Pulling with both hands
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.
Everything to help you ride stronger and better.
Optimal pedaling cadence: Riding 80?
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
Intervals on real terrain?
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.
The most effective intervals … ever?
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?
Racing uncorrected
Going into the 2007 Sea Otter Classic, I had a few years of coaching under my belt, and my skills were better than ever. I trained hard over the Colorado winter, and I showed up ready to rock the dual slalom and downhill. Little did I know I’d be taking a special test.
This story will appear in MMBSii.
Ride in place. Puke. Repent (I mean repeat).
Arrrg! Today was beautiful. I really wanted to get outside, but the sun just went down and I’m still sitting here working. So I’m rocking the Indoor Training Plan of Penance:
Learning to pump: Should I lock my suspension?
Yes, at least in the beginning. Read on:
Unleashing it on the world
I just ended the longest not-riding-outside stretch of my life. Four months of work, weather and babies have restricted my cycling to the garage. Yesterday’s weather looked good — finally! — so I took the new Stumpjumper to Left Hand Canyon OHV area.
Effect of rebound damping on hopping and jumping
Lee,
I love your book and site. You really know how to break down riding skills into digestible bits.
Last weekend I was able to attend a suspension clinic with the guys at PUSH Industries, they are super knowledgeable and great guys. They took the time to review our suspension set ups and had me slow down my rebound on both my front and rear suspension.
They said that most riders ride with way too fast of rebound. I have found that the slower suspension has definitely helped me feel smoother on the pump track, but it is harder to get as much pop on bunny hops. What is your opinion on suspension dampening and what tips can you give me to improve my jumping on a full suspension bike with more dampening.
Also I can’t wait to buy MMBS II do you have an ETA on the date that it will be available.
Keep pinning it,
Dave
Stiff bad. Fluid good.
Today I prepared this photo-sequence-comparison for the book Pro BMX Skills, and I just have to share.
This concept is a key part of my clinics. It’s fun to see it on paper.
More snow?!?!?
I haven’t ridden outside in two weeks. And I’ve been working like a pig. And things here are busy. But I’ve been rocking the indoor intervals and strength work, and I feel solid. And the BMX book is in its final phase. And The Twins are doing great. So it’s all good.
But I’m antsy.
Interview with me about riding skills
I recently did this written interview with MTB trainer James Wilson. It’s posted on his site, and it might as well be posted here too.