Newsletter Issue No. 954

February 25, 2021

Anti-Aging: Can You Exercise Too Much?

By Coach John Hughes

I’m a retired ultracyclist and I specialize in coaching endurance riders. I’m starting to coach a Brit whose goal is to cycle 20,210 km (12,557 mi.) over the course of this year. Last year he rode 15,000 km (9,320 mi.). Another client rode 3,000 miles last year and we’re going to significantly increase her mileage. I’m also in several groups devoted to long distance riding. My clients and the roadies in these groups ride the vast majority of their training and event miles at an endurance pace, with just a bit of intensity. A common question is, “Is riding as much as I do healthy or bad for me?” Read more.


Great New Cycle-ography: Being Gary Fisher and the Bicycle Revolution

By Jim Langley

Even though I’ve had my Being Gary Fisher book for two weeks, I haven’t made a dent in it yet. It’s because there’s so much to take in. It’s Gary telling his story, which makes for fun reading. It was co-written by UK cycling journalist Guy Kesteven. I don’t know how much was penned by which G-man. Read more.


5 Bike Setup Mistakes You Should Avoid

By Rick Schultz

I recently came across this YouTube video by Francis Cade that is very pertinent to the current situation in the bicycle industry where there is a major lack of bicycles in shops available for purchase. I am starting to see a trend of first time buyers just buying a bike regardless of the size. They are buying an incorrectly sized bike just so they can ride something — so I think the timing of this video is perfect. But, even though I think Francis and James (his bike fitter) have hit some key areas, I see things a little differently in my bike fits. Read more.


Lazer Sphere Helmet with Aeroshell Review

By Sheri Rosenbaum

Back in January Lazer launched their new Sphere helmet which was designed around a cyclists’ natural riding position. According to the company’s research, while on the bike, road cyclists tilt their heads at around a 15-degree angle. The Sphere’s ventilation channels were optimized to keep the rider’s head cooler for longer in this particular position. With 18 large vents, there’s plenty of air movement. Read more.


Chrome Doubletrack Feed Bag and Handlebar Sling Bag – Quick Review

By Sheri Rosenbaum

Chrome Industries is not a brand I was familiar with before receiving two of their newest bags to test and review. The Feed Bag and Handlebar Sling Bag are from their Doubletrack series. They are well constructed, versatile, and have features for the cyclist, commuter, bikepacker in mind. Read more.


Creatine Supplements the Cycling Lifestyle

By Kevin Kolodziejski

Why are you a cyclist as opposed to, let’s say, a Civil War re-enactor?  Because the only time for wool (and it better be merino) is the dead of winter?  Because you prefer to carry your water in a cage affixed to your bike than in a canteen strapped to your belt?  Because you’d rather pedal on a sunny Saturday morning than lie prone on a former battlefield playing the role of a fallen soldier? Read more.


Anti-Aging E-Book

Anti-Aging: 12 Ways You Can Slow the Aging Process by Coach John Hughes includes chapters on how to meet the ACSM’s recommendations on aerobic, high intensity aerobic, strength training, weight-bearing exercises, balance and flexibility. Use the included sample weeks and months for different amounts of exercise. There are plans to build up to 100 km and 100 mile rides and increase over two years your annual riding from around 4,000 miles (6,500 km) to over 5,000 miles (8,000 km) a year. You can easily modify the plan for different annual amounts of riding. Coach John Hughes discusses the importance of recovery and how to gauge if you are getting enough recovery. Hughes combines the different kinds of training into programs balancing training and recovery. 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.

Learn more.


Question of the Week

Do you take creatine as a supplement?

Other Cool Stuff to Read

Sunflowers and Pedals: 2021 International Women’s Day Together We Ride
VeloNews: New POC Ventral Lite helmet weighs a claimed 180g
Outside: How Much Should You Spend on a Gravel Bike?

End Note

Similar Posts

  • Newsletter Issue No. 1007

    March 10, 2022 Anti-Aging: More on Threshold, Sweet Spot and High Intensity (HIT) By Coach John Hughes I’ve written two related columns on how hard exercise increases longevity: Anti-Aging: Interval Training Increases Longevity and Anti-Aging: Interval or Fartlek for Longevity? RBR reader Glen asks a good follow up question, “Can you explain the differences between…

  • Newsletter Issue No. 898

    January 23, 2020 PDF version for Premium Members is here. How Much Should You Train to Improve Cycling Performance, part 2 By Coach John Hughes Last week’s column was How Much Should You Train to Get Faster? After I posted it to Facebook, readers made a number of good responses. Read more. Winterize Your Bicycle…

  • Newsletter Issue No. 984

    September 30, 2021 Why You Can’t Just Pedal Off the Pounds By Coach John Hughes I have a friend, a retired pro racer, who says weight management is easy, “Just ride more and eat less.” But it’s not this simple. Why It Matters Being even slightly overweight can increase your risk of dying prematurely by…

  • Newsletter Issue No. 878

    September 5, 2019 PDF version for Premium Members is here. How to Improve as a Cyclist By Coach John Hughes On August 1, 2019, Patricia Anne Baker set the Masters Women’s 80-84 Hour World Record of 27.447km (17.96 mi). Wow! Although this column describes how an older rider can improve, the principles apply to all…

  • Newsletter Issue No. 848

    February 7, 2019 PDF version for Premium Members is here.   Getting Home With a Damaged Wheel By Jim Langley The goal of this tip is to make sure you can ride home if your wheel gets damaged out on the road. The reason this tip is important is because many modern road rigs (those…

  • Newsletter Issue No. 829

    September 27, 2018 PDF version for Premium Members is here. Ask the Coach: Peaking for Two Cycling Events By Coach John Hughes RBR reader Dan Austad asked on September 12, “I am planning to do the National Senior Game’s 5K time trial on June 15 and the 10K time trial on June 16, 2018. (If…