Newsletter Issue No. 1074
June 22, 2023
Ask the Coach: Did I Overtrain? Part 2
By Coach John Hughes
RBR Reader 61-year-old Kevin asked several questions, “Wednesday May 17 was the Bone ride from Madison to Milwaukee WI and back (158 miles). My tandem pilot couldn’t do it. That didn’t stop me. I rode indoors on my single bike with a Saris H3 trainer.”
“My goal was to hold 220-230 watts. I felt good through the 5th hour. Then I started to fade. By the 7th hour my watts were down to 190-200. I finished in about 8:30 hours. Was I starting to bonk?”
Coach Hughes: I responded to Kevin’s first question in this column. Read more.
Quick Review: Osmo Power Fuel Performance Drink Mix
Jim’s Tech Talk
By Jim Langley
Having been knocked out of more rides than I care to remember by stomach distress, I’m really happy to tell you about Osmo’s newest product Power Fuel, which seems custom made for this issue. Actually, I told you a little about Power Fuel after I saw it at the Sea Otter Classic bike expo in April. Now that I’ve had time to thoroughly test it on multiple long, challenging rides, I can tell you more. Read more.
Tailwind Dauwaltermelon with Lime Endurance Fuel – Quick Review
By Sheri Rosenbaum
One of the nice perks of being in the media is early access to products. Tailwind sent me a box of their newest Endurance Fuel flavor Dauwaltermelon (non-caffeinated), with lime inspired by ultrarunner and Tailwind athlete Courtney Dauwalter. This flavor drops on June 16th, just in time for hot summer rides. Read more.
Touch the Toes in Your Mind
By Kevin Kolodziejski
Develop Mental Flexibility: Live and Ride Better Because of It
Dorian Yates does yoga now.
While that name might not ring a bell, here’s what you share in common with him. He pedals. He pedals regularly and really hard for short intervals. Read more.
Cycology Handlebar Bag – Quick Review
By Sheri Rosenbaum
Cycology handlebar bags are an affordable, stylish, and functional option for additional on-the-bike storage. They are available in various patterns and made from 900D waterproof polyester and a waterproof zipper to keep your nutrition, phone, and other items dry if the weather turns damp. Read more.
How do I start gravel racing?
By Stan Purdum
QUESTION: How do I start gravel racing? —Lee G.
RBR’S STAN PURDUM REPLIES: Gravel racing is really a “deep end of the pool” activity in the realm of gravel cycling. Many people who become gravel racers start out just as gravel riders and then work their way up to racing. Read more.
Hydration Tips for Cyclists from RBR Readers
Coach John Hughes’ article, What Electrolytes Do You Really Need?, which focused on hydration management during long, hot summers, reminded us of two things: 1) A suggestion for a Quick Tips item on keeping drinks cold , and 2) a slew of reader tips on the topic from another long, hot summer several years back.
All the tips still (sorry) hold water, so maybe these can help you. Read more.
How Can I Increase My Average Cycling Speed by 2 mph?
QUESTION: I have a 58-mile cycling tour in a couple of months. Two years ago I barely finished in the “platinum” group by riding it in just under two-and-a-half hours. Now the organizers have lowered the platinum time to 2:20, an average of 25 mph. How can I train in the next 8-10 weeks to push my average speed up by 2 mph on my bike? The course is fairly flat and I’ll be in a large group. — Weldon J. Read more.
Why Did My Tire Go Flat Twice?
QUESTION: Recently I punctured. After I replaced the tube and pumped up the tire, I hadn’t gone 300 yards before the same tire flatted again. I was out of tubes so had to hitch a ride home. What’s going on? — Benny S.
Cycling Past 60 Bundle
In this 2-article series, Cycling Past 60, Coach John Hughes shares his personal insight and the current research into how the human body ages, especially past age 60.
Part 1: For Health gives you six different health maintenance objectives for different components of your physiology, including comprehensive fitness programs that address these objectives. It shows you how to measure your “Athletic Maturity” to assess your relative fitness in terms of all aspects of good health. This eBook includes three balanced, full-body exercise programs for different cyclists of different athletic maturities.
Part 2: For Recreation uses the concept of “Athletic Maturity” to design programs for riders of different athletic maturity. It includes six different structured workout programs, three each for Endurance and Performance cyclists, based on levels of athletic maturity.
Question of the Week
How many bottles do you ride with in summer?
Most Clicked Last Week
Should Herbert Switch from Road to Mountain Pedals?
End Notes
