Tuesday, December 15, 2009

To YOU: 2 for 1 Registration for The San Diego Century Bicyle Tour. Our Holiday Gift!


Happy Holidays from the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour!

Our gift to you for this Holiday season is 2 entries for the price of 1 for the ride on May 22, 2010. Simply be one of the next 100 to purchase a registration for any distance (37, 66 or 103 miles) and you will get a discount code back by e-mail from us good for a free entry for an equal or lesser distance. We hope it's an offer you can use to pass on some great Southern California riding to your friends and family this holiday season!

Stay tuned for our free training resources in January to help kick off the new year and get ready for all three levels of the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour. If you aren't on our newsletter list to get the January information be sure to sign up in the column on the right.

Here is how the 2 for 1 offer works:

1. Be one of the next 100 to purchase your registration for the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour at any distance.

2. Remember to “Select “YES “ For the Holiday Two for One Gift” when you register.

3. The San Diego Century will email you a coupon code that can be used by anyone to register for a free entry at an equal or lesser distance.

4. The new person must register for the San Diego Century by January 15, 2010 for the free registration coupon to be valid.

5. This offer cannot be combined with any other discount and is good until 1/15/2010.

REGISTER NOW>>
Ride Info>>


Here are the terms we need to go along with the 2 for 1 Registration Offer:

The 2 for 1 registration offer is limited to the first 100 registrations that are purchased as a result of this promotion. The 2 for 1 offer is good for any distance equal to or lesser than the purchased registration distance. This offer cannot be combined with other offers. The 2 for 1 offer expires on January 15, 2010.

REGISTER NOW>>
Ride Info>>

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We look forward to seeing you on May 22, 2010!

Happy Holidays!

The San Diego Century Bicycle Tour

12 Great Holiday Rides in Southern California


Happy Holidays from the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour!

Here is our Holiday list of rides in Southern California with options from December 19th to January 3rd. The list covers Ventura & Conjeo Valley to Irvine, Orange County and the San Diego area with road biking and a touch of mountain biking. There are options for all riders from beginner to advanced. Click the grey copy for more details on each ride. Enjoy!

December 18:
Solana Beach: B+L Bike+Sports Store, Weekly Women’s only ride. 8:45am

Check out the B+L Bike+Sports Weekly Wednesday rides, both store locations. 8:00am


December 19:
San Diego: Trek’s very cool, FREE and beginner friendly mountain bike ride. 8:30am
Westlake Village: Conejo Valley Cyclists intermediate/advanced 40-60 mile ride.
Irvine: Bicycle Club of Irvine, 3 rides, all levels intro to the club. 9:00am
Ventura: Channel Islands Bicycle Club, The Sea to Wheeler Gorge. 9:00am
Irvine: Orange County Wheelmen, 3 rides, all paces slow to fast. 8:30am
Carlsbad: Coyotes Triathlon & Bike Club North/South County Rides. 7:30am


December 20:
Los Angeles: LA Wheelmen, 3 rides, all welcome. 8:30am


B+L Bike+Sports: We have our Flat repair clinic on the Sunday the 20th at 4pm, Sports Arena location


December 25:
Los Angeles: LA Wheelmen, Christmas Day Ride. 9:00am
Arcadia Park: Foothill Cycle Club, Christmas Morning Ride, 9:00am
Ventura: Channel Islands Bicycle Club, Holiday Show & Go. 8:00am
Irvine: Orange County Wheelmen, Deerfield Park Sprint, 9:00am

HOLIDAY GIFT OFFER:
Our gift to you from the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour for this Holiday season is 2 entries for the price of 1 for the ride on May 22, 2010. Simply be one of the next 100 to purchase a registration for any distance (37, 66 or 103 miles) and you will get a discount code back by e-mail from us good for a free entry for an equal or lesser distance. We hope it's an offer you can use to pass on some great Southern California riding to your friends and family this holiday season! Click here for details>>


December 27:
Borrego Springs Century: Julian, CA. 35 to 100 miles

Pine Valley: Knickerbikers, MOST BEAUTIFUL RIDE OF THE YEAR. 8:00am


JANUARY RESOLUTIONS?
Stay tuned for our free training resources in January to help kick off the new year and get ready for all three levels of the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour, or just get in shape for more riding. We'll be working with Trek and other great partners to provide both great training support, some which is free, all reasonable. If you aren't on our newsletter list to get the January information be sure to sign up in the column on the right.

January 2:
Encinitas: Swamis Signature Club Ride for experienced riders. 8:00am
San Diego: North County Roadies Saturday Ride, 8:00am
January 3:
San Diego: Cyclo – Vets (Masters) Regular Sunday Ride, 8:30am
La Jolla: San Diego Bicycle Club, Competitive Sunday Ride. 8:30am

We'd love to hear from you on more group rides as we move through the preparation for the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour in May.

If you're looking for a group to ride with in a specific area, leave a comment and let us know!

Special thanks to BikeCal.com, SoCalCycling.com and the San Diego Bike Coalition for the great resources for rides in California.

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by Greg Hendrickson
Greg's Blog: WatchMyRace
Graphic: Tim Monaghan for the San Diego Century

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

December Rides to Keep the Calories in Check


Are you looking for local rides in the next few weeks to keep those holiday calories in check? We've collected a few suggestions to carry you through mid December. Stay tuned for our next article the week of December 15 on Christmas and New Year rides. See you out there!


1. B+L Bike+Sports Rides
Check out what Scott and the team at B+L Bike+Sports have put together for the next couple weeks. Rides, repair clinics and a little competition at the Velodrome are enough for anyone to get a few extra miles in. Here is the B+L line-up:

December 6, Flat Tire Repair Clinic- 4pm, Sports Arena Store
December 6, SoCal Cyclocross Prestige Series #14 @ San Diego Velodrome
December 9, Group Road Rides- 8am, both store locations
December 13, Flat Tire Repair Clinic- 4pm, Sports Arena Store

More Info>>



2. Trek Rides
The folks at Trek have a very cool, FREE and beginner friendly mountain bike ride set up for December 19th at 8:30am.

More Info>>

Everyone can use a little bike maintenance primer, and Trek has their famous one hour classes going. Check out the one nearest you:

Saturday, December 5th, 10:30am at our SAN DIEGO store
Saturday, December 12th, 1:00pm at our SOUTH COUNTY store
Saturday, December 19th, 10:30am at our NORTH COUNTY store

More Info>>


3. Coyote Club Ride
The Coyote Club has rides going out every weekend to both North and South county, usually on Saturdays. Intermediate and heart-pounding flavors available.

More Info>>



We'd love to hear from you on more group rides as we move through the preparation for the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour in May.

If you're looking for a group to ride with in a specific area, leave a comment and let us know!

Share


by Greg Hendrickson
Greg's Blog: WatchMyRace
Photos: San Diego Century

Darryl MacKenzie: Featured "Ride With" Athlete for the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour

Photo: Darryl with Eddie B, 2009.

The “Ride With” Program is an opportunity to meet and ride with some of the most interesting people that ride the San Diego Century. Some are real Legends of Cycling, whose exploits on the bike excite everyone who loves the sport. Some are experts who can offer advice on training, nutrition, cycling technique and the history of the sport. And some are the people who have done incredible things in their life and brought that to their cycling. The San Diego Century Bicycle Tour is privileged to host a wonderful group of cyclists.

Darryl MacKenzie Profile:
We are very excited to bring you more information about Darryl MacKenzie, the featured "Ride With" Athlete for this week.

If you are on the path of endurance cycling, whether it’s your first 50 miles, or the goal of the California Triple Crown (Completing 3 Double Centuries in one year) Darryl MacKenzie is a coach who can help you reach your goals. Darryl’s coaching and classes concentrate on the beginning and intermediate endurance cyclist: those cyclists riding or wanting to ride events that are 50 miles, 100 miles or 200 miles. Darryl’s instruction is complete with information on safety, nutrition and riding effectively in a group.

Darryl is originally from Novia Scotia, Canada and has been in California since 1983. He’s been a a licensed USA Cycling Coach since 1996 and has been leading stationary bike training classes since 1999. Darryl leads 4 classes per year at the Trek Bicycle Superstore in La Mesa for 50-60 cyclists per class.

If your cycling is at the stage where a bike fit is in order, Darryl is also an expert bike fitter. His bike fit services help to adjust the bicycle to the specific cycling needs and physical characteristics and limitations of the cyclist, with a concentration on endurance cyclists and cyclists over 35 years of age. If you are looking for more comfort on the bike, want to generate more power or go farther distances you have an expert at hand.

Along with being an accomplished coach, Darryl is also a very accomplished endurance cyclist. He has completed 30 Double Centuries, he has 7 California Triple Crown awards, and he has completed over 100 centuries. He’s coached over a dozen cyclists to their first Double Centuries and Triple Crowns.

If you are interested in contacting Darryl for coaching advice, a bike fit, or getting on the list for one of his spinning classes then leave a comment here or contact Darryl directly at DarrylMacKenzie@Cox.Net.


San Diego Century Bicycle Tour "Ride With" Athletes
Here are the rest of the current “Ride With” Program members who will be out on the course in May:

Kim Mueller – Kim is an All-American Triathlete, a Registered Dietitian and is armed with a master’s degree in Exercise Physiology/Sports Nutrition. She used her expertise to develop and launch Infinit Nutrition, a company that custom blends functional ingredients to address a variety of performance and health goals. Kim thoroughly enjoys helping others achieve optimal health and peak fitness performance.

To read our feature article on Kim, click here>>.

Damon Poor – Damon underwent gastric bypass surgery in 2001, and went from 350 pounds to 4 Double Century’s in 3 years. He’ll be on the course providing inspiration for all of us.

Gordy Shields – Gordy is a national record holder and set the record for fastest 20Km in USA History for….get this, the 90+ category. He just did this in April 2008. Gordy isn’t planning on 100 miles, but he’ll be there, and will be cheering everyone on.

We look forward to building upon the “Ride With” Program for the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour in 2010 – we hope you get as much fun and inspiration out of it as we do.

Leave a comment if you are interested in riding with or contacting the “Ride With” Program members.

Click here on The San Diego Century Bicycle Tour to get more information, register for the ride on May 22, 2010 or purchase the 2010 Jersey!

Ride on!


by Greg Hendrickson
Greg's Blog: WatchMyRace
Photos: Darryl MacKenzie

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Kim Mueller: Featured "Ride With" Athlete for the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour


The “Ride With” Program is an opportunity to meet and ride with some of the most interesting people that ride the San Diego Century. Some are real Legends of Cycling, whose exploits on the bike excite everyone who loves the sport. Some are experts who can offer advice on training, nutrition, cycling technique and the history of the sport. And some are the people who have done incredible things in their life and brought that to their cycling. The San Diego Century Bicycle Tour is privileged to host a wonderful group of cyclists.


Kim Mueller Profile:
We are very excited to bring you more information about Kim Mueller, our first featured "Ride With" Athlete.

A Registered Dietitian armed with a master’s degree in Exercise Physiology/Sports Nutrition, Kim thoroughly enjoys helping others achieve optimal health and peak fitness performance. She helps athletes with custom menu plans and personalized nutrition coaching with her company Fuel Factor. Based in San Diego, Kim works with individuals worldwide with use of phone coaching and online support.

An established athlete herself, having qualified and competed at the Ironman World Championships, ITU World Championships, and 70.3 World Championships and earning consequent All-American Triathlete honors, Kim uses her own practical experiences on the ‘field’ as well as the latest research in nutritional science as means to establish daily training and race/game day strategies that help her clients achieve peak performance.

Kim’s passion for custom nutrition also led her to help develop and launch Infinit Nutrition, a company that custom blends functional ingredients to address a variety of performance and health goals. The easy-to-use online slider system allows you to create a formulation based on your unique needs by adjusting the flavor level, the calories per serving, the electrolyte level, and adding protein, amino acids, and caffeine. Need help customizing? Contact Kim for complimentary instruction on how to create the perfect nutrition solution for your training and performance goals.

Beyond providing custom nutrition coaching to individuals all over the world, Kim is a well-known speaker and writer, covering such topics as hydration, electrolyte balance, recovery nutrition, game/race day nutrition preparation, and optimal weight loss strategies.

For more information about Kim, click here>>

If you are riding the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour you are encouraged to take advantage of a complimentary 30 minute nutrition coaching session with Kim.

Leave a comment or contact Kim directly at kim@Fuel-Factor.com.

San Diego Century Bicycle Tour "Ride With" Athletes
Here are the rest of the current “Ride With” Program members who will be out on the course in May:

Damon Poor – Damon underwent gastric bypass surgery in 2001, and went from 350 pounds to 4 Double Century’s in 3 years. He’ll be on the course providing inspiration for all of us.

Gordy Shields – Gordy is a national record holder and set the record for fastest 20Km in USA History for….get this, the 90+ category. He just did this in April 2008. Gordy isn’t planning on 100 miles, but he’ll be there, and will be cheering everyone on.

Darryl MacKenzie - Darryl has been a Licensed USA Cycling Coach since 1997, has 30 Double Centuries completed, and is a leader in the cycling community. He trains 50-100 riders a year through a combination of spinning classes and road rides.


We look forward to building upon the “Ride With” Program for the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour in 2010 – we hope you get as much fun and inspiration out of it as we do.


Leave a comment if you are interested in riding with or contacting the “Ride With” Program members.

Ride on!


by Greg Hendrickson
Greg's Blog: WatchMyRace
Photos: San Diego Century

Five Thanksgiving Ride Suggestions

Are you looking for a local ride or two to help burn off all those Thanksgiving calories? We've collected a few suggestions for you. See you out there!





1. B+L Bike+Sports Ride
You can earn your Thanksgiving dinner with the B+L Ride on Thanksgiving morning. Meet at the B+L in Sports Arena at 8AM on Thanksgiving morning (11/26) for a road ride up the coast to the Solana Beach B+L. Ride is approx 50 miles and will average 18-20mph. If you're looking for a slower pace, don't worry. Scott from B&L has assured me that this is a fun ride, not a hammer ride, so just get out for the ride! There will be a couple of regroup points throughout.

More Info>>



2. Knickerbikers Rides
Thu Nov 26 9:00 AM 25-50 miles ***
Work off the turkey...before you eat it!
County Administration Building
Harbor Drive & Hawthorne Street, San Diego

Sat Nov 28 9:00 AM ±25 MILES Mountain Bike + Road Bike ride
Sun Nov 29 9:00 AM 45 Miles "The Most Beautiful Ride of the Year"

More Info>>



3. Trek Rides
Sat Nov 28 7:30 AM Sharp: North County Ride
Sun Nov 29 7:30 AM Sharp: South County Ride

More Info>>


4. Coyote Club Ride
Sat Nov 28 7:30 AM: North or South County Ride, TBD, check comments for details before Thanksgiving.

More Info>>



5. Rides with the Bicycle Section of the Sierra Club

Sat Nov 28 8:15 AM: 35+ Miles, Alpine Breadbasket Ride
Sun Nov 29 9:00 AM: 25 Miles, North County
Sun Nov 29 8:15 AM: 35 Miles, Sleeping Indian Express Ride

More Info>>



We'd love to hear from you on more group rides as we move through the preparation for the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour in May.

If you're looking for a group to ride with in a specific area, leave a comment and let us know!

by Greg Hendrickson
Greg's Blog: WatchMyRace
Photos: San Diego Century

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Equipment Tips from B+L Bikes

Here's a couple of equipment tips from Scott Porter and the team from B+L Bikes. Thanks, Scott, for the tips! Be sure to check out the B+L website.

Tip from the B+L Newsletter Tech Corner:
Traveling out of town for the Holidays and can't be without your bike?

While it can be pricey to fly with your bike, sometimes it is worth the cost if you will be traveling for a long period of time and don't want to miss riding YOUR bike. Shipping via UPS or FedEX has also become a popular option due to rising airline costs. You can use a cardboard box, however a hard travel case is preferred because of the added TriCoprotection it provides your bike. B+L carries TriCo Sports IRONCASE bike boxes, check out the website.

How to pack your bike:

Mark your seat height by wrapping a piece of tape around the seat post at the clamp.
Remove the pedals and seat post
Remove the handlebars by loosening the 4 bolts on the faceplate of the stem (put faceplate back onto stem, leaving bars loose)
Remove both front and rear wheels and take out the skewers, put front and rear fork spreaders where the wheel/skewers were
Place frame in box on its side, derailluer side facing up (any extra padding from clothing, towels, etc can go around your frame to protect it from any scratching/rubbing that might occur)
Put the pedals/skewer in a small bag and on the bottom layer with the frame
Put the seatpost/seat in an empty space
Any extra clothing, shoes, can fit into any space around the frame and will help eliminate any potential shifting around the box
Put foam piece ontop of the frame
Put wheels on top of that, cassette side facing UP
Place the last piece of foam ontop of the wheels


Of course if you do not want to do it yourself, or don't have time, the B+L Service Department will happily pack your bike for you in either your bike case or a cardboard bike box.

There's never too much help for flats
If you want a primer on fixing flat tires, we've got help in San Diego. B&L Bike & Sports hosts an open and free clinic on the first and third Sunday of every month at 4pm.

Stop in and check out the San Diego store at:

San Diego B&L
3603 Camino Del Rio West
San Diego, Ca 92110
Tele: 619.294.9300
Mon - Fri 10am - 7pm
Sat - 10am - 6pm
Sun - 11am - 5pm

A Few Local Rides to Get You Started

We'd love to hear from you on more group rides as we move through the preparation for the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour in May. Here are a few group rides to get you started:

Check out Trek's North County, South County and Torrey Highlands rides every week. Beginners are welcome!

Check it out>>


You can earn your Thanksgiving dinner with the B+L Ride on Thanksgiving morning. Meet at the B+L in Sports Arena at 8AM on Thanksgiving morning (11/26) for a road ride up the coast to the Solana Beach B+L. Ride is approx 50 miles and will average 18-20mph. There will be a couple of regroup points throughout. On the way to Thanksgiving here's what Scott from B+L has going:

November 7, Tour de Julian (Road Rides 28-55 miles)

November 8, Tour de Julian (MTB Rides 14-22 miles)

November 14, Tri Club San Diego Club Race- 7am, Fiesta Island

November 15, Flat Tire Repair Clinic- 4pm, Sports Arena Store

November 18, Group Road Rides- 8am, both store locations

November 26, Thanksgiving Day group ride! 8am, Sports Arena Store

Get on the B+L Mailing list to keep up with the latest.

Check it out>>


I try to join the Coyote Club rides as often as I can. Great rides every weekend in North and South County. Intermediate to heart-stomping cycling is required:)

Check it out>>



If you're looking for a group to ride with in a specific area, leave a comment and let us know!

by Greg Hendrickson
Greg's Blog: WatchMyRace
Photos: San Diego Century

The "Ride With" Program from the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour

The “Ride With” Program is an opportunity to meet and ride with some of the most interesting people that ride the San Diego Century. Some are real Legends of Cycling, whose exploits on the bike excite everyone who loves the sport. Some are experts who can offer advice on training, nutrition, cycling technique and the history of the sport. And some are the people who have done incredible things in their life and brought that to their cycling. The San Diego Century Bicycle Tour is privileged to host a wonderful group of cyclists.

We are proud and happy to introduce the “Ride With” Program and build upon it for the ride in 2010 – we hope you get as much fun and inspiration out of it as we do.

Here are our first “Ride With” Program members who will be out on the course in May:

Damon Poor – Damon underwent gastric bypass surgery in 2001, and went from 350 pounds to 4 Double Century’s in 3 years. He’ll be on the course providing inspiration for all of us.

Gordy Shields – Gordy is a national record holder and set the record for fastest 20Km in USA History for….get this, the 90+ category. He just did this in April 2008. Gordy isn’t planning on 100 miles, but he’ll be there, and will be cheering everyone on.

Kim Mueller – Kim is an All-American Triathlete, a Registered Dietitian and is armed with a master’s degree in Exercise Physiology/Sports Nutrition. She used her expertise to develop and launch Infinit Nutrition, a company that custom blends functional ingredients to address a variety of performance and health goals. Kim thoroughly enjoys helping others achieve optimal health and peak fitness performance.

Darryl MacKenzie - Darryl has been a Licensed USA Cycling Coach since 1997, has 30 Double Centuries completed, and is a leader in the cycling community. He trains 50-100 riders a year through a combination of spinning classes and road rides.

Leave a comment if you are interested in riding with or contacting the “Ride With” Program members.

Ride on!


by Greg Hendrickson
Greg's Blog: WatchMyRace
Photos: San Diego Century

How to Inspire With 20 Weeks, 620 Miles and $1 Million Raised

I've just returned from an amazing ride down the coast of California. We covered 620 miles in 7 days but that's not the real story. The real story started 20 weeks ago when I was asked to be a part of the Qualcomm Million Dollar Challenge, QMDC, an event put on by the Challenged Athletes Foundation, CAF.



CAF is a local San Diego non-profit that helps disabled people participate in sports. I became associated with them last year when I entered a radio contest with XX1090 AM. The morning show, 5-9 AM, Scott and BR, put up the fund raising fee requirement of $10,000 for one lucky winner in their contest. I was one of 30 people who started in the contest.


Over the following weeks people were eliminated one by one. I'm still not sure how it happened but in the end I was the winner. As the contest progressed I came to a realization: I was determined to go on the ride one way or another. Along the way I started raising the $10,000 entry requirement on my own. I ended up raising over $12,000.


With that success in hand, CAF invited me back as a Ride Leader this year. They also asked me to be the liaison between the radio station and their organization. Little did I know what that would involve.


Again, this year, the radio contest started with 30 people. I wanted to pass on my previous experience to this year’s contestants so they all could have an equal opportunity to win. Based on my experience from the previous year, my advice was to figure out ways to promote 1) CAF 2) QMDC and 3) XX1090. If they kept those objectives in mind it would provide the best chance possible.


All the contest entrants had various levels of cycling experience. Since part of the effort was to prepare for riding 620 miles, some thought it was about the speed of the ride and immediately set out to ride with the fastest groups. Others, like Rob, showed up to a road ride of 50 plus miles on a hybrid bike. He very quickly learned that he was going to need a different set of wheels to complete 620 miles down the coast.


After a few weeks 15 people were eliminated from the contest. The remaining had a mix of good stories and reasons that they should be the one to win. One of the remaining contestants was Chris. He had been trying for 3 years to get into the contest and finally made it. Unfortunately, after 4 weeks he learned that he was finally approved for a much needed back surgery. He continued riding and training with us right up to the day before he went under the knife. Since the doctor said he had to be off his wheels for at least 3 months to recover he was out of the running.



Finally, it came down to the last 7 people in the contest. XX1090 had indicated at this point that one will win but they had an additional $10,000 to be used for anyone who had raised a minimum of $5,000. The final seven, Adam, Mark, Joy, Joe, Brian, Alex, and Rob decided that they would team together and figure out a way to get everyone to San Francisco.


They all had been working hard on fund raising up to this point. Now the efforts doubled over night. Fund raising events, singing in yogurt shops, raffles for a island BBQ, car detailing and bike detailing are just a few examples of what they did.


Rob and Alex were the first two to make the $10,000 mark so they were guaranteed a spot at the start of the ride. The last contest elimination was made and the two remaining people were Adam and Joy. They were called into the station and the winner was announced, Adam, a cancer survivor.


Adam had told me that he had considered not entering this contest but with some encouragement from friends decided he would. Just four months prior Adam had raised money for the cancer society and ridden from San Francisco to San Diego with another buddy. They had undertaken that adventure with far less support.


The real winners of this whole amazing story are the challenged athletes who we had the privilege to ride with as we headed down the coast. The money and funds are one thing but when you can spend time with someone who lives now without the use of their legs, you tend to get a different perspective on what you should focus on. One challenged athlete, Chris Self, is missing his leg below the knee and is still serving in Army Special Forces. He's done his time and then some for our nation but he's determined to stay in for 30 years.


Remember that guy Chris who had back surgery. The surgery couldn’t stop him from helping the cause. He showed up and rode with us the last day of the ride. Not only that, he had also helped out the group during his recovery.


I was going to write about the details of the ride down the coast but maybe that's another article. I thought it was more important to highlight those who took time to raise awareness about CAF. I applaud their spirit and hope others will find a cause to work with. If it incorporates riding your bike that sounds like a win/win situation to me.


by Mike Henderson
Mike's Blog: Finding Way to Help Others
Photo: 2009 San Diego Century

Monday, October 12, 2009

Connect With Other Cyclists at Your Level


Are you interested in connecting with other cyclists at your level? Please leave us a comment and let us know if that would be helpful. The team at the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour will be working with many bike shops, clubs and other organized rides this year. We'd love to help you connect with everything you need to keep riding even more!

If connecting with more cyclists is important to you please consider taking our survey. It will help us provide the best information and connections for our community of riders. Your feedback is very important to us, and if you take a few moments to answer some easy questions we have some surprise discounts for you.

Please CLICK HERE for the short survey.

Thank you!

The Team at the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour

How to Fix a Flat in San Diego

If you want a primer on fixing flat tires, we've got help in San Diego. B&L Bike & Sports hosts an open and free clinic on the first and third Sunday of every month at 4pm.

Stop in and check out the San Diego store at:

San Diego B&L
3603 Camino Del Rio West
San Diego, Ca 92110
Tele: 619.294.9300
Mon - Fri 10am - 7pm
Sat - 10am - 6pm
Sun - 11am - 5pm

Sunday, October 11, 2009

10 Ways Any Cyclist Can Inspire Others

Take yourself back to when you completed your first big organized ride. You reached that goal of 30 miles, 60 miles or maybe you even completed 100 miles or more! It was such a great time. You had a training schedule and stuck to it, found a group to ride with regularly, learned a lot of new things, and lost a few pounds along the way. A year before that it would have been impossible for you. Friends and family commented on your healthy look and everyone wanted to know your secret. Your story is the perfect inspiration to encourage others to take up cycling. Perhaps you are unsure of what to say or how to answer the questions about achieving your cycling goals.

Here are 10 easy ways to inspire others:

1. Start with the story of someone who inspired you.
As an example, I’m finishing up a program with the Challenged Athletes Foundation, CAF, and will leave next Saturday for a 620 mile ride from San Francisco to San Diego over 7 days. One of our riders is Rob who several months ago had not ridden his bike since he was a kid. He is now an inspiration to me. Rob started our program like everyone else, built up the mileage each week, and is now tackling 620 miles.

2. Tell your own story of reaching a cycling goal.
Putting a personal touch to it helps. Me, I'm a cancer survivor. After my ordeal, I decided I needed to repay the life I had gained. I'm not a doctor but thought maybe I can raise funds. My first really serious program was with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, LLS, Team in Training TNT. I raised $2300 and rode a 111-mile event in Tucson Arizona.

3. Show how easy it is to accomplish big goals by taking it one step at a time.
Anyone can get into cycling and be amazed at what they can accomplish. I think both Rob and I have been able to demonstrate that the key is to just get started. Then build up your mileage one week at a time. That is one of the keys to cycling or any project, which has huge goals. Take it one step at a time and soon, you’ll be looking back over your shoulder wondering why you hadn’t started sooner.

4. Ask questions and find out what type of cycling interests your friends.
When you get the questions about what you did and how you did it, tell your story and then ask some questions. It’s the perfect opportunity to determine what type of cycling they are thinking about and help them get out on the bike.

5. Explain how friendly Southern California is for cycling all year long.
Maybe your friend doesn’t want to complete a 100 mile century but seems to be interested in riding for fun. That’s a perfect reason to talk about the different kinds of riding that are available today. Mountain biking, bike commuting and casual weekend rides with the family are all enjoyable and living in Southern California makes it a perfect place to experience cycling all year round.

6. Show how easy it is to get started on the bike.
Once your friend is interested it’s nice to show how easy it is to get out and ride. You don’t need a lot to get started. A working bike and helmet is all you really need. Light-weight bikes, spandex shorts, bicycle computers and other accessories aren’t required to get started. Once you start to ride, it’s easy to take a look at all the extras and figure out what’s really needed.

7. Invite new cyclists to ride with you.
Invite your friend to come out on a ride with you. Pick a route that isn’t hilly, has little to no traffic and is wide enough for you to ride next to each other and chat. Don’t plan a 3 hour ride. Make it an hour max. Be sure to check over his/her bike and ensure the tires have sufficient air. As you go along provide a few tips every once in a while. If the bike isn’t fitted properly, maybe make a few adjustments or point your friend to a local shop you trust. Be the example and show your friend the rules of the cycling road.

8. Share your experience.
After a few rides together, perhaps its time to invite a few more of your cycling buddies. Riding with others will often help new cyclists get used to group rides. More in the group may also bring more experienced riders with additional pointers. This can be on the road or on a trail.

9. Put together a group ride goal with some new cyclists.
OK, now you have a small group of people that are riding regularly. It's time to put together some group goals. Select an event that is coming up in a few months like the San Diego Century. Again, this can be a well-known road ride, mountain bike ride or maybe something you have thought up. Now put together a training plan that gradually adds mileage. This helps everyone with a common goal to stick with it. When you have regular riding partners you tend to stay on target both for yourself and with the obligation to the group that goes out there each week.

10. Volunteer to help with group rides in your area.
Volunteering is something just about any cyclist can do at any level. Sometimes new cyclists are intimidated by big rides and expert cyclists. I find that once they get out there, especially with other folks at the same level, that goes away. In our Trek Century training program we have several people who a few years ago could hardly stay upright on a bike. Today, they are Ride Guides in our program training and leading others.

Sometimes the motivation to volunteer comes from being a part of non-profit organization like CAF, Cancer Society, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (Team In Training) or others. There are a plethora of organizations that offer riding programs and opportunities to raise funds for a great cause. The end result can be far more rewarding because it's for a worthy cause.

More and more people are getting out and riding these days. With new bike paths popping up all the time and roads expanding with bike lanes our society is making it safer, easier and more appealing. Be an ambassador and inspire others.

by Mike Henderson
Mike's Blog: Finding Way to Help Others
Photo: 2009 San Diego Century

10 Rides to Put on your Cycling Calendar

On December 5 Planet Ultra organizes a semi-supported Christmas Club Century in Calabasas. You can kick off 2010 with January’s Stagecoach Century in Ocotillo, great for early season desert and mountain riding. In February the Santa Clarita Century and the gigantic Tour de Palm Springs make the calendar.

March rolls out the Gran Fondo Colnago in San Diego and the Solvang Century and Half Century. April brings in the bell-ringing Alpine Challenge with routes for those who like some climbing challenges. Then in May you'll be well prepared for the 4th year of our San Diego Century Bicycle Tour. Starting at MiraCosta College in Encinitas, CA, it’s three routes of 103, 66 and 37 miles. It provide rides with beautiful scenery for every level of cyclist.

Here are the dates and links for 10 rides. Ok, we threw in a few extras:
November 14, 2009: Solvang’s Finest Century with 65 and 100 mile routes. Ride a century or metric century to benefit the Challenged Athletes Foundation.

November 21, 2009: El Tour de Tucson with 109, 80, 67 or 35 mile routes, plus a 4-mile & 1/4- mile Fun Ride.

December 5, 2009: Planet Ultra Club Christmas Century. A semi-supported ride, so be prepared and bring a donation for the Challenged Athletes Foundation or the Breast Cancer Network of Strength.

February 13, 2010: Tour de Palm Springs with 100, 55, 25, 10 and 5 mile routes, a Bike Expo and more.

February, 2010: Santa Clarita Century with 100 and 50 mile routes, and a 6 mile family fun ride.

March 7, 2010: Gran Fondo Colnago in San Diego with 100, 50 and 30 mile routes. This is the 2nd year for this “classic” on the scene with its Italian theme and food.

March 13, 2010: Solvang Century & Half Century with 100 and 50 mile routes. This ride is a very popular California classic that includes a Cycling Expo and taste of Danish culture.

April 24, 2010: The Alpine Challenge with 72, 60 and 25 miles. This is a great ride, with challenging climbs and a legendary bell ringing for everyone coming across the finish line to enjoy their justly earned BBQ.

May, 2010: Tour de Fire - Annual Event in Las Vegas with 132, 99, 73, 60, 42 and 30 mile options.

May 22, 2010: The San Diego Century Bicycle Tour in Encinitas, CA with 103, 66 and 37 mile routes.

June, 2010: The Los Angeles River Ride with 100, 70, 50, 36 and 10 mile routes, and a Kids’ Ride and Fun Fair.

July & August, 2010: Check out Bernd Straehle’s blog for some serious riding in July and August.

September, 2010: Southern California Bike MS Ride over 2 days. Day 1 has routes of 100, 62, 50, 30 and 15 miles. Day 2 has routes of 60 and 30 miles.

October, 2010: Bike to Finish MS Bay to Bay Tour with 30, 100 and 150 mile options.

October, 2010: Tour de Poway with 100, 62, 50, 26 and 18 mile routes.

by Greg Hendrickson
Greg's Blog: WatchMyRace
Photos: San Diego Century