Coach John Hughes

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% … [Read more...] about Avoid These Common Century Ride Mistakes

By Coach John Hughes RBR Reader 61-year-old Kevin asked several questions, “Wednesday May 17 was the Bone ride from Madison to Milwaukee WI and back (158 miles). My tandem pilot couldn’t do it. That didn’t stop me. I rode indoors on my single bike with a Saris H3 trainer.” “My goal was to hold 220-230 watts. I felt good through the 5th hour. Then I started to fade. By the … [Read more...] about Ask the Coach: Did I Overtrain? Part 2

By Coach John Hughes Overtraining? Yep — I’ve done that. I started training in 1975 using the Olympic training manual by the Comitato Olimpico Nazionale Italiano, which was translated into English. Although written for racers it seemed like good advice to me. Cycling legend Eddie Merckx was at the height of his career and to improve he simply said, “Ride more.” My goal each … [Read more...] about Ask the Coach: Did I Overtrain? Part 1

By Coach John Hughes RBR Reader Kevin wrote, “I have raced tandem bikes for 14 years. I have reached a point I don’t race; I participate in long endurance rides. Last Wednesday was the Bone ride from Madison to Milwaukee Wisconsin and back (158 miles). My pilot and I weren’t able to go for any rides this year, which would have been good for us and to check out the tandem. We … [Read more...] about Ask the Coach:  Did I Bonk on an Endurance Ride?

By Coach John Hughes RBR Reader Matt wrote, “I’m going to start commuting 15 miles round trip. My old commute bike has flat bars. How difficult would it be to put on drop bars? Or should I buy a new road bike? I find the straight handlebars less comfortable and my hands get sore / tired. Maybe I need to wear gloves? Or just get used to it? Attached are a couple of photos of … [Read more...] about 4 Reasons Why Core Strength Is Important