QUESTION: I'm 70 and take a spinning class two days a week and train on the road two other days. Then I ride with a group of 40-somethings on Sundays. On climbs, I can stay with the group nearly to the top before I reach my max heart rate and have to back off. I've tried slowing my cadence and standing as well as increasing cadence and sitting, but I reach my max at about … [Read more...] about How Can I Maintain My Speed Up Hills?
Cycling Past 60
Change Your Equipment As You Age to Keep Cycling
Today's Quick Tip comes to us from octogenarian Hildegarde Bender, whose QT arrived under the Subject line: Biking Into Your 80s. Here's what she wrote: I have biked ever since I was a child, but in my 50th year did my first long-distance cycling. At the time, I rode a 10-speed, but then was introduced to a “granny gear” so that winter I rebuilt my 10- speed, adding … [Read more...] about Change Your Equipment As You Age to Keep Cycling
Is Age a Factor in a High-Altitude Event?
Question: I am training for a ride at high elevation in August, with 4,500 feet of climbing over 50 miles. I'm 77. Is my age a factor in doing something like this? I have always cycled but lately have not been at my best. – Joe C. Coach Fred Matheny Replies: Joe, that sounds like a great ride. I hope you enjoy it! Your performance at altitude will depend on several … [Read more...] about Is Age a Factor in a High-Altitude Event?
Is Retirement Dangerous to My Cycling?
Question: Because of my work schedule, I have ridden sporadically for the last 20 years, logging about 1,500 miles annually and doing one or two centuries just for fun. Last winter I took early retirement and decided to devote full time to cycling. I rode 5,000 miles in 8 months and improved fast. But now I’m tired and can’t stand the thought of hammering with the young … [Read more...] about Is Retirement Dangerous to My Cycling?
How Should Older Riders Train?
By Coach Fred Matheny Question: I've been racing for four decades, averaging about 700 hours of training each year. But now I'm 59 and sometimes feel the motivation is just not there. I heard that a 67-year-old finished El Tour de Tucson (111 miles) in 4:51. He had significantly reduced his on-bike training to 4 days per week and lifts weights the other 3 days. Do you … [Read more...] about How Should Older Riders Train?