Newsletter Issue No. 874
August 8, 2019
PDF version for Premium Members is here.
I’m 70! Yikes!!! Lessons from my Journey Through Life
By Coach John Hughes
Chronological aging is unavoidable; however, you can chose how you live the journey.
I was born in 1949. Starting when I was 30 each decade I chose a significant cycling event. Read more.
Mid-Season Bicycle Check-Up
By Jim Langley
It’s August, which means some of the best pedaling of the year is ahead for a lot of us. The days start to cool off, the roads get quieter as the summer vacationers pack it in and there are more fun rides on the calendar.
But wait! If you’re been knocking out the miles all season long, it’s likely your trusty two-wheeler needs a little attention. To help, here’s a checklist to give a bicycle the once over and make sure it’s ready for action. Read more.
Slowing Loss of Muscle and Bone Strength with Aging
By Gabe Mirkin, M.D.
In a review of 37 studies of men and women over 60, researchers found that a proper exercise program enlarged and strengthened the muscles in 93 percent of the participants (Osteoporosis International, March 1, 2017). In only 14 percent of the participants was there any additional benefit from nutritional changes. Read more.
How to Catch Back Up on a Group Bicycle Ride
by Fred Matheny
My most memorable attempt to catch a group that had dropped me happened in a race near Boulder, Colorado. The state’s in- famous spring wind was howling and echelons formed on the unsheltered prairie roads. Soon the front group was down to 15 riders. Read more.
Anti-Aging
Anti-Aging: 12 Ways You Can Slow the Aging Process, by Coach John Hughes, incorporates the latest research and most of it is new material not published in previous eArticles on cycling past 50, 60 and beyond. It’s your comprehensive guide to continuing to ride well into your 80s and even your 90s.
Anti-Aging: 12 Ways You Can Slow the Aging Process includes an annual plan to put together all six of the aspects of aging well: cardiorespiratory exercise, intensity training, strength workouts, weight-bearing exercise, stretching and balance. The book concludes with a chapter on motivation.
Avoiding Bone Density Loss
Question: I’m a 45 year old male that has been riding 4-5 days a week for the last 7 or 8 years consistently. My concern is that as I age I am losing bone density based on the fact that I’m participating in a non-load bearing activity. If I don’t do any other activities should I consider vitamin supplements or should I pick up a load-bearing activity like running? — Bill B. Read more
Quick Tip: Moving on Your Bicycle Saddle During Long Climbs
Move on the saddle to make seated climbing easier.
If you sit in one spot on a long grade, your muscles will fatigue faster than if you shift locations. Read more.
KINEKT Suspension Seatpost Review
by Rick Schultz
Years ago, I bought a semi-custom DEAN carbon-wrapped titanium hardtail. Adding a complete *XTR groupset made it complete. At the time, I used it mainly for trail riding. I also used it as my commuter bike riding back and forth to work. That was when I was younger. Read more.
Now Hear This
by Scott Martin
Cycling might seem, blessedly, like a sport of silence – no droning motor, no sneakers squeaking on hardwood, no thud of foot against ball. But if you pay attention, bike riding is full of sounds. Some good, some bad. Read more
Question of the Week
Do you ride with a suspension seatpost or stem on your road bike?
Other Cycling Stuff to Read
Deadspin: An ultra run in India that has only ever had one finisher so far.
Outside: The power of self talk during endurance training.
NY Times: Friendly competition. Your top rival can be your biggest ally.
VeloNews: Field of dreams — a grass velodrome in Kansas.
NBC Sports: Chris Froome video interview. Road to recovery.
Road.cc: This German medical student is the first female overall winner of the unsupported Transcontinental Race.
End Note
See you next Thursday! If you enjoy reading the newsletter each week, consider forwarding it to a fellow roadie with a note and suggest that they sign up too.