Question: I want to attempt a brevet series (rides of 200, 300, 400 and 600 km) in the spring to qualify for the 2003 Paris-Brest-Paris. I can do 25 miles pretty comfortably right now, averaging 15 mph, 2-4 times weekly. How important is it for me to do rides of 3-6 hours? — Bill P….
Question: I just finished a 600K (373-mile) brevet with 15,000 feet (4,500m) of climbing. Next, I’m signed up for several double centuries. How can I improve my average speed in these long rides? I hate structured training plans, and don’t lecture me about nutrition! — Dan L. Coach Fred Matheny Replies: Hang on, Dan. Here comes the lecture….
By Coach Fred Matheny I’ll never forget the rider approaching me near Boulder, Colorado, some years ago. Roadies are common in that cycling-mad town but this guy stood out, even at a distance, for the smoothness and fluidity of his pedaling motion. He sat rock steady on the saddle and his legs flowed underneath him. I…
Question: I purchased a PowerTap power meter last year and have been training inside with watts all winter. This has included 3-4 workout per week ranging from 90 minutes to 2 hours, mostly hard intervals. My power increased for the first 6 weeks but then plateaued. Recently, it’s taking much more effort to generate the…
Question: A few weeks ago, you said you were forgoing winter weight training for your legs in favor of low-cadence/high-resistance riding on an indoor trainer. I’m wondering how that’s going. — Vlad L. Coach Fred Matheny Replies: As of mid January, I’m pleased with the program. I’m lifting weights two or three times each week,…
