Candace Maher, Author at OUTspokin'

Apr12018 by Candace MaherNo Comments

Cornering

On the bike

Knowing and using good cornering techniques can be the difference in experiencing a thrilling downhill or frightful descent. Some factors in cornering include anticipating the corner, observing road conditions, speed, weight shift, body position and posture, pedaling, shifting, and braking. Riding consistent is also key and this means taking corners in the same manner when riding with others. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPsVl42tqYo

Feb152018 by Candace MaherNo Comments

Essential Cycling Repair Equipment

On the bike

To avoid getting stranded on a ride, there are some basic tools to carry. The number of tools to carry depends on factors such as distance, riding conditions, number of cyclists, etc. SPARE TUBE(S) & PATCH KIT: A flat tire is the most common issue that cyclists face, so having a spare tube or two and/or a patch kit could solve a blow out or a puncture. TIRE LEVERS: Having two or three tire levers undoubtedly will help you remove the tire from the wheel. The number of levers can depend on your rim depth and hand strength. BIKE PUMP, CO2 CARTRIDGE, & ADAPTOR: A micro hand pump and/or CO2 cartridge with adaptor don’t take up much space. You will be glad you have these on hand if a tire…

Feb12018 by Candace MaherNo Comments

Preparing Your Bike for Riding Season

Off the bike

Whether you ride year-round or ride seasonally, there are several options to prepping your bike for riding. From decades of riding, I suggest finding a professional and reputable shop that can offer minor adjustments to overhauling. Most shops will let you know what needs attention. The do-it-yourself (DIY) method is helpful, so that cyclists can learn more about her/his bicycle and potentially identify issues more easily. Mechanical advice varies depending on your riding style and riding terrain and conditions. Below is a basic pre-ride checklist. See URLs for more details. FRAME: Starting with a clean bike, look for paint chips, cracks, and dents. If you detect cracks or dents, take your bike to your chosen bike shop. WHEELS & TIRES: Determine ideal pressure for you – it depends on your…

Jan122018 by Candace MaherNo Comments

General & Cycling Nutrition

Off the bike, On the bike

There is so much nutrition, food, and cooking advice that it is hard to know what or who to follow. Several trusted sources for cyclists, specifically, are bicycling.com and cyclingweekly.com. These articles discuss general nutrition along with pre-, during, and post-riding nutrition recommendations. Also addressed are carbs, protein, fat, glucose, sodium, vitamins, minerals, caffeine, and more. Other cyclist food concerns are covered: amount, frequency, and type of food to be eaten. If you are interested in clean eating, paleo foods, vegan, or other types of food philosophies, they are all briefly covered on these sites. • http://www.cyclingweekly.com/fitness/nutrition/nutrition-cycling-back-basics-141664 • https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/what-eat-during-cycling • http://www.bicycling.com/tags/bicycling-nutrition