Categories
Training and Nutrition

5 Cross-Training Sports to Make You a Better Cyclist

Cycling is rising in popularity among all age demographics, and it is even hailed as the ‘new golf’ as more people and professionals are exchanging their clubs for the two-wheeler. Bicycle riding is a fun way to stay outdoors and exercise offering many health benefits. It builds muscles, improves cardiovascular fitness, strengthens bones, and decreases stress levels. For many riders, becoming a better and fitter cyclist is a goal, and engaging in cross-training sports enhances endurance, reduces the risks of injury, and improves performance.

Categories
Bicycles and Equipment

Cycling to Recycling: Spray-Painting an Old Bike

The world is undergoing a paradigm shift with the COVID-19 crisis, and if sustainability was already making a major impact on the consumer market prior to the pandemic, it will undoubtedly hold even greater importance in the future. Across the globe, experts in sustainability are lamenting the ‘throwaway culture’ that is leading not only to environmental disaster but also to a missed opportunity to give many old objects new life. If you love cycling and have family members who would love to take up the sport, why not repaint an old bike and give them a personalized gift they won’t forget?

Categories
Special Bicycles Bicycles and Equipment Classic/Retro bicycles Cycling Records Hour Record

Pinarello ESPADA (Indurain’s Hour Record breaking bike in 1994)

Designed and developed during the last millennium, Pinarello ESPADA was way ahead of its time. It was the bike that Miguel Indurain used while breaking the Hour Record. One of the most iconic bikes ever produced, it is also known as “Pinarello Sword” because espada means sword in English.

Categories
History and Legends

11 Little supporters of Fausto Coppi

Today’s historic photo of the day is a very cute photo – eleven little supporters of Fausto Coppi, “il campionissimo” (two of them are actually Gino Bartali’s supporters – so the title should be 9 little supporters of Fausto Coppi and 2 little supporters of Gino Bartali). Anyway, the photo must be taken in 1958 because Coppi raced for the Bianchi-Pirelli team in 1958.

Categories
Hors Catégorie

Former Astronaut was cycling to work when he was working at NASA

Today I learned that former NASA astronaut, engineer, and former U.S. Navy captain Mark Kelly (Captain Mark Kelly – @CaptMarkKelly on Twitter) is a cycling commuter. He was cycling to work when he was working at NASA.

Categories
Cycling Tips

Cycling advice during the Spanish Flu (the Influenza of 1918)

While we’re in the middle of the horrible COVID-19 pandemic, let’s remember the cycling advice during the Influenza of 1918, also erroneously known as the “Spanish Flu”.

Categories
Training and Nutrition

Here’s how to avoid liquid calories

It is better to avoid liquid calories. Because weight control is as important as training for a cyclist. The reason is the power-to-weight ratio: maximizing your power-to-weight ratio is a vital part of your training. In cycling, and in any endurance sport generally, better performance is determined not only by how much power an individual can generate but also by how much body mass s/he is carrying. It is really hard to increase your power output dramatically, but you can lose some weight with a good diet. Avoiding liquid calories is an easy way to lose weight.

Categories
Cycling Tips

Low-Impact Sports Like Cycling May Put Your Bones at Risk. Adding Running to Your Exercises Can Help

Being a dedicated cyclist is great for almost every part of your body and mind. But, could it be putting your bone health at risk? Turns out, people who spend a lot of time cycling experience lower bone density, especially professional cyclists, even though they are otherwise healthy, fit and young. Even those cyclists who regularly lift weights have a lower bone mineral density than recommended.

Categories
Cycling Tips

How To Film Your Ride To Improve Cycling Performance And Speed

Why film your ride? Studies have found that professional cyclists have a superior pedaling technique to elite cyclists. This is perhaps no surprise, given the level of training and dedication required at a professional level. But in order to improve speed and reduce the risk of injury, leisure cyclists can learn from the pros. By studying your own practice, you can improve your technique without investing in formal training. One of the best ways to do this, particularly if your focus is speed, is to film your ride.

Categories
Races

Spring Cleaning For Your Bike: How to Prepare & Revive Your Wheels

Roughly 100 million Americans are regular cyclists in the United States, the New York Times reports. Whether you’ve spent the past winter cycling regularly or are planning to get back on the saddle this spring, it’s important to get your bike in tip-top shape for the new season. While it’s always a smart idea to get your bike checked over at a reputable bike shop, there are also a number of simple steps you can take at home to get your bike ready to ride this spring.