Hello and welcome to Group Ride, a newsletter for the social cyclist. Periodically, I curate information and inspiration from around the internet to help you ride more confidently and comfortably. This is a new project, so if you have feedback, please don’t hesitate to reply. With that, let’s roll out!
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Warm Up
The Road Not Taken
Photo credit: Ezra
The talk of the town – indeed, many towns – is Wandrer, a Strava add-on which encourages exploration by awarding points to participants who boldly go where they've never gone before. The team at Cycling Tips wrote up a good summary of the impact the app can have for those willing to venture out of their comfort zone. Speaking personally, I have multiple friends who have found Wandrer to be not just a game, but a whole new way of life. So, if you’re looking to get out of your rut and into some new terrain, Wandrer is your ticket to adventure.
Crank It
A View to a Hill
Photo credit: Sam Marx
The twice-postponed Belgian Waffle Ride in San Diego is now just 51 days away. If you’re like me, that means you’re dialing up the length and intensity of your rides, but you're still a long way from BWR-ready (if such a thing even exists). The grueling 137-ish miles is, of course, only half the battle – it’s the 12K+ feet of climbing that’s the real killer. To that end, check out the tips from a few of Canada’s best Everest-ers. For example, one of them proposes starting a hill with lower power, then turning up the watts as you reach the crest. Worth a try, eh?
Coffee Stop
Salty Saddle Snacks
Photo credit: Patrick Perkins
The ham-and-cheese croissant is the OG savory pastry, but lately I've noticed other salty baked goods occupying real estate in the local cafe display case (I’m looking at you, cheddar-jalapeño scone). This led me to daydream about other not-so-sugary treats, and ultimately to this top-10 article from Outside about savory performance-boosting snacks. I’m gonna have to give #4, the Kind Sweet & Spicy Roasted Jalapeño Bar, a taste.
Jaunt Back
Wait, Bikes Can Do That?
YouTube
As one who appreciates the focus and balance required for a basic track stand, Fabio Wibmer’s masterful command of a bicycle is truly a spectacle to behold. The 2019 video Wibmer’s Law is eight minutes of jaw-dropping stunts that transform the world out your front door into a jungle gym with endless potential. For the rider aspiring to operate their own bike with more surgical precision, this is must-see TV.
Cool Down
Snap Review: Canyon Grizl
Photo credit: Matt Philips via Bicycling
Canyon’s latest gravel bike is a strong candidate for the one-bike-quiver. Compared to the Grail, the Grizl is better equipped for long days on and off the pavement: wider tires, space for three water bottles, a bikepacker's preferred geometry, and more. Canyon built it to be your go-anywhere, do-anything bike – or, in the words of Bicycling, “a bike that can string together multiple surfaces.” With carbon-framed bikes starting at just over $2K, the Specialized Diverge has some stiff competition.
Peel Off
Giphy
That's it! How'd you like your first Group Ride? Did I stick the landing?
Looking forward to catching you next time. Until then, if you come upon something you think should be featured in Group Ride, don't hesitate to send it along.
