Jerseys are on their way!

Is your jersey collection looking a little too 'retro'? Does your jersey stand on it's own after a ride? Has it developed new pin striping rings under the armpits? Tired of all the comments from that old Livestong jersey you got a few years back?
If you answered "yes" to any of the above questions then this summer's Skatelife GranFondo has a treat for you!

Check out our new jerseys for this year's ride! They come from Hayman Sport in the Okanagan, and they are great quality, stylish items guaranteed to make you faster! (or look like you are faster!)

All participants raising funds as Silver or Gold riders will get a jersey as a big thank you for helping support Skatelife's important work with young people.

If you are coming and would like to pick one up- they are available for $85 and come in sport fit and race fit.

Or, you can pre-order one right now by emailing skatelife@younglife.ca.

 

More GranFondo Training Tips- Speed

Our second training tip comes again courtesy of Velonews. Enjoy!
 
Excepts from...
Training for Gran Fondo's, Part 2: Speed
by Velonews.com
Published  --> Mar. 26, 2010
Updated  Jul. 23, 2010 at 1:23 PM EDT -->

"When we talk about “speed work” in the context of this article we don’t necessarily mean racing. What we mean is keeping the pace of whichever group you find yourself riding in, be it two or 20 riders. This has many benefits for riders of long tours; sticking with a group and drafting helps to save energy and promote recovery.

Riding with a “quicker” group could save you energy in the long run, so safely practicing speed in groups could be an option.

When pedaling, think about spinning in circles. Be aware of picking up your power stroke as early as possible over the top of the pedaling cycle. Similarly, at the bottom of the cycle, think of scraping mud off a shoe to help get through the so-called dead-spot.

Don’t avoid speed work, even if you’re not a “racer” per se, and try to avoid gear mashing.

Pushing a big gear fatigues the leg muscles more quickly than spinning (in a smaller gear)."

Hope this helps. Check out the rest of the article here.

It's training time!

The weather has turned & it's the perfect time to prep for a great weekend of riding this summer at the Skatelife GranFondo.Preparing now for your ride will allow you the fitness and endurance you'll want for the event.

We've searched the internet and found some great articles to help your training, so stay tuned in the coming days and have fun riding!

Excerpts from- 
 Training For Gran Fondos, Part 1: Endurance

•    By Curtis and Kristi Eastin, Chris Jones

•    Published Feb. 23, 2010

•    Updated Dec. 15, 2012 at 11:23 PM EDT

From Velo News

“Since we’re speaking of training for endurance and not for “speed,” your most important ride will be your long ride. It is important not to mix your weekly endurance rides with speed, strength and power workouts. Avoid the local group ride on these days.

Find a friend who likes to ride steady i.e. you can still hold a conversation — yes, even uphill and on your favorite town-line sprints! Avoid those friends who insist on half-wheeling you. The objective is to train not only your muscles and your cardiovascular system — both of which receive benefits from strength, speed and power workouts — but also to train your digestive system and your ability to use energy efficiently.

The key is to plan and build up the miles slowly and consistently and enjoy your cycling!”