February 11, 2021
Anti-Aging: Regaining Fitness at Age 71
Coach John Hughes
On October 15, 2020 I had surgery on my right foot to correct three hammer toes. Recovery meant lying on my back with my foot elevated 7 x 24 for six weeks. Boring! And debilitating as I noticeably lost fitness week by week. When I finally could get out of bed just walking around the house was exhausting. By Tuesday February 9, 2021 I was skiing expert trails on my cross-country skis. I had skied or snowshoed 37 out of the 51 days. Read more.
Product Review: Osmo Nutrition Active Hydration Drink Mix
By Jim Langley
I first heard of Osmo Nutrition from Peter Sagan. No, not in person. He was speaking at a press media event on a pre-recorded video. Okay, so I’m easily impressed. But, I did see him win a stage of the Tour of California – and that was in person – and totally amazing. And, he did win three World Championships in a row! Read more.
SPONSOR: Aero Tech Designs Cycling Apparel
The AeroReflective Rain Jacket is perfect for adding protection when the conditions are poor. This 3 in 1 jacket is packed with features that make it very versatile. The AeroReflective jacket is fully waterproof with taped seams and a DWR coating. This fabric also provides excellent protection in windy situations. When the temperature gets too warm for a jacket, the sleeves and hood are easily removed to convert this jacket into a windproof vest.
When visibility gets low, the AeroReflective Rain Jacket answers with a ton of reflectivity. This jacket uses a special fabric that has reflective elements built in that cover the arms and back. There is more reflective piping on the back, so when indirect lighting hits the jacket from a passing motorist, their light is reflected back to them making you more visible and adds safety. Other features include: a cinch on waist and hood to prevent cold air from getting in, a zipper garage so the zipper does not snag you, a longer tail to protect against road spray, and a back vent to prevent moisture build up and regulate temperatures. Don’t miss this video on the AeroReflective Rain Jacket that shows it in action.
Men’s AeroReflective Rain Jacket is available small to 5XL and tall. Women’s AeroReflective Rain Jacket is available x-small to 4XL.
Lazer Cameleon MIPS Bike Helmet Review
By Sheri Rosenbaum
Lazer’s Cameleon helmet gets its name from its ability to change looks by adding or removing the visor. With the visor on it’s perfect for commuting and trail rides. Remove the visor and you have a road helmet. But what doesn’t change is this economically priced ($89.99 MSRP) helmet is comfortable and safe with MIPS installed. Read more.
Nitrates: One Reason to Eat Lots of Vegetables
By Gabe Mirkin, M.D.
Nitrates from the foods you eat can be converted in your body to nitric oxide, which widens blood vessels to increase blood flow throughout your body, to improve exercise tolerance and to help prevent heart disease and to lower high blood pressure. Doctors prescribe nitrates to treat angina to increase blood flow to the heart. Older people, in particular, should increase their intake of nitrate-rich vegetables, since aging decreases the body’s ability to make nitric oxide. Read more.
Why You Need a Cycling Training Plan
By Coach John Hughes
You probably have some ideas about what you’d like to do this year. You may have made New Year’s resolutions, you might have some specific goals you’d like to achieve and might have targeted specific events that you want to do. Warning: Most New Year’s resolutions fail, and most goals are not met. Read more.
Pay Attention to Oncoming Cars to Prepare for Close Passes
Watch oncoming cars to know what’s happening behind you.
Don’t you love drivers who’ll pass from behind just when a vehicle is bearing down in the opposite lane? Jeez, can’t that guy wait five seconds till there’s room to swing around? Nope — he’ll squeeze by and cause a three-abreast situation with two cars and one nervous roadie. Read more.
Lost Mojo: What Would You Do?
By Coach John Hughes
I’m coaching a client who is preparing for a 500-mile race March 20-21. Mike isn’t a rookie. He’s done multiple ultra races. For a variety of reasons last summer he was stressed out, wasn’t motivated and didn’t ride much. I suggested he take time off the bike to get his life organized and he agreed. In the fall I had him mountain biking, which he loves, instead of longer endurance rides. Read more.
Anti-Aging E-Book
Anti-Aging: 12 Ways You Can Slow the Aging Process by Coach John Hughes explains why intensity training is important and the pros and cons of gauging intensity using rate of perceived exertion, heart rate and power. It includes how to do intensity exercise and different intensity workouts. The book explains how to get the most benefit from your endurance rides. It has sample training plans to increase your annual riding miles and to build up to 25-, 50-, 100- and 200-mile rides. It integrates endurance and intensity training into an annual plan for optimal results. Anti-Aging: 12 Ways You Can Slow the Aging Process incorporates the latest research and is your comprehensive guide to continuing to ride well into your 80s and even your 90s.
Question of the Week
Do you suffer from gastro distress when cycling?
Other Cool Stuff to Read
Cyclist.co.uk: Chris Froome isn’t sold on disc brakes
CyclingNews.com: UCI bans forearms-on-bars aero position, adds penalties for littering
Bike Rumor: Forget about 29ers. How about a 36er gravel bike?
End Note
That picture of the Bike riders giving Walkers plenty of notice was the best laugh I’ve had in a long time.