A special thanks Club Try-Angles for sponsoring Team Try-Angles in Utah's 2009 MS 150. Team Try-Angles is made up of CycleOut members who raise money and ride for the Utah's chapter of Multiple Sclerosis. We should all be very proud for what we accomplished. As in previous years, everyone pushed themselves and rode to their limits. We can certainly hold our heads high for that, as well as for our fund-raising efforts. Team Try-Angles, had a goal of $8,000, we are now sitting at $8,345, with I believe several hundred more on the way.

We would like to have a group gathering to commiserate and thank our wonderful sponsor Gene. We’re looking at a proposed date of Sunday July 26th for an afternoon gathering/bbq at Club Try-Angles. There are some fun pictures from my camera you can download.

Congratulations to everyone on a job well done!

Bike Fit Superstar

I was recently finished my fitting with Tim at MoutainVelo.com, this guy is a guru in bike fit. When someone has a passion for what they do, it shows. Tim has this passion!

A year ago I completed a fitting at a nameless bike shop in-town and it doesn't even compare to Tim and his GURU knowledge. Tim’s attention to detail and effort to explain every detail of our objectives to the last pedal stroke made a "one degree of difference." A difference that can turns water into stream, that steam can pull a locomotive along it’s tracks. Sometime's it's the one degree of difference that seperates you from your competators; Tim has this. 

I can stress how important bike fitting is, it's paramount to your longevity as a cyclist. If you’re interested in a bike fitting or want to know more information, I highly recommend you check out Tim’s website by clicking here. You won’t be disappointed! 

World Bike Naked Night - 2009 Chicago

Inspired Bicycle

Two Wheels Are Better Than Four

Read an article about our cycle team in the Q Salt Lake by the wonderful Brad Di Iorio. Check it out by clicking here.

Ride Calendar Update

We've added a new feature to our ride calendar, now you can see events from other local cycling groups and some GLBT related items. Check it out by clicking ride calendar on the left or by clicking here.

Cirque Du Soleil - Bicycle

Map My Ride

This fabulous tool that does the foot work in finding a ride, so you can focus your foot work on the crank. Map rides, review ratings and even send information to your cell-phone. Check it out by clicking here!

To cold to ride, think again!

It’s that time a year again, the weather is schizophrenic; old Mother Nature can’t decide what season it is. Consequently, we embark on a ride feeling prepared only to find out the brisk breeze or soft sprinkle has turned our ride into complete misery. Kick misery to the curb like an ex-boyfriend with these cold weather tips and tricks.

• Invest: Make the proper investment in cold weather clothing or gear and layer, layer and you guessed it; layer. I can’t stress this enough, if you don't have the money for expensive gear, there are plenty of alternatives to help make your ride comfortable and cozy as your favorite blanket.
• Analyze: Check yourself, what body part or parts is a causing a problem then focus on that area. Change what you're doing, you always have options. If you’re caught without a windbreaker and want to avoid that near death experience; grab some newspaper sections and insert inside of your cycling jersey. No one will know and this little trick creates a great insulating factor. Now let's think about it, that's right your head can lose up to 30-45% of the body’s heat, ear bands and scull caps can help you here. At arms length; using arm and leg warmers creates an easy solution for those “not so bad” days.
• Caution: Error in the side of caution, I can’t tell you how many times I left the house thinking “I don’t need those silly shoe booties …” only to later regret it! When in doubt, take it out.

Before you SPRING into action this year, before your ride take a moment to add a  layers; after-all you can always take something off. What more information, check out this link. It's a great resource when it comes to brisk weather riding and enjoy the scenery while you're at it.

Tour De France - Kraftwerk

 Spring Update  

To those of different spokes, spring has FINALLY sprung into action! In preparation for this year’s exciting cycling season; we have a few items on our agenda.

• 2009 MS150, Logan Utah – Join Team Try-Angles, our affilate team that annually rides in the MS 150 bike tour. Thank you to Gene and his bar Try-Angles for their continued support of Team Try-Angles and most importantly, multiple sclerosis. Adam sent out information for joining this year’s MS150 ride in Logan. For those ride "virgins", this is the perfect opportunity to participate in ride that has multiple mileage options. You have options here and better yet, this is one of Utah’s best supported rides!

You can join by clicking HERE, use a team password of "triangles"

• Team Rides – It’s always nice to have ride options, so that’s what we’ve done here:
  • Impromptu Rides: It’s Friday night and you’ve got the itch for a Saturday ride? Why not send an e-mail to our team and find a buddy? Remember, friendship has its benefits when your tire goes flat.
  • Scheduled Rides: If you are interested in leading some regularly scheduled rides, let us know. We can advertise your ride on our website calendar, The Village (UAF) and other GLBT social related groups. If you have an idea here, let us know. Maybe a monthly ride up Emigration to Big (or) little mountain and a humble stop at Ruth’s Diner for Brunch.
• To Race or To Ride– East Canyon, Tour De Cure, MS 150 and LOTOJA to name a few. Check our our calendar or subscribe to our e-mail list for race and ride information by clicking here.
• Training – Paramount to your success in any modality, I can’t stress how important proper training can be. We have resources, why not take advantage of them!

Not sure how to train? Interested in a race or ride but unsure where to start? These are all good questions; however it can be intimidating to ask. Remember, the only stupid question is a question that goes unanswered. Our teammates can share their expertise, don’t hesitate to ask us. I’d be happy to lend my expertise to help you achieve your goals. That sums it up for this spring’s update; let me know if you have any questions or if you would like to get involved with our team processes.

 Had a close encounter of the SUV kind?

Had a CLOSE encounter of the SUV kind? If you’re an avid road cyclist, you've had a few close calls with motorist, pedestrians and fellow cyclist. Safety is of the utmost importance for our longevity as a cyclist, that’s why it’s important we all understand and obey traffic laws.

Having certified with the American League of Cyclist in road riding, I felt I had a good understanding. However after reviewing our local law and regulations, even I learned a thing or two! It’s our responsibility as a cyclist to read, understand and follow local and state laws when cycling on Utah's roadways. Please share this knowledge with fellow cyclist and motorist alike, together we can improve attitudes, raise awareness, and potentially SAVE A LIFE.

Please take time to familiarize yourself with Utah’s laws by reading the selected links below:

• Salt Lake City's Cyclist Laws
• Utah State Laws For A Cyclist
• A Pocket Reference Guide (This could be valuable in an incident where law enforcement isn’t aware of your rights)

Also, Did you know the Salt Lake City Bike Collective sponsors a weekend class on road riding? Attend one of their “Get-A-Grip” classes to ensure your safety and longevity as a cyclist on Utah’s roadways. Review their schedule by clicking here.