Narragansett Bay Wheelmen (NBW)
This is one of the largest cycling
groups on the east coast. They have weekly
rides, even throughout the winter, and their famous Flattest
Century ride.
Wakefield
Stedman's has a great listing of
bike rides, check
them out!
Scituate Tuesday
night time trials with Providence Bicycle, in partnership with
Tri New England, is hosting a series of time trials every Tuesday
evening. The ride is a 15-mile rolling loop around the Scituate
Reservoir, with the first bike leaving at 6:00. Park at Crazy
Corners (the intersection of Rt. 102 & Rt. 14 in Scituate).
Scituate Holy
Apostle Church on the corner of RT. 12 & Pippin Orchard Rd.
in western Cranston, near the reservoir. Tuesday and Thursday at 5:30 pm.
2021
ride cancelled: The
Flattest Century in the East (RI)
NBW Board meeting it was decided
that the club cannot run its annual TFCE (The Flattest Century in the
East) this year. It's a devastating decision for a club to have to
take, and we're very sorry to have to disappoint you, but for reasons
of safety and logistics it's just not possible. We are determined,
however, that TFCE will return, as will all our beloved NBW rides on
the backroads of Southern New England. Until then, stay safe; stay healthy.
May through August, 2021:
Road Racing, Lincoln, RI
Racing runs from May through
August. Located on Powder Hill Rd. in Lincoln Industrial Park. There
are two races, both on Wednesdays: a cat 5 race that starts at 6:00
pm and a cat 1/2/3/4 race that starts at 6:30. You can purchase a
one-day license just before the race for $7, $35 for the season. The
cost for the race itself is $5. There are one-two warm-up laps. The
cat 5 race is "coached" with an experienced rider giving
pointers. The cat 5 averages well over 20 mph. The race is run in the
rain, but not if there's lightening. If the race is cancelled, it is
not rescheduled. If you want more details: EBCC Training Series,
David Garneau, 1 DuCarl Dr. Lincoln, RI 02865, 401/333-4875.
December 7-8, 2019: NBX
Gran Prix of 'Cross, Goddard Memorial Park, Warwick, RI
For info. go here.
BikeReg
A great site listing all road and
off-road races throughout New England.
Bike-On
- Adaptive Bicycles
72 College St., Warwick, RI
02886, 888/4-BIKE-ON (888/424-5366), 401/615-0339 Blackstone
Bicycles
391 Mendon Rd., Cumberland, RI
02864, 401/335-3163
Bristol Bikes
Selling electric bikes and the
repair of all types of bicycles.
267 Thames St., Bristol, RI
02809, 401/675-2000 Brumble
Bikes
166 Main Street Westerly, RI
02891, 401/315-0230 Chapman
Cycles - Rhode Island's Premier Bike Builder
The bikes that I make under my
name are intended to push the limits of my craftsmanship and my
vision of the true integrated bicycle. I’m trying to take my
work to new levels where I can explore new technologies while still
adhering to a classic aesthetic. I try to get to this new level by
seeing the bike as a whole before making the first file stroke. With
that mental image, I can then start the design and pay attention to
the details during the build. I love the details. The details show
that care, thought, and consideration went into every aspect of the
frame and its components. I am focusing on mostly commuter,
randonneur, and touring bikes right now. Riding along the back roads
of Rhode Island and socializing with my friends is the essence of
cycling to me. The bike is the vehicle that gets me to that feeling
and it’s the thing I don’t want to be concerned about when
I’m bombing down a bumpy old road. But the bike is also the
thing I want to look at and appreciate when it comes time to take a
break. Brian Chapman Circle
A Cycles
523 Charles St., Providence, RI
02904, 401/831-5221 Dash
Bicycle Shop
267 Broadway, Providence, RI
02903, 401/453-DASH (3274) E.
Providence Cycle
414 Warren Ave, East Providence,
RI 02914, 401/434-3838
111 Crescent View Ave.,
Riverside, RI 02915, 401/437-2453 Legend
Bicycle
181 Brook St, Providence, RI
02906, 401/383-3070 My
Re-Cycled Bike
26 Mill St., Woonsocket, RI
02895, 401/636-0960 NBX
Bikes
922 Boston Neck Rd.,
Narragansett, RI 02882, 401/782-4444 Pedal
Power
789 W. Main Rd., Middletown, RI
02842, 401/846-7525 Providence
Bicycle
725 Branch Ave. (closed for
remodeling), Providence, RI 02904, 401/331-6610
150 Lambert Lind Hwy., Warwick,
RI 02886, 401/773-7733
337 Warren Ave.,E. Providence, RI
02914, 401/228-6991 Ray
Willis Bikes
53 Railroad Ave., Westerly, RI
02891, 401/596-1045 Ten
Speed Spokes
18 Elm St., Newport, RI 02840, 401/847-5609 Trek
Bicycles
3480 Post Rd., Warwick, RI 02886, 401/739-0393
729 Hope St, Providence, RI
02906, 401/274-5300
414 Warren Ave, East Providence,
RI, 401/434-3838 Wee
Bike Shop
3566 Post Rd., Warwick, RI 02886, 401/654-0029 W.
E. Stedman Co. Bikes
196 Main St., Wakefield, RI
02879, 401/789-8664 Your
Bike Shop
459 Willett Ave., Riverside, RI
02915, 401/433-4491
51 Cole St., Warren, RI 02885, 401/245-9755
Helmets
became compulsory in the Tour de France in 2003, after the death of Andrey
Kivilev.
What to do if you’re hit
by a car
First of all, call 911 and ask
for the police and EMS, then do this.
Be Considerate!
If a driver allows you to pass in
front of them, it's always good practice to acknowledge their
generosity with a wave or nod (cyclists need all the good will we can muster).
Regarding Earphones
In some states it is illegal to
have any sort of headphone covering your ears while operating a motor
vehicle or bicycle. Florida law, for example, states, "No person
shall operate a vehicle while wearing a headset, headphone, or other
listening device" (Section 316.304). In other states the law
permits wearing headphones as long as one ear remains uncovered, and
in still others wearing both earpieces may be permitted. Finally, in
many states there is no law on the books at all. The absence of a law
does not necessarily mean wearing headphones is permitted, though;
the best course would be to check with your local department of vehicles.
Even in states that have laws on
the books, the legality of headphone use while riding is confusing.
For example, while Florida bans the use of headphones, there is an
exception for using a cell phone with a headset that "only
provides sound through one ear and allows surrounding sounds to be
heard with the other ear." Is this the equivalent of listening
to music with one earpiece out (which, parenthetically, produces an
awful sound)? In your question you referenced people getting ticketed
in California, where the law states, "A person operating a motor
vehicle or bicycle may not wear a headset covering, or earplugs in,
both ears" (CA Vehicle Code Section 27400). This would suggest
that listening to headphones is permitted if you have only one
earpiece in, but again the law is not as clear as it could be.
If you are using a personal music
device and are injured in an accident with a negligent driver, it is
certain that the insurance company will attempt to pin some or all
the blame on you, making recovery of your damages more difficult.
Source: Legally Speaking with Bob
Mionske: Listen up!
By Robert Mionske, JD
August 4, 2005
http://www.bikeforums.net/archive/index.php/t-127896.html
You wear a helmet but are you
wearing it properly?
Teamwork
Give a helping hand, watch for
problems (loose straps, loose equipment), and help each other to be
safe and enjoy the ride.
Be Predictable
Group riding requires even more
attention to predictability than riding alone. Other riders expect
you to ride straight, at a constant speed, unless you indicate differently.
Communicate
Use hand and verbal signals to
communicate with members of the group and with other traffic.
Hand Signals
Change Positions Correctly
Generally, slow traffic stays
right, so you should try to pass others on their left. Say "ON
YOUR LEFT" to warn the cyclist ahead that you are passing.
If you need to pass someone on the right, say "ON YOUR RIGHT"
clearly since this is an unusual maneuver.
Watch For Traffic Coming From
the Rear
Even when you are occupying the
proper lane position, it often helps to know when a car is coming.
Since those in front cannot see traffic approaching from the rear, it
is the responsibility of the riders in back to inform the others by
saying "car back." Around curves, on narrow roads, or when
riding double, it is also helpful to warn of traffic approaching from
the front with "car up."
Watch Out at Intersections
When approaching intersections
requiring vehicles to yield or stop, the lead rider will say
"slowing" or "stopping" to alert those behind to
the change in speed. Each cyclist is responsible for verifying that
the way is clear before entering the intersection.
Leave a Gap For Cars
When riding up hills or on narrow
roads where you are impeding faster traffic, leave a gap for cars
between every three or four bicycles. Motorists can then take
advantage of shorter passing intervals and eventually move piecemeal
around the entire group.
Move Off the Road When You Stop
Whether you are stopping because
of mechanical problems or to regroup with you companions, move well
off the road so you don't interfere with traffic. It is usually best
for the lead rider to pull forward in the stopping area and for other
riders to pull in behind the rider in front of them. When you start
up again, each cyclist should look for, and yield to, traffic.
Ride One or Two Across
Ride single file or double file
as appropriate to the roadway and traffic conditions and where
allowed by law. Even where riding double is legal, courtesy dictates
that you single up when cars are trying to pass you if the lane is
wide enough for them to safely do so.
Wait at Turns
If the group becomes at all
separated, even by a few dozen meters, someone should wait at the
turn until the next rider arrives at the intersection, and so on
until all riders have made the turn.
Two at the End
For safety and as a courtesy, if
the group spreads out, the last two people should adjust their speed
to ride as a pair. If either should need assistance, they will have a
helping hand.
A few rules of etiquette
for group riding by Amos Brumble
• Be ready to leave on
time-people have places to be.
• Be prepared for the
conditions with the right clothing-being cold or hot isn't fun.
• Have the stuff to fix a
flat-even if you don't know how to use them, someone will help.
• Ride in a straight line
and avoid sudden movements, to avoid crashes from bumping into each other.
• If you are uncomfortable
in groups ride at the back, single file.
• Point or call out hazards
in the road, riders ahead can block the view of the road.
• Stay focused at all times.
• With large groups it can
be difficult to know if someone has a problem so tell someone if you do.
• Riders at the back should
warn riders ahead of cars approaching from behind by calling out
"car back."
• Riders at the front call
out turns, road hazards and approaching cars when needed.
League
of American Bicyclists Smart Cycling Videos
Here you will learn about the
different types of bikes and bicycling gear. You will learn
techniques for improving your ride, your rights as a bicyclist and
how to ride safely on the road.
WEAR
A HELMET
You can't
bike if you're living in a vegetative state!
From www.ibike.org with
additions
by Jeff Herman
Jeff's
Column
The
Best Saddle You Will Ever Own!
Ergon is far and
away the most comfortable saddle I've ever ridden, and I've tried
MANY. Zero pain. None. Nada. What I appreciate about this model is
its flat seat. My sit bones ride high without the any material
rubbing against my nether regions. I swear I could ride a century
bare-assed and feel great at the end. What I'm riding.
The Ergon Web site.
Dealing With Lactic Acid by
Jeff Herman
Lactic acid buildup–a
cyclist's "Achilles heel." I confirmed this technique with
my brother (a doctor). To alleviate the pain associated with lactic
acid, lie on your back and elevate your feet and legs to about 90
degrees (careful not to overstretch your hamstrings).
Stay in this position for 5-10 minutes. By removing the effects of
gravity, the lactic acid in the muscles of the legs can more easily
enter the bloodstream and be more rapidly metabolized. This technique
works for me; it may work for you! And make sure to purchase on Cytomax
to replenish your electrolytes on those long rides! That link hooks
you up to the best deal on the Web.
The Benefits of
Massage for Cyclists
Learn something
new about this
healing art and how it might help you enjoy your time on the
bike and get more out of your workouts.
Dealing With a Warm Water Bottle
Ya know how the liquid in your
water bottle will quickly warm after you start out on a ride? Here
are a couple of soultions when used with insulated bottles:
1. Place your empty bottle in the
freezer for a half hour before filling it with ice water or
electrolyte drink.
2. Put a full bottle in the
refrigerator the night before your ride.
I can ride for three hours on a
very hot day knowing I'll have a cool drink waiting for me whenever I
reach down.
Chain Lube
I've been a loyal Prolink
Chain Lube user since about 1998. They're write-up says it all:
"A thin-bodied lubricant which utilizes metal friction reducer
technology for smooth shifting and a quiet drive train. Does not
build up or become tacky; sheds dirt, mud, and abrasives. Also repels
moisture and prevents corrosion." I have a road bike and can
generally ride over 200 miles before reapplying. There's never the
need to remove the chain for cleaning.
Bike Cleaner ProGold's
Bike Wash is fantastic! It totally blows away stubborn grease
and is environmentally-friendly.
My technique: I first wet down my
bike with a hose using the fine spray setting (you can also use a
spray bottle). This is to remove any heavy grime. I then spray Bike
Wash over the entire bike, including the wheels. After waiting a few
minutes for the Wash to penetrate the grease on the drivetrain, I use
a stiff brush and clean the divetrain first. I then use a soft brush
to clean the frame and wheels. Lastly, I rinse the bike and dry it
immediately (critical, especially on a steel bike). After applying Prolink's
Chain Lube to the drivetrain and all pivot points on the bike, I
finish by waxing the entire bike including all components (don't
forget that aluminum corrodes if not protected).
Bike Wax
With Meguiar's
Quik Wax, all you do is spray it on and buff it off. It's
non-toxic and produces a good hard surface.
Quite Possibly the Best Tail
Light on the Market
I have this model.
With 250 lumins, you'll be seen for over a mile away!
Keep Identification in Your
Bike Bag
Your bike bag should contain a
laminated piece of paper containing the following information: your
post office box address (I would think twice about using your street
address for burglary reasons), phone number, existing medical
conditions, medications and vitamins you're taking, primary
physician's address & phone number, and contacts of who has your five
wishes advance directive.
Protect Your Pant Cuff!
Practical protection ideas! Check
them out.
Cleaning Your
Water
Bottle
Have you ever forgotten to clean
your water bottle or have allowed grime to build up in the cap?
Here's how to clean them: Fill the bottle with hot water and drop in
two denture cleaning tablets and let sit for one half hour. For the
cap, fill a glass with hot water and drop the dissembled cap and
components in (again, let it sit for one half hour). Empty and rinse
the bottle and rinse the cap thoroughly. Done.
Bonking
What causes an athlete to
"hit the wall" during intense exercise? I've been there
– once. And once was enough. You'll find the causes and remedies
on this
page.
Protect Your Undercarriage!
How's your
"undercarriage" after today's ride? A little sore? Not to
worry my friends, Chamois Butt'r is a non-staining chamois cream I
can highly recommend. Find it at your local bike
shop. Ride in comfort.
Before the season begins,
consider a tune-up by a professional
bike mechanic who can adjust gears, replace worn brake pads,
adjust brakes, true spokes on wheels and check tires for wear.
Bicycle
Times Magazine
Featuring the best inspirational
stories, practical advice, and intelligent discourse from everyday
riders, but with a focus on the pavement side of things. Bicycling
Magazine
The world's leading cycling magazine. Cycle
Sport Magazine
For those interested in
professional road racing. Cycling
Weekly
Online and in print cycling magazine. Procycling
Magazine
International professional cycling. VeloNews
High-octane competetive cycling.
Other
Interests
Bike
Newport
Bike Newport’s mission is to
create the conditions that lead to more people biking more often, and
to ensure that bicycling is a viable, safe and comfortable primary
choice for transportation and recreation. Global
Cycling Network
Looking for some great advice on
bicycle choices, equip[ment testing, and training video? GCN is a
fantastic resource. Adventure
Cycling
Association offering routes &
maps, cyclosource, adventure cyclist magazine, ride list, bicycle
list, q&a, clubs, how to, links, more! Global
Cycling Network
Great how to videos and
everything else cycling. Bikeride.com
A comprehensive directory of
bicycle, component, and accessory manufacturers. Highest
Road Climbs
Check out the most difficult
climbs around the world! RoadBikeReview
Wonderful site for reviews on all
types of cycling products. League
of American Bicyclists
Promoting bicycling for fun,
fitness and transportation and work through advocacy and education
for a bicycle-friendly America. Cycling
Hall of Fame
An online compendium of the
sports greatest riders and events. The
Bicycle Story
A tale of people and bikes.
