Newsletter Issue No. 1075
June 29, 2023
Avoid These Common Century Rider Mistakes
By Coach John Hughes
Bonk! Yes, Coach Hughes managed to bonk on Colorado’s Triple Bypass. I rode the Triple in my ultra-racing days. The Triple is 118 miles long over Mestaa’Ėhehe Mountain (formerly Squaw Pass) at 9,790 feet, Loveland Pass at 11,991 feet and Vail Pass at 10,662 feet. There was an aid station at the base of the pass, but with four miles of 6-7% grade at altitude I didn’t want anything in my stomach so I didn’t eat. By the top I was already a little cross-eyed. The 13 miles down to Keystone with the first mini-mart seemed endless. Read more.
Are Bicycle Bottles Safe to Drink From?
Jim’s Tech Talk
By Jim Langley
You might recall that in the past we reviewed a biodegradable bicycle bottle from Elite. It being one of the first pollution-fighting bidons we’d seen, we awarded it our highest rating of 5 stars. The review is here if you missed it: Elite Jet Water Bottle and Vico Carbon Cage Review. Read more.
Tifosi Rivet Sunglasses Review
By Sheri Rosenbaum
At the beginning of May, Tifosi added a new sunglasses model to their endurance line ― the Rivet. They are available in six frame colors and five unique lens combinations. The company sent me a pair of gunmetal frames with Fototec lenses that go from low light conditions to full sun. So I take them whenever lighting conditions change, like during a sunrise or sunset ride. Read more.
Am I Doomed By My Age and Work Schedule?
QUESTION: I need your advice on my training schedule. I work 4 consecutive days of 13 hours each, then have 4 days off when I have unlimited time to ride. I usually do 2-4 hours, but especially on the first day I feel sluggish. I just turned 50, and my fitness and endurance seem to be on the decline. How can I turn things around, given my weird work schedule? — Rick T. Read more.
Quick Tip: Sunscreen Tips for Cyclists in the Summer
A while back we ran a question about Wearing Sunscreen Under a Jersey. Click the link to read that column. It provides advice on combining sunscreen with whatever protection your jersey might already afford. Hint: It may not be much unless you’re wearing a specific UV blocking jersey. Read more.
Cycling Apparel for UV Protection
Some cyclists prefer preventing sunburn with apparel rather than sunscreen. On long rides, you can easily sweat away all your sunscreen and end up burned. Others simply like to double up and use both.
Summer Riding Bundle
Summer is when we ride the most and Coach John Hughes teaches you all you need to know to have your best summer ever. The Summer Riding Bundle includes:
- Cycling in the Heat, Part 1: Ride Management
- Cycling in the Heat, Part 2: Hydration Management
- Preventing and Treating Cramps
- Eating and Drinking Like the Pros
Question of the Week
Cool Stuff to Read
SRF.ch: 52 Year Old Swiss Woman Isa Pulver Wins Overall Title in 2023 Race Across America
Canadian Cycling: Mathieu van der Poel did the coolest thing with his front wheel at the Dutch champs
Outside: Lael Wilcox and Ulrich Bartholmoes are the first finishers of 2023 Tour Divide
Road.cc: How much slower is a gravel bike on the road? Testing a road bike vs a gravel bike for speed
Most Clicked Last Week
How Can I Increase My Average Cycling Speed by 2 mph?
End Notes
