#16 -- Be a Groucho, but Don't BE A GROUCH!

[Adopt a "Minnesota Nice" policy!  Share the trail.  Give a simple wave or nod to those you encounter.  Be an advocate for our sport, not your personal gain.]

~Team Groucho

#15 -- Breakin Allowed!

[Check your brakes before you encounter a hill, crossroad, stop sign, etc.  A light squeeze will do.  If you're really good, a windmill, headspin, or one legged airflare.  Wouldn't you rather find out your "breaks" aren't cool before you encounter an oncoming vehicle?  Do this frequently throughout your ride!]

~Team Groucho

#14 -- Start the Wave!

[When you make eye contact with the driver of a vehicle, add movement such as a friendly wave. It is unexpected and will help pull them out of their cognitive void. This unexpected movement will confuse their brain. Subconsciously they've trained themselves to be on the alert for movement. Eye contact combined with a wave will better assure that you have been seen.]

~thanks for the tip “BikeSafeSA!!"

#13 -- On Your Left!!

[When passing others (bikers, runners, walkers, bladers, etc.), call out..."ON YOUR LEFT"]

#12 –- Learn to Ride a Unicycle!

Because someday, you will be with a group of friends and/or family members, and someone will break out a unicycle. When this time comes, how cool would it be if you were able to take it for a spin? It would be REALLY cool! Admit it! Kind of like juggling. Not many people can do it, but it’s guaranteed to impress. Better yet, learn to juggle while riding a unicycle. Ok, that might be pushing it.

Here are some easy steps that will have you rocking the one-wheeler in less than an hour.

1) Find a unicycle to practice on. Yup, this step will probably be the most difficult, unless you want to fork over the money to buy one outright.

2) Learn to mount. Find a wall to act as your crutch. Angle the cycle towards you placing the seat in your crotch area. The pedal corresponding to your dominate leg should be in the 2 o’clock position. While holding the wall, push down on this pedal in the backward direction and allow the cycle to slide under your body.

3) Find your balance. Using the wall, play around with the pedals. Rock back and forth! Get a feel for how things work. Start pedaling forward. If you fall forwards, you’re pedaling too slow. If you fall backwards, you’re pedaling too fast.

4) Let go of the wall. Remember, if you start falling in any direction, kick your feet out and let them break your fall. You don’t have to follow the bike to the ground. Maintain balance by flailing your arms while you ride. Keep all of your weight on the seat, not the pedals.

5) Turn the corner. To turn, simply lean in the direction you want to go.

And there you have it. You’re ready to run away and join the circus. Next up: learn how to swallow a sword. Happy cycling!!

~Team Groucho

#11 -- Learn to Pack a Daypack, and Have a Nice Day!

Daypacks are a necessity. Whether you cycle as a mode of transportation-- or a form of recreation. Run trails, hike trails, or tour the city. Your needs will vary, but there are a few staple items that are sure to come in handy, no matter what you encounter. Whatever else you bring is up to you…and the size of your pack. The ultimate goal! Be happy, and have a nice day!

Tips for Packing:

Fold each article of clothing in half. Lay it flat, and roll it up! This will better suit the shape of your pack, and save on space. If there is any chance to use an existing item(s) in your pack for storage, take advantage of the opportunity (ex. store your cell phone inside of a shoe). Store the heavier (and larger) items at the bottom of your pack to maintain a good balance and take the load off your shoulders.

Tips on what to bring:

• Cell phone:  Ultimately, it will get you out of most binds. The cell phone may also be your source for music, and camera. And how else will your Facebook friends know what you’re up too?

• Earbuds:  If you love music like we do, this is an absolute necessity. They won’t save your life, but they will make it more enjoyable.

• Map:  With smart phones and GPS devices, this seems "old school." But if your battery dies, or a technical difficulty occurs, you’ll thank your lucky stars.

• Id / Money:  If nothing else, you’re sure to stumble upon a Starbucks. And when you do, you’ll be happy to have a few bucks.

• Small first aid kit (with sunscreen):  Just in case! If your 50 miles from home, a pounding headache will be the rain on your parade.

• Toilet paper:  Roll up a small stash and store it in a Ziploc bag. Some things are just out of your control! The Ziploc bag will keep it dry. **Knowing you have toilet paper, only to realize it is wet, is far more disappointing than not having any at all.

• Baby wipes:  You can purchase them in a travel pack. Otherwise, just drop a few in a Ziploc bag. They work great for cleaning up. If you have no option to shower, but require some freshening up, they’ll become your best friend.

• A lighter:  Forget the matches. Purchase a windproof lighter.

• Extra socks:  After a nice “baby wipe” cleanse, who wants to put on a wet pair socks?

• Extra pair of shoes:  If you’re cycling, and have clipless pedals, you’ll need an extra pair of shoes if you plan to move around, away from your bike. Try flip-flops.

• Rain shell:  Self explanatory

• Warm layer:  Optional! May include a single long sleeve thermal.

• Change of clothes:  If you’re running or hiking, dress yourself in dry fit clothing rather than pack extras—take advantage of the quick dry technologies. If you’re cycling, you may want the option to ditch the padded shorts. A light pair of shorts and tee will be more than sufficient.

• Snack:  Energy pack, granola bar, etc.

• Repair kit and tools:  If cycling, you’ll need the required tools to accommodate any necessary roadside repairs. Otherwise, a Leatherman or Swiss Army Knife.

• Dryer Sheet:  Drop one in the bottom of your pack for a fresh smell, all day long.

• Water:  Duh!

Although the above list seems long, you’ll be amazed at how little space it actually requires. Happy trekking!

~Team Groucho

August 21st is National Trail Running Day!

Find and event near you!  http://www.trailrunningday.org/

#10 -- Slow. Down. Everyone! You’re Pedaling Too Fast!

[On occasion, forget competition and engage in conversation! Suppress the relentless determination and rally your devotion! Forego shaving seconds, and savor the scenery…Hey! Relax! Enjoy the ride!!]

~Team Groucho

#9 -- "Pee" as in Performance

[We all know hydration is key, so don't be afraid to pee! Do some research to determine your body's preferred level of daily water intake. Once you have the answer, determine a daily routine and stick with it. **It is important to stay hydrated the days before a workout of mammoth proportion, just as it is the day of.]

#8 -- Take the Time

[Always perform a safety check of your bike before you ride.  At the minimum, check the air pressure in your tires, as well as all bolts, etc. to make sure they are tight. This will also give you a chance to make minor adjustments to your brakes and other components if needed. It only takes a few minutes and will give you a lot more confidence on the road.]

~Thanks for the tip "Kelly!!!"

Prelim Samples of Logos on Cloth!

Today we received samples of our logo printed on material.  They look great!  Final production of all sample gear will begin next week!  Production will include two versions of our cycling glove, one version of our inaugral short sleeve cycling jersey, two versions of our inaugral sleeveless jersey, and 2 versions of our inaugral rider short.  We are very excited!!!  In fact, until you get your hands on our gear!  You might as well just ride naked!

~Team Groucho

#7 -- Less Logos!

[Unless you're receiving endorsement checks, refrain from wearing gear containing more logos than NASCAR!]

~Team Groucho

#6 -- Save Money. Prevent Chafing!

[For a cheaper option to the popular running and cycling glides/anti-chafing creams, try ‘Queen Helene.’ It's a hair gel containing the active ingredient, lanolin.  It is 1/5 the cost and can be found in the cosmetics department at Wal-Mart.]

~Thanks for the tip "Kelly!!!"

The New Site is Coming!

But for the time being, you can check it out while we test!!  And as always, if you have feedback...do share!!  Thank you.

~Team Groucho

#5 -- Dress Appropriately!!

[If your sportin' a full moon because your cycling shorts are soooo worn thin, invest in some new ones.]

#4 -- Maintain Effort!!

[When encountering hills; don’t rely on momentum and speed to carry you as far up as possible. Try maintaining the same effort…both before and throughout the climb. Your gears will make this possible.]

~Thanks for the tip “Jessica!!!”

#3 – S.T.O.P!!

[Never blow through a stop sign or run a red light. EVER! If you insist, or do not have a choice, do so from a position/angle where you have good visibility, and multiple escape options.]

~Thanks for the tip “Kuan!!!”

#2 -- Keep it Covered!

[Wear a shirt at all times...unless you look like The Rock.]

~Thanks for the tip "AMeyer608!!!"

#1 -- Eye Contact Means Nothing

[Just because a motorist looks at you, does NOT mean they'll stop for you. ALWAYS assume they won't]

~Thanks for the tip "Kmielke!!!"

Unwritten Rules / Tips and Tricks

Out riding the other day, we encountered a team of riders.  A peloton for the most part.  There must have been at least a dozen and a half.  All extremely talented riders.  Fortunately for us, we had the chance to pick their brains for advice, and share some unwritten rules of the road.  Rules not read nor written, but rather learned through experience.  The discussion proved invaluable.

As a result, we have decided to take this knowledge gained, and pursue an effort of establishing a list of unwritten rules/tips and tricks for our fellow Groucho's.  Please note, these tips are designed to help those "middle of the packers," and may not be applicable to those of gold medal stature.  We hope our tips help you become a better runner/biker/swimmer, prevent injury and accident, while helping to build comaraderie among fellow athletes as well as set positive tone for our sports within our communities.

Check back often as we will be posting numerous tips.  Our hope is one per day.  But that is a hope, not a promise.  But we will do our best.  And of course, if you have any tips or tricks of your own, please share.  No tip is a stupid tip.  If it works and helps you, it will work and help others.

~Team Grouch