May 18, 2001
by Eric Jackson
iamthelummox@gmail.com

Saturday was a great day for a ride. Perfect even. So how can it get messed up? Just add people.

Mistake #1 - Poor Nutrition

When I first started cycling, I knew nothing about sports nutrition. I literally had no idea that it was possible to burn several thousand calories in a couple of hours. The guys I ride with would bring me along a little at a time. “Here, eat this.” And then “no, no, no…you don’t want to eat that…eat this.”

After a good number of post-ride crashes, cramps and dehydration, I consulted with a sports nutritionist to help me train better and smarter. Unfortunately, I still have the uncanny knack of never taking the right fluids or nutrition on my rides. After cramping so bad that I’m still hurting today (Tuesday), I promised myself that I’d straighten up and not take any more self-inflicted beatings.

If you're suffering from your poor nutritional planning, resolve to do the right thing and get sports nutrition right. I highly recommend swinging by ACME and talking to Wil Emery, the ACME Pro, or any of the guys on staff for that matter. They'll help you get it right. And remember...everybody is different. It may take some experimentation to get things right for you.
 
Mistake #2 – Mobile Bike Mechanic

One of the guys I rode with on Saturday decided that his saddle was too low. Just so I don’t reveal his actual name, I’ll just call him “Killer.” Had he successfully adjusted his bike…well, you probably know that you wouldn’t be reading about it. The time to adjust your bike is NOT in the middle of a 35-mile ride. Unless you’re a bike mechanic and happen to have spare parts for the bike you’re working on, wait until the ride is over!

Mistake #3 – Sunscreen

Sunscreen – use it. End of story.