Question: I’m a 48-year-old recreational rider who trains 100-200 miles a week. I’m not built like a climber and go up hills slowly. This year, I’ve climbed a lot, ridden 2 or 3 “spinning” classes each week and lifted weights. But when the road gets steep, I still lack power to turn the gears. How…
Question: I’m a 44-year-old recreational rider whose goals are to improve speed and endurance. I have a great hill near my office, 2 miles at a 4-5% grade. I ride for an hour 3 or 4 times each week at lunchtime, pushing hard on the climb. On the weekend I do a 3-hour ride. I’ve…
Question: I’m 6-3 and 245, down from 280. I played football in college 15 years ago and took up cycling because I wanted a lifelong sport to replace the thrill of the gridiron wars. Because of my size, I do okay on the flats but get dropped immediately on climbs. I know I’ll never be…
Question: I’m a former wrestler, 5-foot-8, 165 pounds with 8% body fat and very large arms and chest. Despite my small stature, I need to buy XL jerseys and cut the cuffs to get them over my arms. Does this muscle hurt my climbing? — Jim D. Coach Fred Matheny Replies: Excessive upper-body muscle is…
Question: I’m 5-foot-4, 128 pounds and 55 years old. When climbing in the hills around Palo Alto, California, I keep up with younger, stronger riders until the grade gets above about 8%. Then I go backwards. This seems to be a strength issue and I’ve been doing low-cadence, big-gear intervals. Should I add weight training? —…
