Coach John Hughes prepares his clients for a key event the same way the pros prepare for the Tour de France. Although his clients don’t ride at the same level as the pros, he uses the same process with each rider to peak for the key event in which the client is pushing his or her personal limits. For example, this past weekend 71-year-old Elizabeth Wicks raced 291.5 miles in … [Read more...] about How to Conquer Whiner’s Hill!
1Training & Health
Corner Faster on a Road Bike by Learning to Countersteer
Want to learn the secret to safer, faster and more confident cornering on a road bike? It's called countersteering. Here’s how to do it: … [Read more...] about Corner Faster on a Road Bike by Learning to Countersteer
How to Ride Better into a Headwind
By Fred Matheny Wind is tough. The longest climb eventually ends, but a nasty headwind can last for the duration of a multiday tour. Even on a regular training ride, a 10-mph (16-kph) headwind section can seem like an eternity. But if you want to ride consistently, you’ll have to ride in the wind. Here’s how to combat those zephyrs and use them to help you … [Read more...] about How to Ride Better into a Headwind
Is It Ok to Yell “Clear” When Approaching an Intersection on a Group Bicycle Ride?
By John Marsh When riding through an intersection with a group of other riders, is it acceptable to yell, "Clear!" as you go though to let others behind you know? As someone who was taught the practice when I was learning to ride on the road many years ago, I was somewhat taken aback that a subset of riders are very much against it – and quite a few referenced the teaching of … [Read more...] about Is It Ok to Yell “Clear” When Approaching an Intersection on a Group Bicycle Ride?
Does Training on a Heavy Bike Improve Climbing?
Question: I have a spare older road bike that's steel with 36 spoke wheels, and it's pretty heavy. Would it help me become a better climber by training on this bike on climbs instead of my significantly lighter carbon bike? Coach Fred Matheny Replies: I get asked this frequently. Unfortunately, using a heavy bike to climb probably won't make you a better climber, even … [Read more...] about Does Training on a Heavy Bike Improve Climbing?