Don’t Forget Your SUNSCREEN!

Last Sunday was an absolutely beautiful day for riding here in South Texas. The wildflowers were blooming, temperatures were in the 70’s, and the sun was shinning! Uh, yep, and I guess I forgot to think about that LAST one.

You owe it to yourself to wear a good coat of sunscreen when you ride. Not only does it help prevent skin cancer, but it also saves you from painful sunburn. Yes, I am paying the price for this oversight. I suppose I was side-tracked by the awesome weather and the fact that I could wear my new short sleeve Louis Garneau jersey.

This mistake got me to thinking about where you need to put sunscreen. You can get sunburnt in some unexpected places when ride. Putting sunscreen on in the right places before you head out can make a huge difference. When you bike a lot in the sun you quickly learn where you need to protect yourself, and it’s not always where you would think.

Here are my “back to outdoor riding” sunscreen application tips:

1. Forearms and Shoulders: The tops of your arms will get a lot of sun, and if you wear a tri-tank top, don't forget the shoulders. These are the areas that I regretted forgetting the most this past weekend!

2. Back of the knee and calves: Your body position on a bike puts these areas under fire.

3. Top of the knees: The top of your knees may very well get the most sun while biking.

4. Back of the neck: Again, your body position on a bike makes your neck particularly vulnerable.

5. Front and back of the ears: These are some of the most commonly forgotten areas in normal sunscreen application and they can get even more exposure on a bike.

6. Face and Nose: Just because your helmet has a visor and you wear sunglasses doesn't mean that your face won’t get burnt.

7. Front and back of the ears: These are some of the most commonly forgotten areas in normal sunscreen application and they can get even more exposure on a bike.

8. The Gap: The Gap is the exposed part of your back between the back of your shorts and the bottom of your shirt. Cover a few inches of your back below and above your waist even if you have a great slip proof waist band on your jersey.

And lastly…this is for the guys…

Scalp: For the few of you who may be a little thin on the hair, helmet head is a serious concern for you. Today’s bike helmets are designed to be so well ventilated that they provide very little coverage. While the vents may look good on your helmet, a nice replica burnt onto your head is never a good idea!

Back to a Normal Training Schedule...YEAH!!!

Getting rides in here and there won't cut it when it comes to training for a 90 miler. No sir...short cuts only cause you pain, suffering and injuries. That's why it is paramount that I make a good riding schedule and really stick to it.

Unfortunately, there have been a few distractions in my life over the last few weeks that have kept me from riding regularly. First, being our new puppy...Bacchus. Isn't he too cute???

Bacchus is 10 weeks old and somewhat adjusted to his new surroundings now. Meaning, he's just about house broken and I am gaining more freedom to ride again...yeah!

My second recent distraction were the "Spring Breakers." My son brought home 8 friends with him this year from college. There was something for me and my husband to do every free moment we had this last week. Cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping, etc. All of which (you guessed it), cut into my training schedule.

BTW-I am not complaining at all...I loved spending the quality time with my son and his friends. The kids were great!

Don't get the wrong idea about me and my fitness. Even though I haven't riding regularly I HAVE been getting in walks on the golf course with Bacchus each day. I am training him to stay with me so he can transition into my running buddy. Well, maybe in about another month or two he will be there.

I focus the bright side. Last year this time I did not even have a bike yet. Right now, I can go out and ride 40 miles with no problem. So I am still way ahead of the game AND should be on track for that new PR!!!!

Yeah - It's going to be a great day to ride!!!!

Yes, the weather looks great for today-69 degrees and SUNNY! I am planning on working in ride today. Nothing like the sun on your face to brighten your entire outlook on life. That and a little cardio!

As I reflect on the weather report I just heard, I find myself getting more and more excited about spring in South Texas. This year I plan on doing the Easter Hill Country Tour. It is an annual event here where there are miles and miles of empty roads passing through ranches and fields of wild flowers.

You ride your bike through rolling hill country terrain and go through small towns such as Kerrville and Fredericksburg. Each year about 800 to 1,200 cyclists show up to this event and experience the beautiful Texas hill country at its best. This event has become one of the area's premier cycling events.

I guess I better get in shape and back in the saddle!