, #1: Lose Weight.
29 Dec 2015: Act now on your New Year's resolution to join a Family Team to help Military Families at:
https://www.cycle4heroes.us/volunteer
The opportunity to add Fund Raising, Marketing, and Leadership skills to your resume is unlimited. Plus the satisfaction you helped Cycling for Our Heroes become the premier cycling event benefitting Fisher House.
22 Dec 2015: Cycling for Our Heroes raised $3,850 for Fisher House and Wilmer in 2015. You can help us raise more in 2016 by volunteering at www.cycle4heroes.us/volunteer. Merry Christmas!
15 Dec 2015: Get your Christmas Centerpieces at Dee's Flowers and Gifts, 1-800-239-0923
8 Dec 2015 Tuesday Tip: What better Christmas Gift to our Military, Veterans, and their Families by donating to Fisher House Foundation at www.teamfisherhouse.org/goto/cycle4heroes? You can mark "in honor of" or "in memory of".
1 Dec 2015: Bike Stuff makes Great Christmas Presents -- jus' sayin'. Get it at www.bikeshopbelair.com.
23 Nov 2015: Time to think about your New Year's resolutions. My weight loss program of choice is Nutrasystems.
16 Nov 2015: Military Installations and Recreation Trails are great places to learn to ride -- that's where I learned.....
9 Nov 2015: Season's drawing to a close; get Winter's alternative fitness plan ready
3 Nov 2015: Ride with a slight bend at your elbows, definitely not locked.
27 Oct 2015: Really no excuse to ride without lights; the technology is amazing
20 Oct 2015: Wider tires with less pressure = fewer flats
13 Oct 2015: Bike commuting takes planning and thought; but it's worth it
6 Oct 2015: Take Care: bad stuff sticks to wet tires
28 Sep 2015: Try raising saddle to cure numb hands -- shifts weight from hands
22 Sep 2015: One reason I love to ride: time to think
15 Sep 2015: Expect set-backs while learning to ride and be determined to over-come them
8 Sep 2015: Losing weight makes you a that much better rider
1 Sep 2015: Hint: you'll never stop learning to ride
11 Aug 2015: Do everything possible to attract attention of left-turning driver -- lights day and night.
5 Aug 2015: Always attempt to gain eye contact with drivers; never expect to get it
Ride Safely with Peace of Mind
Fear of the Road is a leading excuse for not cycling
I don’t have all the answers, but with 57,000 miles behind me I can get things started….
Ride to be seen:
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Both times I’ve been hit were in broad daylight — lights front and rear
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Don’t hide on shoulder approaching intersections — grab white line or maybe even main travel lane
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Certain percentage will try to cut you off making right hand turns — expect it and try to have escape route
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Probably the same people will look like they are looking at you and pull in front of you — expect it
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Take the lane when you must but signal, gain eye contact, and thank the driver.
Riding in Groups helps us be seen but presents its own dangers.
Unfortunately, I don’t have much group riding experience so HELP!!
1. Lose weight — makes a big difference on the hills — Nutrasystems works for me — might not be able to lose just by riding
2. Take the bike to the Bike Shop of Bel Air for a good overhaul or invest in good beginner equipment — get good tires but learn how to fix a flat.
3. Get out and ride but build up those muscles slowly — don’t do too much too soon.
4. Think Safety — helmet, lights both day and night, safe routes, no music, ride to be seen
5. Be determined to overcome set-backs — soreness, weather, maintenance issues, develop alternative fitness plan for winter.
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