PGR Connected March 2015

PGR CONNECTED

Monthly Newsletter 2015-March

PGR CONNECTEDMonthly Newsletter 2015-March

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Newsletter Highlights

• EdmontonNightWinterRidingintheRiverValley• #FROSTBIKE2015• PrairieGirls-TheBeginningofYearTwo• BikeMaintenance:What’sinYourToolbox?• FatbikeSnowRager1Highlights

Sponsored By:

Edmonton night winter riding in the river valley

AngieLoewen,XC/DHRacer

SomemightsaythatEdmontoniscoldandgriminthewinter.Whatistheretoride??Whataboutatnight?Whatistheretodoforabikeratnighthereinourcity?Howabouthittinguptherivervalley!Iwasstaringoutthewindowonenightlastweek,dreamingaboutlastsummerwhenIgottoridemybikeinourbeautifulrivervalleywithmy friends and teammates -Great times!Usually, in thewinter I try to stayinsidewhenitiscold,butIdecidedtoventureoutintothecoldatnightinourcityandridemyNorcoBigfootandtestoutmynewDevinciSpartanSXbothofwhichIgotfromoursponsorbikeshopWesternCycle.

Bikedup,IheadedtoMillCreekRavineforanightride!MillCreekisagreatlocationinbothsummerandwinter,greatflowyfuntrails,andamazingscenery.IwasblownawaybysomeofthewondersthatIstumbledupontherelateonaSaturdaynight.Wehaveawonderfulcityandevenonacoldwinternight,youcanstillseethemagnificentskyline lit up beautifully. The trails are packed downwell, and people are usuallysmilingandingoodspirits.

SUPPORTERS:


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Soifyouaredownandneedapickmeupthiswinter,head to Western Cycle and pick up some lights foryourbikeanddresswarm!Go for a rideand lookonour PrairieGirls Racing Facebook page for upcomingevents,groupridesandgooutandhavesomefunthiswinterinsteadofjustdreamingaboutbiking.Doit!!!


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Picture highlights of PGR at Frostbike 2015! Thanks to all the organizers (SERacing) and supporters for a fantastic event!

To the right are the PGR girls tuning up their bikes for some pow berms, slick steeps and bumpin jumps.

Special thanks to Loudenterprise for some of our rad photos over the weekend!

#FROSTBIKE2015


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Prairie girls - the beginning of year twoby Sara McCartney, XC Racer

Last year was my first year mountain bike racing, and joining PGR was a fantastic way to try out the competitive side of the sport. I joined PGR because I enjoy mountain biking and wanted something to help me set goals, and become better at the sport I love. The team has a wonderful group of girls who support me and have taught me a lot. My goal last year was to compete in three XC races, but unfortunately my season was cut short due to a torn rotator cuff after a crash on a weekend trip to Fernie. I had to go to physiotherapy for several weeks and I was only just starting to get back on my bike in late-September, when the race season was over. One thing I noticed when I got back on my bike was that I was a lot more timid than I was before my crash. Descents that I was cruising through earlier in the summer I was taking much slower, and sometimes even walking, afraid to re-injury my shoulder or hurt myself in some other way. In the upcoming season I know this ongoing fear of injury will be a challenge I will have to overcome. It’s even reflected in my goals for the upcoming season, which are to complete three XC races, improve on last year’s race times, try a downhill race and, finally, stay injury free. With these goals, and the PGR family, I have stayed motivated and trained throughout the off-season. While my winters typically consist of the occasional trip to the mountains for snowboarding, this year I have been able to keep myself motivated to train more regularly. The PGR girls have been helpful and supportive throughout these winter months, providing training advice, encouragement and workout buddies!. It is my hope that this training will improve my strength and endurance for when I get back on my bike. Last year I was biking in April. I hope the weather cooperates so I can be back biking in April, or March with plenty of time] to tackle my fears before the first race. And of course some additional training time to help me improve on last years’ time!


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Bike Maintenance: what’s in your toolbox? by Dee Turner, DH Racer

Its almost spring and along with getting out on your bike and riding more means you’ll be getting more familiar with your bike! Simple repairs are something that these lovely people would happily help you with, but there are some advantages to trying these simple repairs on your own. Bikes are fairly simple machines, underneath all the complex tech advancements. Learning to tackle small issues like flats, installing a new chain, adjusting handlebars, brake angles and changing pedals are all great ways to build confidence and understand your bike on a whole other level. There are specific tools that we need for simple repairs paired with a general maintenance course and you’ll be well on your way. I have broken these tools down in terms on trail tools, basic maintenance tools, and the fancy stuff, for the dreamers. We need to keep as much money in the “new parts and fun trips” fund, so I’ll note the optional ones. Let’s go shopping!

Trail Tools: - A good multi-tool is essential and will become part of your home toolkit as well. Look for one with 6-8 Hex (Allen) keys, a few Torx (star shaped) keys, a Philips (x shaped) and flathead (flat) screwdriver and a chain tool. - a minipump. Aim for one with as much volume that you can comfortably carry on your bike. If you carry a backpack when you ride, go big. The more volume each stroke will move air into your new tube, the quicker you’ll be back on the trail. Be aware of the valve type (Presta or Schrader) and buy your pump to match (or one that has both) and look into high versus low pressure depending on your needs.- A spare tube. Look for the size on the side of your tire. Remember your valve type!


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- at least 2 tire levers. These help to leverage tight tires away from the rim. On my road bike I carry at least 3 as they tend to snap on me, but on my mountain bikes, I don’t carry them at all. - Some people also carry a patch kit, a general tool such as a Leatherman and alternate inflating devices like CO2 canisters.

At Home:- Floor pump. This might seem redundant because you have a minipump, but I promise you these are worth it. Buy a sturdy one with a big pressure gauge and adapters for both valve types and you’ll never have to replace it. - 10-12 inch adjustable crescent wrench. This is handy all over your two-wheeled freedom machine, including unbending a dinged disc-brake rotor. - a full set of metric Hex keys (1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 and 10mm sizes). even if your multitool has these, having the arm length and them not attached to a clump of mutlitool metal will be useful. - Ratchet screwdriver with interchangeable heads. This will come in handy all over the house too! - Pedal wrench. Use this to switch out flats for clips or to remove pedals when you are traveling with your bike. Remember pedals are tricky: look for the R and L stamps and know that the right pedal removes counterclockwise and installs clockwise (and left is the opposite)- A spoke tool. This is small enough to also fit in your trail kit. Get one with all three spoke sizes and you’ll be good to go. - Chain tool. A simple tool to make putting on a new chain easy peasy. You can also get fancier with a powerlink which works with multiple chain brands and can be pretty handy. - Little (but important) things: GREASE, rags, degreaser, electrical tape, duct tape, one million zip ties (also good for in your trail kit), and dry lube (Alberta riding rarely needs wet lube unless you’re riding in consistent soaking wet conditions).

Getting Fancy:- Y (or 3 pronged) Hex wrench. These contain your most common keys (4, 5 and 6) and will be extremely handy. - T-10, T-25 and T-30 Torx keys. These bolts are becoming common and will be useful for any disc-brake rotor work. - Needle nose pliers. These are a great option to have around for a multitude of tasks.- Bike stand. You’ll be every budding bike mechanics new best friend and your back will thank you. - You can get really fancy with tools and equipment for your garage set up but be realistic with what you would actually be comfortable fixing – and later riding on – and buy appropriately. Start small and work your way into bleeding brakes or even a fork rebuild!

Hopefully, with these tips, you’ll be on your way to a more intimate relationship with your bicycle. You keep care of your bike and your bike will surely do the same for you… right?

Check out our sponsoring shop Western Cycle for all your bike maintenance needs!


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Thanks to everyone who attended PGR’s first fatbike race! A huge thanks to our prize sponsors including Western Cycle Ltd. Pinkbike, Exit Beanies, MEC, Alberta Blue Cross, Tydenco, Argo, Boston Pizza and The Keg!!

PGR Connected March 2015

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