Category Archives: Cycling Tips

There is a lot to learn in the sport of cycling. Here we will do our best to keep you up to date on some of the ways to find an edge on the road.

Best Practices for Washing Your Bicycle

It’s inevitable – even if you just leave it in storage, your bike is going to get dirty. And while wiping it down with a wet rag can solve a minor dirt problem, it’s wise to do a deep cleaning of your bike every once in a while. Here’s a short how-to on bike cleaning. Cleaning That Bike What you need: bucket, rags, a cleaning agent (diluted dish soap works well if you don’t have a dedicated bike wash product), clean water, degreaser or solvent and a soft, bristled brush. Remove the bike’s chain. Spray it with degreaser or solvent and scrub away any gunk you see. While there are devices available that allow you to clean the chain while it’s still attached to the bike, those aren’t necessary – some good old elbow grease will do the job just fine. Allow the chain to dry while you continue to…
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Vitamins and Minerals and How They Can Help Cyclists

What do different vitamins and minerals do to the body that can help with cycling fitness? Vitamin B6. According to Trails.com, this vitamin is useful for breaking down proteins and helping the body transport oxygen to the muscles. It also has been shown to release serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps you feel good. Vitamin E. According to LiveStrong.com, this vitamin has cycling-specific benefits that help cyclists increase stamina and endurance. It also has an antioxidant effect. Vitamin C. Most people are familiar with vitamin C’s ability to stave off sickness, which helps cyclists stay in top form. People may not be aware that vitamin C also helps build collagen, which is necessary for healthy tendons and arteries. Vitamin B1. According to HealthGuidance.com, vitamin B1 is useful for converting carbohydrates into energy. Additionally, without sufficient B1, cyclists may lose physical coordination in large muscle groups essential to cycling. Vitamin D. This…
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Time to Stretch Those Legs! 5 Warm-up Stretches to Get You Going

Here’s a cycling tip: never skip the warm-up stretch! Everyone’s guilty of skipping at one point or another, but stretching before a ride has several benefits. It gets you pumped up and prepares your body as well as your mind for the ride ahead. Here are a few stretches we like to do before we set off into San Diego. Stretching for Success The butterfly stretch. While sitting upright, pull both feet toward your body and push your knees gently toward the ground with your hands. This helps increase the range of motion of your hips and knees. The leg swing. Stand next to your bike on one side, holding the seat to keep it and yourself stable. Then, swing the outside leg forward and backward, keeping your leg straight. Do this ten times, and then turn to face your bike. Using the same leg, swing side by side to…
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