After the Sand-Del-Lee MX101 Ironman series races and the ANQ, I took a weekend off the MX Bikes.
If you follow the top Canadian MX racers or US MX racers, you will know that “It’s not only about the MX Bike!”
What do I mean, well it is not only about twisting the throttle! (like most non mx people believe is all you need to do to ride a dirt bike fast). I mean training, yes that is what I have been doing. Getting myself into shape and ready for my next goal – qualifying for Lorretta’s at the Regional coming up in 3 weeks. So I switched my BELL MOTO 9 and OAKLEY Mayhem’s for my BELL Cycling helmet and OAKLEY Radarlock glasses then jumped on a bicycle to get in shape.
I love Cycling and you can say it is in my blood! That is where I started with BMX, which took me to Motocross, then I got a really good Mountain Bike and have been doing that for a few years. My Dad and Uncle Glen both raced Moto and then took up Cycling (Mountain and Road) and never stopped and between them they have a number of Canadian Championship medals and have raced around the world (They both still ride Moto for fun now). My Grandpa is 82 and he rides 3-5 days a week at some pretty fast speeds. My Uncle Glen also runs a Club and a pro team “Ride with Rendall” in Ottawa as well as puts on races around the area. Check it out www.ridewithrendall.com. So cycling or should I say two wheel racing is in my blood!
I spend time Mountain Biking for my tougher training rides and for technical bike handling skills, then I would ride on the road with slick tires on my Mountain Bike for easy days or as Dad says – Recovery rides. (Yes I can change my own tires LOL)
This past weekend I got a Road Bike and I am starting to understand what my Dad has been teaching me. Now that I have a Road Bike I see that it really is easier and better than my Mountain Bike with slicks for recovery. So I put lots of time in on the bike and it gives me lots of fitness, technical skills and a break from driving to and from MX101, and something else I can do with my family. We are really lucky living in Ottawa, since there are lots of great Mountain Bike trails around the city or in the Gatineau Park, and Bicycle paths all over the city. I am sure there are lots nice places for you to ride to.
Bike stuff for your ride:
· Water bottle
· Energy Bars or Gels
· Spare Tube
· ID card
· Emergency Contact info on a card
· Pump or C02 cartridges
· Small 4-5-6mm Allen Keys (these are the only tools needed for a bike)
· $5 bill, in-case you run out of energy or have to patch a ripped tire
Bike safety tips:
· Wear a helmet on or off-road
· Wear visible colours so you can be seen
· Stick to bike paths as much possible especially when you are young on a road bike (like me)
· No Texting (I actually saw a guy riding no hands and texting – yikes)
· Always make eye contact with drivers at intersections or driveways and be prepared to shout “Hey” if they pull out in front of you.
· Share the road
· Be courteous to trail users (Hikers, walkers, etc)
· Clipless pedals are best, but learn to use them before you hit the trail or road so you don’t fall over on the trail or in traffic.
· Watch out for people walking their dogs, or should I say watch out for their leashes they will take you down!
Now I revealed some secrets and tips, now keep it on two wheels and get out and train and increase your MX speed!
Don’t be surprised if I show up at a Motocross track in the Ride with Rendall Team van, my uncle said I could use it sometime.
Thomas Rendall 494
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