Ask the Pro with Jacquie Phelan
Who is Jacquie Phelan? If you don't know, you should be pummeled with a Zefal! Hall of Famer, three-time National Champion, a member of the group that founded NORBA, unbeaten from 1981-1986, more wins than anyone in the sport, and founder of WOMBATS. Does that ring a bell? If it doesn't you should check your pulse and go back to Playboy.com.
Jacquie has been an inspiration to Team Wrong Way since we first met up with her at The Sea Otter Classic in 1995. She has given us tips on how to keep our Team alive as well as tech tips for our members.
Here you will find our questions and her answers to questions about racing, riding, training, and anything else relevant, or not so relevant.
Occasionally we have a guest Pro "sit in" for Jacquie, like for instance Leigh Donovan, and Missy Giove.
| Mr. Clean Bike "What does a club need to do to gain a loyal (non-flaky), active membership?" | Jacquie "I can't really help you on that one - I've had the same problem with WOMBATS. Hopefully you can find some people who are willing to take some of the responsibilities which will help to carry the team. There needs to be a Club Founder's Anonymous where club founders can get together and voice their problems, cry on each other's shoulders, etc. You aren't the only club that has this problem." |
| Nigel "Mudman" Dabby "Could you please give some advice on how to improve technical downhilling?" | Jacquie "Make sure you have very powerful brakes, & brake late and violently, then accelerate quickly upon exit of the turn. You need to expand the power parts and contract the braking bits. Novices tend to brake gradually, well in advance of their turn. But this "violent" riding style takes time to learn... only can be done on race courses, or you'll kill someone on your local trail, or hurt yourself. ." |
| Mike "Tomike" Gin "What did you do to mentally prepare for a race?" | Jacquie "It's unprintable! I go over the start and the finish areas, learn which gears to be in, eat & overhydrate the day before (NO riding except mellow spin. No more than one hour on day prior. You need fresh legs, which get well warmed up (10-15 min. race morning).." |
| Marc "Ansel" Spinali "how did you get into mtb'ing? The sport was so small then." | Jacquie "First I was a cheapskate. I biked SF rather than use Muni. Then a friend said "you should race San Bruno" (I did, & won). I wanted to be in the '84 Olympics (Chariots of Fire was big). My then boyfriend and I went to Whiskeytown #1 and I discovered big fun, nice people, and good beer." |
| Mike "Eagle Scout" Gin "any hints on staying motivated for the entire race season?" | Jacquie " Race less often, attend "fun" stuff like Humbug Yreka or Siskyou. Know that even the Pros bog down and that means slow down, take a break." |
| Eagle Scout "Any other progressive ideas for trail access? I remember your "T" day idea (all trails open on Tuesdays & Thursdays)." | Jacquie " Etiquette zones < 2 miles from any auto access (parking lots). I know bikers should have good manners and go slow around all turns. But not all do. So at least scrupulous care in high volume areas. Perhaps TWW (and WOMBATS) could propose to educate neophytes in an official program sponsored (not monetarily, just permission wise) by Diablo State Park." |
| Mimi "Lock" Snell "How do you get to the point where you feel comfortable going fast? " | Leigh Donovan "Going fast takes time to feel comfortable on the downhill. I like most did not start out going fast, just each year my tolerance to speed gets better. It is all about getting to know the terrain and getting comfortable in your surroundings. Just have fun at whatever speed and if you are relaxed you will only get better." |
| Rob "The Unlung" Sullivan "What is the best way to take flat/off camber turns?" | Leigh Donovan "turning is always tricky. Most people try to hit the turn at full speed with their brakes on. The best way for flat turns is to approach slowly (in a rhythm). As you go into the turn, do not use the front brake at all! Keep all your fingers gripping the bar. You may want to grab your rear brake - try it without even touching it - you will still drift through the turn. By holding onto the bars, you will have more control of your front end. I hope this will help. Good luck." |
