cycling

[NFrawRUNNER]

Triathlete wannabe here.....Right now I am running + swimming. Cycling takes a back seat in winter around here. Now that NY is finally unthawing :D I want to be able to get out and ride more.....A few of us were "talking" on another thread about sharing our cycling knowledge. OK I have little knowledge on the subject, but I want to learn more!! I know all about running and enough about swimming but am so intimidated about the bike! <<too much equipment>>....I need to know what I really need to invest in to get started....I know I can get "fitted" for a bike, but am unsure as to what I should get. I want a good bike that I can go long distances on + race in when I get brave enough to do a triathlon.....I turn 40 next year so this is a goal for me ;) ! What else do I need?????? special foot pedals? shoes? clothing? PADDED SEAT :eek: ? Please share your knowledge!!! <<That means you redfizz!!!)>> any other yearning cyclists that want in on this pipe in I'm all ears!
Di

[NFrawRUNNER]

Check this out!!!

http://www.brendanbrazier.com/bio/index.html

[RedFizz]

I will definitely give some pointers! However, I have to wait until I get home tonight.

What a great thread! I can't wait to start experimenting with raw food and energy levels. Great idea!

[NFrawRUNNER]

redfizz.....found this...I'm thinking recovery drink...yumm! I'll forego the ice cubes and freeze the bananas though!
Spring Green Cooler
4 big ripe bananas
4 stalks celery
1/2 C water
3 ice cubes

Blend, slurp...

PS: To tell a friend about this e-zine and my website, Click Here.

[RedFizz]

I was getting on specifically to ask about recovery food. :D Today, I just rode my bike for the first time since 1. having knee surgery in March, 2. since completing my 40-day detox and 3. since beginning raw.

I did great!!! I had SOO much energy! I know it had to do with the raw food. I made sure that I ate 2 stalks of celery for electrolytes and had some almond butter on it. It was like I had all of this energy that wanted to keep going, but my muscles aren't developed yet. On the SAD diet I would have hit my wall at ~7 miles. (I only went 10 miles, but I didn't want to hurt my body.)

So celery/electrolytes are good for recovery? What about protien? Would nuts be good?

I had never thought about using honey for energy for long runs/rides until you mentioned it. What a great idea! It would be equivalent of those power gels that are nothing but calories/sugar. At least this is natural.

This is so much fun, Diantha! By the way, the link didn't work. Can you try it again? Also, would you like to email you info on bikes?

[NFrawRUNNER]

The website is www.fredericpatenaude.com
I'll send you an e-mail so you can fill my brain with bike knowledge!
Have you competed in any bike races? What kind of knee surgery did you have? Ouch....I know all about the rode to recovery!!! Celery with almond butter sounds great for a long ride....mmmm....

I too am having a hard time increasing protein WITHOUT as much fat......greens just don't cut it on a ride/run....we'll have to research that....I just for the heck of it joined fitday.com a nutritional tracking site to see if I am getting enough of what I need and was only 9% protein for the day, 39% fat, and 52% carbs....I was shocked especially since David Wolfe rec. 80% carb, 10% protein, 10%fat!!!! anyone have ideas for balancing out....I am thinking a higher protein requirement would be necessary for athletes??? but what???? :confused:

[RedFizz]

If you are interested in triathlons, there are bike made specifically for that. They come with aero bars (which look like horns on the front of the handlebars, and you lay forward), and the gear shifters are at the ends of the bars. If you are not comfortable with shifting like that yet, then get a regular road bike and you can later attach aero bars. There is an article at http://www.bikesportmichigan.com/bikes/difference.shtml and it has pictures.

I am not a triathalete, so I cannot vouch for triathalon bikes.

You will need "clipless" peddles, which makes no sense, because your shoes clip to the peddles. :confused: Of course you will need shoes that the clips hook into. You can practice unclipping in a yard or at a field so if you fall, it won't hurt. And if you start to fall, just remember, "tuck it in!" Do not try to break the fall by putting your arm out. I know several people who have broken their arms that way.

You definitely want a female specific seat/saddle, or a certain something will hurt very badly--and it won't be just your bum! :rolleyes: A good example of what a women-specific seat looks like (but not suggesting any one in particular) is http://www.nashbar.com/profile_moreimages.cfm?category=114&subcategory=1082&sku=16442&brand=. Speaking of which, your bum will hurt ~1 week, but it will be much better.

I tried to keep this brief so I don't annoy people looking for food-only info. You're going to have so much fun!

[RedFizz]

No, I haven't competed in bike races, but I have ridden in the Tour de Cure. It is an American Diabetes Association fundraiser that is a 2-day, 150 mile ride. I used to bike 50 miles every Saturday, which to some sounds like very little. My goal is to complete my first century (100 miles in one day) next year. I ride because I enjoy it, not to race (not to say that racing is not enjoyable).

I had a piece of cartilidge (sp?) floating around my knee from a knee break ~7 years ago they had to get out. I feel great now!

The www.fredericpatenaude.com is a great raw food site. I have come across it once and didn't get a chance to look at it. Is this your website?

Got your email! I will respond later today.

[NFrawRUNNER]

The www.fredericpatenaude.com is a great raw food site. I have come across it once and didn't get a chance to look at it. Is this your website?

No, not MY website (I am not THAT knowledgeable!) but a great site nontheless! I am printing off the bike info as we speak! Thanks...

[littleangelbear]

Yay! A biking thread...


Very cool that you are starting to do tri...It's definitely getting popular :)

I am a cyclist...I just do road bike racing though...No swim or run for me LOL.

I've rode for 10 years and love it. I went raw six months ago and love it too. I hear ya about increasing protein without so much fat, but I notice that the raw fats don't make me fat...kinda wild, huh?

Re: equipment...Professional bike fit is very important with tri. It's such a different position than regular road riding/racing position. Do you have any shops around you that specialize in tri?

Re: saddles...I have tried all the women specific saddles on the market pretty much. After much trial and error and pain, I found I felt most comfortable on a men's saddle actually. I think it depends on your specific anatomy :) It also takes a while to 'break in' a saddle and adapt, but it shouldn't be uncomfortable at all!

Enjoy the raw and tri journey...

[NFrawRUNNER]

Once school is out (teacher and mother of 5!!! :rolleyes: ) I am going to take some "me time" and get squared away with the whole bike thing....we have several "shops" in our area + I have been doing my homework so I'll hopefully be prepared...I should be pretty good with a new bike since I currently ride a "Pacific Trail" mountain bike from Sears!!! :eek: LOL....Look out Lance! We have a nice 23-26 mile "loop" from my house out to and along Lake Ontario that I ride 2-3 times per week right now...I would love to go longer if I had a better bike....I will SOON! Right now it's hard because I have to go REALLY EARLY to complete it before school!!! Only 11 days left!!! Can't wait to have a raw and relaxing summer! (I transitioned to raw beginning last August)....