Road Bike Rider Cycling Site

Expert road cycling advice, since 2001

1Training & Health

Exercise Really Does Help You

By Gabe Mirkin, MD Researchers reviewed eight studies that used accelerometers to follow 36,383 adults, 40 years of age and older, for six years (Brit Med J, August 21, 2019). They found that exercising regularly, regardless of intensity, was associated with reduced risk for death during the study period, while sitting for more than nine hours a day was associated with … [Read more...] about Exercise Really Does Help You

Quick Tip: Checking for Concussion After a Bicycle Crash

PROBLEM: Your riding partner skidded on wet leaves in a curve and fell hard. He cracked his helmet and felt dizzy and disoriented. This scared you because you didn't know what to do. SOLUTION: When you or a friend suffers a concussion, it's vital to determine the seriousness and act quickly. For recommendations, we asked Fred's brother, Mike Matheny. He's a cyclist who is … [Read more...] about Quick Tip: Checking for Concussion After a Bicycle Crash

Cycling in the Heat 101

By Coach John Hughes 101 – that’s how hot it’s been (or 38 degrees Celsius), depending on where you live. Maybe even hotter for you! How can you ride in the heat and still have fun?  How can you train effectively? You’re the Reason Why You Get Hot. The human engine is very inefficient.  Only about 20 – 40% of the calories you burn move you down the … [Read more...] about Cycling in the Heat 101

Calories from Foods Vary with Preparation Method and Your Gut Bacteria

by Gabe Mirkin, M.D. Calorie counts listed on food packages or restaurant menus are deceptive because they tell how much energy that food has when it is burned in a laboratory. The number of calories absorbed in your body is likely to be quite different, depending on how the food is prepared and what types of bacteria you have in your colon. Food that is absorbed … [Read more...] about Calories from Foods Vary with Preparation Method and Your Gut Bacteria

IIHS Study: Some Protected Bike Lanes Leave Cyclists Vulnerable to Injury

Bike lanes separated from the roadway by physical barriers make cyclists feel safer and encourage more people to ride. But a new study from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) shows that protected bike lanes vary in terms of injury risk. Factors such as the number of driveways or alleys intersecting the lanes and whether the lanes are one- or two-direction affect … [Read more...] about IIHS Study: Some Protected Bike Lanes Leave Cyclists Vulnerable to Injury

I’m 70! Yikes!!! Lessons from my Journey Through Life

By Coach John Hughes Chronological aging is unavoidable; however, you can chose how you live the journey. I was born in 1949. Starting when I was 30 each decade I chose a significant cycling event. Age 30 - In 1979 I rode my first of five Paris-Brest-Paris 1200Ks (750 miles) with about 10,000 meters (32,000 ft.) of climbing. I had to finish PBP in under 90 hours … [Read more...] about I’m 70! Yikes!!! Lessons from my Journey Through Life

Recovery: A Guide for Cyclists

by Arnie Baker Recovery is the readiness of fitness systems to make further efforts following training and non-training fatigue. Training stressors relate to the volume and intensity of efforts. Non-training stressors include psychological, climate, travel and many other factors. Reducing training and non-training stressors reduces the amount of recovery required. … [Read more...] about Recovery: A Guide for Cyclists