To help cycling enthusiasts and the occasional bike riders get their bodies and bicycles ready for spring cycling, certified athletic trainers from UPMC Sports Medicine's Cycling Performance Services and cycling professionals from other local organizations will provide a question-and-answer forum on performance training and bike fit. The forum will take place at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, March 19, at the Pittsburgh REI store, 412 S. 27th St., South Side Works.

"On a nice day, it may sound like a good idea to hop on your bicycle, without any preparation, after it has been sitting in your garage all winter," said Matt Tinkey, a certified athletic trainer at UPMC Sports Medicine's Cycling Performance Services. "But without proper bike fit and training, a seemingly enjoyable bike ride may become a painful challenge."

Mr. Tinkey and Phillip Hensler, also a certified athletic trainer at Cycling Performance Services, will answer questions on cycling along with Mike Schultz from Highland Training and Fred Baldassare who manages the Freddie Fu Cycling Team.

The event is free, but seats may be reserved for a same-day $2 donation to the Pennsylvania Athletic Trainers Association. Pre-registration is recommended. For more information or to register, contact Peter Greninger, REI's Outreach Specialist, at (412) 488-9410 x308 or email pgrenin@rei.com.

About UPMC Sports Medicine's Cycling Performance Services

UPMC Cycling Performance Services works to optimize the performance of cyclists of all ages and abilities. Using the resources of UPMC Sports Medicine and the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine's Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, services include physiologic testing services, technical consultations, treatment and management of cycling-related injuries, and injury prevention services. Cycling Performance is closely aligned with the Neuromuscular Research Laboratory, part of the University of Pittsburgh School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences' Department of Sports Medicine and Nutrition, where researchers currently are studying the effects of training programs on pedaling efficiency in the elite cyclist and injury prevention in the recreational cyclist. To make an appointment with a certified athletic trainer at Cycling Performance Services, please call (412) 432-3770.

University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
U.S. Steel Tower, 600 Grant St., 57th Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 United States
http://www.upmc.com