What to Wear Cycling in Varying Weather, a Conversation with Coach Ertl This article began one 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 in […]
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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 […]
Why Every Masters Cyclist Needs Strength Training
By Ric Stern In a previous column we discussed how training harder can help maintain or improve fitness as we age. Today I want to take one of the things I touched on there — strength training — and dig into it properly: how it helps you as a cyclist (or triathlete, or runner), how […]
Is testosterone replacement therapy acceptable for recreational cycling?
Question: Is testosterone replacement therapy acceptable for recreational cycling? —Allen J. RBR’S STAN PURDUM REPLIES: I assume you specified “recreational cycling” since in professional competitive cycling, using testosterone is considered an anti-doping rule violation. Cycling authorities strictly prohibit its use, and age-related decline in one’s testosterone level is not grounds for a medical exemption.
You Can Raise Your VO2max at Any Age. Here’s How.
By Ric Stern VO2max, nice little acronym, bandied around all the time in cycling circles. You’ve probably seen GCN mention it, and most likely every cycling magazine you’ve ever read. But what is it, what does it mean, and more importantly than the physiology if it’s so important, can you improve it? In reverse order, […]
What if my prostate-specific bike saddle is uncomfortable in other areas?
Question: I am a road cyclist, though I haven’t been at it very long. But I’m old enough that I have a few prostate problems. My urologist says I’m not ready for surgery yet, but he suggested that I purchase a “prostate saddle.” I did that, and found that it’s designed not to put pressure […]
Masters Cyclists: You’re Under-Fuelling, And It’s Costing You More Than You Think
By Ric Stern It’s the weekend. You’re on the group ride. There are a few younger riders and you know the deal — it’s going to get fast on the hills, and you want to be dropped like you want a hole in the head. So the obvious thing to do is go on some […]
