LA County Bicycle Coalition

Some very good things are getting done by the Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition.  Here is a link to some of their current and past projects.

http://la-bike.org/current_projects/current_projects.html#lp

Acura LA Bike Tour Tip - Hybrid v Road Bike

Former Lance Armstrong mechanic Dave Lettieri explains the differences between a hybrid and a road bike.

Riding can be tough. Why make it harder?

If you are fueled-up correctly, your riding can be much more enjoyable and healthy. Don't get caught up in the thought that the calories you take in before or during a ride will counter the calories burned. But is it really sensible to eat a big meal before a short ride?  Hardly. 

If you're going out for a light ride of 45 minutes to an hour and normally don't eat anything, try to start with a light meal. If you're going out in the morning then just start with a healthy cereal or even an energy bar. Your local bike shop should have a great selection of energy bars. Try a number of different types and flavors to find something that you like and you wouldn't mind eating while out for a ride. 

What you should see is an increase in your sustained energy during your rides.  Plus your post-ride recovery will be better and you’ll be less likely to feel so dead after your rides. If you still have a dead feeling, try increasing your caloric intake slightly and stretch it from pre- to during your ride. 

Lastly, it’s also important to remember to stay hydrated. Here in Los Angeles our weather doesn't change much, but as little as a 10 degree swing in start to finish temps can make a big difference in how much water/fluid you should drink. Try to be sipping from your water bottle at least once every 10 to 15 minutes. This will get you in the habit of drinking while out on your ride. Hydration’s secondary benefit beyond enhancing the body’s nutrition intake and absorption, it also helps speed up your metabolism.

Nate Loyal 
Bike Fit Specialist
Loyalcoaching.com

Acura LA Bike Tour Route

Please feel free to have a look at the Acura LA Bike Tour route. For an enlarged view click here.

Join us on Facebook and Twitter!

We welcome you to join the Acura LA Bike Tour Facebook group or follow us on Twitter.  Hope to see you there!

Christian Vande Velde Interview

After years of riding for some of cycling’s top names, Christian Vande Velde had the opportunity to finally take over the reigns as a team leader last year for Team Garmin - Slipstream.  For Christian it was a break out year placing third at the Tour of CA, fourth at the Tour de France and first in the Tour of Missouri. We recently had the opportunity to catch up with the American Tour de France contender.

Acura LA Bike Tour:  What's it like to be able to ride your bike for a living? 

CV: It's a dream come true that I have the ability to ride my bike for a living. When times are tough with travel and or injury, I try to keep things in perspective.

 

ABT: Can you give the LA bike Tour participant an idea of your day? 

CV: Wake up, change diapers, breakfast, ride for average of 4 hours, lunch, massage, play with kids, emails, dinner, catch up with Leah (wife), bed.

 

ABT: How many miles a week do you ride? 

CV: Around 500.

 

ABT: How many calories do you consume a day? 

CV: Anywhere from 3000 to 6000

 

ABT: During the Tour? 

CV: 6-7k

 

ABT: What would you be doing if you weren't a bike racer? 

CV: Not a clue, probably wearing a suit. 

 

ABT: Where are you right now? 

CV: In Girona, Spain.

 

ABT: What are you doing? 

CV: Sitting on my couch, watching Winnie the Pooh with Uma and drinking coffee. 

 

ABT:  You are active on Twitter. What do you think of it?

CV: Ashton Kutcher just reached 1,000,000 followers. I think it is crazy. I still have a hard time telling people what I am doing, but it is much better than a website and much easier to follow people. It's great.

 

ABT: Will you catch Lance someday on the number of people following you? 

CV: Never. 

 

ABT: Favorite sport, other than cycling? 

CV: Water skiing. Motocross...almost anything with an engine, mine gets tired every once in a while.

 

ABT: Would you consider riding with 15,000 other riders at next year's Acura LA Bike Tour? 

CV: Of course!

Follow Christian on Twitter or at Team Garmin Slipstream.

Acura LA Bike Tour Tip- Changing a Flat

Former Lance Armstrong mechanic and owner of Fastrack Bicycles shows us the best way to fix a flat.