By Coach John Hughes 65 y.o. RBR reader Kerry asks, “Just this past year I have noticed that when I am doing long downhills (3-6 miles long), my neck gets very tired from holding my head up to be able to look down the road. When it happened before, it was at the beginning of the riding season/year and I wasn't used to hold my head up for extended periods of time, but as … [Read more...] about Ask the Coach: Neck Fatigue
1Training & Health
Don’t Put Off Strength Training Until Bad Weather Sets In
By Menachem Brodie Fall -- my absolute favorite time of year to ride! We can enjoy four, five, and six hour rides without needing to get up at 4:30 a.m. to avoid the heat, and enjoy the breadth and depth of nature’s crayon box as the foliage and plains change in preparation for winter. … [Read more...] about Don’t Put Off Strength Training Until Bad Weather Sets In
Preparing for Time off the Bike
By Coach John Hughes The "shoulder season" is when we older athletes repair our bodies. The main cycling season is over, but there won’t be enough snow to ski for a couple of months. I have badly deformed hammer toes on my right foot. Last winter they hurt from the pressure of my boot every one of the 80 days I cross country skied. I was 70 and determined to ski … [Read more...] about Preparing for Time off the Bike
Can Bonking Be a Good Thing?
Question: Last Saturday I was on a long ride and seriously lost energy on the return trip. I knew I was bonking, but instead of taking a gel or energy bar I decided to gut it out. I figured that because all of my available sugar had been consumed and my body was running out of fuel, maybe I would start burning fat for energy and lose some weight. Is there any truth to this … [Read more...] about Can Bonking Be a Good Thing?
Part III: Why is Riding With A Cyclist Mentality Dangerous? (Blind Spots)
By Coach Robert Wilhite In Part 2 of this series, I spotlighted the unique responsibilities of the cyclist in the back of the group. The topic for this post is more of a continuation for that same cyclist -- just a different real-life scenario. … [Read more...] about Part III: Why is Riding With A Cyclist Mentality Dangerous? (Blind Spots)