Spring biking

April 5, 2009

Kick Start Your
Spring Biking:

Some tips from cycling coach Ed Wagar

By Kristi Kates

Want to get a head start on your cycle training this spring? Then just ask USA Cycling coach Ed Wagar of Harbor Springs.
Touring Gear, the well-known bike shop in downtown Harbor Springs, may have been founded 25 years ago by Bill Prall, but it’s in the capable hands of coach Wagar now, and local cyclists are the ones benefitting.
Wagar, who snagged his first bike shop job when he was 13 years old, started bike racing in the late ‘80s, and eventually moved to Colorado to find a better race circuit. The move allowed Wagar to race for The Hub of Aspen for four years. He’s since moved back to Michigan, where he’s been involved in the local cycling scene since 2001. But it was 2008 that would see him really put his biking roots down in Harbor Springs.
“I bought Touring Gear last year, with partner Tim Jarvi,” Wagar explains, “and I also started Northern Michigan Cycling Adventures, a local guild service for visiting cyclists.” Touring Gear, which has been in its same location for years (on Third Street, behind the Harbor Springs Post Office), sells a wide variety of bikes and biking supplies.
“We’ve got high tech mountain and road bikes for any level of cycling enthusiast,” Wagar says, “we provide bike fit services along with guided rides, maintenance clinics, and coaching services.”
Here’s Wagar’s prescription for better riding this year:

PREP EARLY
Wagar suggests riding your stationary bike or trainer at least four or five days a week as winter turns to spring; raising your heart rate and getting back into the swing of things is the goal.
“Consistency is important,” he says. “Effort should be light; 60 to 70 percent efforts to build your aerobic ability.”
Wagar also suggests a stretching program to give those winter-weary muscles better flexibility.
“A stretching program -- along with core strengthening exercises -- will have you ready to go once the weather breaks,” Wagar says, “getting into the gym now will have great effects when you can get on your bike outside later.”
Once on the bike out on the road, most cycle racers spend the first few weeks of spring “spinning” in an easy gear to get their legs in shape for the summer.

STAY WARM
Many bikers try to get started as early in the season as possible, which can be a little hard on the system, especially given the late-season cold and snow that Northern Michigan has had lately. Wagar has some suggestions about how to get moving soon, while still easing yourself into the season.
“When it’s time to get outside, remember to stay warm,” he suggests. “Tights on your legs, base layers to keep the sweat away from your skin and a breathable shell over the top. Wear full gloves and a thin headband under your helmet. All these things will make those first couple of rides more enjoyable.”
Wagar says that improvements to both biking clothing and bikes are huge this year.
“Lighter clothing and better insulating qualities have extended our riding season,” he says, “this is a great time to expand your cycling gear with new shorts or a jacket. Improvements to weather clothing are huge.”
TRY THE TRAILS
Street biking or casual riding in Northern Michigan is perhaps at an all-time high. In addition to the growing environmental concerns that are driving more people away from their cars and towards their bikes, the region also holds a wide range of bike-friendly roads, bike paths, and trails that offer something for pretty much every level of biker.
Wagar especially likes all of the options near his home region of Harbor Springs.
“We are very lucky to live in an area
that has such great riding,” Wagar says. “Trails like the North Country Trail, mountain bike trails at Boyne Mountain and Boyne Highlands, along with the High Country Pathway through the Pigeon River, have
great mountain biking compared to any trail
I have ridden.”
When he’s not on the trails, Wagar can be found on the road again, especially on what is perhaps Harbor Springs’ most famous pathway for both bikes and cars.
“Road rides like the Tunnel of Trees on M-119 north of Harbor Springs set our area apart from most,” he says, “I love riding in our area.”
Wagar also mentions that a new biking club is in the works that will provide a portal to cycling events, group rides for all abilities, clinics, and more; those interested can contact Touring Gear for more info.
“As the cycling community grows in our area, so will the cycling services,” Wagar says, “if you are thinking about a new sport, cycling is a fantastic option.”

Touring Gear is located at 108 East Third Street in downtown Harbor Springs, telephone 231-526-7152; or find them online at www.touringgearbicycles.com.