Race Across America? - Spokes Magazine

COLUMNS
SPOKESWOMEN by ANNE MADER
…a look at women’s cycling issues in the
mid-Atlantic
A Holistic Approach to Bike Fit.
In mid-April I went to a two day bike fitting seminar
put on by Michael Sylvester from Trek University. I
have been to a number of seminars on bike fittings
and while each seminar has been a little different
they have focused primarily on using body measurements
and angles to determine the best size and set
up for a person’s bike. This is a good method to use
and we have used it successfully for a long time in our
shop to fit numerous people on road, mountain, and
triathlon bikes.
However the fundamental fitting techniques we
learned in the Trek Bike Fit seminar were different.
For instance, instead of learning about the proper
geometry of the body while on the bike we learned to
first look at the individual off of the bike. From this
and a lot of the right questions, we learned to determine
how the bike should fit the individual’s body
instead of making the body fit the bike.
We spent a lot of time doing yoga which focused on
good body alignment and range of motion. We also
spent a lot of time learning about the biomechanics
of the body and how an individual’s riding style,
anatomy, flexibility, and range of motion should be
the basis of how they are fit to a bike.
By the end of the two days everyone had the opportunity
to use this knowledge to assess and fit each other
to their individual bikes. For many it was surprising to
see the modifications made to their bikes. Seats were
raised or lowered, stems were swapped out for various
lengths and angles, and fore and aft saddle positions
were changed.
On my bike, we lowered my saddle about 1⁄2 inch
and lengthened and lowered my stem. We also
noticed that I hunch my shoulders when I ride and
we worked on relaxing and opening up my chest
in order to breathe better. To help I learned yoga
exercises that would help me maintain strength and
increase my flexibility.
I have very long legs and hardly a torso to speak of.
I am constantly raising my saddle and shortening my
reach to the handle bars by using short stems. I am
so used to making these adjustments that when I get
a new bike I automatically swap everything out and
raise my saddle without having anyone properly fit
me. And I like the way my current bikes fit, or at least
I thought I did. So, I was pretty skeptical of the new
adjustments that we made but I figured I would give
them a shot.
The day after the seminar I took my newly adjusted
bike out for a spirited three hour road ride with
some friends. Throughout the ride I was aware of
my positioning on the bike, trying not to hunch over
and I properly stretched after the ride (which I don’t
do often enough). I was amazed at the difference.
During the ride I could climb easier, descend better,
and I lasted an hour longer than I thought I would.
And the next day my legs felt fresh and recovered! It
was a huge improvement.
So, why did these changes make such a difference?
And why had I not noticed that my bike was not properly
fit? Thinking back it is easy to see how my bike
fit got so screwed up. As a shop owner, I have been
telling people how important it is to get properly fit
for a bike but I forgot to do it for myself. I figured I
had been fit once or twice and knew enough about
my body that I didn’t need anyone assessing my fit. Of
course, that was seven years ago and I have had two
children since then. Due to yoga and regular stretching
I am also more flexible than I was but I have a
few more injuries. And my reasons for riding have
changed as well. Instead of focusing on short fast
races I have begun to enjoy long endurance racing.
Which means my training rides and my races are longer.
So, not only has my body changed over the years
but my riding style has too. So, it makes sense that I
should be positioned differently on my bike.
So what I learned was this; when trying to get the
proper fit on a bike it is easy to get caught up in measurements
and angles but we need to remember to
take our entire physiology into account and look at
the whole picture.
When working with a bike fitter make sure the fitter
has an understanding of your riding style, physiology,
flexibility, riding history, etc. Make sure you tell them
about any injuries or health conditions you have and
tell them about any concerns you have with your
current bike position. And be open-minded to
changes. Your new bike position may feel different at
first but you might be surprised at the benefits of a
few little changes.
PERRY NAMED DIRECTOR OF BIKEWALK VIRGINIA
BikeWalk Virginia announced
on March 25 that Kimberly
Likens Perry, Ed.D. has been
named Executive Director for
the state-wide advocacy and
education organization effective
March 31. Dr. Perry will succeed
Allen Turnbull, Ph.D. the
founder of BikeWalk Virginia,
who announced in 2007 his
desire to step down in order to
pursue new opportunities.
Perry was previously Dean
and Director of the Bon Secours School of Medical Imaging
in Richmond, a position she held for eight years. She earned
a Bachelor of Science degree in Vocational and Technical
Education and a Master of Science in Education degree in
Health Promotion from Virginia Tech University in Blacksburg,
Virginia. She also earned a Doctor of Education degree in
Educational Leadership from the University of Phoenix.
Perry’s personal interests are well-aligned with the BikeWalk
Virginia’s underlying mission. She is an avid cyclist and water
sports enthusiast who participates in a wide variety of outdoor
recreation across Virginia. She also serves as Vice President of
the Richmond Area Mid-Atlantic Off Road Enthusiasts Cycling
Organization, co-leader of Mountain Bike Kids in Richmond,
and was a Cycling Merit Badge Counselor for the Boy Scouts of
America.
“We feel very confident that Kimberly is the right person to
lead BikeWalk Virginia at this important time in the organization’s
development,” said Richard Elder, BikeWalk Virginia
Board of Directors Chair. “She has a personal passion for
cycling, a track record of building community-based organiza-
tions, and a ‘can-do’ attitude that will help drive BikeWalk
Virginia’s continued growth.”
“This is also an important moment to recognize and thank Allen
Turnbull for his vision and leadership over the past 20 years.”
Elder continued. “Allen is widely recognized across the state as
a passionate and resourceful advocate, not only for biking and
walking, but also for the importance of building communities
that encourage active lifestyles. We wish Allen the best in his
new pursuits.”
BikeWalk Virginia was founded as a 501 (c)(3) organization in
2000. Originating in 1988 as a bicycling event, BikeWalk Virginia
continues to organize nationally recognized Bike Virginia rides
to fund education and advocacy work for non-motorized transportation
safety and access. BikeWalk Virginia holds an annual
conference as a forum for legislators, planners, educators and
advocates on key issues critical to pedestrians and cyclists.
In 2004, the Virginia Trails Association joined BikeWalk. The
group’s mission was broadened to include on and off road riders,
hikers, kayakers, canoeists, and equestrians.
BikeWalk Virginia members and chapters keep in touch with
local issues and provide local policymakers and planners
with information on best practices from around the county.
They are helping communities make changes to become more
bicycle and pedestrian friendly. BikeWalk Virginia chapters
have formed in the Alexandria, Roanoke, New River Valley,
Fredericksburg, and Northern New areas. New chapters are
forming in Norfolk, Central Shenandoah Valley, and Middle
Peninsula.
To follow national, state, and local issues affecting non-motorized
transportation and to work with BikeWalk Virginia to
improve recreation and transportation options for Virginians
and visitors to Virginians, visit www.bikewalkvirginia.org to
become an individual or business member or sponsor.
22 May 2008