Ulysses N. Owen

Article by Fred Matheny In cycling, it’s known as “hot foot” -- a burning pain in the ball of the foot, perhaps radiating toward the toes. Severe cases feel like some sadistic demon is applying a blowtorch. Hot foot occurs most often on long rides. It may develop sooner or more intensely on hilly courses because climbs cause greater pedaling pressure. The pain results when nerves are squeezed … [Read more...] about How to Solve Painful Hot Foot

Article by Fred Matheny A saddle sore can ruin a ride. Even a tiny zit can begin to feel like you’re perched on a golf ball. Nearly as painful are crotch abrasions caused by shorts that bunch or have an irritating seam. Even the pros, hardened by thousands of miles in the saddle, fall victim to what cycling author Arnie Baker, M.D., calls “crotchitis.” Fabled tough guys like Eddy Merckx and … [Read more...] about How to Solve Saddle Sores

Article by Fred Matheny and Ed Pavelka You should choose cycling shorts based on the quality of materials and construction. But also crucial is how well they conform to your unique anatomy. Shorts, like saddles, are tough to recommend because of differences in butts, crotches, seats and riding positions. Here are some guidelines that will help you make a more informed decision. Price. … [Read more...] about How to Choose Cycling Shorts

Article by Ed Pavelka Since the late 1990s, saddle design has seen major innovation. A big impetus came from a prominent doctor's contention that sitting on a bike seat might lead to damaged nerves or blood vessels. This risk, plus the occasional bout of temporary genital numbness that many riders experience, put designers into action. The result is a new generation of saddles with special … [Read more...] about How to Select a Bicycle Saddle

Article by Fred Matheny Andy Pruitt’s name has become synonymous with sports medicine for cycling. As director of the CU Sports Medicine & Performance Center in Boulder, CO, Pruitt has made a career out of treating world-class riders such as Lance Armstrong and George Hincapie. In 1996, Pruitt served as chief medical officer for the U.S. Olympic Cycling Team. Pruitt is an elite athlete in his … [Read more...] about Sports Medicine Tips for Cyclists

Article by Fred Matheny and Ed Pavelka Dog attacks are high on the list of cycling fears. Maybe you can’t stop a dog from giving chase, but you can outsmart him if you know how dogs think. Know dog psychology. The majority of dogs who chase cyclists are merely defending their territory. When you pedal off the section of road that they consider their turf, you no longer pose a threat to their … [Read more...] about How to Deal With Bad Dogs While Cycling

Article by Fred Matheny It’s the summer cycling season, and it’s hot where you live. Cyclists and other outdoor athletes are the first to notice rising temperatures. And the hotter it is, the faster you lose fluids when you ride. Fluids are crucial to your performance and sense of well-being. We’re really just big bags of fluid - our blood contains about 50 percent water. Because water helps … [Read more...] about Hydrate for Better Cycling Performance

Article by Ed Pavelka Cycling is full of prodigious numbers—the distances ridden, the calories consumed, the tires trashed. Another statistic that can seem astounding is the number of pedal strokes made. Let’s suppose it takes you six hours to ride a century and you pedal at the rate of 90 rpm throughout. As you cross the finish line, you will be making pedal stroke number 64,800. Whoa, … [Read more...] about How to Perfect Your Bicycle Riding Position & Technique

Article by Fred Matheny The key to riding long distances is food and drink. Sure, training is important—but nutrition and hydration are even more vital. According to ultramarathon rider and coach John Hughes of Boulder, Colorado, “Nutrition, not necessarily training, is the limiting factor in endurance cycling.” The reason? Even the best-trained riders pack only enough muscle fuel … [Read more...] about How to Eat for Cycling Endurance

Article by Fred Matheny Pacelines are organized. They have specific rules. But in big groups like you find in centuries or charity rides, things will be disorganized. This can intimidate even experienced riders. Sooner or later you’ll find yourself in a big group amid some riders with sketchy skills. It pays to learn how to survive (and also make yourself welcome) in a crowd.   Look for … [Read more...] about How to Ride in a Group

Article and photos by Dirty Dirty So I'm living in Chiang Mai. I ride Doi Suthep and Doi Pui all of the time. Great trails! It does get a bit boring though. So I ventured out to some trails on the other side of the mountain in Mae Rim. Only 27km to the trail head. A fair distance, especially on a dual suspension bike with fat knobby tires. The trail was so-so. Very hard finding stuff that leads … [Read more...] about How to Build a Motorbike Bicycle Rack