Blown Away

• http://twitter.com/Allison_Peacock Allison Peacock

  Great topic! I’m having a lot more trouble in the wind lately. Last year it didn’t bother me. And suddenly since I’ve lost 20 pounds I can’t seem to get down a hill without having the wits scared out of me by a wind shear. Even in low, light winds I seem to notice a difficulty controlling my bike. Not sure whether it’s a change in my equilibrium, or if it’s just because I’m riding faster this year. The wind is a real challenge right now!

  • http://twitter.com/lovingthebike Darryl

    Yeah, it sure has been blowing the past couple weeks….but I am from Saskatchewan, where the wind really knows how to blow so I’m used to it. I definitely don’t like it, and hoping it calms down again soon.

    I think it is because you are riding faster that it’s hitting you harder this year. We need you to come over to Loving the Bike and tell us about your weight loss story.

    Darryl

• Shebicycles

  You are so adorable on video, D! I think you sent that same wind our way – it’s been pretty blustery here over the past few days. I also think it does make drivers a little nervous to approach/pass a cyclist and who is being buffeted about by a crosswind – the more passing distance the better, and your tips are right on the money.

  • http://twitter.com/lovingthebike Darryl

    You can call me adorable any day you like…thanks for that. Thanks for stopping by…it’s always a good omen when Shebicycles pays a visit.

• http://twitter.com/KathleenGillies Kathleen Gillies

  Just returned from a bike ride on a mixed use park– lots of runners, few bikes, families, walkers and some dog-walkers. Anyhow, the first 2 miles were great! Mostly because the wind was at my back. Turned around to ride back and I felt like I was moving in slow motion. The North wind was fierce. I was a little too much on the side of the trail and was blown off course into a snowbank– a little embarrassing, in a skirt no less (TG for leggings). Got back on and just focused on my thigh and butt muscles to move forward. I truly feel it should count as resistance training. The lower gears were mostly useless. I’m a newbie so am not well versed in bike gears, just adjust them to where I find the most effectiveness. I had the left side at 3 and the right at about 7. I made it on wheels back to the park entrance. My dh was running and said the wind slowed his time down as well. What I learned: I should have worn a hat that covered my ears to decrease the roar of the wind and to not ride too close to the side of the trail.

  • http://twitter.com/lovingthebike Darryl

    Great to hear from you, Kathleen. It’s good to see you out there in the wind, even though you’re new to cycling. If you can make it through a ride in strong wind, you can do anything.

    Darryl

• http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1169494182 Torsten Weirich

  Dude, you forgot your wind block! Days like this is when I try to find more protected (from the wind) routes. Cross-winds are especially dangerous on bridges and overpasses. You could get blown over the railing if you’re not careful.

  • http://twitter.com/lovingthebike Darryl

    Since you are a giant compared to me, do you still feel the wind knocking you around? I’m curious as to if there is a difference.

• Bamboo Cyclist

  Nice, it reminds me of riding up the Oregon Coast. I couldn’t get away from that wind whether I started to ride at 5 am or rode until 9 pm it just kept on blowing. Anytime I’m training in a headwind, I just know it’s making me stronger and more powerful. I look at the wind as a training aid. Higher RPMs seem to help flow through the heavy winds. Be sure to keep your leg speed up and don’t worry about what gear you are in as much as how much forward momentum you have as you ride through it. Gusts from the side are super dangerous. I’ve been moved 3-4 feet before from a crosswind and when mixing that with semi’s it’s really critical to be on your game. Keep up the good work, if it’s blowing like that when I get to Austin it sure better be a tailwind.

  Bamboo Cyclist

  • http://twitter.com/lovingthebike Darryl

    Yeah, I hope there are some strong wind blowing you East this week. Ride strong and I’ll see you in a few days.

• http://twitter.com/PamelotH PamelaFaganHutchins

  Most scared I have ever been on a bike: AUSTIN, cross wind, out near Manor. Wicked scary.

  • Bamboo Cyclist

    Please Pamela, tell us more details on that Manor ride.

  • http://twitter.com/lovingthebike Darryl

    I’ve never ridden out Manor before…..actually, I might have once years ago. All I know is you and I have to get on the bikes together one day soon.

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Sugar Alternatives for Energy and Hydration

Question: I am using the homebrew sugar formulations (sometimes added to green tea).  I am also trying to wean myself off 1/2 dose adrenalean ”lip tonic delivery system” (biorhythm brand- caffeine, hoodia g, synephrine, yohimbe) capsule for energy.

My question is other than juice, can you suggest modifications in lieu of table sugar for energy and hydration.

Answer:

Both raw/organic honey or agave can work great in the homebrew (substitute in the same quantities for the sugar, or to taste), but you do have to shake well in order to make sure they don’t settle out.  Have you tried either of these?  Also, make sure to use at least the minimum amount of salt recommended in the homebrew as the temps rise, you need the sodium replacement if you’re sweating.

Sports Drink Homebrew

Please send us your questions for our Expert Sports Nutritionist, Kelli Jennings to “Ask the Sports Nutritionist“. Kelli Jennings is a Registered Dietitian with a passion for healthy eating, wellness, & sports nutrition. For more information go to www.apexnutritionllc.com.

• Ask the Sports Nutritionist