I suppose a short introduction is in order. Since Melanie Pfautz has moved on to bigger and better things in Atlanta, I have assumed her position as the Off-road Director for the GCC. I hope that I will have a chance to meet with all of the members of the club who are interested in riding off-road and maybe even recruit some new members. Most mountain bikers who are serious about improving their condition and stamina incorporate road cycling into their training routine. Getting on a road bike and pounding out some longer distances can build endurance. Working slightly different muscles in road riding improves overall performance for off-road riding. Many riders do not realize that the benefits work in both directions. Road riders can also benefit from some off-road training. Off-road training can improve your bike handling skills and your overall physical strength on your road bike. That sudden burst of spin that gets you up that short, steep hill builds your muscles. Reacting to that log or tree that seems to pop out of nowhere on the trail may translate into helping you avoid that pot-hole on your next road ride. Still skeptical? You might be surprised if you give it a try. You also might find that you have a lot of fun doing it.
Obviously, it is going to be easier to take my fat tire bike on the road than it would be for you to take your thin tire bike on the trails. But I know that many of you have a mountain bike as well. Maybe it is behind the lawn mower in the garage. Maybe it is the bike you use to get around town or to bike to campus. Maybe it is time give it some real good riding. Now, to help you get out there and enjoy yourselves, I am going to try to organize a semi-regular time for interested riders to go out and get into it. Since things are getting so dark so early now, we are no longer riding on Wednesdays at 5PM. Our rides will meet at 9AM every Saturday at the UF Plaza of the Americas. This is the same location as the A-riders and Gliders. Who knows, maybe some of them will join us in the weeks to come. December 13 will be a special road trip ride in Ocala at HardRock Mountain Bike Park. Please contact me early if you are interested in joining this ride. I will not be riding Dec. 27 or Jan. 3 as I will be out of town. The group may still ride without me. Hopefully, that will be resolved on some of the rides before those dates. I urge any of you road riders to come out for a couple of rides with us. You may see the difference that it makes in your on-road performance. You will definitely have a good time. If you have any questions or suggestions or just want to go for a ride, you can always reach me at braisler@ufl.edu or 338-4594. Until next time… ride on.
Melanie Pfautz, who broke ground as our first Off-Road Director, has joined the real world by taking a full-time job in the Atlanta area. We wish her luck and warm toes as she deals with the rigors of a north Georgia winter!