Newsletter Issue No. 887
November 7, 2019
PDF version for Premium Members is here.
Why Stretching May Help You
By Coach John Hughes
Note the title of this piece “Why Stretching May Help You.” Each cyclist is an experiment of one with different goals, and different strengths and weaknesses. That’s what makes coaching interesting! As a coach I look holistically at all the variables that will help a cyclist reach that person’s goals. I stay current on the latest research, but I also interpret that research carefully to see if it is or is not applicable to a specific client. Read more.
A Cool Tool for Fixing Rubbing Disc Brakes
By Jim Langley
Once set up well, road bike disc brakes usually just work. But, as with rim brakes, some discs can occasionally develop a rub. The usual cause is that a brake pad, or more than one, inside the brake caliper rubs on the rotor (the metal discs attached to the wheels). If you’re lucky, the rub is so minor that you don’t even notice it. But, if you do – and especially if you can feel it or hear it when you’re riding or even walking the bike, it can drive you nuts. Read more.
Sponsor: Performance Alpaca Cycling Socks by Fo//ow Ho//ow
Follow Hollow socks outperform competitors largely due to their 80% baby alpaca proprietary blend thread. Check out the RoadBikeRider.com review by Sheri here. These socks are available to order on Kickstarter right now. They reached goal and only have a few days left to get in on this special introductory price. Find out more.
Tifosi Aethon and Slice Sunglasses Review
By Sheri Rosenbaum
Tifosi Optics is known for their affordable, quality sunglasses and you can find them at most LBS or online. Earlier this year Tifosi released the Aethon and in August they introduced a smaller version called Slice. Read more.
Optimal Recovery For Improved Performance
The pros know that recovery is as important as training. They eat the right recovery foods after racing, get massages and go for easy recovery rides. Brent Bookwalter who currently rides for UCI World Team Mitchelton–Scott advises that if you have a choice between an extra 20 minutes of riding or spending that time recovering use it for recovery. Coach Hughes’ Optimal Recovery for Improved Performance explains the best recovery nutrition, the value of stretching, describes 5 different stretching techniques and teaches you how to give yourself a massage with your hands or with a hard foam roller (the pillar of pain). He also covers true active recovery, compression garments, icing and using whirlpool or hot tub. The techniques are illustrated with 14 photos.
Isolated Leg Training: Single Leg Cycling Drills
By Arnie Baker, M.D.
What if I told you there was a simple method of bicycle training that would improve almost all aspects of fitness? A method that would help strength, spin, leg speed, anaerobic power, focus, and breathing? A method so powerful that in training hundreds of athletes, I have never met one who did not benefit and see improvement within a few training sessions? Read more.
Lost in Translation
by Scott Martin
I made a huge tactical error on last Sunday’s group ride. I’m not talking about missing the break, getting boxed in during the sprint or blowing my nose on the beefy guy known as Steroid Sid.
No, my big mistake was believing my buddy when he called that morning and said, “We’re going to take it easy today.” Read more.
Question of the Week
Are you in favor of stretching?
More Cycling Stuff to Read
Bicycle Retailer: Small US bike importer gets caught trying to avoid China tariffs by going through Vietnam.
Outside: Riding an ebike is not cheating.
Strava: Strava updates map provider and shows some terrain elevation details now.
End Notes
I’m traveling this week for a wedding, so I’m off the bike for five days. Hope you’re getting in more rides than me!