I learned how to pedal! ha ha!

[bYuPride]

So my FIL found out he had earned his doctorate yesterday so we went on a ride to celebrate and as we were getting started I could tell he was having a hard time because he's spent so much time working on his PhD and stuff so he has neglected his bike for a while.

When it comes to climbing hills I turn into a not so very good riding partner I guess because I get so focused on myself just making it up I don't pay attention to anybody else. Every ride we go on together (this was the 3rd or 4th time I think) he dispenses his cycling wisdom and it is always helpful. This session he talks to me about pedalling in a circular motion... Holy crap! I don't know why I couldn't figure it out, but when I started to actually utilize my feet being locked into the pedal, I start to climb the hills with ease! .... comparative to what I was doing before... It was always a struggle for me because I would basically just be pushing down on the pedals the whole time. It changed everything for me!

So if any of you have any random cycling wisdom to share, I can almost guarantee you I won't know it and it would be extremely helpful and much appreciated! Also the cycling lingo is fun to learn...

[Archaea]

We often do single leg exercises to improve our circles.

[bluegoose]

Levi Leipheimer used to ride up this 9 mile long hill near his home in Montana with only one leg. Its a great workout and does wonders for developing a smooth pedal stroke, even on level roads.

[bYuPride]

Originally Posted by Archaea

We often do single leg exercises to improve our circles.

You mean riding using the strength of only one leg?

[bYuPride]

Originally Posted by bluegoose

Levi Leipheimer used to ride up this 9 mile long hill near his home in Montana with only one leg. Its a great workout and does wonders for developing a smooth pedal stroke, even on level roads.

Holy crap! well, if it will develop better technique, I should probably start trying the sometime in the near future..

[creekster]

http://cougarguard.com/forum/showthr...t=pedal+square

[Archaea]

true but, last night during my second ride, a Cat 2 guy was trying to keep his cadence at 50 to 60. I asked "why are you doing that Tony, for strength?"

"Yep."

He does them in intervals of three minutes. After striving for a high cadence, trying to keep a low cadence is difficult unless you use a lot of power.

[SteelBlue]

Originally Posted by bYuPride

So if any of you have any random cycling wisdom to share, I can almost guarantee you I won't know it and it would be extremely helpful and much appreciated! Also the cycling lingo is fun to learn...

Never ride without a seat.

[bYuPride]

Originally Posted by SteelBlue

Never ride without a seat.

So in cycling lingo what would that be called?

[bYuPride]

Originally Posted by Archaea

true but, last night during my second ride, a Cat 2 guy was trying to keep his cadence at 50 to 60. I asked "why are you doing that Tony, for strength?"

"Yep."

He does them in intervals of three minutes. After striving for a high cadence, trying to keep a low cadence is difficult unless you use a lot of power.

What does it mean to be a Cat 2 guy? Is it like being a brown belt? Cadence... For one ride I monitored my cadence trying to stay above a certain number and on the flats and a lower number on hills.. I found I flew through my route really quickly. I'm not really training for anything... All I like to do is put on the strechy pants, enjoy the fresh air and scenery, cut off some of the flab, and see how far I've ridden and for how long. I do like to learn all about the sport though... so I appreciated the little gems you drop for me to pick up and ask about.