by Jordan Galeles We walk every day and have since we were about a year old, but how often do we run? “Only when someone’s chasing me!” is what you'll hear from many cyclists. Cyclists are often turned off by running, and sometimes for a good reason. If you don’t start slow and make sure the body has plenty of time to acclimate, it can be a miserable experience! You … [Read more...] about Running 101 for Cyclists
1Training & Health
Tips for Beginner Cyclists
by Jim Langley I needed to pick up some small parts for my 1987 VW Westfalia van and went to Van Cafe, which is just a few miles from me here in Santa Cruz. They’re famous for having just about everything needed to keep these retro bicycle-carriers on the road. … [Read more...] about Tips for Beginner Cyclists
Why Intervals Benefit Every Type of Cyclist
By Coach Peter Wimberg Whether you ride simply for the fun of it and to maintain your health and fitness, or you’re a more “serious” rider who regularly races or does goal events or tours, including intervals in your riding is important. And making the most of those intervals will help you get the most out of whatever type of riding you do. One of the first things I … [Read more...] about Why Intervals Benefit Every Type of Cyclist
Should I Eat on Bicycle Rides if I Want to Lose Weight?
Question: I took up cycling this year to lose some weight (okay, a lot of weight). I started with a mountain bike but soon discovered I loved being a roadie, so I switched over. As the pounds peeled off, I started riding farther. My goal is to do a century by the end of the summer. But when I ride as far as 60 miles, I get exhausted. Maybe I should I be snacking to increase … [Read more...] about Should I Eat on Bicycle Rides if I Want to Lose Weight?
Sign Me Up
by Scott Martin What’s a better cycling experience – road race or organized ride? We finally have the answer to this age-old question, thanks to a recent weekend when I did one of each on subsequent days. You be the judge. Event Race: Sea Otter Classic, Monterey, California Ride: Tierra Bella Century, Gilroy, California … [Read more...] about Sign Me Up
Short Intervals are Best
by Gabe Mirkin, M.D. Interval training means that you alternate bursts of intense exercise with slow exercise until you feel tired. Short intervals are defined as lasting less than 30 seconds each, while long intervals usually last more than two minutes each. The most efficient, time-saving and health-benefiting way to exercise is to use short intervals (Scan J Med & Sci … [Read more...] about Short Intervals are Best
Quick Tip: Increasing Your Cycling Endurance by Setting a Goal
by Fred Matheny Increasing your endurance seems easy — simply ride more miles. It isn’t that easy in practice, however, for several of reasons. First, you need an important goal to stay motivated. You need more time, too. And you need to know how to increase mileage safely and effectively. It’s common to do too much too soon and fall prey to overtraining, overuse injuries, … [Read more...] about Quick Tip: Increasing Your Cycling Endurance by Setting a Goal
How Hard Should Your Intervals Be?
by Fred Matheny Here's the concept of this article in a nutshell: Forget heart monitors or power meters. Go flat out when riding intervals up to 5 minutes long. Coach Dean Golich is not only infamous for his block training, but has also preached a heretical approach to doing intervals. In the past, he has counseled his riders to ignore the usual methods of gauging … [Read more...] about How Hard Should Your Intervals Be?
33 Cycling Training Tips
By Arnie Baker The only way to get finished is to get started. Keep in mind these tips during the course of your cycling, whether you are a beginning or seasoned cyclist, or you are training indoors or out. Come back to this list for a quick reference occasionally as a way of initiating a review of your overall program. The tips will help keep you on the right track … [Read more...] about 33 Cycling Training Tips
Weight Training Tips for Cyclists
by Coach Harvey Newton Cycling, plus sensible weight training, is a winning combination. These are my recommendations for off-the-bike conditioning for cyclists. … [Read more...] about Weight Training Tips for Cyclists
What Is the Best Electrolyte Supplement?
By Coach John Hughes Even in very hot conditions, most of the heat is generated by your body, which is only about 25% efficient. For every four calories you burn, only one calorie provides energy to move you forward—and the other three calories produce heat. That heat must be dissipated from your body through primarily by sweat. Your body is like a car’s radiator. Blood … [Read more...] about What Is the Best Electrolyte Supplement?
Braking and Cornering on Wet Roads
by Fred Matheny I live in arid western Colorado, so riding in the rain isn’t a common experience. I rarely face the challenge of bicycling on slick roads. (Sometimes the roads are slippery from a passing cattle drive, but that’s a different story!) … [Read more...] about Braking and Cornering on Wet Roads
Should You Stand or Sit While Climbing?
by Fred Matheny I was once riding with some friends over Black Mesa near Gunnison, Colorado. The road climbs onto the mesa and then rolls up and down along its edge. It’s a rhythmless ride because you’re always climbing and descending. On the third or fourth long hill, one of the riders gasped: “Is it better to stand on a long climb or should I sit and spin? I can spin … [Read more...] about Should You Stand or Sit While Climbing?
Dealing with Sciatica Cycling
Question: I am 71 and live in Ashland, Oregon, and am a passionate “roadie.” Have been riding for quite some time and am quite fit. Any thoughts or suggestions you can make about dealing with mild to moderate sciatica? Any resources you might suggest would be appreciated. Very much enjoy your contributions to the cycling community. Thanks! – Peter O. … [Read more...] about Dealing with Sciatica Cycling
Bicycle Workout Variables
By Arnie Baker By understanding the variables of bicycling workouts, you will understand how workout programs function to achieve different ends and be better able to design your own. … [Read more...] about Bicycle Workout Variables