Newsletter Issue No. 809

May 10, 2018

PDF version for Premium Members is here.

 

Got Cycling Questions? We’d Love to Answer Them!

One of the greatest things about the Road Bike Rider site and newsletter is the collective knowledge and wisdom of our expert contributors as well as the knowledge and feedback of many of our very experienced readers.

Why not take advantage of that knowledge? Got a cycling question about your bike, nutrition, training techniques, or is there some other cycling issue where you could use a little guidance? Hit reply and ask away! Chances are if you’re wondering about something, there are many other cyclists who either have the same type of question or have learned the answer. It’s as easy as hitting reply to the newsletter, or by submitting it at our Ask the Coaches page.

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Ask the Coach: How Much Recovery Do You Need?

By Coach John Hughes Chuck writes, “I am 68 years old. I raced in my 30’s and from 50-55. I find I am struggling a bit to adjust my riding to the aging process. I found early spring with the wind and weather in my hometown intervals were a fun thing to do. After 5.5 weeks I was quite tired. My focus is to be fit for an occasional century ride and rides of about 50+ miles. Currently the real struggle for me is determining an appropriate ride/rest ratio.” Read more.

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Donnelly Cycling X’PLOR CDG 700 x 30 Tubeless Ready Clincher Tires

By Jim Langley A little over a year ago, I reviewed the Clement Strada LGG road tires, which I said were a great value for the price. Since then, the Strada LGG tires and a versatile lineup of road, adventure and cyclocross tires has hit the market rebranded under the name Donnelly Cycling because Donnelly ended their former licensing agreement for the name Clement. Read more.

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Change a Flat Tire the Fast Way!

By Jim Langley Here are four reasons why it’s good to be able to fix flat tires fast on your road bike: 1) so you don’t cool off too much and have to warm up again; 2) so your riding buddies don’t have to wait too long for you; 3) so you don’t freeze or overheat in extreme weather; and 4) so that you have a chance to chase back onto that fast group ride or event where they don’t wait when you flat. Read more.

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How to Ride Safely in a Big, Unorganized Cycling Group Ride

By Coach Fred Matheny Pacelines are organized. They have specific rules. But in big groups like you find in centuries or charity rides, things will be disorganized. This can intimidate even experienced riders. Sooner or later you’ll find yourself in a big group amid some riders with sketchy skills. It pays to learn how to survive (and also make yourself welcome) in a crowd. Read more.

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More Reasons to Exercise as you Grow Older

By Dr. Gabe Mirkin, MD Muscles are made up of thousands of muscle fibers just as a rope is made up of many strands. Each muscle fiber has a nerve that innervates it. With aging you can lose nerve fibers that, in turn, cause you to lose the corresponding muscle fibers, but exercising against resistance will make the remaining muscle fibers larger so they can generate more force. Read more.

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Question of the Week

I’m seeing a lot of gravel rides on the ride and race schedules in Texas this year. Are you interested in gravel and “all-road” adventure road riding articles for the site? Time for a poll to see if you guys are hard core pure roadies who only like 23mm tires and smooth pavement, or if times are changing in the road scene. I personally love the gravel and adventure bikes and rides!