Some real milestones in my learning to ride a road bike rather than kicking around the neighborhood on my Huffy. This is my third summer riding and even then I'm not a high mileage rider having only ridden 500 miles since the first of May. But in the past week I've finally learned to drink while riding. Also, gained confidence to be able to get some things out of my jersey pockets. But I still can't blow my nose or change clothing while riding.

So, I'm learning and getting more competent. But there is a long way to go. Thankfully, I have only one competitor; Me.

That's what the fuzzy part of the back of your gloves are for...my wife loves running across those on the kitchen table.

I learned that right off the bat, now you need to learn not to weave after you have two or three.

As far as nose blowing - learn the art of the snot rocket, other bikers will keep their distance and you will breath easy.

How far do you think you'd have to ride to qualify as a "high mileage rider"?

I have a lot of issues changing my clothing after a few drinks, I couldn't imagine doing it while riding a bike.

Seriously, the drinking part gets easier, just keep looking up the road and let your hands find the bottle. Changing bottles after the first is empty is made easier when you hold the empty bottle in you teeth, put the full bottle in the front cage, then replace the empty into the back cage.

For the pockets, I have a system where I always put items in the same pocket. My gel flask is always upside down in the right side pocket (be sure to close it after use). Extra fluid bottle will be in the center pocket for weight distribution and food bars, keys and cell phone are in the left pocket. If I have a jacket to take off that will go in the center, if available or even rolled up under my shirt in the front until a stop is made.

Changing clothing while riding is beyond my skill level. One of my fears while racing is that I'll open my shirt and the full length zipper comes unattached.

Two words. "snot rockets"

I can drink while riding but sometimes have to look down to make sure I'm putting the bottle back into the cage and not dropping it on the ground.
All I keep in my back pockets is Hammer Gel or GU. I've tried tearing open a gel packet while riding but always have to stop to gulp the gel.
I'll get it right some day.

That is a big problem. You have to have your jersey zipped when you cross the finish line with your arms in the air to show the sponsor's name.

Several of the people I know do 25-30 miles per day during the summer riding season. Others are commuters who ride year round and will do 12,000 miles or more over the year. So, I guess I'd say doing 2000 miles or so during the riding season since I'm not a commuter.

Sounds gross. Dare I ask what it is?

(I'm used to wiping on gloves, you don't spend much time outdoors in the winter without doing that, but a "snot rocket?)

Think block one nostril and blow your nose without a kleenex. Aim is important.

Hankerchief or tissue tucked into the sleeve of the jersey- but they go soggy on a wet ride- then it is gloves.

And 2,000 quality miles after only 3 years********** Not bad. Only thing is- do not try to do the monthly average in one day.

Snot rocket perfected - I used to blow them over my shoulder. Then I saw a Tour de France rider blow his under his armpit. Eureka! Why didn't I think of that? If you blow a snot rocket first, there's much less to wipe on your glove. Sure it's gross, but you have to do what you have to do.

Springtime allergies with a continually running nose is a lot more fun than snot rockets.

Bluesdawg

I am in Milledgeville also, riding when I can which is not often enough. Give me a holler if you can, you could probably show me where to ride as I have been at it for just about 1 yr now.
Greg gkk2001@windstream.net

The question was what I considered a high mileage rider, not how many miles I expect to ride. At this pace and with the trips on the calendar I will probably be in the 1000 mile range before snow shuts me down and then a few more miles when I ride with Denver at Thanksgiving time.

I think he's trying to make me feel bad...

I still prefer to turn the head and blow. When the weather turns just a little bit cold I am a snot rocket maniac. I am nice about it though. When in a pace line I signal I am moving to the side and get as far away from the line as I can, do my business and then jump back in. Of course I always offer to lube the other rider's cassettes

Nowhere near as elegant, my man...