Make New Friends (But Keep the Old!)
Riding a bike is always more fun when you’ve got your favorite riding buddies along for the ride, but over time those riding buddies change.
Oh, it’s not necessarily a BAD thing. You know how it is. People change. Lifestyles change Schedules change. And in some cases, our health changes. While one person may become stronger, another may be suffering through an injury.
For some of us, that discrepancy in riding style may be no big deal. but for others, it can really get in the way of an enjoyable riding experience, or the ability to meet fitness goals.
That’s why we love an opportunity to make new riding buddies.Until there is an app for matching up with riding buddies (something way better than Tinder, please), here are some of our top tips.
Check out the weekly shop rides
In most areas, you’ll find at least one shop that hosts a weekly ride. Sometimes they’re intensely paced rides, but often they’re no-drop rides where all skill levels are welcome. You’re guaranteed to meet others who love riding as much as you do.
Date some clubs
Most clubs eagerly welcome new riders who are just testing the waters. Find out when their rides are and head out for a spin. It’s important to date around and find a club that works for you – they are all so different.
Attend events!
If you know ANYTHING about ORbike, you know we absolutely love supported rides and events. These happenings are a fantastic way to get to know other bike lovers. It’s generally a cool bunch of fun-loving riders who may or may not be competitive (you’ll find a mix on every ride).
As the day progresses, you’ll see who you’re well paced with. Strike up a conversation. Don’t be shy! Who knows, maybe at the end you’ll even exchange numbers! Afterall, friends who bike together STAY together, right?
Check out the Arthritis Bike Classic
We particularly love the Arthritis Bike Classic (September 16-22) as a ride for making new friends. The size of the ride is just PERFECT for getting to know the other riders (it typically maxes out around 50 riders). The routes are gorgeous and the support is supreme.
Arthritis Bike Classic is a mult-day ride, so you have a good opportunity to get to know the personalities of other riders and find some folks who are a good match for you.
Take Your Bike on the Train to Crater Lake!
Wouldn’t it be great to visit a national park without having to drive? And what if there weren’t any cars at the park so you could truly experience the beauty without the smell and the din of cars idling along park roads? It may sound like a dream, but it’s happening this September in Oregon.
Crater Lake, carfree!
On September 9 and 16, book Amtrak to bring your bike directly to Crater Lake for the Ride the Rim. Crater Lake is one of the only national parks that has created a carfree event to make it safer and more serene to bike through the landscape and Amtrak is making it easy to get there – completely carfree!
Register for Ride the Rim
People are coming from around the world to experience this unforgettable event. Registration is free but limited to the first 6,000 people for each event so sign up early to snag a spot.
Go by train – with your Bike!
Make it a carfree weekend and book your tickets today! Amtrak has partnered with the Crater Lake Trolley for expanded service and bike transportation from Klamath Falls to Crater Lake just for the event. Bike space is limited so book now for best availability and get ready for an unforgettable weekend.
Get Ready for Your Century Ride
This article is presented by the Harvest Century, a huge ride that celebrates an awesome season of cycling in Oregon. This beloved ride is every September in Hillsboro.
So you’ve signed up for Survival Century, Harvest Century or some other awesome distance ride. Now what? How will you conquer that long road ahead?
If you’re an experienced century rider and your legs are already loose for the summer, you’ve got nothing to worry about. Get your bike checked out, get your friends to sign up and you’re good to go.
YOU CAN DO IT!
If you’re new to it all, don’t worry – YOU CAN DO IT.
The beauty of biking on a supported ride is that there are regular stops with food, water and support. You don’t have to carry your own gear and the routes are planned for low-traffic roads and the best riding. All you have to do it relax in your saddle and crank away at the miles. With good nutrition before and during the ride, you’ll be surprised how well your body checks off those miles.
NUTRITION
Everyone is different, so find what works best for you, but here are some universal truths:
- Spend the next few weeks paying attention to how foods make you feel. What’s good when you’re tired? What makes you feel stronger? See if you can pack treats that might help you get those same results.
- Avoid too much sugar on the morning of the ride.
- Eat a nourishing, big dinner the night before.
- In the morning, eat a thorough, protein-rich breakfast that you know to be your personal power breakfast. Eggs, good Greek yogurt (look for the kind with plenty of protein per serving, like Chobani), and nutty granola are all good choices. Get your meal in at least an hour before you plan to hit the course.
- Pack snacks. The ride will have treats along the way, but pack the favorites that help you meet your dietary needs so you’ll be satisfied at every mile.
- Don’t be afraid to eat. You’re cranking out miles, you’re earning it and your body craves the calories for power.
- When it’s hot out, you may not feel hungry. Be sure to eat regularly anyway, even just a little. The heat, exhaustion and lack of calories can catch up with you later. A little nibble at each rest stop is a good program to follow.
- Drink plenty of water. See our Hydration Guide.
LOOSEN YOUR LEGS
This is a recommended training schedule geared toward people who have not been on their bike much in the few months prior to the ride. If you ride 50+ miles a week, you probably do not need to train for the ride. This is only a recommendation. Pay attention to your body’s needs and do not push yourself in a way that is uncomfortable.
If your ride is a century, you can usually get away with training for 70 miles and you’ll do just fine on the full century since it likely includes rest stops, lunch and plenty of relaxation time.
Week one: 1/2 the total miles of your chosen course (and reward yourself afterward!).
Week two: Add 5 miles (and reward yourself afterward!).
Week three: Add 10 miles and be sure that includes increased elevation (and reward yourself afterward!).
Week three: Add 10 miles and be sure that includes increased elevation (and reward yourself afterward!).
Week four: If you are not yet at your total mileage, ride 90% of the mileage of your course or more if you’re feeling really good (and reward yourself afterward!).
Week before the ride: Unless you’re a regular, experienced distance rider, avoid going on a ride longer than 25 miles in this crucial week. Instead, pedal for around 15 miles on the weekend and ride your bike 2-8 miles at a time leading up to the ride. Keep your legs moving, stretch and relax. Stay on the bike, but keep it very light.
YOUR TRAINING TIPS
What do you do to prepare for a century ride?
Your New Favorite Bike Luggage
The smartest, easiest and most organized piece of luggage you don’t yet own
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Oregami is excited to help get more people out on The Classic this year, so they’re raffling off one free entry through their website. Enter by August 15 and you could be going to The Classic, Cycle Oregon’s incredible week-long ride September 9-16 in Central Oregon.
PRO TIP: As a special offer to ORbike readers, you can save 50% off MSRP and get free shipping when you use code ORB50 with your online order. Order by August 30th to get your bag in time for The Classic.
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Win a Bike Friday Folding Bike!
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Packing Smart with Oregami Luggage
The smartest, easiest and most organized piece of luggage you don’t yet own
Oregami Luggage is perfect for those of you heading out on The Classic by Cycle Oregon, or any other multi-day supported ride. With an innovative system of trays to organized your gear, it’s easy to keep your stinky chamois far from your toothbrush and even easier to grab your kit in the sleepy wee hours of the morning.
Oregami is excited to help get more people out on The Classic this year, so they’re raffling off one free entry through their website. Enter by August 15 and you could be going to The Classic, Cycle Oregon’s incredible week-long ride September 9-16 in Central Oregon.
PRO TIP: As a special offer to ORbike readers, you can save 50% off MSRP and get free shipping when you use code ORBIKE50 with your online order. Order by August 30th to get your bag in time for The
Classic.
Learn More
ENTER TO WIN PASS TO THE CLASSIC→