Dan's Cycling Tips for Newbies

1.  Make sure your bike is the correct size for you.

2.  Make sure your seat position is correct.

3.  Make sure your tires are properly inflated EVERY time you ride.

4.  Have two water bottle cages with a water bottle in each.

5.  Learn to shift gears properly. You should be shifting very often to maintain proper pedal cadence.  The bike is a machine that turns work into motion. With the proper shifting technique, you will work less to go farther and faster.  This is the biggest problem area that I encounter with newbies.

6.  Drink before you are thirsty and eat before you are hungry.  Drink sports drinks formulated for exercise and eat carbs while you ride.  Learn proper sports nutrition habits.  This is the second largest problem area that I encounter. Riding after you have bonked from not eating properly is miserable.

7.  Make sure to keep the chain clean and lubricated.

8.  Don't set low goals which are too easy to attain, but don't overdo it. If you never push your limits at all, you will not do enough miles to prepare for a century; but, if you start out going too hard or too far, you run the risk of giving  up because you feel you can't do it.

9. Good cycling shorts are a must. Don't go cheap here or you will be miserable.

10. Proper cycling shoes with clip-in pedals make you much more efficient. You will likely fall over when first using them, so practice in the grass. They are worth it. Ask anyone who uses them. You won't believe how much easier it is to go forward. They help you to. . .

11.Pedal in circles. Don't just push down but also gently pull up with the opposite leg and even pedal through the top and bottom of each pedal revolution. This, too, makes you and your machine much more efficient.

12. Wear a helmet EVERY TIME YOU RIDE no matter how short the distance.

13. Don't quit. 

 

Gettin' cycle-delic with it. . .

A little bit old school. A little bit funky. Donna's new bar tape. Ignoring a suggestion to use duct tape, the girl going through her "second childhood" comes through in style. Is this the fastest bike in the group? Nah; not by a long shot. The most stylish? YOU BETTER BELIEVE IT, BABE! 

March 11th - First Wednesday Evening Ride of 2009!

 
Our Own State Time Trial Champion!

Laurens County Cycling Club's Nolan Boozer won the South Carolina State Time Trial Championship for his age bracket (10 - 12 years) on October 4, 2008 in Yemassee, SC. In the 10K (6.2 mile) race, Nolan's winning time was 16:58.   

Congratulations, Nolan! We are proud of you!

We are lookin' good!

Riders at the Wednesday evening ride on October 15, 2008 sport new LCCC Club kits. 

LCCC thanks our kit sponsors:  SwaimBrown, CPAs; Carolina Automotive; George A. Reid, Inc.; The Parthenon; Adams Building Supply; Whiteford's of Laurens; Robertson's Ace Hardware; Thomas Mechanical; East Coast Electronics/Sprint; Allstate - David Ramage, Agent; Upstate Bike and Skate; The Clock of Laurens; Upstate Realty; Laurens County Healthcare System; Hospice of Laurens County; Pope and Hudgens, Attorneys at Law; ReMax Properties; and thanks to ATM Properties for sponsoring our Club Website.