Bicycling Issue 6 2021

AJOA ABROKWA GEAR OF THE YEAR, P.53 I’m motivated to keep riding by the looks of excitement I receive when people see me on my bike, all the messages I receive from people saying they’re inspired by watching my journey, and the personal joy I feel when I’m on my bike. I want to get more urban youth on bikes and feel like I have a better chance of doing that by allowing them to keep seeing me actively engaged. ALSO: You will never know how far you can go or how fast you can go or how you’ll feel while riding if you aren’t in the saddle. You must ride your bike.…

RANDY LOCKLAIR GEAR OF THE YEAR, P.77 Before I started riding, I wish I knew how absolutely life-changing it would be! Cycling is an essential part of getting around New York City for me; it’s my favorite way to explore new places; and it’s one of my absolute favorite family activities. My e-cargo bike is basically our car and how my daughter gets to most activities (especially mid-pandemic)! ALSO: Time trials are incredibly appealing to me, coming from running; they allow you to be competitive with yourself regardless of your current fitness—just like a running race. I feel my most accomplished after finishing one.…

MARLEY BLONSKY GEAR OF THE YEAR, P.63 Every time I get to ride an All Bodies on Bikes ride and create community with people of different-size bodies/ages/abilities, I’m reminded of why I love bikes so much. These rides give me purpose and hope that an inclusive cycling community is possible. ALSO: Off the bike, I really enjoy body-weight workouts—squats, burpees, push-ups, and core workouts. This might sound ridiculous, but I really love doing a quick 30-minute burner on the trainer and then doing a quick Tabata body-weight set. Feels like I hit all the muscles and cardio superfast.…

ROSAEL TORRES-DAVIS SPECIAL PROJECTS EDITOR FOREVER TRYING NEW THINGS PRODUCTS I’M USING RIGHT NOW 1 / Garmin Venu Sq Smartwatch From $200 The stats have helped me make slight adjustments to better my energy use and track my workouts. 2 / Velocio Luxe Bra $69 I’ve been waiting for a bra like this—it’s ultra moisture-wicking and lightweight. 3 / JoJé Energy Bar $36 for 12 Soft, chewy, and delicious. Hack: During colder weather, carry the bar in a pocket so it’s nice and warm! TRACK CYCLING It’s my absolute favorite. Track was my first race discipline; it gave me a smooth pedal stroke and taught me how to slow down without brakes and how to read a race. POSTRIDE RECOVERY ROUTINE Yoga and a yummy protein shake 1 scoop chocolate-flavored protein powder11/cups almond milk1 banana1 appleHandful of blueberries1 Tbsp chia seeds1…

SEBASTIAN WALLACH CONTRIBUTING TEST EDITOR PREPARE FOR THE WORST, HOPE FOR THE BEST PRODUCTS I’M USING RIGHT NOW 1 / Road Runner Burrito Bag $45 A high-quality USA-handmade bag with room for a flat kit, a multitool, and most importantly, snacks. 2 / Garmin Edge 530 From $300 This cycling computer has all the information I could ever need and has yet to let me down. 3 / Bontrager Flash Charger Pump $150 I’ve owned this pump for almost three years, and it’s one of the most versatile and well-built models I’ve ever used. SWITCHING IT UP As a mountain biker at heart, I said I’d never be caught in Lycra on a road bike. That’s changed in the last few years. Riding road bikes has helped me train and become stronger and more confident on two wheels. MY…

BICYCLING MEMBER KATHERINE JANSEN, 63 EAST FALMOUTH, MASSACHUSETTS MORE PEOPLE RIDING SAFELY EVERYWHERE GREATEST RIDE OF MY LIFE Ride Across Wisconsin from Dubuque, Iowa, to Kenosha, Wisc., in 2018. It’s 177 miles in one day and so much fun. I rode with my guy and a friend who kept us laughing all the way. Around mile 100, we met a young woman riding by herself, so we told her to join us and we’d pull her. She introduced us to her family, and her mom thanked us for “taking care of Pat.” We pulled Pat the rest of the way and at the very finish, she sprinted in front of me. So my finish photo has Pat and a little bit of me! I always smile looking at that. DREAM RIDE PARTNER I already have him—my guy,…