"The 33"-Road Bike Racing - Optygen report and observation

After a week on Optygen I am feeling better. Very fast Nyack Ride today (the first half was 26-32mph, some Cat 2 from hell comes out, busts balls for the first 20 miles and then disappears) and I was surprised at how good I felt, particularly after I rode 115 miles (mostly solo) just yesterday. Today I finished the ride 50-100 meters off the wheels of two guys @ the Hook Mtn. hilltop finish who would have been in a different zip code from me 4 weeks ago. The group I would have ridden that climb with earlier this year was out of sight behind me. That seems like progress.

But here's the problem with assessing the efficacy of a supplement like Optygen: do I feel better because I'm on Optygen, because of all this training, because I THINK I should be able ride harder now that I'm taking Optygen (placebo effect) or all of the above?

I don't know. I don't particularly care. I'm riding better so I'll stick with the program. As I have observed before, the Placebo Effect RULES.

I don't know. I don't particularly care. I'm riding better so I'll stick with the program. As I have observed before, the Placebo Effect RULES.

I feel the same way about my Q-Rings

Ok....so, the moral of the story here is, get Q-Rings AND Optygen, and one will become superman on the bike.

Score.

i'm not so sure about that, GW. Optygen didn't work for me, but Q-Rings did. So did training more. But I think the latter of the three will work for just about anyone.

Yeah....well, I figured 2 placebo effects + training more = kicking ass. A win-win situation, really.

My impressions of optygen...

Recovery seems a bit faster, and I definitely feel much more awake all the time. Perhaps slightly easier to breathe when climbing, but I don't know if that's for real or not. I don't ride with any sort of computer, so I can't really say.

Also, it's only been a week. I'll finish off the bottle and see what my impressions are then.

My impressions of optygen...

Recovery seems a bit faster, and I definitely feel much more awake all the time. Perhaps slightly easier to breathe when climbing, but I don't know if that's for real or not. I don't ride with any sort of computer, so I can't really say.

Also, it's only been a week. I'll finish off the bottle and see what my impressions are then.

It would be far more entertaining if you'd do the same with a bottle of Tequiia and THEN post your impressions.

The moral of the story is: if you're getting faster at all you should be happy.

I took my first dose yesterday when my bottle came in the mail, I wanted to see if I could feel it in my race today.. So i didnt really go by the instructions and took it at ~3:00pm, I couldnt get so sleep until 3:30am or so and I've never had any issues with that.. so.. today I woke up, took another 6 pills.. drove to the race, felt better than I ever have.. and got 5th in the field sprint.. this is after getting dropped halfway through a crit on friday..

My take on this:
15% Placebo
5% optygen
80% Confidence (due to placebo)

I'll probably get another bottle after this one, or maybe try Ep-No for a bottle.. then see which I like more.. etc..

I took my first dose yesterday when my bottle came in the mail, I wanted to see if I could feel it in my race today.. So i didnt really go by the instructions and took it at ~3:00pm, I couldnt get so sleep until 3:30am or so and I've never had any issues with that.. so.. today I woke up, took another 6 pills.. drove to the race, felt better than I ever have.. and got 5th in the field sprint.. this is after getting dropped halfway through a crit on friday..

My take on this:
15% Placebo
5% optygen
80% Confidence (due to placebo)

I'll probably get another bottle after this one, or maybe try Ep-No for a bottle.. then see which I like more.. etc..

That works out to be 95% Placebo.

true true.. so I guess that is a whole hell of a lot of placebo.. or maybe it really works well.

Goody another Patencad thread about a thread already started. Will we get a new one every day? I'm giddy with excitement. ;)

don't pick on p-cad. he's old and feeble-minded. have some respect for your elders

Not many try it and report no improvement. Let me rephrase, I haven't seen anyone try it and report no improvement.

But I am sure they are out there ..

For me, it works. Seems like it does for most on here also. I'm just saying.

Not many try it and report no improvement. Let me rephrase, I haven't seen anyone try it and report no improvement.

But I am sure they are out there ..

For me, it works. Seems like it does for most on here also. I'm just saying.

Ah, but do we have quantifiable data to back anything up?

Everyone and their mom has a power meter...I'd like to see some before/during/after numbers, rather than just "I think I felt better."

Goody another Patencad thread about a thread already started. Will we get a new one every day? I'm giddy with excitement. ;)

Actually you are drunk with spite and self-impressed to a degree only possible in Texas. You fit right in here.

Goody another Patencad thread about a thread already started. Will we get a new one every day? I'm giddy with excitement.



Actually you are drunk with spite and self-impressed to a degree only possible in Texas. You fit right in here.

Stop flirting you two.

Are we not bike weenies? Aren't redundant and seemingly pointless threads the very lifeforce of BF?

Ah, but do we have quantifiable data to back anything up?

Everyone and their mom has a power meter...I'd like to see some before/during/after numbers, rather than just "I think I felt better."
Sorry, I don't race.

Before Optygen (+Training) 38.9 mile jaunt time: 2:05
After Optygen+Training 38.9 mile jaunt time: 1:45

*shrug*

I am a lab rat, but I do eat and train hard. But was doing that before Optygen.

*big shrug*

I only ride to eat. My numbers are purely to personally monitor my progress. Anectdotally, "he kept up with one of the region's top racers" says a riding buddy to my wife at work ..

~* going to grab another piece of bbq pork ribeye *~

Actually you are drunk with spite and self-impressed to a degree only possible in Texas. You fit right in here.

Spite? Self-impressed? No you misunderstand, I'm enthralled with your daily threads about how your Zipps actually roll. Or now your new report about how you and Optygen are becoming one. Tomorrow will be a new thread on the Zipp/Optygen combo that has made you realize that A) your Zipps continue to actually roll and B) Optygen makes you feel better. Then we can expect the the Six13/Zipp/Optygen trifecta. I can't wait.

I'm glad that you think enough of us to continually start a new thread every time you break wind. Me self-impressed...nah, I can't hold a candle to you my friend...

Spite? Self-impressed? No you misunderstand, I'm enthralled with your daily threads about how your Zipps actually roll. Or now your new report about how you and Optygen are becoming one. Tomorrow will be a new thread on the Zipp/Optygen combo that has made you realize that A) your Zipps continue to actually roll and B) Optygen makes you feel better. Then we can expect the the Six13/Zipp/Optygen trifecta. I can't wait.

I'm glad that you think enough of us to continually start a new thread every time you break wind. Me self-impressed...nah, I can't hold a candle to you my friend...

Actually, I still think he'll spring for the SRM crankset...

:D

Spite? Self-impressed? No you misunderstand, I'm enthralled with your daily threads about how your Zipps actually roll. Or now your new report about how you and Optygen are becoming one. Tomorrow will be a new thread on the Zipp/Optygen combo that has made you realize that A) your Zipps continue to actually roll and B) Optygen makes you feel better. Then we can expect the the Six13/Zipp/Optygen trifecta. I can't wait.

I'm glad that you think enough of us to continually start a new thread every time you break wind. Me self-impressed...nah, I can't hold a candle to you my friend...

Incorrect.

On a brighter note, if you could somehow manage to redirect the personal attacks and pointless vitriol into cycling you could probably succeed Dick Pound some day. If you don't like my threads print them out on your state-of-the-art $99 inkjet and wipe your ass with them.

"I must say Phil, the guys got panache"

Incorrect.

On a brighter note, if you could somehow manage to redirect the personal attacks and pointless vitriol into cycling you could probably succeed Dick Pound some day. If you don't like my threads print them out on your state-of-the-art $99 inkjet and wipe your ass with them.

Aw now you've gone and hurt my feelings...just when I thought we were getting close you say something like this....BTW what makes you think I haven't used your drivel for TP?

Aw now you've gone and hurt my feelings...just when I thought we were getting close you say something like this....BTW what makes you think I haven't used your drivel for TP?

I naturally presumed that someone with your mentality wasn't familar with civilities like TP. Hence my suggestion.

Calm down...

Would everyone feel better if I start another thread about waiting for my Zipps and the associated reading I've done on boundary layers and the advantage of dimples? :D

Would everyone feel better if I start another thread about waiting for my Zipps and the associated reading I've done on boundary layers and the advantage of dimples? :D

I would feel better, EDR might stroke out, DocRay would find it illustrative of American decadence, KP would 'be down with that', Ryanf would be unable to comprehend it, Botto would ignore it and Blonduathlongrl would post another hot photo.

I would feel better, EDR might stroke out.

:roflmao: You guys crack me up. Play nice. :beer:

I would feel better, EDR might stroke out, DocRay would find it illustrative of American decadence, KP would 'be down with that', Ryanf would be unable to comprehend it, Botto would ignore it and Blonduathlongrl would post another hot photo.

would you prefer me to make some snippy comment because i'm jealous? :D

Incorrect.

On a brighter note, if you could somehow manage to redirect the personal attacks and pointless vitriol into cycling you could probably succeed Dick Pound some day. If you don't like my threads print them out on your state-of-the-art $99 inkjet and wipe your ass with them.


That optygen must be leading to your aggression. Thats all the proof I need. I am ordering it.

That optygen must be leading to your aggression. Thats all the proof I need. I am ordering it.

It's called Placebo Rage.

would you prefer me to make some snippy comment because i'm jealous? :D

No my little Botto, don't change one tiny thing. You're just perfect the way you are.

I've got to ride with this curmudgeon and his Optygen. If he makes me laugh this much on line I can't imagine I would be able to catch my breath listening to him rant in person. :D

I've got to ride with this curmudgeon and his Optygen. If he makes me laugh this much on line I can't imagine I would be able to catch my breath listening to him rant in person. :D

Optygen would help you ride with Pcad as his inane cycling rants make it hard for you to breathe on climbs.

'Curmudgeon'?

can't you guys see what is happening!? Optygen is tearing this community apart!

and the real victims are the women and the children!

This is your brain
http://taoofdan.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/03/egg_hand300.jpg
This is your brain on Optygen
http://michaelfoster.typepad.com/queen_city_mission/images/frag36_fried_eggs_1.jpg

Drugs tear families apart.

Where are my royalty checks from the company that markets Optygen?

Hey KP, I was only 50 meters off that skinny Cat 3 kid from West Point @ the top of Hook on Sunday. I would say that you're considerably faster than he is. I could take EPO, Steroids, HGH and Optygen, sleep in an altitude tent and lose another 10lbs and still be unable to hold a conversation with you on a climb.

this is Lance

http://taoofdan.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/03/egg_hand300.jpghttp://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2005/07/images/050722_armstrong.jpg

this is bjarne

http://michaelfoster.typepad.com/queen_city_mission/images/frag36_fried_eggs_1.jpghttp://news.bbc.co.uk/olmedia/805000/images/_808175_riis300.jpg

This is a bit more apropos, IMO

This is Biel
http://taoofdan.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/03/egg_hand300.jpghttp://photos.commongate.com/10/30037_cellg2h7u9_l.jpg

This is O'Donnell
http://michaelfoster.typepad.com/queen_city_mission/images/frag36_fried_eggs_1.jpghttp://www.jamescampion.com/rosie.jpg

Hey KP, I was only 50 meters off that skinny Cat 3 kid from West Point @ the top of Hook on Sunday. I would say that you're considerably faster than he is. I could take EPO, Steroids, HGH and Optygen, sleep in an altitude tent and lose another 10lbs and still be unable to hold a conversation with you on a climb.
Maybe. He was in serious shape really early in the season, so he may be in chill out mode right now to get ready for the big races in July.

Sounds like you've gotten strong like bull though :beer:

'Curmudgeon'?

cur·mudg·eon /kərˈmʌdʒən/
–noun a bad-tempered, difficult, cantankerous person. :rolleyes:

Yeah... first it's caffeine, then Optygen, then it's overseas doctors holding a bunch of these:

oh, the huge-manatee!

This is a bit more apropos, IMO

This is Biel
http://photos.commongate.com/10/30037_cellg2h7u9_l.jpg


since when did she become a client of balco?

She could kick my ass for sure, but I'd love every second of it.

http://taoofdan.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/03/egg_hand300.jpg
http://news.softpedia.com/images/news2/Bjork-s-Swan-Dress-Will-Be-Auctioned-For-Charity-2.jpg

When Pcad gets 'strong like bull' he is fit enough to hang in the cheap seats in the Vets races and at least be close enough to get an excellent view of the final sprint from behind. The big challenge is munching the popcorn @ 30mph.

http://familyfun.go.com/Resources/Cakes/recipes/special/popcorn.jpg

Reposted from another thread. Looks like about 95% placebo and 5% testosterone

Ok Here's what i got in terms of Cordyceps effect on performance:

Results= Shaky leaning towards the negative side

http://www.acsm-msse.org/pt/re/msse/search...ts=1&searchid=1


Colson, S.N., F.B. Wyatt, D.L. Johnston, L.D. Autrey, Y.L. FitzGerald, and C.P. Earnest. Cordyceps sinensis-and Rhodiola rosea-based supplementation in male cyclists and its effect on muscle tissue oxygen saturation J. Strength Cond. Res. 19(2):358-363. 2005.-Cordyceps sinensis (Cs) and Rhodiola rosea (Rr) are herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat a multitude of ailments as well as to enhance performance. The purpose of this research was to examine the effects of a formula containing Cs and Rr (Cs-Rr) on circulatory dynamics, specifically muscle tissue oxygen saturation (StO sub(2)), in male subjects during maximal exercise. This study followed a double blind, randomized, placebo-treatment, pre-post test design. Capsules were administered to 8 subjects who were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups. The treatment group received Cs-Rr, and the control group received a placebo. All subjects performed 2 exercise stress tests to volitional fatigue on a cycle load ergometer. There were no significant (p <= 0.05) differences in StO sub(2) slope, StO sub(2) threshold (StO sub(2T)), VO sub(2)max, ventilatory threshold (V sub(T)), or time to exhaustion (T sub(E)) between or within the treatment or control group. In conclusion, Cs-Rr did not significantly enhance StO sub(2).


CS (Cordyceps sinensis) is a time-honored tonic food and Chinese herbal medicine. The purposes of this study are: (1) to determine the blood levels of luteinzing hormone (LH) and testosterone after taking CS. (2) to investigate the effects of CS supplementation on metabolic substrates, respiratory compositions and endurance performance, and (3) to investigate the effects of CS supplementation and heavy-resistance training on body composition, blood biochemistry, and total maximal muscle strength. Subjects ingested 3 capsules (400mg CS/capsule) twice a day. The results showed no significant difference of LH concentration in plasma before and after supplementation. After supplementation of CS, the testosterone increased 21.0 % for 21 days, and increased 11.5 % for 28 days as compared with the values of pre-supplementation. Four weeks of CS supplementation, the subjects tend to use free fatty acid as fuel source during the endurance exercise. However, CS supplementation may not improve submaximal endurance exercise performance in our study. Eight weeks of CS supplementation combined with heavy-resistance training could significantly increase hemoglobin level and total maximal muscle strength.

The objective of this study was to test the endurance effects of an herb, Cordyceps sinensis (Cordymax Cs-4 - Pharmanex, Provo, Utah), on competitive male cyclists during a five-week period. This study followed a randomized, double-blind pre-test-post-test design. The independent variable was a capsule supplement (placebo or Cordymax Cs-4). Maximum oxygen uptake (VO2peak), time to complete endurance time trials, and ventilatory threshold (VT) were measured as dependent variables. Thirty male endurance trained cyclists, ranging in age from 18 to 35 years, participated in the study. Twenty-two subjects completed the study. Each subject performed 5 exercise trials: a pre- and post-VO2peak test, a familiarization trial, and a pre- and post-endurance timed trial test. All testing was performed at a similar time of day for each subject, with at least 3 days between exercise trials. Subjects' cycling hours per week were controlled. We pre-tested, supplemented for 37 days while subjects maintained their training, and post-tested. We measured VO2peak time (endurance timed trials) and VT before and after a supplementation period, and compared measurements. Subjects' cycling training was assessed during the first week of supplementation and then maintained through weekly training logs for the remainder of the study. To insure consistent training, we met weekly with each subject to check cycling training logs. Results showed no significant differences between pre- and post-test VO2peak, endurance timed trials, and/or VT measurements between the placebo (PLA) and Cordymax Cs-4 (CS) groups. Overall, CS did not provide any endurance performance improvements in male competitive cyclists after a supplementation period.


The first link that i provided showed some sort of results for elderly folks but that was the only one that i could find on positive feedback. The rest were pretty much negative >= (