Cycling Skills: Keep hydrating in the cooler weather

When it's hot outside it's fairly obvious that you need to hydrate and drink enough with electrolytes to keep you pedaling strong.

Keep in mind that the same general rules of hydration apply  in the cooler weather - If you're exercising for up to 1 hour, you can rehydrate with water alone. However, after an hour, add electrolytes and carbohydrates.

We Roundabout Century riders will be cycling for more than an hour so be sure to hydrate with your electrolyte mix and eat plenty of carbohydrates to keep you pedaling strong.  For more info, see this article 8 Tips for Hydrating in Cold Weather from active.com.

Cycling Skills: Riding in the cooler weather - Clothing

The leaves are turning and the temps are all over the place. On Saturday it's expected to be in the 70's and tonight the lows will be in the 40's.

For cycling, the cooler temps really can make for some ideal cycling.  The mornings can start out a bit cooler, but after a couple miles of pedaling, you'll be warmed up and removing that top layer.

And that's the point, be sure to layer your bike clothing this time of year.

Here are a couple of videos with some food for thought:  The first video is for cooler weather and the second video for cooler and colder weather.  Of course, you'll want to know your own best method that works for you but there might be some info here to consider.  And, talk to the folks at The Bike Rack for some additional great ideas and products to keep you riding comfortably.

Registration is still open!

Cyclists of all skill levels who are looking for one last ride before winter can register for the second annual Roundabout Century - a fully-supported, 100-mile ride to benefit Calvary Women's Services. Enjoy a scenic ride with stunning autumn views from DC to Annapolis and back! 

This year's event is generously supported by The Bike Rack, a DC bike shop. The Bike Rack will accompany riders on the route and perform bike tune-ups and adjustments prior to the ride. Female cyclists are welcome! The Bike Rack is committed to promoting women in cycling at all levels, from casual cyclists to commuters to competitive riders. 

Lunch will be at the Amsterdam Falafelshop in downtown Annapolis, and they have generously agreed to offer riders a 10% lunch discount. Roundabout riders and friends are also invited to a post-ride happy hour celebration at The Ugly Mug in Southeast DC! The Ugly Mug will donate 10% of sales from the group to Calvary.

All funds raised for the Roundabout Century, including the registration fee, are tax deductible donations to Calvary Women's Services. 

Spaces for the ride are limited, so register today! For more information and to register, click here. 

For additional information or questions, please contact us via email.

Sunday's Training Ride: Oct 12 - Matt's "Trails U Don't Know About" Ride

What a great training route Matt developed! The "Trails you don't know about" training ride.  Riding trails in DC, MD and VA totaling just over 60 miles leaving from Logan Circle, DC.  We rode at least 15 different trails. How cool is that. The ride really makes you appreciate how many great biking trails there are in the area.  It does also make you want to see that connecting trail aka "The Missing Link" on the Anacostia Tributary trail get finished.  We had a fun adventure for sure!  Next year's route will include even more connecting trails!

Why are we training?  We are riding in the upcoming Roundabout Century supporting Calvary Women's Services.  100% of every dollar raised is an investment directly to Calvary. We are pedaling with a purpose!  Want to join us? You can register here.  Your registration fee is a donation directly to Calvary Women's Services.

Sunday's Training Ride: Oct 6 - 50+ miles

Great training ride Sunday, October 6.  It started out a tad chilly but it sure ended up the perfect bike training ride day.  There really is something wonderful about riding in October - it's some of the best biking weather all year round.  : )

A big thanks to, Brian (aka Bike Dr) leading the group on a perfect pace. We headed out the W&OD Trail to Reston,VA and back. Great pic from the gang that day!

We are all training for the November 1, 2014 Roundabout Century supporting Calvary Women's Services.  Interested in riding? Contact Gillian via email for additional details. Interested in registering, check here to register.

Registration for Roundabout Century

Cyclists of all skill levels who are looking for one last ride before winter can register for the second annual Roundabout Century - a fully-supported, 100-mile ride to benefit Calvary Women's Services. Enjoy a scenic ride with stunning autumn views from DC to Annapolis and back! 

This year's event is generously supported by The Bike Rack, a DC bike shop. The Bike Rack will accompany riders on the route and perform bike tune-ups and adjustments prior to the ride. Female cyclists are welcome! The Bike Rack is committed to promoting women in cycling at all levels, from casual cyclists to commuters to competitive riders. 

Lunch will be at the Amsterdam Falafelshop in downtown Annapolis, and they have generously agreed to offer riders a 10% lunch discount. Roundabout riders and friends are also invited to a post-ride happy hour celebration at The Ugly Mug in Southeast DC! The Ugly Mug will donate 10% of sales from the group to Calvary.

All funds raised for the Roundabout Century, including the registration fee, are tax deductible donations to Calvary Women's Services. 

Spaces for the ride are limited, so register today! For more information and to register, click here. 

Sunday's Weekend Training Ride, Awesome!

What a great day Sunday (9-28-14)  was for a 50 mile training ride!  A few of us Roundabout Century riders were out pedaling and enjoying the day.  The Mt Vernon Trail was super busy that morning with everyone (runners, walkers, bikers) enjoying the day but once we got towards Maryland to Greenbelt the roads and trails opened up.  Great riding.

Here are Roundabout Century riders Mindy, Gillian and Sari just after finishing the 50 miles.  Awesome ride!

Checkout the upcoming training ride schedule so you can join us!  We have a weekday ride, every Thursday evening at 6pm and then varying Saturday and Sunday rides including Matt's famous Bike and Beer Tour!

This is all in prep for the upcoming 2nd Annual Roundabout Century supporting Calvary Women's Services taking place on Saturday, Nov 1.  There is still time to register and join us!

For additional info on those training rides, please contact Gillian at gillian@roundaboutcentury.com

Bike Maintenance: Chain Lube - Wow, who knew!

I don't know about you but chain lube is one of those things that I never really know exactly when and how much to apply.  Usually it's when my chain is actually super dry and squeaking. That's a bit too late.  And which is the best type to use?  There are like a million different types and brands.

I've personally settled on ProLink chain lube from recommendations from various folks including the awesome Bike Rack mechanics.  I like the results but there are a lot of options and vary depending on your different factors.

To learn a bit more, here's an article from Full Cycle Bikes that discusses all about chain lube that you might find interesting.

If you are really interested, check out this testing that was done to check chain friction with ProLinkGold chain lube.  VeloLab Revisited: Testing Chain Friction Over Time