Newsletter Issue No. 885
October 24, 2019
PDF version for Premium Members is here.
How to Come Back After a Long Time Off the Bike
By Coach John Hughes
Question: Due to an injury, I’ve been off the bike for almost a year. All medical issues are history. How do I get back into riding and make sure I don’t over-stress tendons etc? Just ride and build up mileage slowly? Or can I mix in one day of hill work in the beginning weeks? Read more.
A Quick Tip for Shimano Di2 (Electronic) Rear Derailleurs
By Jim Langley
This week I’m sharing a small adjustment that makes a world of difference in the shifting of Shimano Di2 electric rear derailleurs. Recently I ran into and fixed this issue for a couple of roadie friends. Which makes me think that not everyone understands this critical adjustment. Read more.
Silca Maratona Minimo Gear Bag Review
By Sheri Rosenbaum
Whether packing for a race across town or planning a trip across the country, you’re less likely to forget something if you’re organized. The Silca Maratona Minimo gear bag will do just that. With specialized pockets and adjustable dividers, customize the internal storage compartments to meet your needs. Read more.
Gaining a Mental Edge: Using Sports Psychology to Improve Your Cycling
By the time we reach our 40s we’ve often reached a physical plateau, but there’s no age limit on gaining a mental edge that will help us become better cyclists. Coach John Hughes’ e-article, Gaining a Mental Edge: Using Sports Psychology to Improve Your Cycling, shows us how. It’s a workbook with a series of progressive exercises to learn to:
- Relax: any sort of mental tension translates into physical tension, which interferes with smooth functioning of the muscles. You’ll spin better if you are fully relaxed.
- Focus: You can do more of any activity if you focus 100% of your attention on that activity.
- Be confident: How to develop personal images and words that help you to ride stronger.
- Deal with the mentally tough times that crop up on many rides.
Pursued by the Peterbilt
By Stan Purdum
One memorable day on my ride on US 62, from Niagara Falls, New York, to El Paso, Texas, occurred when I crossed the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. I started the day in Paducah, Kentucky. Here’s an excerpt from my book, about that ride, Playing in Traffic. Read more.
Road Cycling Shoes Under $100
As an experienced roadie, you know that cycling shoes are a necessity. But they can also be incredibly expensive on the high end, costing $350 or even more for a pro level pair. Sure, shoes at that price range are lightweight and have great power transfer, but most of us aren’t willing to spend that kind of money. We’ve put together this list of top quality road cycling shoes under $100, to help you find a pair of comfortable cycling shoes without having to “foot” an excessive bill. Read more.
A Reader Responds: Getting Older Doesn’t Have to Mean Slowing Down
by Martin S
Editor’s note: A few weeks ago, we received an inspiring comment from one of our readers on the article by Coach Hughes, Setting Goals As You Grow Older. I traded emails with the commenter and asked if he would let us adapt his comments into a short article, and he agreed. Read more.
Quick Tip: Find Nearby Roads for Your Next Gravel Riding Adventure
PROBLEM: You just picked up a shiny new gravel or all-road bike, but you don’t know where to ride it yet. How do you find gravel roads that are within a reasonable distance from your home?
SOLUTION: Turns out that there are several different options to easily find nearby gravel roads and routes. Here are some that you might find helpful. Read more.
Question of the Week
Which brand of road cycling shoes is your favorite?
More Cycling Stuff to Read
Bicycle Retailer: The entire staff at RAGBRAI resigns to start their own competing cycling event on the same day.
Bike Rumor: Specialized has a new road tubeless tire, and a special sealant designed to seal quickly at higher road pressures.
VeloNews: Taylor Phinney retires from pro cycling at 29.
ESPN: Sleep deprivation in the NBA. Rest and recovery matters!
Girls Gone Gravel: Managing Type 1 (juvenile) diabetes as a cyclist.
End Notes
Hope you’re getting good fall weather for cycling. It’s cooling off here in Dallas, and I have been trying out some new apparel sent to me by Pearl Izumi. I’m enjoying the Pro Thermal Jersey in red with its nice reflective elements for temperatures in the low 50s down to the mid 40s (with a vest), and the Pursuit Attack Cycling Bib Tight to keep my legs and knees covered. If you are still getting your gear sorted out as the temperatures get lower, be sure to check out our What to Wear in Various Weather Guide.