Question: I had a great spring and summer on the bike, winning a local race and setting a personal record in a century. But recently my performance has leveled off. I don’t feel like riding, and I’m making excuses to avoid group rides where I might have to go fast. What’s happening? — Samantha B….
Question: I am 41 and have been seriously riding for two years. I did three centuries last year along with several 40- to 60-mile rides and my usual daily 25-miler. The problem is that I can’t boost my average speed past 16-17 mph. I huff and puff to keep up with riders in my club….
Question: I began riding last year and recently met my first professional cyclist in person. He’s a good climber on a division 3 U.S. pro team. I’m astonished at how small he is! He looks skinny, emaciated and weak. But I know he can ride circles around me even though I’m an athletic 6-footer and 190…
Question: I’ve missed out on the joy of cycling for eight long years, but recently I decided to do some serious riding. I’m finding it hard to control heavy breathing for the first 20-30 minutes of each ride. Is this normal? — Reggie W. Coach Fred Matheny Replies: It sounds like you’re simply starting too…
Question: When I’m riding hard and breathing heavily, I notice that occasionally I can openmy lungs more than normal and take in more air. On those breaths I feel great. For the next 5-10 seconds my breathing slows and isn’t as labored. If I could duplicate that feeling on every breath, my cycling performance would…
