September 14, 2007
Ask the Expert

Q: I like the idea of road biking because I'm a pretty sissy mountain biker BUT, the cars and the loose gravel make me really nervous. Any suggestions on how to get past these fears or how to "try out" road biking without investing in expensive equipment?
– Sage, CO

Julie Huck:
There are several things you can do to give yourself more confidence in road biking:
Give your local rail trails a try. These former railway corridors that have been converted to trails are great places to build your confidence and ability. Trail Link has a listing of many off-road trails available around the U.S.

Check in with your local bike organizations (shops, clubs, advocacy groups) as they frequently offer resources tailored to new riders such as urban cycling courses and organized rides. These are also great ways to meet new riders and learn more about the sport. Here are a couple links to find clubs in your area: www.adventurecycling.org (search for club) or www.bikeleague.org.

Swapping out your tires for a wider tire can also increase your stability, especially in loose gravel. A couple of nice options are Continental's TopContact and Vittoria's Randonneur - a 32 or 35c width is good. But before you make the investment, make sure you have enough clearance on your fork.

Road biking can be done on any type of bicycle, but the most important consideration is to ride a bike you are comfortable with. Your local bike shop can help you make any minor adjustments to your current bike to improve your riding experience.

Q: I am headed to Sayulita, Mexico in February of next year. Where are the best places to surf in Mexico for a beginner?
- Mandy, Maryland

Christine Heyniger:
Sounds like you have a wonderful adventure coming up in February! This quaint little fishing village (45 minutes from Puerto Vallarta) is a popular spot for surfers of all levels. Here are two surf spots, recommended to me by some adventuring surfers who have experience in Mexico:
There’s a women's surf camp (www.surflasolas.com) which I'm told is excellent. You can read one woman's account here: www.vivatravelguides.com. There's also a lodge near Salyulita called Costa Azul that does surf lessons and trips, www.costaazul.com.

Q: I've heard rules about when you're suppose to buy new running shoes, but I don't run enough to really know how many "miles I've logged". As long as they're still comfy, can't I continue to wear them even if it's been 2 or 3 years?
- Theresa, WI

Bob Fleshner:
Although outer sole wear is certainly an important factor to consider when determining if you need new running shoes, mid-sole wear is equally, if not more, important. The amount of time or mileage that shoes last really depends upon a variety of factors including the shoe type, your weight, foot strike, etc. Some general rules of thumb do apply however. It is unlikely that a pair of shoes will last and not possibly contribute to injury beyond about 500 miles or six months, whichever comes first. The composite material that makes up the mid-sole simply begins to break down over time, even if the shoes aren’t worn. Also, if you begin to notice new little aches, pains or tweaks, that may also be a sign that it’s time to invest in a new pair of shoes.

A couple of tips for extending the life of your running shoes: try to use two pairs and alternate usage if you are a high mileage runner; don’t wash them too frequently, though the occasional wash is fine.

Remember to buy good quality shoes that fit. They are the one true piece of equipment you need for an otherwise inexpensive sport. Don’t skimp or you’ll end up injured!

Items featured on Today's Edge are strictly editorial.  No advertising dollars here