Author Archives: John Brown

Learn How to Care for Your Bike Tires for a Comfortable and Safe Ride

Tires are often overlooked, but wildly important in the safety and security of your next bike ride. Learning how to inflate your bike tires properly, review their condition, and fix flat tires is something every rider should know.

How do I use my pump?

The first thing about tire care is proper air pressure. Having too much air will result in a rough ride, while too little leaves you susceptible to pinch flats and poor control. The best way to inflate your tires is with a bike pump. To use a bike pump, it’s important to understand how the bicycle tire valves work, and what pump options exist.

-Valves?

Bike pumps are great because they typically work on both type of valves. If you aren’t aware, there are two commonly used valves. The American (or Schrader) valve is the most common. It’s the same valve used on car tires. It has a spring-loaded valve, that self-seals. The other common valve is a French (or Presta) valve. A Presta valve is narrower than an American valve and uses the pressure inside the tube to seal itself. It also has a lock barrel on the end of the valve to secure it shut. With the American valve, inflation is as easy as taking off the valve cap, attaching the pump and inflating. In Contrast, the French valve adds a step. First remove the valve cap, loosen the lock nut, then attach the pump and inflate.

-Hand Pump

The most economical and portable type of bike pump is a hand pump. Hand pumps vary in size from just a few inches long to almost two feet. They won’t fill a tire to pressure quickly, but for emergency repairs, they do a great job.

-floor pump

Floor pumps are by far the best option to inflate your bike tires. They are usually around 3 feet tall, work on both valves, and have a gauge that displays the tire’s pressure. While not portable, they are the quickest way to fill a tire.

-co2

Inflators use small cartridges usually filled with CO2 gas to quickly bring your tires up to pressure. They are great for emergency repairs, but at $2-3 per cartridge, they are too expensive for everyday use.

Tire condition

Before you inflate your tires, review their condition. There are a major concerns to be aware of like dry rot, tread wear, and sidewall wear.

-Dry rot

All tires are susceptible to dry rot. Dry rot is when rubber hardens, and cracks. It is caused by exposure to UV rays, O-Zone and Oxygen. As the bike tires age, they lose elasticity, durability, and traction. Typical signs that a tire is dry rotted is discoloration, meaning a normally black tire will appear grey. Additionally, you will notice small cracking on the tread to begin, and large cracking at later stages.

-Sidewall

Bike tires are built out of rubber impregnated fabrics. The rubber gives the tire durability, and the fabric allows the tire to conform over objects. Pay close attention to the sides of your tire for damage or “threading”. Damage would look like cuts, or punctures, while “threading” is when you see the rubber and thread separating, resulting in loose threads coming off the side of the tire.

-tread wear

The tire’s life is over when no more tread is left. On road tires, you can frequently see a difference in color once you wear through the tread. Mountain tires are a bit more difficult to call. For off road use, a tire stops functioning well once the tread wears down. This doesn’t meant he tire needs to be replaced for threat of flats, but t will stop functioning properly where traction is concerned.

What pressure should I run?

Tire pressure is usually called out on the sidewall of the tires somewhere. What you will see is a pressure range like 50-70psi. Follow those recommendations for best wear and ride quality.

A Short Review of the 2017 Minnesota Ironman Bike Ride

by John Brown, HaveFunBiking.com

The morning of Sunday, April 30^th started early for me. I hit the road heading to Waconia for my first ever Minnesota Ironman. The temperature was in the high thirties and there was an overcast with a high probability of rain during the day. But, it is Minnesota and the Ironman is a 51 year spring time biking tradition here, right?

The Weather was Still Dry for the Minnesota Ironman Upon Arrival

About a half hour drive from Bloomington, I was in Waconia around 6:30 a.m. I unloaded my bike and was greeted by thousands of riders and several bike shops in front of the Waconia High School. After checking in, the weather was still holding dry at 7 a.m., but where was my riding partner?

Starting the ride early, these Minnesota Ironman cyclists made it back in before the rain began.

Once inside the High School, I was met by the Waconia Chamber and several exhibitors including the Waconia Brewing Company. Past the vendors, the registration table was packed with riders excited to embark on the new ride routes in Carver County.

While waiting for my co-worker, Andy, to arrive before finally getting onto the course, I visited with Penn Cycle, Erik’s Bikes, VeloFix, Gateway Cycle and Park Tools.

The Minnesota Ironman Ride

As Andy and I set out on the tan pavement of the route, we were pleasantly surrounded by the pastures and fields of Waconia’s rural area. With excellent road conditions and wide shoulders, the beginning of the ride offered a bike path feel. Our planned route was to head out on the 25 mile course (purple). We would decide after the rest stop if we wanted to tack on the last section of the 100 mile course (orange), to make the whole ride around 40 miles for the day. This flexibility is one of the best parts of riding in Carver County out of Waconia.

Andy has only been riding a bike for a few months, using the Minnesota Ironman as his inspiration. To his credit, he didn’t get an easy ride to conquer this year. Both the amble route and the weather took a left turn. Heading west on County Road 32, we saw its beautiful and quiet charm flanked with tree farms, horses, open fields and the largest goose I have ever seen. The bad news, while on 32, it started to rain.

The largest goose I have ever seen

The Weather Soon Became a Factor

The misty, gentle, northeast wind we started off with became a stinging cold gale once we crossed the Crow River and headed north. The constant headwind and freezing rain combined to make for the most painful type of exfoliation as we approached route 30. Now heading east, riding parallel with the Dakota Rail Trail, the damp wind was cruel. While the Dakota trail was not part of the official Minnesota Ironman course, some took to it due to the stand of trees that would help break the winds that were attacking from the north.

Thank Goodness for the Rest Stop in Mayer

At the end of County Road 30, we hit Mayer and found the Community Center there where the rest stop was located. The volunteers were simply amazing. The food was ample and tasty. Plus, Penn Cycle and Spokes Bike Shop were there to handle any mechanical issues that may arise. Andy and I grabbed a quick snack, warmed up, had the pros at Penn check our bikes and rolled out before the cold set into our bodies. We decided to stick with the standard 25 mile route, concerned that the weather would be getting worse.

Now on route 7, crossing the Crow River again, there seemed to be no end to the beautiful scenery of Carver County. My focus was to get to County Road 10 and enjoy the tailwind as quickly as possible. Any discomfort we felt over the last several miles would soon be rewarded once we turned south on 10. Now the hero, the wind at our backs allowed us to enjoy the gorgeous rolling hills that were breathtaking. Thanks to the tailwind helping us, we flew toward Waconia High School with relative ease. The farms made way for the Wahibo Marsh, home to dozens of beaver dams and countless feathered residents.

Andy Ellis Completing his first Minnesota Ironman Bike Ride in Waconia, MN.

Soon, we spun back into Waconia High School with the wind still at our back. The finish line and Red Bull arch signaled our completion of the 2017 Minnesota Ironman. This also secured our our well deserved bragging rights.

Overall, the only complaints for this ride was the weather, which no one could control. As for the course, support, organization and camaraderie, I give this ride nothing but accolades. I know I will be riding this area throughout the summer. When organizing my 2018 calendar, I will be sure to leave the last week of April open for the next Minnesota Ironman.

Get Started Giving Back to Your Cycling Community

by John Brown, HaveFunBiking.com

Giving back to the trails, paths, roads and events you enjoy is a great way to stockpile some good karma and it’s fun! There are countless ways to give back. For example, you can volunteer to support rides, clean up a trail system, build a trail, support high school athletes, and get bikes for new riders. Read on for some more details.

Giving back by trail building and clean up

There are thousands of trails throughout the U.S. and they all need help to stay ride-able. Specifically, repairing places where rain water creates ruts and removes soil. As a result, water damages trails even if riders, hikers, and horses aren’t using them. As a result of this damage, user groups meet to do regular trail work to combat the deterioration of local trails and paths. IMBA (The International Mountain Biking Association) has training programs that teach groups how to keep trails in pristine shape. However, If you are looking for something more immediate, track down a local group, pick up a shovel or rake, and help with the next trail day.

If you are looking for a few other great ways of giving back, IMBA has a concise list.

Volunteer to support others

There is always a need for volunteers at bicycle events. Because of that need, many events offer exceptional perks to anyone donating their time. Examples are; being able to earn free entrance into the Bike New York ride, getting preferential registration position to enter into Ironman races that quickly fill up, and meeting professional cyclists at Gran Fondo events. Moreover, the largest perk in giving back is helping your fellow riders have a great time.

Volunteer to lead others

Join a local club and host a ride! Use your love of cycling to teach others a great new route, new trail, or where to stop for the world’s best doughnut. If you haven’t ever lead a group ride, learn the basics here.

Get kids into riding

There are amazing people out there who have dedicated limitless hours to getting new riders on bikes. Two groups that come to mind are Free Bikes 4 Kidz and Trips for Kids. Both have placed thousands of bicycles into the hands of underprivileged kids. Additionally, Trips for Kids also offers rides and training for young cyclists. Check out the overview of each below.

Free Bikes 4 Kidz is a non-profit organization geared toward helping all kids ride into a happier, healthier childhood by providing bikes to those most in need. The public donates gently used bikes and thousands of volunteers clean them, refurbish them, and then then give them away to kids in need. To date, over 32,000 bikes have been given away.

Trips for Kids Started out as a California dream with a handful of volunteers. Trips for Kids has grown into a national movement with over 75 independent chapters running the Trail Rides program.

Keep kids riding

The fastest growing sport in high school athletics is mountain biking. The organization spearheading this movement is The National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA for short). The NICA Volunteer Program is your opportunity to be a part of the high school cycling movement! NICA is always looking for enthusiastic and dedicated people to help with a variety of tasks necessary to promote its programs. Tasks can include calling or mailing campaigns, research, data upkeep, event preparation and execution, and much more. Some volunteer opportunities can even be completed from home.

The Ultimate Bike Travel Checklist for Guaranteed Fun on Your Next Adventure

The summer travel season is right around the corner and planning for your next adventure can be easy with this detailed bike travel checklist. In the photo above, a touring cyclist on the Root River Bluff & Valley Bike Tour is looking over the items she packed for the three-day bike ride. Whether its an overnight trip, a weekend getaway or a full multi-day bicycle tour, here is a handy checklist of items you may want to consider for your #nextbikeadventure:

(Please note – some of the items have links to interesting articles to help you further)

THE PRE-DEPARTURE BIKE TRAVEL CHECKLIST:

___ Newspaper Stop ___ Mail Stop ___ Kennel Pets Reservation

___ Tune-up Bike/ ___Clean ___ Yard Work

___ Check Weather Forecast ___Pack/Ship Bicycle

___ Set Cylcometer to zero ___ Large blanket to cover bike in truck

___ Remove both bike pedals by turning wrench toward back of bike.

___ Put pedals in bike shoe(s) in duffle bag!!!

CASUAL TIME CHECKLIST:

___ Bags (50 lbs max per bag) ___ Wallet ___ Insurance Cards

___ Cash ($50/day est.) ___ Route Map ___ Cap/Hat

___ I.D.’s/Road ID Bracelet ___ Cell Phone &Charger ___ Umbrella

___ Laptop/Tablet /Chargers ___ Sunglasses ___ Eyeglasses /Case/Straps

___ Eye Contacts/Solution ___ Sun Block ___ Chap Stick (SPF)

___Bug Repellent ___ Music / Earphones ___ Address Book

___ Notebook Journal / Pen ___ Business Cards ___ Fanny Pack / Backpack

___Stamps ___ Tylenol or Ibuprofen ___Charger

___ Camera/Cell Phone ___ Batteries (AA, etc.) ___ Gatorade Powder

___ Bath Towels ___ Pillow/Covers ___ Toiletries

___ Toilet Paper ___ Bio Degradable Soap ___ Medications

___ Ear Plugs (for sleeping) ___ Baby Powder ___ Swimsuit

___ Shorts ___T-shirts ___ Shoes /Flip Flops

___ Long Sleeve T-shirt/Sweatshirt ___ Dirty Clothes Bag ___ Solar Shower Bag 3 gal.

___ ‘Woolite’ (if you wash) ___ Gum ___ Hand Wipes

___ Kleenex (travel size) ___ Can Koozie ___ Bungie Cords

___ Book / Magazine ___Garbage Bags ___ Zip Lock Bags = SM, LG, XL

___ Plastic Grocery Bags (to cover bike seat at night)

___Heavy duty rubber bands (you’ll find a use)

CAMPING CHECKLIST:

___ Tent/Stakes/Mallet/Ground Tarp ___ Tent Fan ___ Waterproofed Tent

___ Sleeping Bag / Air Mattress ___ Clothes Line / Pins ___ Tent Whisk Broom

___Water Filter ___Camp Stove ___Cooking utensils

___Eating utensils ___Camp light

BIKE GEAR CHECKLIST:

___ Bike (remove pedals!) ___ Cycling Shoes ___ Panniers/Bike Bags

___ Tire Pump/ CO2 ___ Front & Rear Bike Lights ___ On-Bike First Aid Kit

___ Bike Tools / Rags / Oil ___ Tubes / Patch Kit ___ Bike Lock

___ Helmet ___ Gloves (2) ___Bandannas / Headbands

___ Jerseys ___Bike Shorts ___ Chamois Butt’r

___ Rain Gear ___ Water Bottles / Camel Back ___ Face towel (for on bike)

___ Head strap light ___ Ace Wraps, etc ___ Power or Granola Bars

___Shift/Brake Cable ___Spare Spokes Front ___Spare Spokes Rear (L&R side)

Here at HaveFunBiking.com we hope you find the following this Bike Travel Checklist helpful in planning your #nextbikeadventure.

Printable Version Bike Trip Checklist

Minnesota Ironman Could Be Your Crowning Glory to 30-Days Of Biking

by John Brown, HaveFunBiking.com

With spring officially here, the 51st Minnesota Ironman Bicycle Ride is now just a little over a month away and coincides perfectly with the 30-Days of Biking. If you are not familiar with this international movement to ride your bike each day in April, what better way to crown your achievement. Ride your bike each day through the month. Then on April 30th, gain bragging rights while touring one of several scenic routes (25 to 100-miles) at the Minnesota Ironman Ride, out in Waconia!

Make a Pledge To Do 30-Days of Biking and The Minnesota Ironman

Participating in the 30-Days of Biking is as simple as pledging to ride 30-days in April and sharing your photos and reason for riding with the hashtag #30daysofbiking. What could be a better reason then getting ready for the Minnesota Ironman? Taking the 30 day pledge and then registering for the Minnesota Ironman Bike Ride is an amazing motivation to get out there and feel your best!

Your rides all Count

A quick trips to the store, riding in an underground parking lot, or pedaling inside on your stationary bike counts

April is the gateway to summer here in the Minnesota. Average highs are normally in the 50s and 60s that help bring about the emerald landscape that Minnesota summers are known for. Plus, April is the perfect time to integrate biking into your weekly routine. A quick bike trip to the grocery store, a leisurely ramble around the block after dinner, or an adventurous journey into the wilds of Minnesota. They all count towards your 30-Days of Biking pledge. Beyond those rides counting toward your pledge, they also prepare you for the Ironman and the summer ahead.

If you are a bit more ambitious and need some support in your 30-day’s or pre-Ironman training, reach out to Coach Bob McEnaney. He’s at Total Cycling Performance and a Minnesota Ironman partner. Bob is available for individual coaching services and runs bi-weekly indoor trainer rides (Monday & Thursday) at Penn Cycle’s Woodbury location. He also publishes weekly workouts on Wednesdays that are a great way to stay motivated.

Kickoff April the Right Way

There is no better way to get started with your 30-Days of Biking pledge than ridding with others who have made the same commitment. On Saturday, April 1st, meet at the Commons Park, in Minneapolis. Bell Lap Coffee is offering artisan roasted coffee staring at 11 a.m. and a ride leaves at noon. Surly Brewing, knows how to finish up a great ride. They are hosting an after party for the riders at their brewery (every ride is rewarded with one complimentary beer or beverage).

Is your Equipment Ready?

If you haven’t done it yet, pull your bike out of storage and do your A, B, C’ Quick Check (air, brakes and chain/crank). Start by cleaning it, then Lube the chain, put air in the tires, and take it for a ride. Taking a ride will give you a good idea of how far out of adjustment your bike may be. If your bike is not working well or you need a bit more gear to stay comfortable riding in spring weather, stop by your local shop now.

When you bring your bike into a local shop for service, take time to make sure your bike fits you properly. A good bike fit will lower the chance of repetitive motion injuries and make you a more comfortable and efficient rider. You can have a friend help you check the basics or have your shop take a professional look. Both Eric’s and Penn Cycle are Ironman sponsors and certified bike fitters that can help your.

Riding 30 days in April will also expose you to all types of weather. Use the poor weather days to test your riding clothing. Be sure you have the gear you need to be comfortable in poor weather, as you may need it for Ironman Sunday.

With just 30 days separating you and the Minnesota Ironman there is no time to waste. Use daylight savings and the warmer weather to your advantage and ride as frequently as you can. The more time you can put on your bicycle before Minnesota’s first major bike ride will pay off. Especially when planning and participating in your #NextBikeAdventure this spring and throughout the summer.

The Minnesota Ironman Bike Ride: How to Start Preparing 60 Days Out!

By John Brown, HaveFunBiking.com

The 51st Minnesota Ironman is now only two months away. If you have been reading and following our Ironman preparation articles, then congratulations, you are well on your way to earning those well deserved bragging rights. However, If you are just now starting to get ready, don’t fret, you have plenty of time to get prepared for a great ride through Waconia’s beautiful landscape. Wherever you feel comfortable on the preparedness spectrum, read on for helpful tips to get you ready.

You Need to Believe that You can Complete the Minnesota Ironman

No matter if you ride 15, 45 or a 100-miles, no swimming or running is required and bragging rights are always guaranteed at the end at the Minnesota Ironman.

Thousands of riders test their meddle every spring in the Minnesota Ironman. The first (and, for some, the greatest) challenge is committing your mind to complete an Ironman. The easiest way to get your mind on board is to register. Countless peripheral excuses to not complete go away once you register. Even if the weather is poor or you feel less than 100% that morning, as a registered rider, the chances of you going out are a lot higher. Once registered, Make a plan to get ready. The plan should include getting your body, your equipment, and the details of the event day ready.

Get Your Body Ready

Ride, Ride, Ride, wherever you can!

As the weather here in the Twin Cities is breaking, we are beginning to see signs of a spring thaw. Periodic warmer days give you the opportunity to check out the local trails or riding routes in your immediate area. If they are clear, take advantage of every nice day and get out to ride. In addition to sporadic rides as the weather permits, sign up for a spin class once a week, or go to a trainer class.

The Minnesota Ironman team realizes that undertaking an event of this difficulty can require help. For that help, they have partnered with Coach Bob McEnaney at Total Cycling Performance. Bob is available for individual coaching services and also runs bi-weekly indoor trainer rides (Monday & Thursday) at Penn Cycle’s Woodbury location. He publishes weekly workouts on Wednesdays that are a great way to stay motivated.

If riding is not in the forecast for you right now, try to focus some time on fitness. Getting your heartbeat up for an hour or two a week will pay deep dividends once the spring weather rolls in for good.

Get Your Equipment Ready

Knock the cobwebs and dust off!

If you haven’t done it yet, pull your bike out of mothballs. Lube the chain , put air in the tires, and take a ride. Taking a ride will give you a good idea of how far out of adjustment your bike may be. If the weather is poor, going for a ride will also give you the chance to test if your riding gear is comfortable in poor weather.

Cold weather gear like jackets, shoes, and tights are in ample supply at your local shop now, but if you wait until just before the Ironman, pickings may be slim. Also, waiting until the last minute to have your bike serviced might not be possible based on your shop’s schedule.

If your bike needs to be serviced, that’s a great time to think about making sure your bike fits you properly. A good bike fit will lower the chance of repetitive motion injuries, and make you more comfortable and efficient. You can have a friend help you check the basics or have your shop take a professional look. Both Eric’s and Penn Cycle are Ironman sponsors and certified bike fitters.

Start Planning for the Day of The Minnesota Ironman

Riding as a group is fun!

At 60 days out you should feel comfortable encouraging family and friends to do the ride with you. Counter potential poor weather with good vibes by riding with a group who all ride at a similar speed. If your friends and family don’t want to ride, encourage them to come out and cheer you on at a set destination on the course. Your own personal cheer squad can be all the motivation you need to conquer those last 5 miles. After the ride you can all meet for dinner (giving you a chance to test out those newly earned bragging rights).

Speaking of food, 60 days out is the perfect time to see how your body handles different foods while exercising. Start testing foods like sports gels, power bars, and sports drinks to see how your body reacts as you ride. Knowing what your body prefers ahead of time will ensure you can maintain your energy the day of the event by eating foods your body is used to.

60 days is all that currently stands between you and your bragging rights. Be proactive and start to prepare for the 2017 Minnesota Ironman now.