From the Trainer to Rollers; Winter Riding is More than Weekend Rides with the Team

From the Trainer to Rollers; Winter Riding is More than Weekend Rides with the Team

I have been using rollers for about a year now. I have never worked out with a bicycle training tape, but I like to ride with the company of the stereo. I have never done a spin class either but ride hard on our rollers pretty regularly. I used to use a trainer and would often read and pedal. It was fine for general health but the dual-purpose workout would not have sufficed for serious training. Recently I suggested to Hugh that I would bring the trainer back in and pull out the trainer tire and wheel for the winter so that I could also read. He, however, reminded me how mildly I worked out on with the old trainer compared to how hard I work one the rollers. I think I sometimes forget the affects of reading and the vintage of the trainer. Nonetheless, I appreciated having and using the trainer over the past 12 years. And now I would not be using rollers if it weren't for Hugh.

When I first started I could not use my water bottle, but now I can wipe my sweat with a towel and drink from my water bottle while on the e-motion rollers manufactured in North Plains, which are far more stable than traditional rollers. One of the good things about the e-motion rollers is that there are bumpers, variable tension settings and it doesn’t take long to develop the skill to stand and pedal. Just the same, even with the bumpers it can be very precarious on them. I have taken a few spills, dives or catapults to the floor bruising my legs and denting the wood floor. But because of the accessibility, opportunities and challenges of riding on rollers, I really like it. Without the variables of outside riding, I can more easily be in tune with my specific physical condition and mark improvement with balance.

You can tell a cyclist who uses rollers when you see them on a long race. Their form is beautiful. I hope that the affects of training on rollers will be apparent to those who see me racing the miles away this spring and summer too. But I'm not just relying on; see you outside.

Olson's Hosts Group Rides

Since it is too cold in the morning and gets dark to early, we are going to try some rides during the day. Starting tomorrow I will be going out Tuesdays at 1:00 and Thursdays at 10:00 for a brisk ride of about 1 to 2 hours depending on the legs. Anybody wishing to join us just meet at the shop prior to those times. The pace will probably vary between 17 to 20 mph, slower in the hills. Hope some of you can join us.

1904 Elm Street
Forest Grove, OR 97116
Phone: 503-359-4010

Team Update

What’s become of Olson’s Hammer? There is plenty going on. For starters, Mel Lueck continues to take a spin class in Hillsboro and works hard with her trainer, Aaron Frye, at Forest Grove Health & Fitness. She is strong, lean and preparing for what might be next on her competitive cycling frontier. I can’t wait to get out on the road with Mel. She love’s cyclocross but holds back a bit due to fears of injury. On a road bike I believe she would really fly.
That leads me to another team member, Darrell Beck, who is encouraging Mel to buy his old road bike. I am eager to learn about his new bike. It sounds like Darrell could use some winter riding partners. I hope to get some rides in with him too. Another bike that is just waiting for Mel to take ownership of is the Jake the Snake Teresa Olson raced a few times during the last cross season.
Teresa got a really cool new, Salsa cross bike for Christmas. She tells me she’s been using her trainer a bit and is thinking about doing some road races this spring. Teresa too would appreciate some group rides this winter.
My friend, Rachael Parker, recently ran a 20k in Forest Grove. Running is Rachael athletic passion and she has inspired me to run a bit for cross training. Sadly, I just can’t seem to commit to any running events with her. On the other hand, Rachael is interested in trying out some road racing this year. Like me, she is concerned about pack riding. So again another Olson’s Hammer member who would appreciate going for a few group rides this winter.
Following Hugh Gapay, Kolben Prebel and I, joined the newly formed Hammer Velo team. There will be more about the entry that follows.

Change in Team Affiliation

I have decided to ride with a newly formed team, Hammer Velo, for the upcoming spring/summer cycling season. Jeff Tedder organized the team and is the coach. During the cross season he approached Hugh about being a part of a new team of serious and competitive cyclists. Boy, Hugh has come a long was as he told Jeff he was interested. Now that is a big step, Hugh has gone from riding, alone, to riding with his Jake Rosenfeld, Dave Burnard, Mike Olson and Forest Grove friends to joining a team that requires participation in team rides.
I too wanted to have some riding companions to develop my riding skills and strength. I joined ZteaM at the invitation of my friend, Martha Walsh, and was looking forward to other Portland area women getting on board. That has been slow in coming and so I decided to jump ship and ride with Hammer Velo. I've met a couple of the women on the team and look forward to meeting the rest soon. Just the same it is a strange thing to join a team without any of the women members being my acquaintances or friends. It is pretty cool to again be on a team with my husband. We’re planning on alternating Sat. and Sun. rides between us. Kolben Prebel, one of 3 junior’s, tries not to miss any of them.
There are ~30 men, ~8 women, and 3 junior boys on the team. Team members are expected to participate in at least one of the weekend rides. Saturday’s ride is 2-3 hours of hard fast riding. I haven't made it to one of those yet. The Sunday ride is for endurance and is a bit slower. This Sunday I think will be a century ride. Jeff leads an interval (spin) class on Wednesday nights for the team too. We do ours at home.
We'll be getting our new kits soon. Specialized, River City Bike and of course, Hammer Nutrition are the our team sponsors.