Coach John Hughes

  By Coach John Hughes   I had my annual physical recently, and my doctor said that I’m the healthiest 67-year-old he’s ever seen! And I’m consistent – last year I was the healthiest 66-year-old he’d ever seen! That doesn't mean I'm not in decline, though. Most people’s health and fitness start to irrevocably decline after about age 50, and as they get older their … [Read more...] about Fit for Life I: Squaring the Geriatric Curve

  By Coach John Hughes   When I started riding in the 1970s we all wore wool shorts and jerseys, used sew-up tires and rode on Brooks leather saddles with a rivet in the front. The term “on the rivet” comes from those days, meaning to slide forward on the saddle and to ride hard. Eddy “The Cannibal” Merckx was king, and we envisioned him racing when we rode on the … [Read more...] about On the Rivet, Part 1: Learning to Focus

By Coach John Hughes In this series of columns over the past few weeks, I’ve been discussing various aches and pains (other than tired legs!) that we roadies suffer from, what causes them and what you can do to avoid them. Previous columns have covered: cramping; nausea; saddle discomfort / saddle sores; upper back, shoulder, neck pain / discomfort; numb / painful hands, and … [Read more...] about Bicycling Aches and Pains V: Hot / Painful Feet

Question: There are so many bars and gels and drinks out there for energy and endurance. What should you look for in a bar or gel? What about the composition of complex versus simple sugars? When should you intake them before and during the bike ride? How much is too much? – David Coach John Hughes Replies: You are asking excellent questions, David! Over 40 years of riding and … [Read more...] about What Should I Eat Before Cycling?

By Coach John Hughes In this series of columns over the past few weeks, I’ve been discussing various aches and pains (other than tired legs!) that we road cyclists suffer from, what causes them and what you can do to avoid them on a bike. Previous columns have covered: cramping; nausea; saddle discomfort / saddle sores; upper back, shoulder, neck pain / discomfort; … [Read more...] about Cycling Aches and Pains IV: Lower Back Pain / Discomfort