Captain Jack's Ride - All Abilities

Celebrate the Spirit of Mecklenburg with a great bike ride! Although not timed, the event will be supported and become a part of Mecklenburg (and your) great history!

Event Details
This recreational bike ride offers a gently rolling 20 mile option and a more challenging 50 mile option through the rolling hills of Union County SC. If you always wanted to do a group ride, but were intimidated, this is your chance to feel the rush of riding in a group. The 20 mile route is designed for beginners and will have rest stops. In addition to several rest stops available on the course, your registration fee covers the highly sought Captain Jack T-shirt as well as a delicious lunch served at the Start/Finish line.

Captain Jack's Ride will take place from at 9 am - 1 pm
on Saturday, May 17, 2008.
More details on start/finish line location
in the Waxhaw area to follow.

Online-Registration Rates
Adults (18 and above) and Children (15-18)

Adults (18+) with no Children Register Here Adults (18+) with Children (15-18) Register Here

Event Day Registration Rates
(Space Permitting - T-shirts are not guaranteed.)
Adults (18 and above) and Children (15-18)
$25.00

WHO IS CAPTAIN JACK? This is a reproduction of an original oil painting by nationally recognized artist Chas Fagan depicting Captain James Jack riding North along what is now Tryon Street to deliver the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence to the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia

Get a Lid - Counter Point

I received this lucid comment on the helmet issue from Darren Young from Nevada and felt it warranted its own article posting here.

Greetings Tim!

I'll bite on this topic. I starting racing road bikes about the same time you did (late '85, early '86) when helmet use was in it's infancy. First helmet I owned was a Bell V-1 Pro and, while it served as great protection, it was damed uncomfortable! It came out of the closet for races (required) and when my parents caught me leaving the house without it! Once I was 'on my own' helmet use was very sporadic, pretty much racing only. Stupid if I really think about it, safety aside; like training in racing flats and then toeing the line for a race in training shoes...I should have been trying to duplicate race conditions in training!

Sorry, I moved off topic a little, the issue you brought up wasn't safety or best practices but one of personal choice. I was often annoyed, like yourself and the cyclist in your post, when some 'fred' (a term I no longer like but would have used in the past) would 'tell' me MY business. It was a choice that affected ME and not them. While I agree with the previous statement in it's purist sense I've come to the personal conclusion that the 'ME' in that statement was exceedingly hard to define as just the singularity it so desperatly tried to be. Basically, most of the decisions I make have (or could have) effects on more than just me. My cranium gets hurt to the degree I'm a vegetable, someone has to take care of me. I pay the ultimate bill, death, and my daughter doesn't get to really know me and my wife would miss me (at least some of the time ;-). My choice, their consequence.

I'll take a shot at some of the other examples you gave on personal choice: Smoking, weight problems, chronic poor diet. These can have effects on the rest of us, at least the way our current health/insurance system operates, we all share the costs regardless if we've made the 'personal' choice.

This whole thing is hard for me to write because I still feel personal choice is sacred and seldom, if ever, tell someone else how to live their life. But, you asked so there you have it: MY OPINION.

Get a Lid

Get a Lid
Tim Long

I will likely catch some heat for this article from the publisher, since he's an avid cyclist and triathlete, but it's a holiday for many folks, so maybe he's not in the office today. Still, this is my personal opinion, not the magazine's.

Just after we started our Thursday night group run last night a cyclist not wearing a helmet came up the road toward us. One of the guys I was running with said, "Wear a helmet." The cyclist snapped back, "Go .... yourself!" My runner friend was a bit startled, but his concern about another person not wearing his helmet was falling on deaf ears where I'm concerned. This verbal cyclist crossing our paths was obviously an experienced veteran on the bike. Indications were his fitness, bike, cloths, and general comfort and control of the bike.

I know this article post will set some tempers on fire, but I'm tired of having people tell me what's best for me. What's next, will we be wearing helmets on our group runs too? I mean, some of us can run 10mph, which is almost as fast as recreational cyclists. People can trip, fall, hit their heads. So, what's the difference? I started seriously cycling in 1986. I wear a helmet when I ride in a group and/or know I'll be going down some long, steep descents. When I ride alone, I typically go hatless. It's my noggin, my ride, my decision, so mind your own business.

Regardless of what I think about people and how they put themselves into dangerous or unhealthy situations, I'm not going to tell them how they should live. "Stop smoking you black lung leper!" "Lose some of that fat, heart-stressing belly!" "Don't eat that preservatively chemical-rich Twinkie!" "Try reading a book, or exercise your mind, play-do brain!"

Tell me to wear a helmet and you'll get an ear full of how I think you should live too, and one of the suggestions will be to mind your own damn business.

Please feel free to comment... I can't wait to read them!

Give Moutain Biking a Try This Year

Give Moutain Biking a Try This Year
Tim Long

It looks intimidating, the cool clothes, the fancy bikes, trails, jumps, but that's just the face of a great sport for all abilities.

The best place to start to get information on everything from how to choose your first bike to which trail is perfect for beginners is the Tarheel Trailblazers Mountain Bike Club. They have trail reviews, links to bike-related information, photos, riding clinics, and, best of all, a message forum where information is shared by riders of all abilities ranging from first timers to the staunch veteran.

The Tarheel Trailblazers were founded in 1990 by a handful of local mountain bike enthusiasts. Over the years the club has grown to over 300, resourceful, energetic and active men and women of all ages. Our volunteers work directly with local land managers, building and assisting in the maintenance of what will soon approach 75 miles of carefully constructed, sustainable mountain bike trails, in the Metro - Charlotte region. We are the voice of advocacy for mountain bikers and our goal is to build and maintain trails for all mountain bikers to enjoy for generations to come. For more information visit them Tarheel Trailblazers

Choosing a New Bike

Choosing a New Bike

Wasn't life easy when your parents made all the decisions for you, including which bicycle you owned? Well, now you want to regain that sense of freedom, zipping along on a new bike again. Unfortunately, your parents may think it odd if you, a 30-something year old man/woman, called them for their advice on about a new bike for their little boy/girl. It's not that difficult, but you will want to invest some time into the decision, or that new bike will soon be hanging lifelessly from the rafters of your garage. Here are some guidelines:

What is the Right Kind of Bike for Me?

Your first decision comes in determining what type of bike you are after. There are basically four main styles of bikes to choose from, and your selection should really depend on what you anticipate your main type of riding to be.

Road Bikes are designed for riding on paved streets and going fast.

Featuring skinny tires, a lightweight frame and a riding position that puts you bent over the handlebars, you might choose this type of bike if traveling longer distances at higher speeds is important to you.

The frames of most road bikes are not particularly beefy in construction and generally won’t stand up well for extended periods under heavy loads or on really rough surfaces. They are about as well-suited for a path in the woods as you would be when wearing high heels.

* All About Road Bikes

Mountain Bikes have exploded in popularity over the past twenty years. These bikes have wide tires, usually with knobby treads and a stout frame, and are designed to handle the rugged trails without disintegrating.

Mountain bikes do not go as fast as road bikes, which is a trade-off for their durability along with a more comfortable riding position. You sit higher on these bikes, more upright with the straight handlebars, which is often a happier choice for people with back problems than being hunched over as you are on a road bike.

Warning: sometimes mountain bikes are the default choice of salespeople at the bike shop because they are easy to sell and usually less expensive than road bikes. Too many times though, new mountain bikes with lots of impressive features for climbing a steep mountain trail end up like those four-wheel drive SUVs that never actually go off the pavement. If you are going to buy a mountain bike, make sure you are doing so intentionally because you know that you will in fact be riding off-road. Otherwise, you will be paying for unnecessary features, and probably missing out on a bike that would be a better choice for you.

* All about mountain bikes

Hybrid bikes are compromise between road and mountain bikes and offer the best features of both if most of your riding will be shorter trips on pavement. With skinnier, smooth tires, they typically can go faster than mountain bikes, yet feature the upright seat and handlebar position that many people favor.

Hybrids are a good choice for most city riding, and offer speed, durability and comfort.

Cruisers are bikes that have wide tires, wide seats, upright handlebars and sometimes even just a single gear. These are the bikes that you’ll often see at the beach. More simple mechanically, they are easy to maintain but work best with flat terrain and a rider whose main interest is more about being comfortable than with going fast.

Outside the Realm

If after you’ve checked out these styles, still none of these bikes offers you what you need, check out these other kinds of bikes. Tandems, recumbents, and tricycles are all unique types of bikes that you likely won’t see very often, either out on the trail or on the showroom floor at your local bike shop. But each offers specific features and functions that may be just what you are looking for. Read more about these alternatives to the mainstream styles of bicycles.

Smart Shopping for Bikes

Once you’ve figured out the best style of bike for you, it’s time to start shopping. Here are tips to help you out

* Borrow a bike and try it out

When you've figured out the right style of bike for you, to make double sure that you're making the right choice, borrow a bike from a friend and try it out. Be sure to go on a ride longer than a lap around the parking lot, too. Twenty minutes should be enough to know if you are comfortable with the way you sit on a particular type of bike, and if the pace is right for you, or if it will be something that ultimately disappoints you.

An example – I thought I’d get a hybrid bike for commuting. I thought that the upright posture and a sturdier frame would be just what I needed.

But just a few minutes on the bike and I could tell that I wasn’t able to go fast enough to suit me, and that I wasn’t going to be happy with that type of bike for the long run.

* Resist the temptation to go cheap.

With bikes, like most everything else, you get what you pay for. Chances are you won’t be happy over the long run with a cheapie bike from a big box discounter, even if it was a deal. They are heavy and the components won’t last like they would in a quality model. Ultimately, you’ll be frustrated, and end up spending the money to get that better bike you should have bought in the first place.

* Spend some time at your local bike shop.

The people who run your LBS are your best resource on bike buying. These folks are knowledgeable, and can offer tips, advice and service that you can never get over the internet.

Check out the directory for local bike shops on Charlotte Health & Fitness' website.

Upcoming Cycling Events

Upcoming Cycling Events

March 8th and 9th
Come Compete in the first TBRA event weekend of the Year: the "SwimandTri.com" Spring Forward Time Trial in Rutledge, TN on March 8 and the"Tomato Head" Downtown Maryville Crit in Maryville, TN on March 9.

For more event info (scroll to bottom of page):
southerncycling.com

Out Like a Lion Race Weekend
March 15 Remax Town and Country Road Race
March 16 Food Lion City Park Criterium
Albemarle and Salisbury, NC

Registration is open!
Online registration is open for the most exciting event of the early racing season, the Out Like a Lion Race Weekend. The race weekend will feature the Remax Town and Country Road Race on Saturday in Albemarle, NC and on Sunday the Food Lion City Park Criterium in Salisbury, NC. The inaugural event in 2007 saw over 300 racers each day battling for the early season prize money. While the course for the criterium is the same exciting race course around beautiful City Park in Downtown Salisbury, the road race course for Saturday is new. The course will be a challenging 6.5 mile circuit with little traffic just north of Albemarle.

For more info on the event or to preregister, visit http://www.charlottesportscycling.com/OutLikeALion.htm

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Saturday, March 15
Brandon's ELAM-N8 Cancer Birthday Bash:
Pre-registration $20 on www.ActiveZach.com
Touring Ride Distances: 8 mile, 20 mile, 40 mile, 60 mile
10 K Fun Run, 5K Walk and 5K Bicycle Parade for Kids
Event Starts at 9:00 AM
Porter Ridge High School, Indian Land, NC
More info at: www.Elam-N8Cancer.com
Live Bands and lots of entertainment for the family
Proceeds benefit Hometown Heroes, 24 Hours of Booty, Porter Ridge Garden Memorial fund.

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Maxxis Southern Classic MTB Series

http://www.southernclassicmtb.org/

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Sunday, March 30

Sally's Y Ride in Denver NC

Ride For Sally's Y March 30,2008

www.activezach.com/events/eventDetails.cfm?pEventId=2416 or www.sallysy.org

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Start Date: Mar 30, 2008 1 p.m.

E-mail: bloodsweatgears@bellsouth.net

Distance: 15 - 30 - 50 mile

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Saturday, April 19

THE 6 HOUR GRIND ON THE GREENWAY

Presented by SouthPark Cycles and www.BlackDogBikes.com

Anne Close Springs Greenway will play host to a super exciting six hour mountain bike race on April 19.

Don’t let the name “Greenway” fool you, the race at Anne Close Springs Greenway is about 98% fast and challenging singletrack. The event will be held from 11AM to 5PM. The start and finish of the event will be at the Field Trial Barn. Categories, registration and all other pertinent info will be posted soon on

www.charlottemtnbike.com

This event is being held in conjunction with the Earth Day celebrations organized by the staff at Anne Springs Close Greenway. We have a local Girl Scout Troop providing breakfast at the event. We will have 12 different racing categories with great prizes and trophies going three deep in all categories.

Duo Male

Duo Female

Duo Single Speed

Duo Coed

Solo Male Open

Solo Female Open

Solo Single Speed

Solo Female Novice

Solo Junior

Solo Male 19 - 34

Solo Male 35 - 44

Solo Male 45+

We are working on entertainment for after event party. If we can land a sponsor, we are going to have Acoustic Syndicate play a show after the race. Its still in the works but we are feeling good about it. The plan is your entry into the race will include a ticket to the show. Stay tuned for more detail.

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Saturday, May 3

Dilworth Criterium - Charlotte, NC

This year, the 35th Annual Dilworth Criterium will be part of the USA Crit Speed Week and offer over $12k in CASH!

www.charlottesportscycling.com

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Sunday, May 4

Uwharrie Xterra

For more info, visit www.middleringcycles.com

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Dirty Spokes 12/6 Hour Mountain Bike Endurance Races

2008 - Points Series - Georgia! The Series will consist of 3 races!
Register On-Line: Active.com (keyword = Dirty Spokes)
RACE DATES:
March 15th, 2008 - Heritage Park, Farmington, Ga.- 6 Hour Race ONLY (1st Annual)
May 3rd, 2008 - Fort Yargo State Park, Winder, Ga. (DOUBLE POINTS RACE - YES DOUBLE POINTS RACE!!!)
October 11th , 2008 - Georgia International Horse Park, Conyers, Ga.

Over $25,000 in cash and prizes throughout the 3 race series!
Dirty Spokes Productions,LLC
Contact: tim@dirtyspokes.com
* For more race information check out: www.dirtyspokes.com

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May 24 & 25

The BURN 24 Hour Challenge is the Southeast's Premiere 24 Hour Mountain Bike Solo & Team Relay Race featuring an amazing trail system, electronic timing, kid's races, great prizes, the infamous Alien Abduction, and free BURN Energy Drinks throughout the event. This is your source for race details, registration options & race rules. While you are here please add your name to the mailing list. We hope you can join us in at Dark Mountain Trails in Wilkesboro, NC on May 24th & 25th, 2008. Details can be

found at http://burn24hour.com

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July 25 - August 3 - 9 DAYS OF RACING IN NORTH CAROLINA

Dates for the 8th Annual Crossroads Cycling Classic are posted.
Check out www.crossroadscycling.com

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August 15-17

FOOL'S GOLD 100/50 Mile Mountain Bike Race & Festival

"Thar's gold in them thar hills!"

August 15-17 2008 in the mountains of North Georgia

The Fool's Gold 100 is Georgia's first and only 100 mile mountain bike race, brought to you by the race director of the largest and most fun 24 hour mountain bike race in the Southeast, the BURN 24 Hour Challenge!

Fool's Gold 100 will be the 6th race of the 2008 National Ultra Endurance Mountain Bike Race Series. Expect lots of singletrack with a few gravel road grunts. Be prepared to ride hard..and drink a few brews. We promise, you won't be disappointed! With the low entry fee, great schwag, all of the essential amenities (i.e. food, lodging, beer) ALL WEEKEND!, and cash payout for the Open Men’s/Women’s class in the 100 miler, we think this one will be on your race calendar for good!

Why Don't Cyclist Just Stay In Single File?

Why Don't Cyclist Just Stay In Single File?
By Tim Long

I hear this question from non-cyclist (we'll call them 'drivers') all the time. This is one of the rated-G comments I usually hear drivers make about cyclists. Commonly, though, drivers initiate the argument against cyclist in this manner, "Why do they [cyclists] take up so much of the road? They ride double-file and act like they own the road."

So, instead of going into long descriptions about the physics of slipstreaming, energy conserved, angles of the wind, etc., I thought some nice, simple diagrams would work well. I do realize that, like drivers, there are good, skillful and considerate cyclists, and there are, unfortunately, unskilled, knucklehead cyclists... But we'll cover that topic in a future article. Here are some peloton (a group of riders) formations.


Riding the wind. A peloton adopts distinct shapes depending on wind conditions. If there is no appreciable wind, or motorized vehicles, from any direction, the peloton occupies the whole road and is moving at an even and steady pace.



Headwind. The peloton adopts a wedge formation, like a group of pigeons in flight, with one rider leading the pack from the middle of the road. The flanking cyclists ride in the slipstream of the rider in front. The lead rider drops back as a fresher rider replaces him.



Crosswind. The peloton forms into what the pros call "echelon"--a defensive formation seeking cover from the wind. The peloton has to break up when it occupies the full width of the roads so that the riders disperse into several separate echelons.



Indian file. A typical small group formation