It’s been the toughest but most awesome winter of my life. I did tons of work, finished two books and helped create and maintain two humans. That meant six months of training “off the mountain.”
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I’ve always wanted to do a 24-hour race, but I was afraid I couldn’t go that long without sleeping.
For the past five months, the babies have made me tougher and tougher.
I’m ready.
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At least as far as my role goes. Whew! So much work.
I just sent in final edits. The book is looking good. Tons of new material. Now it’s off to the printer; the publisher says it’ll be available in May.
For more details, sample layouts and pre-ordering, check out:
> Mastering Mountain Bike Skills 2nd Edition
Today I climbed 1,400 vertical from downtown Boulder to home. Pavement then dirt then snow. Finished in a flurry of flakes. Colorado style!
I had time to think about pedaling, and a new idea worked its way into my noggin.
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Lee,
I was wasting time surfing the internet dreaming about snow/ice free trails when I found one of those 10 Trail Tips You Need To Master type articles on the Mountain Bike Action website (I’m not a huge fan of MBA, but I was killing time). The list was all of the basic stuff you always read (i.e. looking ahead etc.), but they also had one tip of “Riding 80″ meaning riding at a 80 rpm cadence. MBA said, “80 is the most efficient cadence you can use to turn the cranks over,” and that “That is the perfect compromise between muscle force and aerobic power.”
I have never really paid attention to the cadence that I average on a ride, I just try to ride what feels best and pushes my limits. Do you think that there really is an optimum cadence for mountain biking, if so is it the same for every rider? Do think that actively setting/monitoring cadence goals during a ride will improve ability?
Thanks,
Dave
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In Chris Q’s comment on The most effective intervals … ever?, he asked, “What do you think of intervals done on real terrain as opposed to trainer?”
Awesome question.
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Yesterday’s work really sucked. Today was better.
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Our friend Rob is wondering about a few Maxxis options, plus you know I have a Specialized idea.
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Our friend Stefan in South Tyrol used the specs in Welcome to Pump Track Nation to build a snow pump track.
He plans to build a dirt track this summer. As he says, he’s working out the kinks with a zero-cost material.
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I’m about to start Week 12 of a 12-week indoor training program. (Yes, it has sucked. Yes, it has been good for me.)
All this time pedaling in place has me wondering about how our bodies make energy for different length efforts — and, importantly, how busy people can make the most of their training time.
I’m sitting there developing aerobic fitness, which is great for hill climbing, but what about my sprint fu?
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