News

As you may or may not know, memberships in the Western Jersey Wheelmen run from March 1 to the end of February. If you've already renewed your membership for this year, thank you. If not, please consider renewing now. By renewing your membership, you help us 'keep the lights on' and help pay for the hosting of the website and other expenses the club incurs during the year -- such as insurance and the club's membership in the League of American Bicyclists -- to keep the club running. Membership dues also help pay for the events the club hosts throughout the year, like the Club Century in July, the Ride-a-Palooza in October, and the Longest Day and Shortest Day rides in June and December, and of course the Winter Party in January.

NOTE: If you joined after November 1 of last year, your membership for this year has automatically been extended until next March.

You can renew your membership in 2 ways:

- Either click on the avatar/picture in the upper right corner of the homepage, click on 'View Profile', then scroll down and click on the 'RENEW' button, and then follow the instructions to complete the renewal process. You can pay either by credit card or check, but note that if you pay by check, the renewal won't take effect until payment is received.

- Or alternatively, click on the 'Join Us' link from the menu bar on the homepage. You'll see a message that you're already a member, followed by a link to 'Edit your member profile'. Click that link and follow the same instructions indicated above.

If any difficulties send an email to info@bikewjw.org.

Thanks!

Observant web surfers will notice a slight change to the club's homepage.  Under the slideshow, at the top of the center column you'll now see a link to the full Ride Calendar.  If you click this link, you'll be taken to the full-page Ride Calendar.  (You can also reach this by clicking 'Events' in the menu bar at the top of the webpage.) 

Below the link to the Ride Calendar, you'll see details on some upcoming rides and events.  Below that, you'll see a list of all of the past rides for the year.

If you have any questions, email info@bikewjw.org.

Cooler weather means your body needs a little more time to adjust to riding. To get your muscles ready, do a warmup loop near your home. If you’re the one making the route, loop by your house or car early in the ride so you can shed any layers that seemed like a good idea before you started pedaling. If not, gear up with easy-to-shed layers such as light jackets or vests, arm or knee warmers.

You might also enjoy feeling faster. During the summer months, the heat can sap strength and make intervals feel a lot harder because your body is under more load and struggling to cool itself. The brisk fall weather means that you will probably see improvements in your power and even a slightly lowered heart rate and perceived exertion. This is the perfect time to keep your base strong before the winter.

Got Gear?

The key with transition-season gear is to add pieces that are lightweight and removable to your current summer kit instead of switching out your whole summer wardrobe for winter gear. Adding accessories like arm warmers, which you can easily peel off mid-ride and stash in a pocket, means that whether the day warms up or the clouds roll in, you’re prepared. Try these must-haves:

• Arm Warmers
  
• Knee Covers
  
• Toe Covers
  
• Vest
  
• Pocket Rain Jacket
  

Don't forget hydration!

When it’s not super hot out, it feels less crucial to reach for your water bottle. But that’s a huge mistake. Make sure you’re drinking around one bottle per hour even if you don’t feel as thirsty as you did when it was 100 degrees out, you still need to hydrate. If it’s really cold, you can even start your ride with warm or hot water.

Ride smart this Autumn, but get out and ride!