by Arnie Baker, M.D. Although your fitness is your most important aspect of success on a bike, there are some non-fitness aspects of cycling that also make a difference. If you’re already fit — or maybe you’re just looking for every possible advantage to help at your current level of fitness — consider whether or…
By Coach John Hughes Training by intensity doesn’t mean hammering and painful intervals. Training by intensity simply means riding harder than you are used to riding in order to improve in a specific way, which range from increasing your endurance and cruising speed to having more power to achieving high performance.
Use your “air brakes.” We all know that wind makes bicycle riding tough. If you’re going 18 mph on a calm day and suddenly a 10-mph headwind cranks up, it takes almost twice the effort to keep your speed. But sometimes wind resistance is useful. It can help you brake without touching the brake levers.
PROBLEM: You’ve been able to ride just 15 to 20 miles about three times a week, but now you’re all fired up to ride a century that’s only a month away. SOLUTION: Here’s the rule of thumb for long, one-day bicycle rides: You can do your average weekly mileage in one ride if you just…
by Fred Matheny A rider once told me about the greatest display of speed she ever produced. No, it wasn’t in a race. She was riding along minding her business when a huge Doberman, jaws dripping saliva and teeth glinting in the sun, rocketed out of a suburban yard and took dead aim on her…
