The Western Jersey Wheelmen

We are putting together the June Luncheon Meet and have arranged the B and C rides. I am not quite up to A level yet, so we are seeking an A leader to lead an A ride out of Bishop’s Plaza June 8th, for about 40 miles (so your riders can join us all back after the ride for pizza). We would like to have the members get together and these luncheon rides allow us to mingle with riders of different abilities. I hope we can add an A ride. You can leave a comment below.

http://beta.active.com/cycling/Articles/Strength-Training-Exercises-to-Improve-Cycling-Performance.htm?cmp=276&email=grabfelder2%40centurylink.net&lyrisid=40970766&memberid=133009332&page=2

Hopefully the above link will take you to Active.com a newsletter dedicated to active sports.  The article by Mackenzie Lobby (a Minneapolis-based freelance writer and photographer with a Master’s in Kinesiology from the University of Minnesota) will give you the details but here is a summary.

Studies have shown that strength training will increase cycling performance.  Here are some exercises that your should include in your workout.

Lower Body Machines:

•      Squats ? glutes and quadriceps
•       Leg Press ? quadriceps, glutes, hamstrings, calves
•       Leg Curl ? Hamstrings
•       Seated Hip Adduction – hip adductors
•       Seated Hip Abduction – hip abductors
•       Calf Raises – calves
•       Hamstring Curl – hamstrings
•       Leg Extension – quadriceps

Upper Body Machines:

• Dumbbell Row – lower back
• Shoulder Press – deltoids, trapezius, triceps
• Lateral Pull Down – upper back
• Bench Press – pectorals
• Shoulder Shrug – trapezius
• Back Extension – low back muscles

As a personal note, I’ve been going to the gym since January and it seems to me that my longer rides over 50 miles have improved.  Maybe there is something to hitting the gym a couple of times a week.

Pete’s Bike Shop sponsors a women’s only ride Saturday mornings.  This Saturday’s ride starts at 7:00.  Contact the shop for more information, 908-782-5935.

Saturday, May 18 Trenton Cycling Revolution is hosting a ride through Trenton. The ride is 15 miles long, and at a casual pace, then is followed by an Art Museum exhibit featuring bicycle art.

Their goals are laudable enough: increase the number of cyclists, create a safe environment for cycling, link cycling with walking and public transit.

Their methods seem like great fun. From last year’s photos I see a picnic with a wind trainer-powered blender, and lots of cyclists having a good time.

I’m going to do this ride Saturday. Check out the group.

Do you have an ambassador bike? Years ago I sold a road bike for a club member to a co-worker. He rode it, and then on-sold it to another co-worker. That guy rode it enough to decide to get a carbon bike, but keeps the old bike to loan out. He stopped in yesterday to tell me that it gets loaned out, and that gets others into cycling. The bike is akin to an ambassador, bringing the cycling message to those who don’t yet have a bike of their own.
This is not about a fellow cyclist trying out your bike. This is a non-cyclist trying out cycling. They have stories about how they loved riding as a kid, or how they used to ride, or how they need to lose some pounds, but whatever the motivations, they are non-cyclists, thinking about becoming one of us. And while we can be evangelical in our exhortations of the benefits of cycling, we can only do that while we are with this person. The ambassador bike can carry that tune in our absence.
I have spare road and mountain bikes that are my ambassador bikes. I loan them out for day rides or for weeks at a time. Sometimes the borrower never gets excited about bikes, but more often than not, a long-term test ride turns them into cyclists, and they eventually get a bike of their own.
Do you have an ambassador bike, and maybe a story to share?

Due to the weather, the wine ride today (May 11) is canceled.  Some club members plan to do a tasting at the winery around noon today.  Join us.

There is a good chance of thunderstorms Saturday which would put a damper on the wine ride (May 11).  By 9:00 Saturday morning, Chris Peterson and I will make a decision on whether the weather will keep us from riding, and will post the information on this site.

If the ride is canceled, some of us plan on meeting at the winery at noon for a tasting only.  You are welcome to join us .  If you have questions call me at 570-677-3591.

This Saturday, May 11, the club is sponsoring at least two rides from the Benneduce Vineyards, next to the Sky Manor Airport in Pittstown.  See the calendar for details on the rides.  The plan is to finish both rides around 1:30 and then enjoy some wine, snacks and camaraderie before heading home.  The D ride, led by Barbara G., will be a great ride for a spouse who doesn’t ride much…nice and easy with a stop around halfway.

Get out and enjoy the spring weather.

Local Authors Share Slices of NJ History

The Book Garden in Frenchtown is launching its Slices of New Jersey History author series on Saturday, May 11 with Robert H. Peabody, author of “The Early Settlers of Holland Township, NJ” and Michael C. Gabriele, author of “Golden Age of Bicycle Racing in New Jersey.”

“The Early Settlers of Holland Township, NJ” features the writings of ‘Squire Jesse Sinclair whose articles were the mainstay of local newspapers in the 1880s and 90s. These writings are part history, part genealogy, and a look at 18^th & 19^th century culture, education, and religion.  This book gives us an appreciation of rural farm life, its humor, its facts of life, its serious philosophy & religion as guides to the good life, and the importance of neighbors and community.

Interestingly, cycling was an important part of New Jersey history in the same time period when amateur bike clubs throughout the state sparked the growth of the nascent cycling scene. “Golden Age of Bicycle Racing in New Jersey” is a comprehensive narrative on the Garden State’s colorful 130-year cycling heritage. The book documents New Jersey’s lost history as a hub for international bicycle racing, re-establishing the Garden State’s claim as the “cradle of cycling” for the United States.

Both authors will be at The Book Garden on Saturday, May 11 from 3:00 to 5:00 pm. Join them for an afternoon of discussion and captivating journey back in time. For details contact The Book Garden at 908-996-2022.

Pete’s Bike Shop sponsors a women’s only shop ride at 8:00 on Saturday mornings.  Caryl, from the shop is the leader.  More information is on this site’s message board or call Pete’s Bike Shop.