Sunday Sport Rides
Wheel Life column - 10 April, 1999
by Todd Litman and Suzanne Kort - Victoria Transport Policy Institute

You can come out now!

It's time to shed heavy layers of clothing, fenders and lights, and emerge like a butterfly from its chrysalis into spring. After experiencing one of the wettest, stormiest winters on record, you'll really appreciate the sunshine.

So, what is a cyclist to do? Of course, it's now easier to ride to work and for errands. But let's enjoy some purely recreational riding, too. Just you, your bicycle, and the open road.

Today's recommended route is an 80-kilometre ride from Victoria to the tip of the Saanich Peninsula. It's an ideal sport ride, although perhaps a little long for many riders this early in the season. There are, of course, many shorter variations.

By "sport rides" we mean medium- to fast-paced one-day rides of 30 kilometres or more, primarily on low-traffic, rural roads. You'll experience the exhilaration of fast riding, enjoy some attractive scenery, and get a good workout. After it's over, you can look forward to a really decadent dessert and a satisfying hot bath as your well-earned reward.

Beginning tomorrow, the Greater Victoria Cycling Coalition will sponsor regular sport rides. The first one leaves from the Cook Street Village Moka House (345 Cook Street) Sunday morning at 10:00 a.m. Participants will choose the route. There may be more than one group, depending on the number of riders who show up and their preferences for distance and speed. For information call Brian Collier at 385-0885.

Here are some suggestions for enjoyable sport cycling.

Ride early in the day, if possible. You'll encounter less vehicle traffic and, come summer, less heat. Many cyclists ride 50-80 kilometres before lunch, and still have half the day left for other activities.

Use a suitable bicycle. A sport bicycle is lightweight, with skinny wheels and drop handlebars. Some riders use a mountain bike fitted with smooth, narrow tires but they must work extra hard to maintain a fast pace.

Be in adequate physical condition. Exercise regularly (cycle, run, swim, skate) to maintain aerobic condition, and ride as much as you can during the week to develop your riding ability.

Wear cycling clothes, which are designed to be aerodynamic, and provide just the right amount of padding at those critical points where you and your bicycle connect: seats and palms.

Be careful when riding in a group. Experienced cyclists often form a "paceline," with riders positioned a few inches behind each other to take advantage of the leader's slipstream. This requires skill to maintain a steady, predictable pace, and concentration to watch for hazards.

Obey traffic rules. Each rider in a group should yield or stop as required. You can ride side-by-side on stretches of road with minimal traffic for a little friendly conversation, but form a single-file line when faster vehicles approach from behind.

Keep groups small. Five or six is ideal, and eight is the maximum. Break up larger groups to make it easier for faster vehicles to pass.

You should be able to take care of your own needs for drink, snacks, navigation, and emergency repairs. Novices often get left behind by the group, so be prepared to find your own way home.