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Biking Knowledge: Improving Ride Quality

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Bike: Improving Ride Quality_unhappy face

We all go through a learning curve when starting a new hobby, and bike riding is not an exception to the rule. You mastered the skill of riding a bike straight and making the turns without falling. Now what? If you ever rode a bike for long time (let’s say 10- 20 miles), you know that certain things get hmm… uncomfortable. We hope that today’s topic will help you to smooth your bike ride.

Our guest-expert, Teresa Robbins, Director of Venus de Miles Ride for women has lots of bike miles under her belt and she is happy to share.

Bike: Improving Ride Quality_helmet

When I think of pedaling a bike for 25 miles. Is there way to smooth my ride?

First of all, you need a proper bike. Second, you need the right gear

  • helmet
  • shoes (bike shoes for clipless pedals if you don’t mind click-clacking on the pavement or sneakers for flat pedals or baskets)
  • gloves
  • padded bike shorts (we recommend Primal Wear, Pearl Izumi or Terry)
  • jersey with pockets
  • arm warmers
  • vest or jacket
  • sun screen
  • water bottle or CamelBak
  • ID
  • Important Medical Information
  • Change of clothes

Bike: Improving Ride Quality_taking notes

But how about the Ouch factor?

The “ouch” comes from improper bike fit, the wrong bike shorts, not standing up and giving your seat a rest… chamois cream. To avoid chafing, consider chamois cream. We love Bliss chamois cream, developed by professional cyclist Dave Zabriskie. There are some other great brands out there too such as Chamois Butt’r, Assos and Mad Alchemy.

By the way, Trek Women has a great Ride Guide that speaks to the different types of bikes available, safety, and so much more.

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Learn more about Venus de Miles, bike ride for women on their website and send us questions if there is anything you wanted to know about bike riding

Teresa Robbins Director & Priestess
Formerly the Senior Accountant for Greenhouse Scholars’ affiliate Greenhouse Partners, Teresa recently made the switch to the Greenhouse Scholars team to become the full-time Director of Venus de Miles. Since its inception Venus De Miles, Colorado’s first all-women’s road ride, which is orchestrated by and benefits Greenhouse Scholars, has raised $380,981 for the organization, and expanded to Illinois in 2012. When Teresa is not dreaming up the next quirky idea for Venus, she’s enjoying what inspires her most, spending time with her husbanding, Mo, and their sons, Myles and Nico.

Comments

    • Way 2 Good Life says

      This is an excellent topic. I asked for the biggest seat on the market when I was buying one, but something tells me there is a more intelligent way of approaching this topic. Need to work on an article just about the seats.

  4. Suburban Style Challenge says

    I will NEVER forget when I got my first pair of bike gloves. What a difference it made! Also making sure that one’s helmet fits properly is important too. Nothing’s worse than wearing a too-big helmet and having to adjust it every few feet because it slides into your face (and how dangerous to boot!). I’ve also always found layers helpful when riding, as sometimes it can be quite chilly at first, but once you get moving and the day warms up, you can overheat quickly–it’s best to have something you can take off, like arm warmers, what a great idea! Arm warmers are much easier to stash away in a small bike bag than a long sleeved shirt, which your’e stuck tying around your waist and worrying about getting eaten by your spokes as you ride.