Newsletter Issue No. 883
October 10, 2019
PDF version for Premium Members is here.
Setting Goals as You Grow Older
By Coach John Hughes
My longtime friend John Lee Ellis, age 67, completed his sixth Paris-Brest-Paris (PBP) this summer. PBP is a 750-mile (1200 km) continuous ride from the outskirts of Paris to Brest and back, which must be completed in 90 hours or less. The 90 hours includes all stops for rest stops, meals, sleep, mechanicals, etc. Ellis finished in 83 hours 9 minutes. So far he has ridden 22 1200Ks. Read more.
Jim’s Technique for Putting on that Last Tight Section of Tire
By Jim Langley
Since tires are the biggest trouble-makers for roadies, let’s follow last week’s story on tire seating, with another for putting them on in the first place. Even complete beginners can get tires most of the way on, but getting the last tight section on can seem impossible. Read more.
The Solitary Pleasures of Going it Alone
By John Marsh
In almost all cases, if given the chance, I prefer to ride with a friend (or friends). I enjoy the camaraderie, the shared experience, the added motivation of getting out when you might not otherwise, and the subtle push to do certain rides or events, or add just a few more miles or minutes, that only riding buddies can get from one another. Read more.
Pearl Izumi Symphony Thermal Jersey Review
By Sheri Rosenbaum
When Pearl Izumi sent me a few pieces from their new fall line, I really didn’t want to think about cold weather. I LOVE summer and not ready to bundle up for cooler Chicago temps. But the last few weekends the temps have dropped, and that cool north wind is starting to blow. To stay warm, I reached for the new Pearl Izumi Symphony Thermal jersey they sent and went for a few test rides. Read more.
Cycling Past 50 Bundle
In this 4-article series, Past 50 Series Bundle, Coach John Hughes shares what you need to do as you age into your 50s and beyond – using cycling and other exercises – to increase your longevity and improve your enjoyment of life! These articles apply whether you are just taking up cycling and exercise or you’ve been a cyclist for years and intend never to stop.
How to Keep Your Maximum Heart Rate Up as You Age
By Gabe Mirkin, M.D.
Your maximum heart rate is the fastest your heart can beat and still pump blood effectively through your body. As you age, your maximum heart rate drops. This means that your heart is weaker and more susceptible to damage, and you can’t exercise as fast over distance as you could when you were younger. Read more.
Quick Tip: Increase Your Cycling Endurance by Setting a Goal
Increasing your endurance seems easy — simply ride more miles. It isn’t that easy in practice, however, for several of reasons. First, you need an important goal to stay motivated. You need more time, too. And you need to know how to increase mileage safely and effectively. It’s common to do too much too soon and fall prey to overtraining, overuse injuries, or plain old boredom. Read more.
Question of the Week
Do you like to ride in a group or do you prefer to ride alone?
More Cycling Stuff to Read
Outside: Scared of the Road, Cyclists are Migrating to Dirt
Washington Post: The longevity files: A strong grip? Push-ups? What can actually help you live to a ripe old age?
Jan Heine Blog: Rene Herse brand was developing gravel products long before it was the new big thing.
CX Magazine: Specialized introduces new Roval gravel / all-road wheels in 650b and 700c.
End Notes
Thanks to those who replied last week about bike bags they are using that they like. I got a recommendation for the Timbuk2 Seatpack XT small and the Jannd Mini Mountain Wedge, which both look very well constructed.