Question: I’m leaving on a three-week business trip to Ohio. I’ll be able to ride, but the roads are flat. I’m quite fit because I’ve been training for the Mt. Evans Hillclimb here in Colorado, but now I’ll have to miss it. My question: How should I train during the trip? Intervals? Long rides? My next event isn’t for almost three months. — Tom G.
Coach Fred Matheny Replies: If I were you, I’d just roll up some miles in Ohio and enjoy the different riding conditions. Although much of the state is flat, there are plenty of lightly traveled roads and the climate is much different than you’re used to. I’ve ridden frequently in the Buckeye State and enjoy the change from the arid west.
It’s fine to do a few jumps, the occasional 20-minute fast effort, a hard climb if you can find one. But do most miles at a steady and moderate pace. You’ve been training hard for Mt. Evans, so use Ohio for rebuilding your aerobic base.
Because you don’t have an event immediately after your trip, this approach should work fine. Riding moderately will recharge your motivational reservoirs, too. I bet you’ll come back to Colorado with renewed energy. Then you can ramp up your training for the fall event.
One more point: On a business trip it’s easy to overdo it when you combine the effects of being away from home, working and riding unfamiliar roads (perhaps getting lost). Never underestimate the additional stress.
Coach Fred Matheny is an RBR co-founder who has four decades of road cycling and coaching experience. He has written 14 eBooks and eArticles on cycling training, available in RBR’s eBookstore at Coach Fred Matheny, including the classic Complete Book of Road Bike Training, which includes 4 eBooks comprising 250 pages of timeless, detailed advice and training plans. The Complete Book is one of the many perks of an RBR Premium Membership. Click to read Fred’s full bio.
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