XL RECREATION

Gearing up for spring cycling

Start now if you want to be in shape to pedal at some of the area's charity rides this spring

By Ian Dille
SPECIAL TO THE AMERICAN-STATESMAN
Thursday, February 05, 2009

Of all my childhood memories, I cherish our family cycling trips the most. My dad was the president of the Greater Dallas Bicyclists, a group of recreational cyclists similar to the Austin Cycling Association (www.austincycling.org), and our weekends were often spent traveling to various Texas hamlets to pedal in support of a cause. My mom would chase after me on her classic Italian 10-speed, while I sped ahead on my kid-sized mountain bike, forging pre-adolescent independence. My older brother, already an accomplished racer, would take off with the lead pack, as my dad wisely paced himself. After the ride, we'd reconvene over orange slices, Gatorade, and cookies — lots and lots of cookies.

Springtime in Austin provides ample opportunity to create great cycling memories of your own. But if you're going to complete one of the popular charity rides listed here, the time to start training is now. David Wenger, a cycling coach with the Source Endurance performance center (and bike racing teammate and coach of this author), recommends gingerly easing back into riding as the daylight increases and the mercury rises.

"Start off by enjoying your time in the saddle. Gradually increase the duration of your rides, but never by more than 25 percent per week," says Wenger, who advocates commuting as a great way to find extra riding time. "Stay on bike routes that favor flatter riding at first and focus on moving your legs in perfect circles."

After you've built a good base of fitness, Wenger suggests adding in hill repeats or higher speed rides. "Many cyclists have no problem making it up the first steep hill on a ride, but repeating that effort is challenging," he says. "Set reasonable expectations, like adding in one extra hill per week during your favorite ride. Also, remember what gearing and pace you can sustain for the day of the event."

As your goal nears, Wenger prescribes rest. "Definitely ride during the week of your charity ride, but at a lower intensity so you're fresh for the long weekend ride," Wenger says. "And keep in mind, smiling always makes the bike go faster."

Ian Dille is a former professional cyclist turned freelance journalist. He competes at the elite amateur level for the Super Squadra cycling team (www.supersquadra.net).

Some upcoming charity rides

Tri-County Hill Hopper. This ride, held on the scenic, albeit hilly, roads surrounding historic Round Top, supports Camp Life, a recreational retreat for kids with disabilities. 8 a.m. Feb. 22. Antique Sales Lot, Texas 237 and FM 954, Round Top. www.hillhopper.org.

Rosedale Ride.Raise money for the Rosedale School, which provides educational programming for severely disabled Austin school district students, while exploring rural North Austin. Keep an eye out for the funky art installations in the old railroad town of Coupland. 8:30 a.m. March 28. Parmer Lane and Samsung Boulevard. $25. www.rosedaleride.org.

Hill Country Ride for AIDS. Take on the newly added 100-mile route option and help raise more than $500,000 for people living with HIV and AIDS. 8:30 a.m. April 25. Krause Springs, 404 Krause Springs Road. Spicewood. $45. www.hillcountryride.org.

Real Ale Ride.If you ever needed a reason to do an epic ride and drink fresh-brewed beer, now you have one: The Real Ale Ride supports the Blanco Library. 7:30 a.m. May 30. Real Ale Brewery, 231 San Saba Court, Blanco. $50. www.realaleride.com.