OK, there’s now a way to get automatic email notification whenever there’s a new post on The Rider.
Go to the new blog – http://www.pelotonia.org/the-blog/ – scroll down a bit and over to the right you’ll see the sign-up icon. However, when you do receive the email notification and open it up, you’ll be looking at some sort of word version of the post that doesn’t include photos. So, just click on the blue headline and you’ll be able to see everything.
Thanks…
Only 9 days until registration opens for Pelotonia 2011 – so it’s time to start thinking about, and writing, your rider profile.
It’s important to have a great profile, because this is usually the first thing your potential donors will read about you and our amazing ride – and can go a long way in determining if and how much they donate, or maybe tempt them to sign up and ride (and then ask you for a donation!).
And yet, a lot of our riders left their profiles blank last year. So, to help out, I thought I’d offer a few tips and suggestions on how to write a spellbinding profile about a wonderful person (that’s you!).
Think before you write: Take some time to think about what it is you want to say in your profile before you start writing. Jot down a few notes, maybe make an outline. When you’re satisfied you know what you want to say, it’s time to start writing.
Speak from the heart: I’ve interviewed scores of our riders and volunteers – and the common thread is a passion for battling and beating cancer, cycling and Pelotonia. Let your passion spill out in your words. Make your profile personal and people will respond.
Great leads: In the newspaper business, the first few sentences are called the lead (or lede) and it’s important to grab the reader’s attention in these opening lines, otherwise they’ll turn the page or click on another link. So spend a lot of time on your lead – and make it great.
Shorter is better than longer: Brevity really is one of the keys to good writing, even more so in the Impatient Age of the Internet. Try not to go over 500 or 600 words.
Simple is better than complicated: Make your sentences short, straightforward and simple.
Hit the spell check button! Enaugh said.
A man walks into a bar: A little humor can go a long way, but be careful: humorous writing can be tricky to pull off.
Writing is easy, rewriting is hard: It’s difficult to edit and improve your own writing, but keep at it. Go over every word and each sentence again and again until they are perfect … and then go over them two more times.
Another set of eyes: Have someone (or multiple someones) read what you’ve written and provide constructive criticism. And be receptive to their suggestions.
Ignore everything I just wrote: Well, not exactly, but in the end, this is your story. So make it something you feel great about posting, even if you bend one or two of my rules.
Good luck … and I look forward to reading your profiles. It’s one of the ways I find many of the people I profile on this blog.
It’s a new year – and time for some resolutions. Sorry, I didn’t want to do it, but it’s the law. So here are some of my resolutions, many of which could also apply to some of our Pelotonia riders:
I will ride an indoor trainer or stationary bike at the gym on a regular basis this winter, so … I will be in great shape when the spring thaw finally arrives, so … I will be ready to ride big miles from day one, so … I will ride more miles this year than in any other year of my life, so … I’ll be totally ready for Pelotonia and climb the Hocking Hills like they are a bunch of mole hills.
Speaking of Pelotonia (which I seem to do a lot): I will register to ride as soon as possible, so … I will have time to come up with some new and creative fundraising ideas, so … I will be able to raise more money than last year, so … I can help us raise millions more than last year, so … together we can help kick cancer’s butt as soon as possible.
In talking to Pelotonia riders, I’ve come to the realization that many of you are now confirmed bike-aholics. Now that you’re one of us (and can never leave), here are a few more resolutions for you to ponder and consider:
I will find and ride new routes in 2011, and make a point to ride with people I’ve never before ridden with.
I will incorporate my bike into at least one vacation, either making it a total biking vacation, or by bringing my bike – and actually riding it – when I go on vacation.
I will commute to work or run errands on my bike as few times a month – and help save the environment.
I will put aside my innate cheapness and buy a pair of really expensive bike pants, just to see what they’re like and if they really are better than the $30 ones I usually get. I’m hoping they’re not, but have a feeling they’ll be incredible – and I’ll never be able to go back to the $30 pairs.
Now that I have finally figured out how to change the color of text on this blog, I resolve not to abuse this feature for the rest of the year. Starting now…
That’s it, have a happy and safe 2011. And remember: Only 10 days until we can register for Pelotonia.
Stefanie Spielman's battle against cancer lives on more than a year after her death
One of the things I’ve learned through meeting and talking with Pelotonia riders is there are a lot of incredible and amazing caregivers out there … and all this support is a key component in the cancer battle of their loved ones.
Every year, five deserving cancer caregivers are honored with a Stefanie’s Champions Award – and I know there are hundreds of members of the Pelotonia community who would be worthy candidates.So, click here for more information on the award and how to nominate the caregiver in your life. The awards are bestowed by the Stefanie Spielman Fund for Breast Cancer Research, which raises money for research at Ohio State’s Comprehensive Cancer Center and The James.
You can also click here to read about a Pelotonia rider and volunteer who was one of the five recipients last year.
I just finished my first indoor/trainer workout of the year: 30 minutes at a fast pace with the trainer set on medium resistance.
Hopefully this won’t be my last indoor/trainer workout of the winter, but, if the past is any indication, it just might be. Riding the trainer is boring! The only place in our house where I can set it up is the basement, which is, well, a basement. The cat litter’s to my left (I should probably scoop it out before I start spinning), the furnace is to my right, directly ahead of me are several boxes that we’ve yet to open in the four years we’ve lived here. There are also at least 17 cobwebs in progress.
The living room, what with the TV right there, would be ideal, but let’s just say Susan isn’t so gung ho on the idea. I tried the “It will make an interesting topic of conversation when we have company,” argument, but she countered with the more persuasive: “No.”
If I’m going to stick to this, I need to improve my riding environment and make it more pleasant. In lieu of actually cleaning up the basement, which is just plain crazy, I think I’ll set up a TV with a DVD player up and watch episodes of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia and Flight of the Conchords. This should hopefully while away the hours. OK, maybe one hour.
Does anyone out there have any tips or suggestions on how to make the whole indoor training thing more palatable? If you do, feel free to share them with us.
Just because I’ve set up my trainer doesn’t mean I’m finished riding outdoors for the winter. But let’s face it, these recent sub-zero temperatures have sure put a damper on and limit the enjoyment of outdoor riding. This means it’s time for all of us to cross train, so we don’t get all sedentary and lethargic and lose all the fitness we gained training for Pelotonia and gain back all the pounds we lost training for Pelotonia. It’s an insidious cycle, isn’t it, and hard to break.
My cross-training regimen will – hopefully – include riding the indoor trainer to maintain some level of cycling fitness so I’m not starting from scratch in the spring; some weight lifting to build up my non-existent upper-body strength; and yoga to increase the flexibility that age seems to be slowly and cruelly stealing from me.
First, let me officially and unequivocally state for the record that the purpose of this post is not to provide my wife, parents and friends with hints for my holiday gift-wish list. However, if that’s an unintended consequence, so be it; I can live with that. Hey Mom, the Garmin GPS (I’ll explain later what this means and what it does) is really cool!
Decorate your tree like they do at Trek
Welcome to the first The Rider holiday gift-giving guide for the cyclist, that member of your family, friend or co-worker, who loves to ride and is hard to shop for. Here are oodles of ideas, from stocking stuffers to more expensive items that will barely fit under the tree.
Goo and energy bars make great stocking stuffers
I spent the other day “researching” this post, and drooling over the new, 2011 bikes. I visited Trek, roll: and Bike Source, local bike shops that are also Pelotonia partners. All three are loaded with great gift ideas, have sales going on right now, offer gift cards and have friendly employees who love to talk about bikes, accessories and Pelotonia.
This reflective ankle strap lights up for even more night-time visibility
I started my day at Trek, where there’s a tree decked out with bike stuff to get you in the holiday mood. It worked. The shop is filled with all sorts of stocking stuffers: the Knog Beetle light, a sporty, easy-to-install handlebar light (on sale for $16.99); a cool Flare S ankle strap for night riding that lights up when you press it ($12.99); and the Jimi, a plastic wallet holder that comes in many colors and keeps your wallet and money dry and sweat free and fits into the back pocket of your bike shirt or in your saddle bag ($14.99).
There was also plenty of cold-weather gear, including the Pearl Izumi Barrier gloves, which come in five-fingered and lobster-claw versions ($70). There was also a sporty black-and-yellow Livestrong jersey that by donning will instantly enable you to ride faster and longer than ever before.
The Jimi keeps your stuff dry
Trek has the Garmin Edge 705 GPS on sale for $400 (regular price: $650). I don’t yet have a GP, but I know that once I get one, it will be yet another high-tech device (i.e. cell phone, laptop, DVR) that I’ll wonder how I ever lived without.
Next stop: roll:. I already have a trainer, and I really, really promise I will ride it more than once this winter. Really. If you don’t have an indoor trainer, which is the closest thing to riding without actually riding, roll: sells a kit ($397 or $469) that includes the trainer, two cycling blocks (which you put under the front wheel to hold it steady), a bike thong that prevents all your sweat from getting onto your bike, a mat to protect the floor from the same-said sweat and a training DVD to make you sweat.
You can't go wrong with water bottles
Roll: is all about bundling, and offers a bike-care bucket ($60) that includes all the basics and essentials for keeping your bike clean. The Pearl Izumi Pro Softshell, three-in-one jacket ($375) has a removable vest, removable balaclava (the Ninja-like thing that covers almost all of your head) and super-thin, super-warm jacket. Put an Ensura Baabaa base layer shirt made of Merino wool ($70) under this jacket and you’ll stay dry and warm no matter how cold it gets.
This is the roll: bike-care bucket
You can find the new Garmin Edge 800 GPS ($800) at roll: and new features include a touch screen, heart-rate monitor and cadence count.
Roll: also offers a wish list site on its website (www.roll-online.com), where you can log in what you want – and then send the link to everyone you know. It’s the cycling version of a bridal registry, but this way you don’t end up with a bunch of useless gravy boats and ladles.
Everything's on sale!
Bike Source has a great selection of winter gear, and a sale on all its clothing items. The Specialized sub-zero gloves comes with a liner – and a fleece-lined glove ($65) and is sort of the bike version of a ski glove, and includes straps to keep everything tight and the cold wind off your skin. You can wear just the liner when it’s not too cold, the fleeced-lined glove when it gets a little colder and both when it’s sub-zero out. They also have two different balaclavas, one for $30 and the other for $35, and a beanie-style hat ($30) to wear under your helmet in lieu of a balaclava or in addition to one if it’s really, really cold.
Here's one of the balaclava's they sell at Bike Source
Socks are always a great – although somewhat redundant – stocking stuffer and Bike Source has several warm-weather and cold weather ones to choose from. The winter ones all have wool blends and range in price from $11 to $18. To really keep your toes toasty, add a neoprene foot bootie ($60) from Pearl Izumi that comes with a fleece lining. The Pearl Izumi Elite winter jacket ($150) has expandable pockets in the back that can hold a lot of stuff.
Another neat stocking stuffer is a multi-tool set. Bike Source has several, including the EMT Micro ($14.99) that includes six tools.
It's not really Christmas unless you get socks
All three shops, of course, have tubes, handlebar tape, pumps, water bottles, jerseys, shorts and dozens of other items that make great gifts.
OK, that’s it … happy shopping. If you have any other suggestions for great holiday gifts for cyclists, please add your suggestions and comments.
The end...
The best way to get the Ohio Stadium for a football game isn’t by car, by bus or even by foot.
It’s by bike.
Put the problem is: what do I do with my bike once I get there?
Hundreds of people rode their bikes to the game
Problem solved, thanks to Pedal Instead, which sets up a bike corral/parking lot outside the stadium for all the home football games. I was lucky enough to have two tickets to Saturday’s Penn State game (thanks Ray!) and parked my bike at the corral, which is located just off the bike path, near the bridge closest to the Shoe. You fill out a ticket, put part of the ticket on your bike and keep the stub for when you return after the game. It’s valet parking for bikes! It only took about five minutes and it’s free – although there’s a jar for tips (we put in a buck per bike).
There were easily three or four hundred bikes in the corral, including lots of tandems, a sign that more and more people are using their bikes to commute and get places.
A few minutes later, I discovered you can’t bring backpacks into the stadium. Fortunately, the folks at Pedal Instead allowed me to leave it with my bike. Thanks.
Thanks to Pedal Instead, we got to the game...
We left with about four minutes to go and the Bucks safely up 38-14. There was a line at the corral, but it only took a few minutes to get our bike, and off we went, north on the Olentangy Bike path … in the dark. I was prepared, with a blinking red light on the back of my bike and a steady white light on the front. I enjoy riding at night, especially on a warm night and extra especially after the second-half whooping OSU put on PSU.
If you’re lucky enough to have tickets to the Michigan game on the 27th, to see the Buckeyes beat those Wolverines and the presentation of the Pelotonia check, I suggest you get there by bike and park it at the Pedal Instead corral.
...in plenty of time to see the band dot the I
Yesterday I did something I haven’t done in a while: I went for a ride!
And I’m glad I did. It was a beautiful, crisp autumn day and my 30-mile ride helped me deal with my post-Pelotonia, end of the summer, all my 2010 cycling goals have been accomplished, it’s getting kind of cold and I really don’t feel like riding today blahs.
Anyone else out there suffering from this all-too-real biker’s malady?
I thought so. It’s perfectly normal and natural and might just be our bodies telling us to take a rest – and do a little cross training.
I’m a veteran of the yearly bike blues and have become an expert on the stages. Here they are:
*You take a day off from your bike, which isn’t that unusual, but one day becomes two and then, on day three, you go for a shorter-than-usual ride, followed by three days off, which is unprecedented. And you don’t even feel guilty. OK, a little guilty, but you get over it quickly. This stage can last weeks, even a month or two.
*You go to the gym, which you haven’t done in ages, determined to start going on a regular basis since you’re not riding as much – and then don’t.
*An entire weekend passes, one with nice weather, without a ride. Hey, there were a couple of good football games on.
*It’s November – wow, time sure is flying by – and you start to feel guilty. The nice weather is fading and Jack Frost is assembling his troops for another long, cold and snowy/icy winter. Here’s another sign winter is on the way: the snow blowers are on display outside Lowe’s. Uh-oh, you tell yourself, I better get a few more rides in before the weather really turns. But you don’t. Hey, there was a really good game on.
*You go for your first ride in a long time, thoroughly enjoy it, and promise to ride the next four days in a row … and then don’t. Hey, there was a NCIS marathon on TV.
*For some unexplained reason, you become re-energized and for two to three weeks ride again on a regular basis – culminating in that wonderful day-after-Thanksgiving ride. I think – and hope – this is the stage I am currently in.
*It snows – and that’s pretty much it until spring. You hook your bike up to the indoor trainer in the basement, ride it once … and then never ride it again.
This year, I’m going to break through this barrier and ride my trainer on a regular basis and be fit and ready when spring comes. Really, I am. And I’m going to go to the gym three times a week and build some upper-body strength. And do a lot of yoga. Really, I will. And no, this isn’t anything like making New Year’s resolutions.
Here are some of the comments and observations about Pelotonia 10 from our riders and a reminder why we ride, volunteer and raise money…
I was already feeling an adrenaline rush at the opening ceremony, mostly thinking about what the ride – which would be my first century – would require physically, when a familiar voice called out “Hi Aaron.” It was (fellow rider) Dr. Kelli Cawley, who had treated my wife (for cancer) at The James so many years ago and who we had not seen in over a decade. It was wonderful to see her and it reminded me why I have been training so hard for this ride. I introduced her to my two oldest daughters, and maybe that underscored for her why this is so important.
Aaron Shank
My dad’s sister, Connie, is fighting cancer with the help of the James, so last year he rode to Athens as a way to show his support. My brother, sister and I surprised him in Athens at the finish. We were so proud and inspired!
This year he committed to 180 miles – and challenged me to join him. I am not an athlete by any stretch, so I chose to ride the route to Amanda. He rode the 43 miles with me, which I thought was amazing of him to do – because I’m really slow. But he didn’t leave me, which shows what an amazing man he is and also is so in line with the Pelotonia spirit. I really feel this cause has brought my family closer together and I am so thankful. My grandparents sat in Athens starting at 11:30 with a cowbell cheering on all the riders, which was precious! Next year my sister and husband are joining us and will be riding.
Kristin Gilligan
Friday night, I was anxious and couldn’t sleep. I didn’t want to let my supporters down and I wanted my mom to be proud of me (she lost her battle with cancer 2 years ago). Once we took off Saturday morning, 4,000-plus riders strong, the band playing, people cheering, I had all the energy I needed.
The thing that struck me most about the weekend was the camaraderie among the riders, the volunteers, and the folks on the street, law enforcement, the massage therapists and chiropractor. The list is so vast I’m sure I’m missing someone, I’m not sure these people realize how much donating their time and their encouraging words motivate the riders to keep on pedaling. I was proud to ride with Rob, a 5-year cancer survivor.
Reynette Magyari
Trust me when I tell you this, you all made a difference. Whether you did the ride, or donated money, or volunteered, you helped make a difference. I meet people on a daily basis that have been affected by cancer. A lot of them would not be around if it weren’t for recent advances in cancer research. Someday we will celebrate a cure for cancer. Until then, every August I will put on my helmet, air up my tires, and do something that makes a difference…ride in Pelotonia.
Jeff Mason
As a survivor and someone who was laid up in the ICU during last year’s ride, this was a new beginning for me. From the Opening Ceremonies and Chris Spielman’s rousing speech to crossing the finish line, I was overwhelmed. My disease is so much bigger than what I’m going through. So many others are fighting a similar battle.
Seeing the supporters all along the ride holding up signs made each pedal and each mile easier to deal with. To share the experience with my fiancée and my sister made it that much sweeter. With family cheering me on and by my side, just like my cancer, I knew I’d made it through the ride. Pelotonia is something that I will continue to do every year.
Matthew Hare
I was pretty nervous Saturday morning, but excited. The ride was amazing. I walked up a few hills (who told me there were no hills in the first 50 miles?), but I also successfully rode up some, with thoughts of patients who had lost their fight powering me along.
Having people cheering along the way and at the finish line in Amanda was overwhelming and brought tears to my eyes. I was exhausted but elated. I look forward to riding again next year, but I’m not sure I’m ready for the 100- or 180-mile rides just yet. I think I need to do some more hill training and will probably do the 50 again! But who knows, when I registered this year, I only planned to do the 23!
Doreen Agnese, cancer survivor and doctor
My mom is a breast cancer survivor and I have several friends and family who have battled cancer and (Pelotonia) is such a great concept. I went out and bought a bike and trained and it was an amazing experience. There are so many good people in the world. And this reaffirms that and is a testament to the concept of grassroots fund raising. You never know what will inspire someone.
Lindsey Gale
The Rider 