Help Support Susan G. Komen for the Cure
Help us support Susan G. Komen for the Cure Austin and its fight against breast cancer while tricking out your bike in pink.
All October long, in honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, purchase Specialized pink handlebar tape for just $10 (a $34 value) or a hot pink KNOG N.E.R.D cycle computer for $20 (worth more than $60) and we’ll donate 100 percent of the proceeds to the Susan G. Komen affiliate. We’ll even install them for free.
We want to raise so much for Komen that there are no limits to how many computers or tape you can buy. We’ll keep donating until (pink) supplies last and October runs out.
Specialized Handlebar Tape- $10
Knog N.E.R.D. Computer- $25
Who Doesn’t Want A Full Weekend On The Bike?
Have a great weekend bike getaway this October!
Any enthusiast road cyclist worth his weight in carbon fiber has thought, “I sure would love to spend a few days just…riding.” Even if you read all the magazines, spend lunch hours skulking around your local bike shop, hit up your local club rides, done a few charity rides, and maybe even pinned on a number at a race or two, when it comes down to it, you just want to ride.
But even the most dedicated roadie, who logs miles and miles along trusted and well-worn routes, longs for the new road. And for new road cyclists, nothing can inspire and motivate more than seeing what “just riding” for three days can do for your fitness level—to say nothing of your fun level. We all want new adventures, with friends, on bikes.
I’ve had the very good fortune to do some local cycling trips with Austin Cycle Camp, many to the Leakey, TX area, where we’re again heading this October.* If you’re looking to do something different on the bike this Fall, or looking to get back to riding regularly after a long, hot Summer, then let me tell you what you can expect with Austin Cycle Camp at Destination: Leakey.
Get ready to roll out with Austin Cycle Camp at Destination: Leakey!
To start with, we’ve again partnered with an Austin original, Bicycle Sport Shop, to provide you with the best mechanical support for the entire weekend. There’s little need to carry that extra tube, as we’ll have SAG every day as well as a lead car on longer days. To say nothing of having two professional mechanics to look over your bike each evening. Most of the time I’ve left these trips with a bike that was in better working order than when it got there! Thanks, Bicycle Sport Shop!
Each time I’ve gone on these trips I’ve refined my take-along list. First off, three rides means three cycling kits—bibs or shorts, jerseys, socks, gloves—three of each. Not to mention extra “just in case” items—rain cover, arm/leg warmers, vest, etc. as the weekend’s weather dictates. Base layers are great for this area and this time of year as the temps and breezes can make it feel cool on top of the climbs, not to mention coming down the hills. Three or four bottles are nice too. Two on the bike, one in the center jersey pocket in case you want a little more before the next scheduled stop, and one for a pre-prepared recovery drink in the fridge for when you get back. Sunscreen is a must too, even if the temps are cool. Off the bike, there’s the Frio River itself. My first trip I neglected to bring board shorts. My loss as the Frio River is the perfect post-ride cold soak for tired legs.
Quiet country roads with rolling terrain await you in October!
The riding itself is spectacular. The roads in the Frio River Valley are lightly travelled. And the cars that do come by from time-to-time are used to two-wheeled traffic as the area hosts some of the state’s best motorcycle riding. Expect to be able to ride two-by-two and chat with riding buddies—new and old—with ease. The terrain is rolling, with some good sized climbs thrown in when we roll out of the immediate Leakey area and into the surrounding communities. Each day there are two ride options. Every time I’ve been the vast majority if not all riders opt for the longer route. Makes sense since you’re there to ride! That means rides of roughly 35, 75, and 50 miles over the three days. Of course, if you want to grab that SAG, go for it. This is a cycling weekend, not a “training camp” so enjoy yourself and your riding!
A professional photographer to document your weekend of riding.
If you’ve got a small point-and-shoot camera you’ll want to bring it and stick it in a jersey pocket. There’s tons of scenic beauty along the ride routes, not to mention great photo ops at the top of the climbs! If you forget your camera though (like I did last time) you’re in luck. Susan Beth Photography is coming along for the ride this October. Susan is a gifted photographer, not to mention a good rider and all around friendly person, so we’re really lucky we were able to get her to come along.
Demo wheels from Zipp Speed Weaponry, the aero wheel masters, for you to try during Destination: Leakey!
If like us you’re a gear head, then you’re really in luck. The Zipp demo fleet is going to Leaky. This is a chance to see a nearly full complement of Zipp’s latest wheel offerings. But not just see. You’re going to get a chance to ride a pair of Zipps if you like! That’s right, a set of 303s, 404s, maybe even some super-light 202s, the all-new 101s, or the wickedly fast 808s! And since the Zipp staffers will be with us, you’ll get all your questions answered and learn how to pick the best wheel for your riding goals and target events.
For food, it’s covered. No. Seriously. We’ve really got it covered. We’re bring along the biggest BBQ/smoker/grill pit we’ve ever seen as well as a professional chef to run it. Yes. A professional chef. Remember we’re talking about a cycling weekend getaway, not a “training camp.” So you’ll be hard pressed to drop weight this weekend! We’re talking smoked salmon, awesome breakfast spreads each morning, gourmet “rolling” lunches, the works. But it’s not all about mealtime. Our local, Central Texas Powerbar rep is coming to ride too. That means on-the-bike nutrition by the leader in endurance sports fuels. Drink, food, recovery product, all of it. But it’s not just a gel here or a bottle there. We’re going to get the low down on how and why these products work and learn a bit about best practices when it comes to on-the-bike nutrition.
Yes, that is a state-of-the-art 58 inch satellite TV on the grill trailer!
Base camp itself is really nice. Private, fully furnished cabins, with nice finishes, a full kitchen, a flat screen TV, and a DVD player (we’ll bring an assortment of cycling-related DVDs from our library for you to watch). So if you need a little solitude, you’ll be able to kick back and relax when not on the bike.
This could be you!
This really is a great weekend and I highly recommend coming along. The vast majority of riders are road enthusiasts—folks that just plain like to ride. And the group is, traditionally, fairly evenly split between men and women. Some folks bring riding buddies. Others come solo though. We’re not going to Leakey to race, so pull up along side another rider and chat a bit, or go ahead and take a little dig at the front of the group, its your weekend to just…ride.
More details and registration information can be found here: http://www.austincyclecamp.com/destinationleakey.html Destination: Leakey is half sold out, so we recommend registering soon!
* Full disclosure: while you may know me from Bicycle Sport Shop, I’ve now teamed up with Austin Cycle Camp.
Did you get on a bike this weekend? With temps topping 110 degrees, no one would blame you for staying inside watching Tour highlights. But we also know there’s a contingency of you who spent the weekend at Hotter ‘N Hell Hundred 2011. Our hats off to you all! And we want to extend a huge congratulations to Ian Dille of Bicycle Sport Shop’s Super Squadra. Ian came in second in the Hotter ‘N Hell Hundred Men’s Omnium Pro. And in the words of one very astute observer, “Ian killed it out there!”
Ian, you make us proud!
Super Squadra Skills Clinic
Super Squadra Clinic
Bicycle Sport Shop’s Super Squadra headed out to the Driveway last night to share a few of their secrets. And although there was lots of talk, it wasn’t all talk. This was a hands-on education for sure, and ended with a really great race. In case you missed it, there are a few more Squadra clinics on the horizon, and here’s a recap from last night: http://supersquadra.net/?p=2581
May is Bike Month
So, by now, you’ve likely heard: May is Bike Month. It’s officially the time to bike to work, bike to school, bike for fun, learn to bike … just get on a bike. In honor of Bike Month, we’re asking Austinites to join the movement and Commit to Commute. You could choose to ditch the car entirely and commute to work or school all month long (or forever, for that matter), but it really doesn’t matter where or how far you go. What matters is you go by bike. People all over Austin have already begun to sign on, from Austin City Council Member Chris Riley, who does it for the workout and environment, to Garrett Hinton, a high school sophomore, who rides to avoid depending on the school bus.
If you’re ready to commit, then tell us why, and if you haven’t decided yet, then read why other people are committed. They just may inspire you. Check it all out here: http://bicyclesportshop.com/events/commit-to-commute-pg1678.htm?
Striking Balance, A Pro Triathlete’s Perspective
Tenille Hoogland is an elite triathlete. A BSS- and Specialized-sponsored athlete, we see her in our Lamar store regularly working toward peak athletic performance and a balanced life. Her recent blog post talks about “training” to achieve that sometimes elusive balance. Are you balanced?
Learning the Ropes, Part 2. In the Classroom with Super Squadra.
Getting a race plan of action from the best team in Central Texas.
You’ve got the bike. You’ve got the shoes, and the kit, and the helmet. Maybe you have some race wheels, a heart rate monitor, or a power meter. Maybe you even have a coach to help you get the most from your body. But you need the right tool for your racing brain too. You need tactics. Winning tactics.
While the strongest sometimes win, they don’t always. Others may never be the strongest, but it doesn’t mean they can’t win. Regardless of fitness, if you’re in the mix in a race, you need to know likely race scenarios and potential pitfalls. The choices a racer makes in those decisive moments can mean the difference between a podium finish and being pack fill. And those choices don’t advertise themselves—you’ve got to know what to look for. Unlike the Driveway Series Beginners’ Clinics, Super Squadra’s January Tactics Seminar, taught by Ian Dille and David Wenger, took to the classroom and covered how to approach, ride, and finish a race to the best of your ability. Read more…
Cycle through the Cold with the Right Stuff
Just this week, we’ve experienced temperatures ranging from 30s to 70s. And although there’s no telling what temps we’ll see tomorrow, there will certainly be some cold days ahead. So how do you prevent a few cold snaps from keeping you off your bike this winter season?
We’ve all heard the right way to dress for comfort on the bike is layers, but what does that mean in Central Texas? A very general rule of thumb that works fairly well in the winter here is to dress as if it is 10 degrees cooler than it really is. While your body will produce heat during exercise, ambient temperature as well as wind chill (coming from the breeze in the air as well as your riding) will work against your body’s heat production giving the sense that it is colder than the thermostat indicates, at least until you truly get warmed up and into your ride. And that sensation can be amplified when you ride earlier in the morning or later in the evening. Read more…
How to Overcome Your Inner Cyclocross Demons
A competitor experiences a range of emotional states prior to partaking in a bike race. I’ve raced bikes since middle school, and know most of them intimately. Excitement, when I toe the line for the first time in a season. Anxiety, at an event like nationals, for which I’ve trained all year. Relief, when Thursday night finally rolls around and I get to blow off some mid-week work stress at the Driveway criterium series.
Never though, have I known the type of pre-race fear I experienced prior to my first cyclocross race at the Dirty Derby sponsored by Bicycle Sport Shop. It wasn’t a lack of pavement that scared me. I’m a roadie by practice, I admit. But at heart I crave fat tires, singletrack trails, loose turns, and bumpy descents.
Heck, as a freelance writer, I regularly contribute to Mountain Bike magazine.
No, it was the actual act of racing a cyclocross bike that frightened me. Did you know cyclocross racers jump off their bikes, at dang near full speed? They run up and over obstacles, like insanely steep hills and foot and a half high barricades bolted to the earth with rebar. Then they have to get back on. (While running!)
It’s like nothing I’ve done on a bike before, and the prospect made me a bit faint. I imagined my feet tangling on a dismount. My face falling mouth forward into a pile of sod. My roadie friends who’d dabbled in the discipline offered me fair warning, as well. Read more…
Ready to Race in 2011
Are you ready to race in 2011? Then, you’re ready for the Super Squadra January 15 winter clinic at Bicycle Sport Shop’s South Lamar store. This year, Super Squadra, the Bicycle Sport Shop Cycling Team, is focusing on racing tactics for beginner and advanced cyclists of all ages.
The day starts with a presentation by the top-ranked cycling team in Texas. The presentation will delineate both beginner and advanced bike racing tactics. Then, after a short break for a complimentary burrito lunch, take to the open road for a hands-on tactics tutorial and some simulation racing. Each 2011 Tactics Seminar participant will go home with Super Squadras acclaimed Tactical Playbook.
Visit www.supersquadra.net for the event flyer, contact information and FAQs.
Schedule of Events
10:30 am Racing Tactics Seminar
Noon Lunch provided by Chipotle
1 pm Racing Tactics Training Ride
4:30 Post Ride Social Hour
Registration details at
www.supersquadra.net
Cost
Tactics Training Seminar: $75
Junior Attendees: $35
For Additional Information
Visit www.supersquadra.net or contact:
