April 25, 2019
PDF version for Premium Members is here.
Showstoppers II: A Dozen Mistakes Endurance Cyclists Make
By Coach John Hughes
Summer is coming and you’re probably planning a long ride. You may not be up for a century but look forward to the club’s 50-miler or a 100K with a friend. Or you may be preparing for a century, 200K or longer. Whatever the distance, here are 12 potential mistakes to avoid. Read more.
Two New Cool Bike Tools
by Jim Langley
I haven’t yet tried or even seen in person the two new tools I’m pointing out this week, but wanted to share them with you because they both look like good problem solvers. One looks like a super nice addition to your home bike workshop and the other seems like an ingenious chain luber everyone will like. I’m looking forward to trying them both when they become available. Read more.
How to Look Over Your Shoulder on a Bicycle Without Swerving
By Coach Rick Schultz
I noticed something on a ride recently that I see all too frequently. Following a couple of cyclists today, it was hard to pass them since they kept swerving as they looked over their shoulder. I see this all the time; a cyclist looks over their left shoulder and their bicycle swerves to the left. Read more
Road ID Sidekick Review
by Sheri Rosenbaum
I hated trying to remember my Road ID every time I went out for a ride. I’d attach it to the bike, but when you have 5 bikes, you’re bound to forget it. Also, I didn’t like that my emergency information (phone numbers, allergies) wasn’t always on me for actives like open water swims or hiking. Finally, in March Road ID announced the new Sidekick ID for Fitbit and Garmin watches. Read more.
Endurance Training and Riding — 3-Article Bundle
To learn how to train effectively, eat correctly and ride an endurance ride get the bundle of three eArticles by Coach John Hughes: Endurance Training and Riding.
- Beyond the Century describes training principles and different training intensities and how to integrate these into program of long rides. Although written for roadies doing longer events all of the principles also apply to shorter events. I lay out an 8-week plan to build up to a century and then a 200-km ride (about 125 miles), plans which could be easily adapted to shorter rides.
- Nutrition for 100K and Beyond provides you with the information you need to fuel your engine before, during and after endurance rides.
- Mastering the Long Ride gives you the skills you need to finish your endurance rides. Effective training provides your base, and proper nutrition gives you the fuel. The key to success is to use your smarts to complement your legs.
The 50 page Endurance Training and Riding bundle is $13.50 ($11.48 for our Premium Members).
Quick Tip: Scoot Around on Your Bicycle Saddle
Try this on your next bike ride. Scoot on the saddle.
Many cyclists always sit in one spot. Off season rides or recovery rides are a great time to experiment with moving around. Scooting helps you increase pedaling cadence or power. Read more.
Training versus “Just Riding”
by Fred Matheny
Some years ago while in Erie, PA, to speak at a cycling event, I went for a ride. The locals were joking about how their terminology changed as they’d gotten more serious about cycling. Where they had previously “ridden” now they “trained.” Read more.
High Intensity Interval Training Can Increase Injuries
by Gabe Mirkin, MD
A recent study shows that people who use high-intensity interval training (HIIT) are far more likely to become injured than people who use less intense exercise and that the highest injury rate from interval training is in men at ages 20 to 39, the ages when they are at their highest potential to be at their best competitive level to become champion athletes. Read more.
Safe Bicycling Guide
By Arnie Baker
Bicycle accidents and injuries are a source of concern for all of us. Most accidents are preventable. Five main topics govern safety. Most can be attended to and most risks minimized. Here’s a guide to staying safe on the roads. Read more.
Question of the Week
Which type of riding do you do mostly?
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