by Stan Purdum The protests against systemic racism in many parts of our country following the unwarranted killing of George Floyd, a black man, under the knee of a white Minneapolis police officer caused me to recall a scene from my bicycle trip on U.S. Route 62 some 20 years ago. There was no black person involved in that scene, but in a way, that’s the point. … [Read more...] about Thinking About “Cycling While Black”
1Training & Health
Why Is Riding With A “Cyclist Mentality” Dangerous?
By Robert Wilhite Yes, you read the title correctly, but what in the world does it mean? As with all my posts, I share my perspective on various topics, why I believe what I do, pulling from 250,000 miles of road cycling, and then let you decide what you do with it. This post is no different. A bit more controversial, but nonetheless, the same approach. … [Read more...] about Why Is Riding With A “Cyclist Mentality” Dangerous?
Drink Sugar and Caffeine during Vigorous Exercise
By Gabe Mirkin, M.D. I have often recommended that exercisers take a sugared, caffeinated soft drink for a performance boost during prolonged vigorous exercise. I still think this is good advice, but based on a study from the University of Buffalo, people who are exercising at a casual pace for an extended time may want to restrict their intake of soft drinks (Am J Physiol … [Read more...] about Drink Sugar and Caffeine during Vigorous Exercise
Quick Tip: Improve Your Road Riding on a Mountain Bike
For road cyclists, there are three key benefits of venturing off-pavement -- besides the fact that carving sweet singletrack is guaranteed to generate some of the widest grins in cycling. … [Read more...] about Quick Tip: Improve Your Road Riding on a Mountain Bike
How Old Are You Really?
By Coach John Hughes I started thinking about this in 2009, the year I turned 60. I had the pleasure of crewing for an age 75+ 4-man team in the Race Across America. The Great Grand PAC Masters raced 3017.3 miles from Oceanside, CA to Annapolis, MD in 8 days 14 hours 47 minutes. They averaged 17.11 mph riding as a relay time with each rider taking … [Read more...] about How Old Are You Really?
Quick Tip: Seat Height and Knee Pain
Here's a remedy that's been known to quickly solve a developing knee problem: If the pain is in the front of the knee, raise the saddle. If it's behind the knee, lower the saddle. Start with just 2-3 millimeters. Don't go overboard with big adjustments all at once. If the pain at the front of the persists, it could be that your crank arms are too long and you are on your … [Read more...] about Quick Tip: Seat Height and Knee Pain
Quick Tip: Vary the Intensity Cycling
If there's one trait that distinguishes pros from recreational riders, it's how they pace their training. Professional riders can go fast because when they train hard (or race), they go like lightning. But when they train slowly, they go very, very slowly. … [Read more...] about Quick Tip: Vary the Intensity Cycling
Interview with Amy Schultz, PT, DPT, CSCS
By Rick Schultz This is a short interview with Amy Schultz, PT, DPT, CSCS. Bike Fitness Coaching discussed the latest thoughts on her training then and what she would do different now. … [Read more...] about Interview with Amy Schultz, PT, DPT, CSCS
Ask the Coach: How Should a Beginning Cyclist Train?
By Coach John Hughes Training stress + rest = training success When asked how to improve Eddy “the Cannibal” Merckx put it simply, “Ride more!” Merckx was the most successful professional racer of all time. Merckx achieved 525 victories over his eighteen-year career. He won the Tour de France five times, the Tour of Italy five times, the Tour of Spain, all the spring … [Read more...] about Ask the Coach: How Should a Beginning Cyclist Train?
Quick Tip: When is It Time to Quit a Ride or Event?
When is it smart to quit a race, century or even a tough training ride? When is it okay to battle on? Here are some questions to ask yourself when Mr. DNF is calling your name. … [Read more...] about Quick Tip: When is It Time to Quit a Ride or Event?
More Lessons from My 92-Year-Old Hero
By Coach John Hughes I wrote a recent column on My 92-Year-Old Hero: What We Can Learn. I’m living with Rick helping him to recover from a fall. … [Read more...] about More Lessons from My 92-Year-Old Hero
Things To Do On A Road Bike
By Martin Sigrist A bike is more than just a means of transport. Its a lifetime ticket to experience the world in many wonderful ways. Right now feels like a good time to celebrate those already done and perhaps add a few that you haven't. Here is a bucket list list of examples. They are types of things rather than specific events to make it as general as possible. All … [Read more...] about Things To Do On A Road Bike
Arthroscopic Knee Surgery is Usually Useless
By Gabe Mirkin, M.D. I have said repeatedly that surgery to trim attached cartilage in the knee is usually worthless. I have seen many patients who have had cartilage removed by surgeons for an average charge of $5000, and then they must have a knee replacement several years later. The surgeons must know about the harm they are doing because they have to see the patients for … [Read more...] about Arthroscopic Knee Surgery is Usually Useless
My 92-Year-Old Hero: What We Can Learn
By Coach John Hughes I’m now living with my 92-year-old friend Rick. He’s lived alone for a decade. He has a bad hip so he gets around with a walker. A caregiver Betty comes in the morning to fix his breakfast and again in the evening to fix his dinner. The rest of the time he is happily on his own. … [Read more...] about My 92-Year-Old Hero: What We Can Learn
Quick Tip: Try Pistachios for a Post Ride Recovery Snack
After a hard or long bike ride, you'll want to refuel to recover. Current research suggests consuming both carbohydrate and protein to better recover. Carbohydrate helps to replete energy, and protein supports muscular adaption. After your next ride, consider grabbing a bag of pistachios. Roasted pistachios are classified as a complete protein source that provides all … [Read more...] about Quick Tip: Try Pistachios for a Post Ride Recovery Snack