The Creation of the "New Golf" and "Golfing Widow"

A long long time ago in the last millennium, there was a term phrased to those wives who did not see their spouses in the early hours of the morning, away from home for long periods at a time, only to return back too tired or distracted to spend the best time of the day remaining with their loved ones. These were the golfing widows of yesteryear, who have now been slowly replaced by the latest breed of spouse - the cycling widow!

I started playing golf in my early twenties because my friends played – they were all better than me – and from what they told me it was a great way to "network". If anyone wanted to network with the sad case who shot twice the par on every round I sure didn't meet them! Previous jobs allowed me to play on work time when invited by suppliers, but again no real value came out of these events that would go for half a day. I never truly believed that golf was going to create strong business networks, if anything it gave a great reason to justify the pastime to the better half on the belief I was forced to play for work.

For the past few years a number of people have been proclaiming that cycling, and road cycling in particular, is the new golf. This phrase was coined by a Melbourne banker, Craig Bingham who noted that affluent middle-aged men were using cycling in the same way that they'd previously used golf – to have fun, keep fit and make business contacts.

Just recently, the 3rd largest business deal in history was done on bikes. Vodafone and Verizon's 30 billion dollar deal was done between two cycling CEO's that have ridden together for years, and the final negotiation happened over dinner. The ability to mix business into a social and health focused sport, brings out the strong level of camaraderie, positiveness and removes the barriers that a suit and tie can have.

Cool Rides in the San Francisco Bay Area

As one of United States’ most bike-friendly cities, San Francisco is a haven for beginner, intermediate and advanced bikers. The growing number of bike lanes, coupled with the picturesque landscape, present excellent opportunities for athletic-minded individuals looking to work up a sweat and give their muscles a good workout! If you are a road cycling enthusiast visiting the Bay Area for the first time, you cannot afford to miss these rides.

Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito

 Cycling over the magnificent Golden Gate Bridge is a memorable experience in itself. Enjoy amazing views of the bridge, city, cafes, shops and the Mediterranean-style village of Sausalito. You can choose to start at Fort Mason and ride seven miles whilst marvelling at the scenic vista surrounding you. If you feel up to it, you can continue riding to the ferry terminal in Tiburon. You are sure to pass (or get passed!) by a few dozen riders – tourists, solo riders and hard core groups – many of whom will almost always catch a bite to eat or coffee after returning by ferry to Pier 41.

Fort Funston

 Lying on San Francisco’s sandy bluffs, Fort Funston is a popular ride on a manageable windy day and clear skies. You start at the Golden Gate Park and ride about four miles to get to Fort Funston’s recreational area.

Hawk Hill Loop

 If you seek a challenging 10+mile ride, Hawk Hill Loop is a good option. You start along the west side-walk (check in advance for construction activities and detours resulting from the same), keep to the left off Alexander Road and be ready for the steep climb on Conzelman Road to get to the Hawk Hill Overlook. You can also go via Bunker Road. In either case, great views from the top are guaranteed, so make sure you don’t forget to carry your phone or camera along!

Valencia Street Cruise

 Many people ride along Valencia just to escape the frustrating car-parking experience here. You’ll find Valencia stretch is a pleasurable and easy one; it is also a good place to meet and greet fellow cycling enthusiasts shops, food and scenic views in plenty. Thankfully, there are just as many well-defined bike zones on the road and near-rowdy (in a good way) riders who love to fill the cafes in their lycra and are accepted by the locals.

Bike Fit Benefits....and Cost

How did I get in a situation that dropping $350 on a bike fit was justified? Twelve months ago I would have laughed at any rider that spent that amount of coin on something that should take all of 20 minutes and a good eye.

My position on this has flipped recently after completing the first stage fit at my LBS using the Specialized Geometry Body Fit System. Since May, I suffered a lot of knee pain after completing rigorous training building up to a 600 km event. Pain  in the patella saw me off the bike for a few weeks, and just when things felt good, the next ride would take me back a big step. It took a few months routine to then take the advice of a few friends and book that bike fit.

Dropping big dough on a bike fit just didn't make sense but at my wits end, there weren't too many options left. Deciding to go with the Specialized system, I wasn't too sure what to expect. Surely it wouldn't take 3 hours to complete?

Rocked up to the store with bike and lycra in hand the process made sense as the pieces started to fit together. A detailed pre-fit discussion went through questions and a checklist finding out the type of riding I do, discomfort matters and goals over the next 12 months. Next was the physical, which was an area of concern to me due to being a larger rider and flexibility being an issue with tight hamstrings and quads. Measurements and tests found my left leg was marginally shorter than my right (only by millimetres) but was told this can have an impact on the bike, both with power transfer and discomfort.

After close to an hour, it was time to get on the bike sitting on a trainer and the cameras started to roll (both front and side). Amazing after some explanation how noticeable the body was misaligned on the bike. Everything always looks ok looking down when riding, but to see the playback was a surprise - knees rolling, arms stretched and hips moving on closer inspection.

Then the adjustment (and extra cost) began.....

Starting on the engine, taking the sit bone measurements, it became obviously I wasn't sitting on top of the saddle, rather on the sides where the saddle curves downwards. Would explain the lower back pain, which I had become accustomed to on any 100km + ride  (putting it down to "part of the sport"). So out came the 155mm saddle, flat as a pancake and looking as comfortable as bed of nails. By the end of the session, the initial discomfort was almost non evident, giving me some comfort we are on the right path.

So down to the seatpost and up it goes. The cleats are shifted and the pendulum is brought out to align them to level cranks. Innersoles to compensate for the collapsed arch in the feet gave a strong sense of comfort and contact to the pedals, which were widened apart from the cranks with washers to get the legs closer to vertical. Under one cleat goes a film of angled plastic which better aligned the left leg to vertical and remove some of the shortness.

I knew before I started that an integrated handlebar/stem would be an issue. A new bar and stem was in order including a more compact profile to make transition to the drops was in order. Also a 80mm stem (from 100 mm) and a lift in the handlebar height relaxed the shoulders a fraction and naturally fit into the hoods.

More video, more playbacks and more minor adjustments took us up to 3 hours. Advised to complete a few light flat rides to get use to the new setup and they offered a test saddle for a few weeks to ensure comfort is fine before final commitment.

Being on a trainer in a room does not replace the open road, and to say the results after 4 rides is great is an understatement. My nemesis hill in Brisbane (Mt Cootha) was to be the test on the knees and it proved to be a enjoyable (well, no knee pain at least) which is a good sign that something worked.

A two week follow up appointment is set to go through any further adjustments, get my feedback on any issues and commit to a final saddle choice. Spending $800 on the bike fit including all new components was a jaw dropper at the time, but to say the dividends should be paid over the next few years with pain free knees will take the pain out of the wallet!

For more on this fit system visit http://www.specialized.com/us/en/hub/bgfit

Cycling Friendly Cafes in San Francisco

Following the great feedback of our previous post, we are fortunate enough to have one of our readers take up the effort to writing about her local spots in one of the most beautiful cities in the world.....

San Francisco offers both calm, leisurely rides alongside the bay as well as challenging trails for riders of all ages; and when you are new in town, there are several good guided tours that will lead you through the most scenic parts of town. Because of its cycle friendly atmosphere, San Francisco also offers a wide variety of rider friendly cafes where you can grab a nice cup of coffee, coupled with a snack and a tune up for your bike. Let’s take a ride into the world of cycle friendly cafes in San Francisco, where you can plan to get some air while enjoying some of the best company in town.

Mojo Bicycle Cafe
Located at 639 Divisadero Street
http://www.mojobicyclecafe.com/

Right near San Francisco’s iconic Fulton Street, this gem of a cafe offers indoor parking for your ride and a full service bike shop. The fun begins after you have locked your bike to the rack, and stepped out back, where you will find a virtual paradise that allows you to curl up on a sunny afternoon while you enjoy a good book and the sweet breeze coming in from the bay. Stay for the happy hour and marvellous cheese plates, enjoyed by hipsters and fitness buffs alike. For those who can’t help but stay connected to the outside world, a free WiFi signal is available for all customers. The coffee shop is open all week, although the bike shop closes on Mondays. Even so, when you are looking for the heart of San Francisco the Mojo Bicycle Café, this is the place to go.

The Rapha Cycle Club
Located at 2198 Filbert
http://www.rapha.cc/san-francisco

If you are passionate about riding or any of the aspects of cycling culture, the Rapha Cycle Club is the place to be. With its fully stocked shop, its quaint cafe, and live racing area, you are bound to be impressed. The Rapha Cycle Club features a gallery for cycling photography and mementos, while its coffee and food are top of the line, and make for a great way to begin or end a wonderful ride down the Golden Gate Bridge, located only a few minutes away. The coolest feature offered by this cyclist friendly location is a weekly group ride held by patrons each Saturday, but if you don’t want to ride with the pack, they also have cue sheets outlining some of the best paths you can take on a solo ride.

Velo Rouge Café
Located at 798 Arguello Blvd.
https://plus.google.com/109528356762352703186/about?gl=mx&hl=en

This small cycle friendly café is an obligated stop on your way to the Golden Gate Bridge, especially if you are a fan of local cycling culture. Some of the tables are crafted with old bicycle parts, contributing to the cycling experience of the area. The establishment offers breakfast and lunch, and has a wide variety of beverages on its menu. Its outdoor seating is perfect for enjoying a sunny day while you watch the bicycle crowd head down to the bridge for a leisurely ride, and even though you must park your bike outside, its big windows will let you keep an eye on it at all times. The Velo Rouge Café is easy to spot from a distance thanks to the bicycle hanging over the front door, which helps to add to the quaint ambiance of the shop.

Getstalt Haus
3159 16th Street (at Albion Street)
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Gestalt-Haus/176088079122935

Equipped with indoor bike racks for those foggy San Francisco afternoons, this bike friendly establishment offers the best of German tradition to cyclists and passersby alike. Its bike themed décor helps you get in the mood for a nice ride on one of the nearby trails, or settle down with a brew after a long, hard ride. Go alone, or bring some company, whichever way you choose you are sure to enjoy the pub style ambiance that Getstalt Haus has to offer.

Ike’s Place
Located at 3489 16th Street (between Dehon and Sanchez streets)
http://www.ilikeikesplace.com/

Ike’s Place is an iconic San Francisco staple, where cyclists can find the best sandwiches in the area after a hard day of pedalling up and down the hilly streets of the city. Stop by for lunch and you are guaranteed a filling meal that will keep you satisfied until the end of your commute. Cyclist friendly, Ike’s Place offers sidewalk tables and a good view of your bike parked outside, plus special offers and deals that are hard to pass up.

San Francisco has a lot to offer, from beautiful sun rises by the bay to parades, festivals and dancing at night. Most of its wonderful locations are accessible by bike, in a place where the city’s government has put a lot of work into special trails that will take you to places you would have never thought existed. So gather up your gear, put on your helmet and prepare to enjoy the wonderful views that San Francisco has to offer, but don’t forget to make a point to stop at the amazing cafes we have listed above, as your experience would not be complete without drinking a cup of coffee or enjoying breakfast, lunch, or even dinner at one of them. Join other cyclists in the quest for a greener, fitter world, or simply bring a good book to read, whatever your fancy, you are sure to find it fulfilled by San Francisco’s cycling culture.

Cycle Friendly Cafes in London

Cycle cafes have received a lot of exposure in the media as of late, mostly because of the cycler-friendly environment they offer, which allows them to become a reunion point for those who would rather get around on their bicycle instead of using other forms of transportation. Cycle cafes combine knowledgeable service with great food and a large selection of hot and cold beverages to refresh the tired rider. Some even offer live sports events for those who want to spend an extra hour or two enjoying the friendly atmosphere, making them a focal point for the cycling community within London and its surrounding areas. Here are some choices for cycle cafes in the London area.

Look Mum No Hands Cycle Cafe - 49 Old Street, EC1V 9HX
This popular venue offers the added benefit of a workshop, where you can either work on your bike yourself, or have a professional take a look at it. This wonderful cafe also offers great food and delicious coffee, wine, and beer. So sit back and relax while you socialise with other cyclists while watching live events maybe even the Tour de France!

Container Cafe - The View Tube, The Greenway, Marshgate Lane, E15 2PJ
This trendy little cafe offers a grandiose view of Anish Kapoor's ArcelorMittal Orbit sculpture and the Olympic Stadium. Its great food and relaxed ambiance offer today’s cyclist a wonderful place to kick back and socialise with like minded riders, and if you feel like working out, the community cycle centre is right outside the door.
CycleLab Juice Bar - 18A Pitfield Street, N1 6EY
A great bike shop, which offers professional service for all types of bikes, and a nice little juice bar make this one of the top choices for cyclers in London. If juice is not your fancy, CycleLab also offers coffee, tea, and a good selection of cakes to accompany your favourite beverage.

Lock 7 - 129 Pritchard’s Road, E2 9AP
The oldest and most popular cycle cafe in London, this shop offers bicycle rentals, knowledgeable repairs, and used bike sales, coupled with baked potatoes, a good assortment of sandwiches, hot breakfasts, and great coffee.

                              

FullCity Cycle Cafe - 72 Leather Lane, E1
While small in size, this quaint cafe offers a good repair service in its workshop, and £1 cups of coffee to keep you busy while you wait.

Rapha CC - 81 Brewer Street, W1F 0RH
This new cycle cafe, which opened its doors on July 23, is the flagstone ship of the popular Rapha clothing brand. It offers a good cafe with a nice selection of food and a friendly atmosphere for the London cyclist.

                               

Cadence - 2a Anerley Hill, SE19 2AA
A quick bike fix with coffee and cake while you wait is the signature service provided by Cadence. Whether you go for the bike repair or the great company of other cyclists, you can look out for your bike at the in house racks while you take a break from the hectic environment of the city.

Pearson Performance - 232 Upper Richmond Road West, SW14 8AG
Even though this is the only cycle cafe in West London, the service offered is one of the best in the city. Cyclists from all areas love their in house physio and sports therapy, so if you need to take some time off from your stressful day, book a massage, order a cup of coffee and relax for an hour or more.

                    

As the number of cyclists grows with each passing day, cycle cafes have become a growing trend in and around London, with more locations appearing each day. The concept that sets them apart from traditional cafes is that they are all adapted to comfortably cater to cyclists, with bike racks, workshops, tools, and healthy menus that will help keep you fit. All those we have mentioned above offer great service and a few extras for beginners and seasoned riders alike. Share in the great atmosphere, and grab some leisure time with a few of London’s coolest riders at any of the large number of cycle cafes the city has to offer, while enjoying some of the best food and coffee you can find. Keen to hear from readers their favourite cycling hubs!