Bicycling Issue 2 2021

my bicycling life

JOSH WOLFF VIDEO DIRECTOR I’VE RIDDEN A BIKE IN TWO CENTURIES SO FAR, AIMING FOR A THIRD PRODUCTS I’M USING RIGHT NOW 1 / Topeak FastFuel DryBag $55 It’s waterproof and fits all the basics and any top tube you throw at it. What’s not to love? 2 / Brooks B17 Saddle $140 A true classic that will surely outlive me. 3 / Blackburn 2’Fer Front or Rear Light $27 I can easily toggle between a pulsating and a steady light, use it in the rain, and cinch it to anything in no time. Plus, the rechargeable battery lasts a weirdly long time. WHY I STARTED CYCLING As early as I can remember, cycling was my vehicle for escaping and discovery. The tool to recalibrate everything before I even understood what that meant. MY DREAM RIDE PARTNER Jeff Goldblum because…

my bicycling life

DAISY HERNANDEZ NEWS EDITOR “EARLY MORNING RIDE SOMETIME THIS WEEK?”—ME, EVERY SUNDAY IN THE GROUP CHAT PRODUCTS I’M USING RIGHT NOW 1 / Velocio Merino 210 Winter Collar $35 This keeps my neck and face warm, but as temps rise, it’s lightweight enough to fold and tuck into my jersey. 2 / Rubbermaid Thermos $15 A leakproof mug that fits in my bottle cage and keeps drinks hot for hours—an absolute must for morning rides! 3 / Velocio Foundation Bib Tights $159 Made to be worn over bib shorts, these are ideal for when you want the option of removing layers during in-between weather. COOLEST RECENT RIDE SPOTTING A turtle basking in the sunlight on a lone branch in the middle of a canal! MY 2021 CYCLING RESOLUTION I have a dream of touring Iceland’s Ring Road by bike. So…

my bicycling life

BICYCLING MEMBER LANDON SWANSON TUCSON, AZ LIFE IS HAPPIER ON TWO WHEELS COAST OR PEDAL? Coasting definitely has its place, but pedaling is what gets you there. I love to challenge myself with pedaling, whether it be trying to spin as fast as possible and keep my seat planted, or just feeling the power I’m exerting on my pedals while rolling in the foothills. Pedaling is the best! GREATEST RIDE OF MY LIFE (SO FAR) The 2018 El Tour de Tucson. Years ago, a new career shut down my longdistance riding. I struggled to start again, but finally I mustered the courage. While I tried to talk myself out of the El Tour many times, I stuck it out. It felt so good to get out there, hear the cheers from the crowds, and even feel the…

how do you define fitness in our new normal?

I rolled up to the ride like everyone’s worst nightmare: late, overdressed, without food, and undertrained. It was the first group ride I felt comfortable doing in months due to the pandemic. It was only September, but the spring lockdown felt like a lifetime ago, and when the world seemed to stop spinning, I did too. I was in shape, and then I wasn’t. I had no idea how I’d hang on for 65 miles full of climbs after weeks of spinning easy, pointless circles in the park. It was the first time in years I had felt doubt over a casual ride with friends, but it reminded me of how it felt to be new to cycling. Back then, I didn’t have enough experience to know how I’d fare before embarking on…

ramp up your indoor training with rollers

ADJUST YOUR ROLLERS // Bike rollers consist of three rotating drums nestled inside a frame. The first (front) and second drums are connected by tubing or a belt. The third (rear) roller spins independently. You can adjust the spacing between the front and rear rollers to accommodate bike length. When you position your bike on the rollers, the front wheel should sit atop the first roller so that the front axle is slightly behind the top of the roller. The rear wheel should be evenly cradled between the second and third roller in the rear. ESTABLISH YOUR SUPPORT // Most people’s biggest fear of riding bike rollers is falling off them. Ease that concern by setting your rollers next to a supportive structure that you can easily reach and use to…

prep for rainy riding weather

While spring can offer great ride temperatures, its weather patterns can be unpredictable. Even if you checked the forecast before heading out the door, you still might find yourself caught in the rain miles from home. The important thing here is to be prepared: Pack your cell phone in a Ziploc bag or waterproof phone case to prevent water damage, carry a lightweight and packable waterproof jacket to keep your core dry and warm, make sure your headlight and taillights are fully charged, and throw a cycling cap and gloves in your jersey pocket for extra warmth on-the-go. If you’re caught in a downpour, avoid riding through any standing water or on the painted lane lines or metal grates (which get extra slippery). We also advise dropping your tire pressure slightly…