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Benefits of Cycling Bells

By on May 15, 2008 in bikes

For a town bike a bell is an essential accessory. Although, I’m not keen on cycling bells being made a legal requirement for all bikes. I think any commuter should look upon a bell as an indispensable part of commuting. Benefits of Bells. Pedestrians get used to hearing car noise. They forget that cyclists may […]

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The feeling of Exhaustion

By on May 14, 2008 in training

It is a long time since I did a proper time trial. It was not in a race, but, in training I gave a maximum effort for 16 miles on a hilly time trial circuit around Brill. When I returned home I felt quite exhausted; but, curiously it was a great feeling. There is something […]

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Benefits of the Bicycle (1) Mowing the Lawn

By on May 10, 2008 in Humour

The bicycle is undoubtedly one of the world’s great inventions. But, it is not just for the pleasure of cycling, bikes can be adapted for a whole variety of things. For example, how do you fancy combining duties to mow the lawn and cycle at the same time? get your interval sessions and grass cut […]

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Principles of Cycle Training – Stress and Recovery

Principles of Cycle Training – Stress and Recovery

By on May 9, 2008 in training

One of the basic principles of training is the concept of stress and recovery. What this means is that we start off by riding faster / further than we are used to. This stretches the muscles beyond their previous capacity. This makes the muscles (of both the heart and legs) grow and become stronger. However, […]

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10 Tips for Fast Cornering on a Bike

10 Tips for Fast Cornering on a Bike

By on May 1, 2008 in cycling, training

When I first began cycling, I felt nervous about cornering on descents and so felt of myself as a ‘bad descender’. However, over time, you imperceptibly pick up on how to corner, learning to understand how you can corner faster without risking falling off. 1. Practise on Hills You know well. On hills that you […]

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What To Think About During A Race?

By on April 30, 2008 in cycling, timetrials

In a race, we are faced with physical pain and a long time to ourselves. There is little to distract the mind apart from the race at hand. Our mental attitude to the race can have a big bearing on how we perform and whether we are able to reach our maximum potential. I am […]

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Shot At Whilst Cycling

By on April 28, 2008 in cycling

Whilst cycling, I have had crazy drivers do many things, but, being shot at with plastic bullets was a new experience. On Saturday afternoon I was finishing a 60 mile ride when I felt a stream of ‘bullets’ from a passing car. There were about 3 young men leaning firing plastic caps from toy guns […]

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Using Cycle Computers for Time Trials

By on April 26, 2008 in timetrials

Readers Question from Andy – Where do you stand on the use of the computer in a TT? I only show my HR and my speed, but I’m not sure how much use it is – might even have the effect of depressing me and taking my mind of my pedalling, breathing etc. I’d welcome […]

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The Aesthetics of Cycling

The Aesthetics of Cycling

By on April 24, 2008 in cycling

One of the greatest ever runners was Emil Zatopek; I admire his running achievements but, his running style was notoriously ‘undignified’; He was aesthetically unappealing to say the least. Cycling has a strong tradition of giving importance to aesthetics. A well polished bike has a certain aesthetic appeal which is hard to ignore. I know […]

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How To Find Maximum Heart Rate

By on April 23, 2008 in training

Maximum Heart rate is not an indicator of fitness. Maximum heart rate’s can vary by 10% between similar ability cyclists of the same age. A very rough guide to maximum heart rate’s is given by the formula 220-age. But, this is likely to be inaccurate by upto 15%. If you are serious about using heart […]

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Training Without any Racing.

By on April 21, 2008 in cycling

I am currently trying to improve my cycling fitness and speed without racing. At the weekends I am too busy to race, but, I do have a bit of time to train in the week. The problem is that it is harder to push yourself in training as much as it is in a race. […]

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