Good Books On Training?

[BobCochran]

I wonder if anyone can recommend beginner level books on training oneself on a bicycle. What sort of training? Well, training to be a better bicycle commuter and a better long distance cyclist, for example. Or does good training really just distill into the Eddie Merckx formula of “ride lots” and the Molly Hurford formula of “eat right”? I have “Fuel Your Ride” by Hurford, but have only read about half the book, if that. I don’t know what to think of it yet. Maybe I ought to just read that completely and then render judgment.

So, anyone have book advice for me?

Thanks

Bob

Topic

[hozn]

I think the Joe Friel books are the gospel. Lots of websites (Training Peaks is probably the best) will also provide training plans and help you measure progress, but understanding the theory/science probably needs more of a book. You need a HR meter or, better, a power meter if you are getting into structured workouts.

Sounds miserable. . I love riding hard and generally understand that variation is the key, but have never had the discipline to follow a training plan.

[BobCochran]

Thank you! I’ll check into this!

Bob

[vvill]

@hozn 145875 wrote:

Sounds miserable. . I love riding hard and generally understand that variation is the key, but have never had the discipline to follow a training plan.

Same.

The gist of it all is: ride harder than you currently do. Doing that 2-3x per week is fine. Give your body time to recover and adapt to those rides (you can ride every day if you want, just don’t try to ride hard every ride). Repeat.

Training for long rides is a little tougher as you need to do longish rides and at least 20 mins of constant exertion to properly trigger adaptations for endurance. I’m terrible at doing those sorts of rides.

Most people (or at least, in my impression) don’t ride hard enough on those hard rides, and don’t take it easy enough on the easy days. That’s why heart rate monitors and power meters are helpful, as you can quantify your efforts and your progress. But – it’s actually pretty hard to safely get a proper workout on metropolitan roads/trails/etc. once you reach even a basic amateur level of ‘strength’ because of traffic lights, other riders, stop signs, etc. The C&O and Hains Point work okay though if it’s not peak hours.

[rcannon100]

@BobCochran 145857 wrote:

Or does good training really just distill into the Eddie Merckx formula of “ride lots” and the Molly Hurford formula of “eat right”?

For most of us, yes. If you goal is basically to become a better cyclist, then yes – “Just ride.” Have fun. Go on group rides. Do fun routes home. Play. You will become a better cyclist pretty much just by cycling.

I used to play ultimate frisbee. We stank. We played ALL THE TIME. We loved ultimate. Never trained. Barely knew strategy. And what do you know, in the end we had become a good competitive team – largely because we were just having fun.

If you want to be KOM and Cat 2 Spandex King, then that’s another thing. But who wants to be THAT???

The only thing I would add to (1) Just Ride (2) Eat Well is (3) Rest. If you don’t do rest and recovery days, you will grind yourself down to pudding.

[BobCochran]

Thank you! I know I’m not going to succeed as a racer, forget that. I just want to ride long distances and also to effectively replace my car with my bicycle. I’d like us all to have a cleaner world and my car is not helping that happen. My pedaling is.

Thanks

Bob

[hozn]

Yeah, if you aren’t worried about racing, or generally pursuing cycling as a (competitive) *sport*, I agree with Bob that all you need to do is ride more. I wouldn’t worry about training. That is really needed for realizing the last 10% (or so), not needed if you just want to be comfortable riding centuries and commuting daily etc.

[KWL]

@rcannon100 145917 wrote:

… Go on group rides. …

As someone who started out riding by myself, got in with groups (Oxon Hill Bicycle & Trail Club plus imaginary Internet friends) and then reverted back to riding mostly by myself, I can attest to the impetus of group riding. I was at my best fitness during my group riding days.

[BobCochran]

Yes — while in the 50 States ride I was constantly trying to catch up with groups of other riders, and pushing myself to crest the sometimes surprising hills of the District. Monday I felt wonderful and I thought my riding was better in terms of performance and enjoyment. Indeed for this week I must be feeling a “50 States bonus”. Long rides and not wanting to lose the group have dividends, if I push myself.

Bob

[Kitty]

Last year I found the “Big Book of Cycling” at the Arlington Public Library and it was a godsend! It really helped with all the little things that makes cycling and training easier/more comfortable/safer that I either never considered, or thought to ask.

Case in point, the day before my first century I read I was wearing my chamois shorts wrong–it saved my butt the next day!

[Judd]

@Kitty 145961 wrote:

Last year I found the “Big Book of Cycling” at the Arlington Public Library and it was a godsend! It really helped with all the little things that makes cycling and training easier/more comfortable/safer that I either never considered, or thought to ask.

Case in point, the day before my first century I read I was wearing my chamois shorts wrong–it saved my butt the next day!

I think the Internet needs to hear the story of how you were wearing your shorts wrong.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[BobCochran]

@Kitty 145961 wrote:

Last year I found the “Big Book of Cycling” at the Arlington Public Library and it was a godsend! It really helped with all the little things that makes cycling and training easier/more comfortable/safer that I either never considered, or thought to ask.

Kitty, thank you very much for mentioning that. I have wondered about that book for a long time. Also others from Rodale Press. I do feel unable to make up my mind about Hurford’s “Fuel Your Ride”. The author is one of the very few I’ve contacted over the years who refuses to answer questions. This and one particular experience with an electrolyte-replacement suggestion from Hurford sort of makes me question bicycling tech books from Rodale. They don’t seem to be updated very often, either. Well, improving my mind with bicycling books never hurts. (Smile.)

Bob

[Author]

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