How reliable are you!!
It won't be long until the sun will be once again on our backs and shaved guns, compliment fresh socks; yes spring and summer are on the way. It might seem some time off yet, but we can but dream. All your efforts in the saddle now will pay dividends later, when it does finally arrive and you're giving your club mates a good kicking to the cafe.
In the meantime, it is Reliability time. Reliability Trials are locally organised events, attended by groups of mad cyclists form the area, who do an epic ride, in epic conditions to test the reliability of their training, their bikes and their legs before the season is on.
Reliability rides are not races, (trying telling the bloke at the front) but rather long distance rides which are used to gauge how your training has gone, navigational skills (I have none) and self reliance (can someone change a tyre for me?). Reliability Trials normally stipulate the completion of a given route within a set time limit to get your prize; a pat on the back from your mate or kudos on Strava for collecting a few personal records.
These tests are largely run by Cycling Clubs up and down the country, and regularly within a series and usually take place in the winter period, like a local preseason training program. They are often used by local hitters, regular racers and club riders to maintain, test and adjust winter fitness in preparation for the sun. Riders taking part in a Reliability Trial will be issued with a route, detailing the course of the event, which usually needs to be signed or stamped at control points throughout the route, some of which conveniently coincide with the Public House at the end.
Whilst out in those epic and testing conditions, remember to look after your skin. A wet chamois pads is a sure way to arrive back sore without VeloSkin chamois cream protecting it from the harsh elements.
With every order, we are giving our customers a free travel sized daily sports moisturiser and soothing gel with their purchase to keep them in top condition and ready for your next reliability ride.
