Month: October 2022

Every once in a while, you come across a piece of equipment that changes your experience on the bike. Ill fitting or inadequate apparel can make for a miserable ride. Tights, bib shorts, jerseys , base layers and jackets are an easy fix. If the specific piece of clothing does not fit properly, you swap it out for the correct size. This is not always true for helmets.

Most helmets come in three sizes. Small, medium and large. Some manufacturers include extra padding, but this does not always provide a good fit. The retention systems are usually pretty good, but if the helmet does not fit on your skull, then the chin strap and rear dial, really doesn’t matter.

Now I have not had good luck with proper fitting helmets. Most medium helmets are too small for me and the larger ones are way too big. Even with the chin strap super tight and the Boa dial cranked down, the helmet moved around on my head. That is until I tried the Bontrager XXX WaveCel Road Helmet. I purchased a size large in black. What I immediately noticed was how light it was. Then, the fit was on the money, as the helmet covers my entire head and actually fits as snug as I like. The Boa dial and chin strap are second to none.

From Bontrager:

A major advancement in the protection against cycling-related head injuries

Bontrager XXX WaveCel delivers high-performance protection and the best in aerodynamics and comfort. XXX is the WaveCel helmet of choice for the Trek-Segafredo men’s and women’s teams.

WaveCel is a collapsible cellular structure that lines the inside of the helmet. This Bontrager-exclusive technology disrupts the safety standards the industry has accepted for over 30 years

1. WaveCel advanced helmet technology
2. BOA® Fit System lets you easily secure and adjust helmet fit with just one hand
3. Easy-to-use adjustable strap dividers allow for a fine-tuned fit
4. An aerodynamic shape helps you outsmart the wind and ride faster
5. Additional NoSweat pad with silicone channel keeps sweat out of eyes for constant clarity
6. Team Trek-Segafredo sticker kit included with Viper Red, White, and Radioactive Yellow colorways
7. Crash Replacement Guarantee provides a free helmet replacement if involved in a crash within the first year of ownership
8. Complies with U.S. CPSC safety standards for bicycle helmets for persons age 1 and over

One thing to remember is that a good helmet is designed to save your head exactly once. If you took a fall that left you concussed, or left your helmet dented or cracked in any way, then it is pretty safe to assume that its impact absorbing abilities have been compromised and that it should be replaced.

If your in the market for a new helmet, try the best fitting helmet you will ever find.

The 7th edition of the Maple City Century went off without a hitch. If you haven’t heard of it, your missing the premiere gravel ride in the northeast. With incredible “B” roads throughout and a good amount of technical, beat up, Jeep trail to challenge you, you’ll leave here tired and satisfied with a burning desire to do it all again next year.

Missing the last two years, due to the pandemic, the Maple City Century was back in full force with Zack, Stacey and the Wentzel family leading an incredible staff of volunteers. This year, the Metric and full century were offered again. The Volunteers absolutely created an oasis at each rest area, offering homemade cookies, pickles, trail mix, energy snacks, fruit, sandwiches, energy drinks and water. Oh yeah, let’s not forget about the Coca Cola at 40/75 mile rest stop. Always a rider favorite.

It seemed like Zack and Stacey were on every road their car could access and at every rest stop, offering support. It really makes for a mom and pop, hometown feel for everyone.

I rode the metric again. It amazes me how I forget about the climbs. Each time I do this event, while walking up that horrendously steep hill, which I believe is Galilee Road at about mile 35, I wonder why I didn’t train harder for this or am I really getting that old. But there is a reward. Not long after, you descend down to River Road along the Delaware River. The views are fantastic, the surface is first rate and zero traffic helps you confidently drop to the river without fear.

Course markers at every turn and gps routes loaded into your computer, make this an easy course to navigate. I came back into Honesdale tired, but ready to eat.

At the finish, Scarfalloto’s Towne House Diner hosted the post race party, with each rider getting a quality meal of their choosing from the menu as well as beer from the Wallenpaupack Brewing Company.

I’ll definitely be back next year. Maybe the full century again, maybe the metric, Either way, I can’t wait!