Cycling in April is always a bit hit and miss with the weather but, now that we are reaching late Spring, it’s the perfect time to ride. With charity rides and century events in full swing there are an abundance of opportunities to ride for a cause or ride for fun. Don’t worry, if your idea of fun is suffering through 10,000 feet of elevation gain in a century in July, there is an event or two for you here in the Southeast! The key to enjoying any ride or race, however, is knowing yourself as a cyclist. In her article, “Competitive or Casual: Which Cycling Event is Best for You?” writer Casey Clark Kelley takes a look at some things to consider before signing up for an event. Are you the type who likes to push hard for speed and “the burn” or are you more into pedaling along with a relaxed smile on their face? Whether you’re one of these or somewhere in between, you’ll want to read Kelley’s article to make the most of your choice of events and rides this summer.
Whatever type of cyclists you are there are plenty of events to choose from here in the Southeast. From competitive to recreational to luxury tour, there is not shortage of unique cycling events to satisfy all levels of cyclists here. Each of these special events are interesting in their own right but, all have one thing in common— great scenery and good times! Check out our previews of some really cool cycling events in this issue in our article starting on page 22.
While participating in a scorching July century ride might be fun to some, others might looks for some cooler weather in which to ride. So, if you’re looking to escape the heat this summer, check out our “Destination” article this month. Cooler weather is only a short drive away in western North Carolina. How about a bicycle trip in the Blue Ridge Mountains? Whether you like riding your bicycle on the road, trail, or gravel, the Blue Ridge Mountains have something for you and the town of Blowing Rock is the perfect base camp for your adventure. And, at an elevation of 3,566ft Blowing Rock stays about 10 to 15 degrees cooler year round than the valley below. So be sure to check out our travel piece on Blowing Rock, NC. We cover the best places to ride, stay, eat and gear up.
Regardless of the type of ride or event you choose, if you are riding a long distance you will definitely want to make sure you fuel properly before, during and after your ride. Although it may easily be overlooked, it is very important to consume adequate fuel before, during, and after cycling sessions that last longer than 1 hour. In her article, “Going the Distance: Food and Fuel for Your Cycling Event” nutritionist Ashley Acornley looks at some fueling tips for adequate energy and recovery during cycling season. And while we know you won’t be taking any bruschetta along on your ride, be sure to check out our recipe this month. You won’t be disappointed in Brandon McDearis’ bruschetta recipe, especially if you paint with some crostini from your local bread and coffee shop, like Yellow Dog Bread Co. in Raleigh, NC.
We would be remiss, of course, to not mention safety when cycling. If you have been riding in the same old crusty helmet for a few years now, or if you’ve crashed in the one you currently wear, it’s definitely time for a new helmet. For such a vital role, it seems that helmets are often one of the most overlooked accessories these days. Writer Josh Hatchell talks about how to choose the best helmet for you in his article, “Picking a Bike Helmet: Invest in Safety!” As always, we recommend you buy from your local bike shop. Not only will you leave with a properly fitted helmet, but you also get the peace of mind that there is the after-sale support if anything goes wrong.
As always, we have many other great articles on running, biking and swimming to get you moving. Be sure to check them out!
