unis libris’ sunday Group ride

Sun, 1 Nov 2009 19:46:12 -0500

When I joined their Sunday ride from Grayson, the overall sense and ‘feel’ of the ride is much different since moving the starting point to Loganville. Before, this was a settled group of cyclists with several who could go as fast as you would want but even with the speed, this felt like a calm & relaxed group. I just didn’t get the sense of the testosterone overload that many rides in Atlanta have...and I liked the fresh change. Also, just before the ride rolls out, someone always prays out loud for the ride as a whole; personally, as a Christ-follower, that is what drew me to be a part of this weekly ride.
My goal as a professional cycling coach has always been to help cyclists truly become aware of the implications of all aspects of safety. As you read these ride reviews, I trust you learn from others mistakes, becoming more aware and a safer cyclist...for you and those who ride near you.
The ride starts out an even pace but soon turns up a notch (or three) because the terrain is soft rolling and flat roads. There seems to be disorganization in riding together or (my sense is) that maybe it is due to the lack of accurate knowledge of how to safely ride together while showing respect to everyone else around you. As is very typical with almost every group ride I do, when pace lines have actually formed during this ride and stay in somewhat of a very rough line, many swerve side to side and the pace line turns into sort of a brutal zig zag. This is the result of those not knowing or understanding the significance of feather braking while staying in a true pace line. One guy I rode behind for a while never touched his brakes when getting too close to the guy in front of him; he just continued to swerve side to side to slow down.
1. this kills the efficiency of a pace line
2. this type of ride is no longer predictable in a safe way; he is predictable but you would not want to be like this rider
3. it kills any sense of a draft for the person directly behind him, me or anyone else
4. disrupts the momentum of everyone behind those who swerve. now you have the accordion affect
Trust me, feather braking is what you want to do. Take each of the 4 points I mentioned above and turn that into a positive. That’s what feather braking does. Become an expert of this skill.
Next, during a fast flat section I was in a group of about 5 riders and I was riding in #3 position. When the front guy pulled out to the side after a kick butt pace, the guy in front of me bolted off abruptly. Major no-no as he basically just slapped the guy across the face for doing an incredible pull (major understatement!!!). This abrupt acceleration eliminated the guy that pulled off from ever grabbing any wheel in our group; he was oxygen spent and just could not hang on. I rode up next to this new leader and asked him if he knew what he did; he responded no. I explained to him about how to properly transition while showing proper respect to those who pull up front. BUT, I have to commend this guy because he listened and wanted to learn to do things right. He got it and will become a better rider for it.
While I was explaining this, one guy in front of us overheard me and made a few comments that I needed to back off and basically mind my own business. I was quite surprised because it had nothing to do with him but that didn’t stop his comments. Later, while rolling thru a stop sign, he quickly rode up to me and made another comment about me not stopping. Out in the middle of nowhere with no traffic in sight, I did roll thru the stop sign but I definitely slowed my pace down and was prepared to stop if any cars rolled up. Technically, I should have stopped as that is the law!!!
A few miles later we were going thru a stretch that had gravel in the middle of the road and since there was no organized riding formation (single or double pace line) and everyone was spread across the entire lane, I called out “gravel middle” twice. BTW, I always call out when the pace is slowing to avoid rear end collisions, holes or whatever in the road. Since I am blocking the view of riders behind me, it is my responsibility to indicate where potential hazards are. No sooner did I call out the gravel, did this same guy, who was 4 bikes in front of me, turned around and asked me who was I talking to...him??? First of all, he gained no benefit of my indication and he knew I was not talking to him. He preceded to tell me I needed to shut my mouth because this ride has been going on for 3 years and no one needed me to say/point out anything. I was totally stunned!!! This sport is too inherently dangerous as it is and it is our responsibility to let those behind us know where the danger is. A minute later, another guy came up beside me and told me I should just stop calling out so that I wouldn’t make the guy mad; I told him that I would never stop doing the right thing.
I was completely shocked that any cyclist would ever tell another cyclist to shut our mouth when it impacts the safety of all riders. Until we are surrounded by 4000 lbs of steel when we ride our bikes, then I will continue to call out potential hazards in the road and I hope you will do the same.
To the benefit of several, some were pointing out hazards in the road without any verbal communication; that is perfectly acceptable. However, using your hands to point out danger...and using your voice is also perfectly acceptable, and arguably safer. What if the rider behind you is looking down at their computer, looking down to grab or replace their bottle (all real world examples) and you point out hazards without a verbal warning, too? Anytime you can eliminate potential danger, you should.
Do I like this ride? Absolutely, I love the ride, the terrain. Let this incident remind us all to pay attention to every rider around us, as they absolutely have a direct affect on our safety!!! I will do this ride again and I will continue to call out danger in the road, as I do every time I get on my bike.
See ya on the road...

weekly group ride in the dark??????

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 21:22:15 -0400

Who says that weekly group rides have to end this time of year? Not me!!!

Starting Dec 3rd, I will be leading a weekly Thursday night group ride at St. Mtn Park at 6:30pm. We will meet in the main parking lot in downtown St. Mtn Village by the railroad tracks and ride into the park. Pace will be approx. 17-18 mph and will be a no-drop ride for 25 miles. As the ride grows, we can possibly form an A, B & C group will varying distances.

Helmets, headlights and taillights are required...no exceptions!!! If you have thought about riding in the dark, this is your golden opportunity. Tell all your cycling friends and let’s have a huge turnout for this inaugural event.

See ya on the road...(in the dark)

special events

Sun, 25 Oct 2009 20:00:15 -0400

Lots of great and inexpensive chances to increase your confidence and riding skill, including:

~ unique spin class, Nov 7 & Dec 5 (a spin class focusing on technique (e.g. efficient pedaling and body position) 20 spin bikes and 20 spots to bring your own bike/trainer...YOU GET TO CHOOSE!!!
~ special 20 mile group ride, Nov 14 (20 miles, 20 cyclists, $20- you get to ask about anything cycling)
~ riding skills classes, Dec 12 (beginner/intermediate & advanced level classes)

All details on my website. Classes are small for a reason; to make sure that 1-on-1 environment is not lost. During the upcoming off season, work on your technique; you will be amazed at the difference.

My recovery (Kelly wilhite)

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 19:59:12 -0400

Hello everyone,

My name is Kelly Wilhite; my husband Robert sent out an email about my bicycle crash I had on Sunday. He showed me all the responses of prayer, encouragement, and endless offers to help. As a new cyclist (only 3 months), it was a bit overwhelming but incredible that sooo many people responded, even though we never met. Robert always uses the term 'cycling community' and now I have seen/experienced it first hand. Thank you SO MUCH for your outreach!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Each day I seem to find new bruises and feel more stiffness in my back and neck and new challenges with lacerations too. God is sooooooo good to me and I am sure He has a wonderfully good purpose for this happening now. I am so grateful that it happened when I was on a ride with Robert and glad I blacked out.

The pain and stiffness can be quite yucky and a bit irritating and I am taking pain meds but trying to extend out the time on that. They are not very strong and really only take the edge off from the severe pain and discomfort. God has given me desire and faith to persevere and endure through trials so I won’t let anything get the better of me (namely the enemy and my own self) yet I am being wise about taking care of myself and Robert is certainly ensuring I am taken care of too. There are moments, though, that a teary breakdown has happened yet I don’t allow myself to dwell in those moments as life is too short for that.

Without Robert teaching me good technique and to pay attention to my surroundings when riding, I would have thought that I did something wrong and that I caused this accident. But that's not the case. I know my husband has an overwhelming passion for safety for himself, me and the cycling community as a whole. All that he has taught me, I find myself having that same passion, not to mention the great thrill I get from riding. Watch out for yourself and others, have great fun, and maybe I'll see you out on the road...
☺☺☺
Kelly...

From Robert:
As I have said in one of my earlier updates, Kelly and I are SOOOO appreciative of the incredible emails rallying together on our behalf. If we could only be able to personally meet each of you and share our heartfelt gratitude for your love/support; it would be such an honor!!!!

To show you how small our cycling community is, one person who sent us an email actually knew the couple who was there at the accident and jumped in to offer to take our bikes home w/them while I was running over to jump in the ambulance w/Kelly. How cool is that???

Kelly is right, I do have an immeasurable passion for this sport and I want to do as much as I can to make it safer....for everyone.

See ya on the road...

Kelly (my wife) is on the mend

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 17:35:24 -0400

Once the MRI ruled out any spinal or cervical damage, the trauma surgeon removed her neck brace and we came home Monday night. I won’t say it was easy but just being home vs. a hospital room really makes a difference. Kelly is a trooper (major understatement) and just has no quit in her. She is determined to show the Dr.’s just how God can heal His kids. Yes, this was tragic but we choose not to focus on the accident; we choose to seek the good in this (and there are numerous ones) and give our God the incredible praise He deserves. Yes, bad things happen to good people...that’s life. Life is no respecter of men. Though we live our life with faith in Jesus, that doesn’t mean we are immune to bad things. It just means we have someone to lean on when everything seems overwhelming and impossible. This accident took us by surprise...not Him. He knows our needs and we trust HIm totally.

Kelly continually asks me how soon she can exercise...even ride the bike; though she has big hesitations right now. She said she can’t imagine life w/o riding her bike. I fully expect to see her on the bike just as soon as she can tolerate the pain and when her broken bones are healed.

I am energized and encouraged by her fortitude and unwavering determination. Baby, you are the best...even before your ‘high speed get off’.

See ya on the road...