30. It’s all about the hills! Once you have figured out how not to ride the thing like a cowboy—knees out and tall back—think about how you want to tackle the hill. Option 1: An intense, lowcadence, standing attack, or Option 2: A seated, high-cadence spin at 90 rpm! Or better yet, learn the beauty of both forms of climbing and how they complement each other.

31. Remember when you pedal to use the “Pull” part of the stroke; it’s as important as the “Push” part of the stroke. You won’t believe how much this helps. Then combine the two to feel as if you are pedaling big circles.

32. As a cycling community, we need to acknowledge each other when we are in the middle of nowhere training! Too many cyclists have bad manners and only want to pass and humiliate other riders!

33. Sure, before each ride you always check to make sure your skewers are tight, right? But when is the last time you checked your wheel bearings? Hold the frame tightly, pinch the wheel, and rock it back and forth. Any play felt coming out of the hub means loose bearings. Take the wheel off and inspect the locknut or set screw.

34. You might not think so, but there’s an art to removing and installing your rear wheel. Put the chain in the third cog from the smallest; your derailleur will thank you and your hands will remain clean.

35. If you’re a 150-pound-plus rider who does three-hour-plus rides, why are you running those small water bottles? Bigger riders need more water, so it’s better to carry the extra weight and not suffer from the effects of dehydration.

36. In this day and age of hyperinflated notions of imperative communication, we challenge you to go out on a long ride without a phone—just like in the old days.

37. Shoe covers are a great idea if A) it’s cold out, B) you’re Fabian Cancellara or C) You have a high-dollar shoe contract, and you don’t wear the shoes that you’re contracted to ride. If none of those three apply to you, you’ll just look silly wearing them outside of a TT.

38. If you must listen to music while you ride, just use one earplug to keep one ear open for safety’s sake. If you’re doing a group ride, keep the iPod in the car and both ears open.

39. Carbon parts are expensive and can become fragile when overtightened. The best way to ensure longevity and proper tightening is to break down and buy a small cyclingspecific torque-wrench. A dab of some anti-slip prep is also recommended.

40. Wear glasses that have interchangeable lenses. The difference found in visibility with certain lenses when riding at dusk and dawn is huge.

41. Planning a weekend century? Get all your heavier carbo loading done on Wednesday and Thursday, and consume lighter meals and lots of fluids on Friday.

42. Open new tubes, put them in a bag with talcum powder, shake a bit, then store them individually in small baggies. This makes tubes much easier to install. A tube doesn’t stick to the inside of the tire, tends to find its own “center,” and doesn’t catch on the rim.

43. Hey, on the next big group ride, instead of vying for the KoM crown or sprint finish, why not show some humanity by staying back and riding with the rider struggling to stay on?

44. If your helmet is more than a few years old, start thinking about a new one. Between crashes, the sun and sitting inside hot cars, the foam can begin to deteriorate and do less of the job that it was designed to do.