SEACOAST BY BIKE

Fall is the best of all times for regular Seacoast biking. There are those leaves, the pounding surf, the cool sea air and the diminished army of tourists. If that isn’t enough, here are a dozen Balkin bits for the serious cyclist – or not-so-serious types. Included are the two most important words for biker relief -- bag balm.

ABOUT the Great Balkini

Sometimes the hardest part of the ride is getting on the bike. Visions of discomfort brought on by memories of the real thing get in the way. Yet bikes continue their siren’s call, entreating us to do more than we can do. The solution is – not to turn away – but to learn a few tricks to survive the hardest moments.

It all begins with developing a mindset that takes full advantage of a road bike’s unparalleled leverage over paved terrain. That’s what allows smart riders to roll over roads that unfocused riders struggling with. Smart equals knowing the ups-and-downs of the ride and where there’s enough momentum to carry the bike through otherwise hard spots. The bicycle portion of the brain has to be fully engaged to succeed.

Just jumping on the bike doesn’t do it; cycling is not as automatic as learning the pedal stroke. Here the rider has to know where he or she is riding, what to expect and what to do about that. The skilled rider puts all those random pieces of the puzzle into place, shaping what is, for most riders, an unstructured experience.

Another "part of smart" means understanding that there is a significant difference between riding solo and riding with others. Solo riding is training time where developing the mentality takes shape and physical skills are honed. Riding with others is a blind art and no fun at all for the weaker riders.

Here, by popular request, are a few tips for recreational riders. They are in no particular order, since we all have different needs. Some are immediate fixes while others take time and more thought to apply effectively.

The Signature Ride
Just as every golf course has its signature hole, develop your signature ride -- one that is short and convenient enough to do when there are more excuses than time. Ride it often.

Keeping Tempo
On solo rides find a tempo that is comfortable and learn which gears best keep it going even as the terrain changes. On steep climbs it’s all about cresting the hill with something left. That means finding the right gear and the right tempo. This is what elite riders do when they are dropped halfway up the mountain.

On Speed
Average speed is overrated. In groups average speed is part of the dynamic and it is interesting to know the company (and pace) you are able to keep. On solo rides save going fast for when it feels too good to stop. The rest of the time it’s comfort first.

Not Too Hard
Avoid rides that are monumentally hard. Bike riding builds character without additional punishment. Most recreational riders take a lot of time off -- like months or a lifetime -- after an excruciating effort. Don’t risk it.

Tuck It
On downhills practice an aero tuck. Most riders go faster in a tuck than pedaling.

Inertia Matters
Don’t waste the bike’s energy. Coming off a downhill use momentum to get up the next hill. Through trial and error the right gears become known and are at the ready when pedaling resumes.

Think Balance
Most riders are not balanced and favor one side, left or right, over another. When one leg (or any extremity) hurts and the other feels fine, chances are, one side is underused. Just thinking about it is often an immediate fix, but keeping the balance going takes concentration and time.

Sweat Solution
If sweat in your eyes is a problem try lip balm over the eyebrows and above the bridge of the nose.

The Gloved Ones
Always wear gloves. Cushioning aside, they protect the hands in a fall and serve as an absorbant mini-towel. For those with focus gloves also allow for instant tire cleaning after riding through unexpected debris. We’re not advocating the practice, we’ve just head that it works for some.

Handy Jobs
If one hand goes numb, besides shaking it, assign it additional chores -- such as getting water, food and anything else. Every excuse to take the offending hand off the bars relieves pressure and helps.

Ride Pride
Take great pride in your ride. Your bike is an amazing contraption and many come with paint jobs worthy of a Ferrari. No matter the level of equipment, a worthy bike is clean, rides on straight wheels and everything works flawlessly.

The Secret Words
Bag Balm. It’s medicated petroleum jelly that soothes and protects underpinnings. Farmers use it on the chapped teats of dairy cows, which take even more pounding than the affected parts of your own anatomy.

MORE Seacoast Bike Columns

Copyright © 2005 by David Balkin. All rights reserved.