BreakRoomBethesda

Tag: cycling

  • Cycling Snacks, Gels, and Hydration: My First $70 Dive into Cycling Nutrition

    Cycling Snacks, Gels, and Hydration: My First $70 Dive into Cycling Nutrition

    Alright, let’s be real—cycling isn’t just about pushing pedals, it’s about what you can stuff in your pockets to keep you going. So, in my quest to level up my rides, I just spent $70 on a bunch of energy gels, bars, gummies, and hydration tablets from a site called TheFeed.com. Why? Because apparently, just drinking water and grabbing a banana isn’t going to cut it anymore.

    TheFeed.com is like the Amazon of cycling snacks, but better, because it actually makes sense for new riders like me. They’ve got everything—gels that claim to turbocharge your legs, bars that somehow pack a whole meal into a bite, and hydration powders that promise you’ll never cramp again. And I thought, “Why not try a little of everything?” So, I did.

    The package just landed today, and unboxing it felt like a weird mix of Christmas morning and a science experiment. We’re talking a wild variety of brands, flavors, and textures—gels, powders, bars, gummies—you name it, I’ve got it. The best part? The Feed’s sample pack exposed me to brands I’d never even heard of. I’m talking all kinds of flavors and forms I didn’t even know cyclists used. This is next-level snack research.

    Over the next few weeks, I’ll be putting these to the test—seeing what fuels me up and what leaves me feeling like I ate a bag of bricks. Expect bite-sized reviews as I try them out. Will the gels make me feel like a superhero, or will I need a dentist? Are the bars actually worth cramming into your back pocket? We’ll find out.

    If you’re curious about what fuels a new cyclist (or just want to laugh at my ride experiments), stick around and subscribe. I’ll be reporting back with the good, the bad, and the “what was I thinking” moments. Let’s see if these snacks really live up to the hype.

    Stay tuned. Let’s ride fast, snack smart, and not bonk halfway through. 🚴‍♂️💥

  • Finding the Right Cycling Gear: My Struggle, My Wins, and a New Favorite Brand Ocean&San

    Finding the Right Cycling Gear: My Struggle, My Wins, and a New Favorite Brand Ocean&San

    Let’s talk cycling gear, folks—the good, the bad, and the downright tight. If you’re new to the sport like me, getting kitted out can feel like navigating a minefield of spandex and questionable size charts. I’m 5’8”, around 210-ish pounds, and I’ve always been more “short and sturdy” than “lean and mean.” By today’s standards , “thick” would be a good word to describe me. So when it came to finding the right cycling clothing, it’s been a bit of a ride in itself.

    Like most beginners, I started with the basics and picked up a pair of PEARL iZUMi Men’s Quest Bib Shorts in XL. Honestly, they’ve been solid—comfortable, functional, and great for my rides, I got another set on the way. But here’s the thing: I’ve got nothing to compare them to. I knew there was a whole world of cycling brands out there, but trying to figure out sizing from a random website is like taking a shot in the dark. One brand’s “XL” is another brand’s “did you mean medium?” It’s enough to make anyone throw their hands up and stick with what they know. So for now I’m sticking to those bibs but I need a top, a cool top…I can’t keep wearing the dry-fit gym T-shirts.

    I wasn’t looking but I found something cool: Ocean&San. I found them on social media, or should I say…their algorithm found me? Either way, I am happy we crossed paths. Their apparel and vibe had a different approach that spoke to me. They were sick of riding to the local coffee shop in gear that felt more suited for the Tour de France than a casual spin. Their ethos? Cycling is about the joy of the ride, not just the race. That was music to my ears.

    Their flagship product, the All Day Shirt, is like a jersey’s laid-back cousin—it’s stylish, comfortable, and designed for the everyday rider – they got limited edition styles too, I am a sucker for limited edition stuff. The brand’s whole vibe just felt right: locally made in Los Angeles, sustainable practices, and gear that’s more about enjoying the lifestyle than shaving seconds off your Strava time. Plus, they had a solid return policy, which is clutch when you’re still figuring out your sizing.

    So, I bit the bullet and ordered two of their All Day Shirts. At checkout, I got sucked into their combo deal—two shirts paired with socks and a water bottle. I went with the shirts and socks($326USD shipping included), and I’ve got to say, those socks are now my favorite to ride in. My package arrived fast, safe, and in some pretty eco-friendly packaging, which was a nice touch. The shirts? Top quality, just like advertised. Only hiccup? I went a size too small. But their return and exchange process was smoother than a freshly paved bike lane, and I’m hyped to get the right fit in my hands.

    And here’s where it gets even better—after I sent them a quick thank you note for the smooth exchange, one of the Ocean&San team members subscribed to this blog. That was such a cool moment for me. It’s little things like this that make the cycling community so awesome—brands that actually care and riders that connect beyond just the bike. Huge shoutout to Ocean&San for being genuinely great people.

    For anyone out there struggling to find cycling gear that fits right and doesn’t scream “race day,” give Ocean&San a look. I’m stoked to support a brand that’s doing things differently, keeping it local, and focusing on the joy of riding. And yeah, I’ll probably be adding more of their gear to my collection soon.

    If you’re new to the game, don’t stress about finding the “perfect” kit right out of the gate. It’s a journey, just like the ride itself. Try different brands, experiment with sizing, and find what makes you feel good on two wheels. And hey, if you’re stuck in gear designed for podium finishes but all you want is a decent ride to the café, maybe Ocean&San is the move for you too.

    And here’s the best part: if you’re thinking of giving them a shot, you can use my referral link: https://oken.do/a7z3hrsf for a little discount. Support a cool brand, get some stylish gear, and look good doing it. Win-win, right?

    Ride fast, live slow. And most importantly, wear what makes you feel like a million bucks on your bike.

  • Wet Roads, Wahoo Woes, and My First Ride in the Rain: A Rookie’s Journey

    Wet Roads, Wahoo Woes, and My First Ride in the Rain: A Rookie’s Journey

    So there I was, staring at the overcast sky, contemplating my life choices—specifically, the one that got me out on a bike in the middle of a drizzle. Today marked my first-ever wet ride, and let me tell you, it was like stepping into a whole new level of cycling. I clocked in 20 miles, and while the rain started as a light sprinkle, by the end, it felt like the sky was trying to drown out my enthusiasm.

    I’ve got to admit, riding in the rain is like the “hard mode” of cycling. The roads were slick, my confidence wavered, and the fear of slipping was real, especially since I’m rolling on road tires that are basically like riding on ice skates when wet. But you know what? The roads were empty, and I found myself pushing harder, enjoying the freedom of not dodging other cyclists or pedestrians.

    Today was also my first ride with my new gadget—the Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt. Cool little device, but let’s just say it’s still on probation. At one point, it told me I was doing 50 MPH, which, unless I suddenly became a Tour de France contender, was definitely not accurate. And the climb tracking? Total chaos. It was picking up random inclines that I swear were barely bumps in the road, while ignoring some real hills that had my legs begging for mercy. It’s only been a day, so I’m giving it time, but I’ve got a feeling I’ll be fiddling with settings more than actually riding for a while.

    Another big takeaway from today? My bike fit—or lack thereof. I’m starting to think my saddle and handlebars have some kind of vendetta against me. My positioning feels tight, like I’m trying to squeeze into jeans two sizes too small. I know I should get a professional bike fitting, but those things are pricey, and let’s be honest, it’s not exactly in my budget right now. So, I’m trying to MacGyver my way through adjustments, hoping I stumble on something that makes my rides feel less like a wrestling match with my bike.

    All in all, today’s ride was a mix of “what am I doing” moments and tiny victories. I got soaked, I learned a bit about my Wahoo, and I didn’t end up in a puddle on the side of the road—a win in my book. If you’re thinking about riding in the rain, I say go for it. Just keep your expectations (and your speed stats) realistic, and maybe pack a little extra courage for those slippery corners.

    Ride on, rain or shine. And if you see a guy looking lost on a Giant Defy with a confused expression, trying to figure out his Wahoo settings… that’s probably me.

    Check out my ride on Strava.
    https://strava.app.link/tdpkXvgMYMb

  • Spandex, Sweat, and Saddle Sores: Why I’m All In on Cyclin

    Spandex, Sweat, and Saddle Sores: Why I’m All In on Cyclin

    Alright, let’s get this out of the way: I’m Francisco, married, in my 30s, and somewhere between figuring out how to remain sane while also doing the whole adulting thing, I decided to trade binge-watching for bike riding. And not just any bike riding—I’m talking the whole kit-and-caboodle: spandex, sweat, saddle sores, and a newfound appreciation for hills (or more like a love-hate relationship).

    So why am I here, typing this up instead of clocking more miles?(I already did check my Strava)Simple: I want to document this fitness ride and share what I learn with people like you—new riders, seasoned vets, and everyone in between. No gatekeeping, no elite snobbery, just honest tips, random observations, and a few “please-don’t-make-the-same-mistake-I-did” moments.

    Whether it’s figuring out how to not fall over when you clip in (painfully guilty), why spandex really is your friend (yes, it matters), or just finding the joy in the grind, this blog is my way of keeping it real. I’m here to help you enjoy the ride, whether you’re dodging potholes in your neighborhood or actually know what watts are (still working on that myself).

    And hey, this isn’t just me talking at you—I’m also building something special with BreakRoomBethesda, our Strava crew for “easy-going” rides, casual vibes, and zero judgment. Think of us as your bike-loving besties who are here to push you up the hill and share a beer(or 2) at the top.

    Subscribe to the blog, jump on the email list, and get biweekly updates straight to your inbox(I promise you won’t be annoyed). I’ll be dropping tips, my riding schedule, and occasionally inviting you to join me on the road. So if you’re down to ride, laugh, learn, and maybe get a little fitter along the way, you’re in the right place.

    Thanks for being here. Now let’s go get sweaty.