CYCLING

Cycling Faster in August // How I’m Increasing My Speed // Five Things I’m Doing

On August 17, 2020
By Kimberly

What I don’t know about cycling is a lot! And what I don’t know about getting faster is almost as much. However, I’ve learned a few things that are working for me and making cycling faster a reality.

1. Padded Shorts and Post-Ride Products

Wearing padded shorts or bibs is a must. However, I didn’t realize the importance to cycling faster of all that happens AFTER the ride.

Months ago, I realized I needed a post-ride system. Finally, I found not only a post-ride Citrus Cleanser, but also a Soothing Post Ride Cream from Cycle Booty.

I searched for months for a multi-step program to solve saddle sores, and finally found it. This week when we pushed our speed and our distance, it became apparent to me just how important being comfortable in the saddle is to cycling faster.

Amazingly, I found I could push harder for longer without being uncomfortable on the ride. Plus, just knowing that after the ride I did not have agony waiting for me made me willing to push my limits.

2. Getting Out In Front

In order to accomplish cycling faster, I had to take ownership of my speed. Together, Bill and I can maintain 16.5. That’s with me in the back.

Until I started getting out front, I was not strong enough to lead. Our speed together could not improve until I could do my share of the pulling.

My plan was to ride 20 miles at least twice a week on my own. If my cycling partner Bill accompanied me, either I led, or, I rode far behind him so I was not drafting him.

On weekend rides, we now ride much further, but we switch off on who pulls. Our result is a nearly one mph increase in speed. Which brings me to my next cycling faster inspiration!

3. Belief In Myself

Sounds silly, but I invested in myself in the form of jewelry. The Italians are great cyclists, right? So I chose an Italian Sterling Silver Byzantine Name Bar Id Bracelet from Ross Simons, and had it inscribed with our names, and my first speed goal – 17.4 mph.

I was amazed at how fast it arrived, and how permanent it felt to see those numbers written down. There’s no ignoring those numbers now!

Just having a tangible representation of my goal makes me smile.

As I wear it during the day, it reminds me to eat right, hydrate, get enough sleep, and whatever else contributes to my success on the bike.

4. Paying Attention to the Nagging Details

Noticing what’s irritating me when I’m on the bike is so important. With over 4,000 revolutions of my feet in an hour-long ride, anything and everything can irritate.

One aspect that was interrupting my concentration and cycling was sweat in my eyes. Every couple minutes, I had to take my hand off the handlebars and wipe my eyes.

That problem was solved with a headband called a Halo that features a “sweat channel.” It’s a strip of rubber that directs perspiration away from my eyes.

Halo Headbands Sweatband Halo I Tie Version is what I ordered – well – actually I ordered three. I chose bright green, which actually is neon green, bright pink which is actually neon pink, and I tried out the Halo Headband AIR Series Sweatband Halo I Tie Version for Women and Men in aqua, which is actually aqua. Anyway – I wanted to try the air version. It’s just as good as the original version.

Cycling faster was nearly impossible with half my hands off the helm. The interruption in my rhythm definitely affected my speed and concentration.

5. Enjoying the Ride

Previously, I thought every ride had to either be the fastest ever, or it was a loss. I’ve learned that when I get too caught up in mileage or in speed, I open myself to disappointment.

Sure, I still want to meet my goal of cycling faster. However, I don’t want a decent ride to be a regret if it’s not a record-breaker.

I used to dread stop signs because they would affect my overall average. Never would I consider stopping for a photo. A fun casual segment on a trail in the middle of a ride vexed me.

Now I’m putting it in perspective – all rides are good rides. There’s something to learn on every ride. It might not be what I intended to learn – what it takes to “bonk,” why I had more or less energy at the end, how my day before the ride affected this day.

In the end, the more comfortable I am, and the fewer distractions and irritants, the better a ride I experience. Cycling Faster – I’m on it!

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MyMedic Individual Bleeding Control Kits, this link and my code “DeepWH15” will save you 15% on your purchase. We take ours everywhere.
North American Rescue CAT tourniquets. Use code “MAY25” for 20% off through midnight on 5/31/20. This is a huge savings!
Airbnb, “Kimberly gave you up to $55 off your first trip.”
Airbnb says, “Deep gave you up to $415 off your first adventure.
Uber gives you $2 off your first three rides.
Travelex is our trip insurer – click for a free quote.
Girls That Scuba – members discount card for all things diving.
REI Co-op for great sports equipment and travel clothes.
Sailo for $100 off your next boat rental! Discount Code: “KimWa1”
PierShare to rent your dock out or rent a dock.
BoatUS for your boat towing insurance! Code: “HEWAF88”
RoadId for $5 off your cycling/running/kayaking/travel id.
Dazer Ii Ultrasonic Aggressive Dog Deterrent Repeller Dazzer – keeping dogs at bay while we cycle.
Guardline Security Wireless Driveway Alarm – alerts us when someone approaches. Less expensive directly from the company.
Guardline Security Wireless Driveway Alarm – alerts us when someone approaches. Less expensive directly from the company.
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