This Sunday we are facing our first real hill. Here are some tips for getting up Torrey Pines.
Don’t stand up.
Standing up helps for a few seconds.
But then legs burn out fast .
Then the kids collapse.
And stop.
And block the riders behind him/her.
Now everyone has to stop.
And you now have to start on an uphill. And you are frustrated. We don’t want that.
Instead Shift and Stay Seated.
Shift into a lower gear (low numbers) before you get to the hill. Don’t wait too long
Stay in your seat
Try to make it to the top without stopping.
Ride Slowly and Steadily. (Fast and Furious burn out your legs)
Stay in a low gear and “hamster pedal” .
You might be in your lowest gears all the way up the hill.
If your legs are still burning, slow down.
A Note on Walking up a Hill
We don’t. (Unless we are injured)
It doesn’t teach the skills we need.
Our longest RAC hill is 6 miles long. Just saying.
Stop if you need to. Don’t get off your bike. Breathe. Drink. 30 seconds. Go
Review: Scanning and passing
Yes, we obsess over it.
Starting now, you may pass any time you consider it safe to do so (unless we specifically identify a road section as a no-passing zone)
Scan before you pass—every time.
Even if you wear a helmet mirror, scan anyway. By doing so, you signal to the person behind you that you are about to make your move.
Remind other parents to scan and to pass safely.
Remind your kids to scan.
Leave spaces so people can pass safely and merge into the single file line.
Leave at your speed: Don't be the first to leave if you know you are a little slower or the last to leave when you typically ride in the middle of the pack.
Our next ride
Sunday, October 10 The UCSD Art Loop is a really fun one.
Sorrento Valley Park and Ride. 12791 Sorrento Valley Rd. SD 92121
If the parking lot is full, please park on Pointe Del Mar Way or in Dr. Curtis Chang’s dentist office parking lot at 12835 Pointe Del Mar Way #3. We have permission.
Please arrive by 8:45 a.m. We start promptly at 9 a.m.
We climb Torrey Pines via the outside route.
Even though there is a double bike path, we single file.
On the UCSD campus, we
regroup at the Sun God and take a picture. It’s tradition.
ride through the Talking Trees (though they are usually quiet on weekends)
pass The Fallen Star
and pedal past the Bear.
Click on the links. These art installations are fun to visit (on another day)