But you’ve got a lot to learn. One of the best things you can do is to hook up with a professionally run training group such as STRADA, which does online coaching as well as group training rides. Many bike shops also offer clinics and group rides for new riders. There is a lot of knowledge to be gained by books and magazines as well. The faster you pick up the basics, the more fun you’ll have training.

Much of the information you’ll need can also be found on various blogs and websites. www.livestrong.com contains a wealth of great information on exercise, health and nutrition. Livestrong also has a good YouTube Channel. There are many great videos from Lance’s old coach, Chris Carmichael, but they are so deeply buried that they are hard to find. Most of them can also be accessed via a great promotion Nissan did with Chris a few years ago.

www.sheldonbrown.com is another good place for all kinds of general and technical information, and there’s even a series of articles for beginners. It’s also worthwhile to go back through the older posts on this blog — particular the monthly series on training from a few years back (which is also featured in the newsletter) and the “Ask the Veterans” posts.

Bicycling Magazine puts a lot of excellent articles from the print magazine on www.bicycling.com. It also has a good blog directory at http://www.bicycling.com/bloglisting. Bicycling also recently began offering a version of its magazines on the iPad Newsstand.

Each of these blogs and websites should be perused as time permits. Below are links to specific posts from some of my favorite blogs (including my own personal cycling blog) on subjects with which a new cyclist will definitely need to become familiar ASAP:

Rules of the road/general cycling safety
Pre-ride bike check
How to shift
How to fix a flat tire
How to avoid the dreaded “bonk”
Paceline riding tips
How to ride on gravel
Tips and tricks for using a GPS bike computer
Building a relationship with a good mechanic
Packing and getting ready for Cycle Oregon

Do you have a favorite resource or blog post you’d like to share? If so, please let us know by commenting on this post.

Photo by John Spooner

We’ve written about bike fit at length in the past, but it’s a topic that’s important enough to mention again. Proper bike fit makes your ride a whole lot more comfortable and also reduces your chance of injury or discomfort — particularly to the sensitive knees. It’s something everyone is encouraged to do.

According to our friends at the Bike Gallery, far too many people put off doing this until just before a big ride or event. This is a mistake. The time to do it is now — before you subject your body to a season of training. It takes the average rider a minimum of two weeks to get muscles and connective tissue used to a new riding position, so getting it done ahead of time also gives you the opportunity to make tweaks and adjustments.

Most bike fitters guarantee their work for a full year, so even if your body changes over the course of the season (getting more flexible because you ALWAYS stretch or shedding some of your gut for example) they’ll continue to work with you at no extra charge.

So what are you waiting for?

The event, sponsored by The National Forest Foundaton, Cycle Oregon and others, is a fundraiser for restoration on the Metolius River and Whychus Creek, two wild waterways in need of help to return them to their natural splendor. The event includes a post-ride feast at Five Pine Lodge in Sisters.

One my favorite Cycle Oregon moments was the instant it occurred to me that Ashland was one of the most magical places on Earth. Frankly, that moment nearly ruined my ride, because I SERIOUSLY considered spending the next few days exploring this glorious oasis of culture, beauty and culinary delight in favor of climbing back on that two-wheeled torture contraption called a bicycle. Luckily for me I resisted temptation, because the next day I learned how much fun it is to latch on to the perfect paceline, and how much stronger your body becomes as the week goes on.

It didn’t take me long to answer Ashland’s call to come back and investigate it properly, and that’s been something I’ve done once or twice a year ever since. I can tell you for sure that one day and two nights isn’t nearly enough time to enjoy its bounty. Pleasure and action make the hours seem short, so careful planning is a must.

Below are a few suggestions:

All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players

Ashland is best known as the home of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. During our stay, there will be three opportunities to check out an OSF production. If you have even the slightest bit of interest in the performing arts, you owe it to yourself to see at least one. They are spectacular.

There are three theaters, and each has its own charms. The New Theatre and the Angus Bowmer Theatre are smaller and more intimate. The Elizabethan Stage/Allen Pavilion is an enclosed open-air venue. If you’re only going to see one production, the Elizabethan Stage is your best bet. Watching daylight fade over the stage just as the play begins and whiffing the clean, crisp Ashland air adds tremendously to the experience.

Shakespeare plays are best enjoyed with a bit of preparation. While you might get flashbacks of junior high and high school, one of the best ways to study for an evening of Shakespeare is to read the script line by line, along with notes and definitions. I’ve become partial to the books published by Folger Shakespeare Library based, on the way the information is presented.

If you haven’t bought your tickets yet, you’ll want to get on it ASAP.

Tis an ill cook that cannot lick his own fingers

Ashland is loaded with great restaurants. If you’re in the mood for fine dining, Amuse and Chateaulin are two top choices right downtown. New Sammy’s Cowboy Bistro is a few miles out in Talent. This is an extraordinary restaurant run by a husband and wife with some serious cooking credentials. Reservations are mandatory, and they only seat 6 people per half hour. I don’t consider a trip to Ashland complete without going there.

If you’re looking for something a little less extravagant, Greanleaf, Thai Pepper and Larks are all great choices. There are also a number of other places along North Main Street worth checking out.

For pizza, there’s the Creekside Pizza Bistro, which is in a cool little spot down by Ashland Creek.

The Village Baker is a good spot for breakfast, and if you aren’t afraid to venture a little bit out of downtown, the Breadboard is another breakfast gem.

Good wine is a good familiar creature, if it be well used

Oenophiles will love Ashland. The wine selection at Chateaulin and New Sammy’s is quite nice (particularly New Sammy’s, which has a DEEP cellar and extremely reasonable prices).  Liquid Assets is a fun wine bar that also has a good beer selection and a limited but very respectable food menu.

I would give all my fame for a pot of ale

Caldera is one of the most popular beers made Oregon. It is particularly beloved by the adventuresome, because the beer, though delicious, is sold in cans. They are as portable as they are potable. Caldera’s Tap House is relatively new. It’s located by the creek on Water Street. Unfortunately, it’s pretty small and there won’t be room for everyone at once.

Fortunately there’s another good brew pub right around the corner called Standing Stone Brewing Company. Both are sure to be “hopping” during our stay.

Tell me where is fancy bred, in the heart or in the head

If you prefer shopping to, say, eating, drinking and then drinking some more, Ashland’s got you covered as well. There are endless book, gift and clothing stores as well as bead shops, galleries and all those other things one might expect to find in a town that caters to locals as well as tourists. There’s also a great music shop, a fly-fishing store and skate shop, and a shoe store that focuses mainly on ugly but comfortable footwear.

To climb steep hills requires slow pace at first

Riding your bicycle is another way to spend the layover day, and might be the best way to resist Ashland’s many temptations. Climbers are going to love it. Think Larch Mountain… followed by a long climb. Fun, fun, fun.

If you want to do something mellower involving your bike, Jacksonville is a good destination. When you get there, you’ll find several restaurants, including Los Palmas, which is one of the best Mexican Restaurants EVER.  They’ve got a seafood chimichanga that defies description, and serve very respectable margaritas, the largest option being a 42-ounce megamarg. Two or three of those and you might be taking a cab back to Ashland – or the ICU, depending on how well you hold your liquor.

If you’re willing to add a few more miles to your trip to J-ville, you can swing by the Rogue Creamery, makers of the world-renowned Rogue River Blue and many other cheesy delights. Next door to Rogue Creamery is Lillie Belle Farms, an artisan chocolate maker that’s only really worth visiting if you enjoy having your mind blown.

You can thank me for these great recommendations on the following day’s climb. I’ll be easy to find at the back of the pack. If you hit the Los Palmas/Rogue Creamery/Lillie Belle Farms trifecta correctly, that’s where you’ll be as well.

Have I caught thee, my heavenly jewel?

Truth be told, it would take a whole book to write about every bit of awesomeness that is Ashland. There’s a lot more info at the Chamber of Commerce website, which is has already been modified to welcome us specifically.

Can one desire too much of a good thing? If your first (or 20^th) Ashland experience is anything like mine, the answer could well be “yes.” If you do it right, parting will be sweet sorrow. But part we must. Just remember, as tyme hem hurt, a tyme doth hem cure.

The plays:

9/12
At 8 pm
Animal Crackers (Angus Bowmer Theatre)
The Very Merry Wives of Windsor, Iowa (Elizabethan Stage)

9/13
At 1:30 pm
All the Way (Angus Bowmer Theatre)
Party People (New Theatre)
At 8 pm
Medea/Macbeth/Cinderella (Angus Bowmer Theatre)
Troilus and Cressida (New Theatre)
As You Like It (Elizabethan Stage)

To purchase tickets:

1.      Go to OSF website at http://www.osfashland.org/ and create an OSF account. If you already have one, go to step 2.
2.      Go to the Availability page at http://www.osfashland.org/browse/perfsearch.aspx
3.      Click on date of performance (evening of 9/12 and all day on 9/13)
4.      Check all the boxes for the plays you would like to attend
5.      Click on Buy to purchase tickets and then enter promo code of 10248 underneath the spot where you type your user name and password.
6.      BUY TICKETS EARLY!!!

Please note that the  promo code HAS to be entered as part of step 5 or you won’t get the discount.

KICKOFF PRESENTATION

REGISTER FOR THE WEEKEND RIDE WAITING LIST

For those who can’t make it, you can now watch a live video feed of the announcement at www.cycleoregon.com.

As a reminder, this year registration is being handled ONLINE ONLY. This includes registration for the weekend event, the week event and Tent & Porter service. Registration opens at 9:00 pm Pacific.  Based on the last few years, we expect this event to sell out very quickly — most likely in a matter of hours. If you want to make sure you get a spot, be online at the top of the hour. Here are some things you might also want to consider:

• The Nike Campus does not have a public wireless connection (though plenty of nearby places do — just make sure you pick a place and confirm they have service and will be open in advance).
• The registration system DOES work on mobile devices.
• There is no limit to the number of people a single person may register. However, the reservations aren’t made until payment is accepted at the end of the session, so dividing and conquering might be a better strategy than a single mass registration.

Although you won’t be able to sign up at the event, there are still plenty of reasons to be there these include — but are not limited to:

• Rekindling relationships with your extended Cycle Oregon family
• New friends
• Beer and wine
• Seeing photos of where we’ll be riding on the big screen (someone needs to be there to “Ooooooh and Ahhhhh” for the folks watching at home)
• Checking out this year’s jersey design in person
• Getting STOKED for training if you haven’t started already.

Who’s in?

Cyclists always need things like spare tubes (road bikes use 700 x 18/25 tubes), CO2 cartridges, sports gel, or chamois lube (like Butt Butter or Assos Chamois Creme for those who have been particularly good). Another great gift is an Earth-friendly and expensive-cycling-clothing-friendly detergent called Penguin Sport Wash. Obviously the lube and detergent lend themselves nicely to inappropriately worded cards to go along with them.

If you want to do something bigger and more special, the Garmin 800 bike computer is a spectacular choice. And if you really want to impress a hardcore bike snob, nothing says “I love you and understand you” like a the latest and greatest groupset from Campagnolo. Sure the Campy Super Record 11 will set you back about $2,500 but I’m (er, I mean they’re) worth it, right, Santa?

Another personal favorite, though not exactly useful on Cycle Oregon, is the Spaceman Flask Holster by Portland’s own Ahearne Cycles. And let’s not forget the cool line of Cycle Oregon clothing and accessories, which you can read all about in the November Newsletter.

For more ideas, I checked in with James Emond, the store manager of the Woodstock Bike Gallery right here in River City. For those who might not be aware, Bike Gallery is a HUGE supporter of Cycle Oregon and one of the finest bike shops on the planet.

One of the most popular gifts of the season is a set of very cool Portland/Bike Gallery pint glasses. The glasses sell for $5 each and one also comes free with the purchase of a $50 gift certificate, which is another great way to go when it comes to buying for the cyclist in your life. For the serious bike commuter, they’ve got a beautiful merino wool jersey by Bontrager that’s proving to be a big hit this year. At $79.99 it is something any cyclist would cherish.

Another fantastic choice would be a set of arm or knee warmers. Anyone who has read my training tips over the years knows what a big advocate I am of covering those knees below 65 degrees. These important items have a habit of getting lost and it is always great to have extras.

If you’re looking to go a little bigger, the Shimano Ultegra Di2 electronic shifters would make a stellar gift. And if you’re looking to go bigger still, the Bike Gallery is discounting custom Trek bikes by $300 this month. Want a flamed-out Madone this year? No problem.

Speaking of flames, the Bike Gallery is offering a SMOKIN’ deal on complete bike overhauls right now. Normally priced at $275,  you can buy a gift certificate for this critical maintenance package today for just $130.

So, if you’re like me and have been putting off Christmas shopping until the last minute, it’s time to get rolling.