As you've likely noticed, round-abouts are popping up on several of our common riding routes, most notably Everett and Hunt Club Roads. There is also one in Mt. Horeb as part of the Madison route. Although these are not common in the states, they are a staple of European road construction and traffic statistics bear out their efficacy with regard to traffic flow and reduction in incidents.

However, since many people have seldom or never encountered them, the "rules of the road" aren't always clear when it comes to round-abouts. The following tips apply to all vehicle users, both cyclists and drivers.First, vehicles in the round-about have the right-of-way. Ever noticed the sign that marks the entry to the round-about? It says "YIELD". That doesn't mean you don't have to stop if you can get there first, it means you need to stop for vehicles already there and not proceed until you can do so safely without impeding other users. It is important to look for traffic not just coming from the right and left, but also traffic coming from the opposite direction you are headed and...

We’ve all seen it. (And let’s be honest, we’ve all done it!) Waiting at a stop light, the light turns green and the group takes off while we’re left waiting, trying to get our food back in our pockets or our bottles back in the cages. This article is for new riders who may not have had that experience yet and for the more experienced among us that still occasionally forget. It’s one part safety and one part practical advice. So without further ado, here is what NOT to do at a stop light:

• Don’t roll through a red light. Not only is it illegal, but it’s a great way to turn yourself into a hood ornament. If it’s yellow, you should already be thinking RED.
• Don’t be anywhere to the left of the centerline of the road. The only time you have any reason to cross the centerline is if you’re in the middle of executing a left turn. (Or your legs are feeling great and you’re passing cars in legal passing zones!)
• Don’t pass and stop in front of stopped cars. It only puts you in the way when the...

Plantar fasciitis is characterized by stiffness, inflammation and gradual degeneration of the plantar fascia (fibrous connective tissue) on the plantar (bottom) aspect of the foot. A less common cause is associated with a bone spur of the heel.

WHAT CAUSES PLANTAR FASCIITIS?

There are a number of factors that can contribute to plantar fasciitis including:

• Repetitive impact resulting in micro trauma or stress to the heel tissues that may cause inflammation or calcification of the fascia
• Inflexibility of the calf muscles
• Flat (planus) or high (cavus) arched feet
• Unhealthy foot pronation
• Limited ankle range of motion
• Excessive body weight
• Poor footwear
• Irritation of the small nerve that runs under the foot where the fascia attaches to the heel bone

In our office we most commonly have patients with repetitive micro trauma to the plantar fascia resulting in adhesion and scar tissue formation.

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Included in this blog is a brief introduction to LBP and the steps you can take for prevention and recovery. As athletes, it is important to understand LBP, how to reduce the risk of injury and how to enhance your performance. Today we will provide you with a basic knowledge of LBP, if you have further questions feel free to call, email or just talk to one of us if you see us at VQ.

Let’s start our journey of LBP by understanding the anatomy of the spine. The low back is comprised of vertebrae, ligaments, muscles, blood vessels, nerves and discs. The vertebrae are the bones that make up the spine. The ligaments help to hold the bones and other structures in place. Muscles attach to the bones and help produce functional movements. Blood vessels run throughout the body and deliver nutrients to tissues. Nerves run throughout the spinal column to send and receive information. The most notable part of the nervous system found in the spine is the spinal cord. Lastly the most notorious anatomical structure in regards to LBP, are the intervertebral discs. Discs are fibrous and...