July 2, 2020
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We’re taking next week off, so no newsletter next Thursday. Back soon!
Ask the Coach: Coming Back From Surgery, Injury or Illness
By Coach John Hughes
Almost every cyclist at some point has to come back from surgery, injury or illness. Although I’m describing how you should get back in shape the same principles apply to any comeback. I’m drawing on my personal experience as well as coaching experience. In ’89 I was hit by a truck and my left knee was fractured, a while back I broke my pelvis and a few years ago I broke my ankle. Different injuries but similar rehab. Read more.
Product Review: Dynaplug’s Impressive Carbon Racer & Road Air Tubeless Tire Repair Kits
By Jim Langley
Back in early May, I attended the Reveal Global virtual bicycle show and wrote up some of the product highlights. One of the goodies that grabbed my attention was a way to patch flats on tubeless tires by the company Dynaplug. It turns out that they’ve been making plugs to repair tubeless tires since 1991. Their do-it-yourself kits are for making permanent repairs fast on motorcycles, cars, trucks, SUVs, ATVs, scooters, trailers, garden tractors and now even bicycle tubeless tires. Read more.
Machines for Freedom Summerweight Women’s Long Sleeve Jersey
By Sheri Rosenbaum
It’s not often you pull on a cycling jersey and think to yourself “damn I look good!” But that’s how I feel every time I slip on the summerweight long sleeve jersey with Palmera design from Machines for Freedom. At first glance, everything about this jersey screams fashion, but take a closer look it’s built for performance. From the venting panels to the UPF 50+ sun protection, this is one impressive jersey. Read more.
Things to Do on a Road Bike
By Martin Sigrist
A bike is more than just a means of transport. Its a lifetime ticket to experience the world in many wonderful ways. Right now feels like a good time to celebrate those already done and perhaps add a few that you haven’t. All should be doable by any reasonably trained cyclist so nothing about winning or finishing in a certain time. Read more.
Quick Review – Sunscreen That Won’t Burn Your Eyes
By Sheri Rosenbaum
In the past, whenever partaking in an outside sport I would rarely apply sunscreen above the eyeline. All too often I’d start sweating and inevitably sunscreen would get in my eyes and it would burn. A few years back I underwent MOHS surgery to remove basal cells from the hair line above my forehead. I’ve tried all sorts of products designed to be sweat proof, but still burned my eyes. Then recently I discovered Zealios’ Sunscreen or as they call it Sun Barrier. I’m a big fan of their Betwixt chamois cream, and their products are specifically designed for endurance athletes. So I figured why not try their sunscreen. Read more.
Arthroscopic Knee Surgery is Usually Useless
I have said repeatedly that surgery to trim attached cartilage in the knee is usually worthless. I have seen many patients who have had cartilage removed by surgeons for an average charge of $5000, and then they must have a knee replacement several years later. The surgeons must know about the harm they are doing because they have to see the patients for follow-up. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons does not recommend routine arthroscopic treatment for patients with arthritis, yet more than two million arthroscopic procedures are performed world-wide each year, at a cost in the United States of more than $3 billion per year. Read more.
Quick Review: Honey Stinger PLUS+ Performance Chews and Protein Waffles
By Sheri Rosenbaum
Honey Stinger recently introduced two new products to their sports nutrition line. One is PLUS+ Performance Chews with caffeine and the other is a Protein Waffle. I took both products with on a recent 65-mile ride in 90-degree heat and about the same level of humidity. Read more.
How to Become a Better Cyclist: the Six Success Factors
Coach John Hughes has been riding since 1976 and coaching professionally since 1995. He has ridden millions of virtual miles with clients that he has coached. He has learned that every rider – whether he’s in his 70s or she’s in her 30s, whether he’s training for a first century or she’s training for the Race Across America – improves most if we work on Six Success Factors:
- Effective training
- Sound nutrition
- Proper equipment
- Proficient skills
- Mental techniques
- Planning and goal-setting
Question of the Week
Have you had arthroscopic knee surgery?
Other Cool Stuff to Read
Triathlete: Why Do I Get Dry Eyes While Riding?
Trainright.com: Masters Athletes Hurt More by Heat Stress.
Bikerumor.com: New Muc-Off Inner Tube Sealant
Fast Company: The Tour de France goes virtual, as e-cycling takes off
End Notes
Zwift might be completely virtual, but it turns out that when you lose your Internet connection less than two miles from the finish in a race and all the other racers disappear from the screen, it’s the exact same very real emotional response as a having a mechanical in a real life bike race. “Wait, what’s happening? Noooo, not now!!!”
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