All up to date 2021 Texas bicycle rides in one location

It’s a new year, and for cyclists that might mean…

• Honoring a renewed commitment to finding time to ride
• The creation of a new training plan for the upcoming season
• Or the excitement of fresh inspiration—for example, getting out to ride when winter conditions aren’t ideal

However you approach cycling in 2020, take a moment to appreciate the simple joy that riding a bike brings and consider how it enriches your life. It’s hard to beat a beautiful summer ride, but while you’re dreaming of those be sure to consider the unique opportunities winter provides.

With winter comes all the inclement weather that persuades many of us to take the bike indoors.

But do you have to miss out on a whole season of training? With indoor trainers, certainly not! In fact, there are even some advantages to trainers that you wouldn’t otherwise get on the road.

Virtually all the new trainers on the market now are smart, meaning they measure outputs like speed and distance—with additional options for power, cadence and heart rate—and send the information wirelessly to an app on your chosen device. These metrics to help you dial in the effectiveness of your training and the apps help you create and adhere to a plan while providing the motivation of being a part of an online community.

For example, Zwift is the most popular virtual training software for cycling, but other options include the Sufferfest (which includes specialized programs on mental toughness and yoga for cyclists), TrainerRoad, and many others. With these apps you can manipulate your trainer’s resistance to create simulations of real riding conditions, improving your workout and preserving your sanity. There is also the upcoming CVRcade, an esports gaming platform that promises to shift indoor cycling in an entirely new direction.

There are three broad categories of trainers you should know about: direct drive, friction, and rollers. They vary considerably in price, noise level, stability, portability, and resistance variability. Let’s take a look at what all that means for your indoor training.

Direct Drive

Direct drive trainers are the latest and greatest in indoor cycling. Your bike is attached to the resistance unit by way of rear dropouts, meaning you remove the rear wheel and hook your drivetrain directly up to a cassette on the trainer. Resistance is either magnetic or flywheel and can be adjusted with the associated apps.

Pros

• Smart: they communicate metrics like speed, distance, cadence (optional), and power (optional; accurate to within 2%) via Bluetooth and/or ANT+
• Adjustable incline: 10-24% for the models listed below
• Capacity for high resistance and stability for out-of-the-saddle efforts
• Many are virtually silent
• Compatible with standard 130/135 mm skewers and the full range of thru-axle sizes

Cons

• High cost: the models below range from $800 to $1400
• Weight: units are heavier (40-47 lbs) and therefore not as portable as friction units
• Desirable options may require an additional big purchase like membership to an online training community

Favorite direct drive units include the Wahoo Kickr series, the Kinetic R1, the Elite Direto and Drivo II, and the Tacx Neo and Flux.

Friction

These recognizable trainers utilize fluid or magnetic resistance in a drum that your rear tire rolls directly against.

Pros

• Weight: units are relatively light (15-30 lbs) and portable, making them a great option for warming up at races or while traveling
• Cost: basic (non-smart) units can be found as affordably as $80; the units below range from $300 to $550

Cons

• Friction against the drum causes increased rear tire wear
• Noisier than direct drive resistance units
• Often require the purchase of adaptors to accommodate the wide variety of mountain bike rear axles

Favorite basic trainers include the Kinetic Road Machine and Rock and Roll Smart 2 models, and the CycleOps Fluid 2, all of which can be upgraded to be smart.

Rollers

Love them, hate them or fear them, rollers are the most realistic way to ride indoors, because your bike isn’t secured to a frame and can therefore move freely. Riding rollers trains your bike handling skills, requires more core muscle engagement, and can improve your pedaling efficiency. However, rollers can be a harsh mistress (a quick search on YouTube revealed an assortment of roller fail videos) due to the steep learning curve. Many people initially learn to ride rollers in a doorway, allowing for a quick hand on the wall to stabilize if you lose your balance. The size of the cylinder, or drum, dictates the responsiveness of the rollers—meaning the larger the drum, the easier it is to handle the bike. Small-diameter drums offer a more sensitive ride and experienced riders will appreciate the higher demand for technical skill.  

Pros

• Can improve bike handling and pedaling efficiency
• Low cost is comparable to basic (non-smart) friction trainers
• Portability: easy to fold up and travel with

Cons

• Instability: may not be appropriate for all skill levels or for high-intensity intervals
• Limited resistance variability

Kreitler rollers are durable, have been around for decades, and are made in the USA. Choose larger drum sizes for an easier ride, or the smallest diameter option for up to 90% more resistance.

Elite offers a smart option for their rollers, utilizing the Misuro B+ sensor to connect with their proprietary training software.

Finally, CycleOps Aluminum rollers are adjustable within five levels of magnetic resistance.

With all the options on the market today, there is definitely a trainer to meet your needs. Indoor workouts can be easier to track and the logistical demands are minimal compared to outdoor rides. New technologies can provide mental stimulation and the motivation of being part of a training community, even while you ride in the comfort and convenience of your living room. But if riding indoors still isn’t your thing, maybe it’s time to consider the new year an opportunity to brave the elements and start a new habit of winter riding!

For more information on individual trainer models, check out this Bicycling article, this post on BikeRadar, and this Popular Mechanics analysis.

For some basic trainer workout ideas—no fancy software required—check out this article.

And share your favorite way to ride indoors in the comments below!

“Mountains” is not a word associated with Texas. But, the Davis Mountains boast some of the most spectacular scenery in Texas. With plenty of climbs, low traffic roads, and generally temperate weather, it is a “must-do” road trip for any Texas cyclist.

The most famous route is called the Fort Davis scenic loop (peak elevation of 6,375’). At 75 miles and over 4,000 feet of climbing, it is very challenging. The beautiful scenery and light traffic make it the apex of any trip to the Davis Mountains. Once you finish the main climbing, you start a descent from the McDonald observatory that is not for the faint of heart. I had to hit my brakes when I hit 42 mph, but for thrill seekers, you could probably hit 50 mph.

A popular route in the area is the Fort Davis/Marfa/Alpine triangle. It provides a great ride through the Texas art mecca of Marfa, Alpine, and back to Fort Davis, which has the highest elevation of any county seat in Texas; the elevation is 4,900 feet (1,500 m). While in Marfa, drop into the Hotel Paisano. It is a classic attraction and where the movie “Giant” was filmed. Many pictures of James Dean, Rock Hudson and Elizabeth Taylor are great reminders of how big the movie was (no pun intended).

In hot weather, a ride to Balmorhea State Park (temporarily closed for repairs) from Fort Davis is a great 70 mile round trip. At the halfway point you can dive into the crystal-clear water of the world’s largest spring-fed swimming pool and cool off..

I had a chance to enjoy the ride with the Fort Worth Bicycling Association. A group of wonderful people who use their annual ride as a fundraiser for the Jefferson Davis County Food Bank. The commeradory and a chance to meet such a great group of people made the trip worthwhile on its own. A shout out to H.C. Gordon, who is a special person who takes great care of the riders.

When not riding, there are several “can’t miss” attractions. The McDonald observatory offers stargazing parties that are once-in-a-lifetime experience. Marfa is home of the famous “Marfa Lights” that you can’t see anywhere else. Marfa also has many of the finest art galleries in Texas. Plan a full day to see them all. For those who enjoy authentic Texas cuisine, don’t miss the original Riata Restaurant in Alpine with their jalapeno macaroni and cheese.

There are numerous hotels in the area. We stayed at the Stone Village Motel and Campground which provided the real vibe of Fort Davis and its laid back style.

If you go, take your own equipment. There are no bike shops in the area.

Ride On’

By David Jackson

Have you ever noticed your hands going a little numb during a ride? Maybe you’ve even dealt with severe numbness that’s gotten in the way of riding?

Don’t fear—the WheelBrothers have some answers for you!

Keep reading to learn about your ulnar nerve (which travels from your neck into your hand) and about how it commonly gets compressed by the pressure of your hands on the bars—causing the symptoms of “handlebar palsy.”

What is my ulnar nerve?

Bear with us as we take a moment to dive into the nitty gritty of some anatomy! Your ulnar nerve is one of three major nerves that originate in your spinal cord and travel out of your neck, across the front of your shoulder, and down into your arm.

As this nerve passes down the backside of your arm, it crosses your elbow through the cubital tunnel, where it is vulnerable to getting whacked—often referred to as “hitting your funny bone.” From the elbow, the nerve eventually travels through Guyon’s canal at the bony bottom corner of your hand, right below your pinkie. Here, it divides into sensory and motor branches.

This is where the ulnar nerve is most vulnerable to compression during a bike ride: when your hands are resting in a position that puts direct pressure on it while simultaneously absorbing vibrations and bumps from the road. You might experience numbness if the sensory branch is getting squeezed, or could even feel weakness or difficulty moving your hand if the motor branch gets pressed on for an extended period.

The posture of your entire upper body during cycling can also contribute to the ulnar nerve getting irritated, due partially to your neck’s extended position as you look forward, narrowing the openings that the nerve roots exit the spinal canal through, not to mention how they have to pass the tightened pectoralis muscles as they cross the front of your shoulder.

Once the ulnar nerve is primed by that pressure above your shoulder, it’s that much more likely to become symptomatic in your hand.

Whew!

Some of us are luckier than others, and our bodies are more tolerant to being in the flexed “on-bike” position. Others might need to do a little more work to keep our upper body flexible and symptom-free.

What can I do if my hands are numb or weak?

First, decide how serious the symptoms are. If they happen occasionally or your symptoms are mild, you might consider starting with self-treatment and see how it goes. If you’re having issues with hand weakness off the bike or if symptoms are severe, consider checking in with a medical professional sooner rather than later.

Here are some WheelBrothers’ suggestions for getting rid of those numb hands:

• Change hand positions frequently during a ride.

This one is pretty self-explanatory! Sit up and stretch your arms and neck often, and shift your hands around from tops to hoods to drops. The longer the ride, the more important this is.

• Replace bar tape, add padding, or get new gloves.

People can be very particular about how they like their bars wrapped, and there are some strong opinions about gel padding under tape! But consider that, while it might take a little time to get used to something new on your bike (3-4 weeks is suggested for settling into a new bike fit, for example), adjusting to a slight increase in the diameter of your bar will happen relatively quickly. After all, Paris Roubaix riders often double wrap, and if it’s good enough for the pros, maybe it’s worth a try!

If you’re not into messing with your bar set-up, consider some new gloves with more padding. If you’re really feeling ready to get rid of numb hands, check out this link to DIY double-wrapping, thicker bar tape options and a video on installing gel pads.

• Try these home stretches and exercises.

Since we spend so much time in a fairly stationary position on the bike (aside from those furiously pedaling legs), even cyclists without hand symptoms would do well to incorporate some kind of mobility program into their training. The following are simple and a great place to start:

1. 1. Pec stretches on a foam roll or at the wall
   2. Nerve glides
   3. Scapular strength
   4. Starfishing
   5. Use a lacrosse ball or foam roll to mobilize your pecs and the muscles around your shoulders. Check out this video for a full routine with the Great Britain Cycling Team.

• Check in with your local physical therapist.

If the first three tips didn’t help you out, it’s time to get serious! As movement and rehabilitation specialists, PTs offer a great place to start and will evaluate your posture, strength, and flexibility to create a recovery plan tailored to you. Some can even assess your position on the bike to see if your fit is contributing to the problem.

• Get a bike fit.

And speaking of fit…shifting your position on the bike can lessen pressure on the hands and open up the chest, taking tension off of the ulnar nerve. Seek out a professional to see if your fit may be part of the problem.

You have several options, including experienced local bike shop employees, physical therapists, and professional fitters. Look for someone nearby so you can easily return for follow-up tweaks or ask your riding buddies for their recommendations. Check out this WheelBrothers post for a more in-depth look at fits.

Well, that’s it! A basic overview of ulnar neuropathy, also known as “handlebar palsy” in cyclists. The suggestions above are not medical advice and do not take the place of a professional exam. When in doubt, check in with your PT or primary care provider to get a personalized assessment of what’s going on.

And don’t delay in addressing numb or weak hands—what starts out as easy-to-fix nerve irritation can progress to a longer-term problem that keeps you off the bike altogether. Taking your flexibility and strength into your own hands will allow you to continue riding those beautiful Texas roads!

Five short years ago, it started with a Kickstarter campaign. The founders of 3 West Design had an idea for a high-performance bicycle saddle that they felt would fill a need in the cycling community—both locally to North Texas and country-wide.

This grass-roots start-up was passionate about their idea, and that idea took hold. They describe their supporters and funders as “saints, sticking with us (a long time) until we finished the saddle.” The 3 West team raised $34,448 for their first saddle.

And it didn’t stop there. The company’s multiple saddles today are sold directly through their website, 3westdesign.com, and through local bike shops where they have a close partnership with the cycling community.

The team at 3 West has continued to innovate and support—quite literally—the cycling community, recently with another product launch, this time of their new wide-design Trinity Saddle. The design extends past their standard saddles to a 155mm-width, providing greater surface area for maximum comfort.

The Trinity Saddle is the third model from 3 West Design and incorporates their carefully-engineered redistribution strategy. This saddle build provides a dropped midsection and a V-shaped notch for the perineum (The space between your anus and vulva/scrotum. Delightful!).

Most notably, the Trinity also provides a wider solution with a total width of 155mm to support the innovative “Comfort Surface” technology. This includes a soft, padded insert that runs the entire length of the nose.

How was the Trinity Saddle designed?

3 West Design owner Jon Marceleno is especially animated when talking about the design, explaining in detail the science behind it. “Our increased saddle comfort is based on simple physics. A 180-pound rider averages 90 pounds of pressure on a very small area. Normal saddles put half of that weight on soft tissue.”

The team at WheelBrothers, when discussing the Trinity with Marceleno, exchanged knowing looks over the discomfort the pressure on soft tissue can bring.  Let’s face it, nobody likes what the GodFather likes to call “numb nuts”!

Marceleno continued, “Our structure simply distributes pressure on the sit bones, less on soft tissue, for a more comfortable ride. Our dropped mid-saddle relieves the direct pressure you feel in other performance saddles. Your soft tissue then rests on a softer foam insert, which is the Comfort Surface.”

The design of the Trinity Saddle resonates loud and clear for many riders in the local community. Especially with Texas summer heat rolling in, any step in the direction of comfort is one the community is eager to consider.

What else is there to know about the Trinity Saddle?

In addition to the Comfort Surface, the Trinity Saddle weighs only 257 grams, making it a lightweight saddle in spite of its greater width.

The Trinity, retailing at $155, also comes with 3 West Design’s standard 30-day money-back guarantee. All of 3 West’s saddles are designed and partially manufactured in the U.S. and are produced through the company’s ongoing relationship with Velo.

What inspired the Trinity? And what’s next?

Marceleno shared with WheelBrothers, “We’re proud to provide the Trinity, which joins the Halcyon as a lightweight performance saddle with the Comfort Service. We’re excited to expand our engineering attributes to two women’s saddles soon, too.”

Indeed, 3 West Design has been fast at work on multiple saddle designs since its founding in 2014. Currently, they’re testing one women’s saddle with their patented Air Chamber, and another with their Foam Insert.

“Each will feature a 90-degree sit area to meet women’s sit bone structure and provide a full relief area for their soft tissue needs,” Marceleno explained.

These two women’s saddles are on-target to hit the market in early summer 2019. For more information, go to their website at https://www.3westdesign.com/.