What to Wear Cycling in Varying Weather, a Conversation with Coach Ertl This column began in early December when I started trading emails with Coach David Ertl. Coach Ertl lives and rides in Iowa. I grew up in neighboring Missouri and can attest to the terrible weather (and the 100-degree-plus extremes — in normal years!) possible […]
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What to Wear in Various Weather
Dictionary of Cycling Lingo
A List of Common Terminology to Decipher the Sometimes Arcane Patois of Road Cycling Ever wonder what cyclists are talking about when they start throwing around weird slang? We’ve created a bicycling dictionary for you, with definitions of the most common phrases and words related to cycling. Did we miss a word? Leave a comment […]
Nutrition for Performance
By Coach John Hughes My client Vince recently wrote me, “This was not my best ride. Maybe my worst. A few 18-20 percent grades that I walked. Lots of 10-15 percent hills. I was struggling at 9 mph for a time and quickly added calories and jumped to 13 plus mph. I need more calories.” […]
How to Pace Your Bike Ride
By Arnie Baker Years ago, runners used to run the mile by starting out almost as fast as they could go. They invariably pooped out at the end. Roger Bannister broke the four-minute barrier for the mile back in the 1950s by planning on running each quarter mile in just under one minute. That planning […]
Training for Cyclists with Limited Time
by Fred Matheny “If only I had more time to train, I’d be in super shape.” Ever overhear that comment on the club ride? I bet you have. You may have even said it yourself. It ranks way ahead of other cycling “if only’s”—wishes for more power, a faster sprint, or a lighter bike. Give […]
Showstoppers I: How to Avoid Bonking while Cycling
By Coach John Hughes “Bang! Bang! Maxwell’s silver hammer came down on her head. ”Bang! Bang! Maxwell’s silver hammer made sure that she was dead.”— Paul McCartney McCartney said, “Maxwell’s Silver Hammer was my analogy for when something goes wrong out of the blue.” (beatlesbible.com) That’s bonking! You’re riding along under a blue sky and […]
Different Types of Cycling Fitness, and Why They Matter
by Arnie Baker, MD The lungs are usually not the limiting factor in aerobic fitness. They are very efficient in transferring oxygen from small airways to the blood. Although not the limiting factor, the athlete’s perception of aerobic limitation is usually felt in the lungs. Fitness means different things to different people. Some aspects of […]