Sunday, May 8, 2011

Lessons learned from 30 Days of Biking

Congratulations to everyone who accomplished 30 Days of Biking last month, especially since it was one of the rainiest, coldest Aprils we've experienced in the past 50 years. As you can see from the above comments from Century Cycles' Facebook wall, Laura and Hillary biked for 30 days, and so did Kevin Madzia at our Peninsula store and Sean Burkey, Century Cycles' rep from Raleigh Bicycles. Here's what Kevin and Sean had to say about taking the 30-day challenge:

KEVIN MADZIA: The nicest day of the month was the 30th, but I only had time to do the spin around the block that day! Most of my rides were commuting to work, or 25- to 50-mile fitness rides on my days off; occasional grocery runs. On the days that I didn't have time for a "real" ride, I did a quick spin around the block in my neighborhood, often in the rain at 10-11pm, when the significant other and the dogs were already asleep. A couple times it was to take a quick test-ride of a stock bike in the store around Peninsula. I totaled 465 miles for the 30 days; I did not count the quick around-the-block spins in the mileage total, though; those were about 1/2 mile each.

During the 30 days, I tested out new tires on my Xtracycle, and the Avenir Metro Mini Handlebar bag. I already had a full complement of waterproof clothing, waterproof panniers, dry bags, etc. to handle the weather, plus my must-have piece that I think I used every single real riding day, the Surly Wool Jersey, plus SmartWool socks or DeFeet Woolie Boolie socks.

My main lesson for myself and to pass on is to plan you day as such: a) Decide to ride, b) Check the weather forecast, then c) Decide what to wear. If you do b) first, you'll end up not riding!

SEAN BURKEY: I managed to get at least a spin in every day for the 30 days of biking. It was a good event and a challenge at times to keep on the bike with all the wet weather, but it really helped remind me of the challenges of riding/commuting in the weather and what gear you do need. My clothing has been updated with some great rain gear and additions such as fenders, dry bag panniers, and a dry bag for the phone have made this weather less of a hindrance and at times a greater experience than had it been sunny. Crazy to say, but it's been fun.

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