Fifty Plus (50+) - A celebration of coasting

As I've been reading this forum, I realize that since I've never ridden with anyone else, I'm apparently doing several things wrong.

My technique in general needs a lot of work, but there's one thing I don't think I can change: I LOVE to coast. I do it as much as I can. I pedal for a while, and then coast until I slow down, then pedal, then coast. It's the payoff for every hill... I never* pedal when I go downhill. I don't like to go especially fast, I like the free ride.

You can stretch, you can sing, you can yodel if you want if it's a nice long downhill. It's like finding free money.

Anyone else feel this way?

Susan

I coast more than many cyclists, however I don't do it a high percentage of the time. For example, on a ride the other day where I was riding mostly downhill with a 20mph wind behind me, over a 13 mile distance, I may have coasted for a mile of it. Yesterday on a lunch ride, I coasted most of the way down a long downhill MUP.

However as it is also pretty easy to pedal downhill, and it is good for fitness to keep working my legs, I tend to pedal 80% or so of the time downhill. But there are times when I do enjoy a nice long coast.

But if it is a steep hill, then I usually ride the brakes to keep my speed under 25 mph. Highest speed I've hit down a steep (10% grade) hill yet was 27 mph.

Coasting...Amen !!!!!
I've taught all three daughters to attack the uphill and enjoy the downhill reward that follows. As far as riding style is concerned, if your tires are on the bottom and you're on the top side what else really matters? ;)

Not only do I coast - I use the brake! We have hills that if you don't use the brake you will break all right - perhaps the sound barrier. I just am not fond of hitting 60 MPH on a bike. :eek:

Once my speed hits about 30 MPH - there is no need to go faster - I just enjoy it.

If you ever do ride with a group, you'll need to modify your riding style.

One of the most irritating (and potentially dangerous) things when riding with others is the "squirrel" who pedals, then coasts, then pedals, then coasts...

Ooooh, I wonder if I can change my handle to "Squirrel". That really* suits my riding style. Sometimes I weave back and forth just for the fun of it, too. And, of course, the yodeling would be considered an irritation by many. So I assume I should maintain my single-rider status?

Ooooh, I wonder if I can change my handle to "Squirrel". That really* suits my riding style. Sometimes I weave back and forth just for the fun of it, too. And, of course, the yodeling would be considered an irritation by many. So I assume I should maintain my single-rider status?


:love:

If you ever do ride with a group, you'll need to modify your riding style.

One of the most irritating (and potentially dangerous) things when riding with others is the "squirrel" who pedals, then coasts, then pedals, then coasts...

Uh, I don't think she was talking about that kind of ride.

Ooooh, I wonder if I can change my handle to "Squirrel". That really* suits my riding style. Sometimes I weave back and forth just for the fun of it, too. And, of course, the yodeling would be considered an irritation by many. So I assume I should maintain my single-rider status?

LOL - unless you're ridin' with a group of like-minded coastin' yodelers...yeah. :)

Isn't the purpose of the freewheel/freehub to enable coasting?? Coasting is a reward for dificult pedalling!!

Coasting is what I do Sunday mornings before getting out of bed. I'm caught between sleep and being awake... a blissful state I've always called coasting. On the road? Not unless if I can help it. Well... maybe into my driveway at the end of the ride so I have time to unclip before hitting the garage door.

Seriously, riding alone you can pretty much do what you want.

Not only do I coast - I use the brake!

And then there are those rare hills you simply get off the bike and walk down . . . my wife is threatening to stop riding with me because I found one of these on our ride Sunday -- rocks, 17% grade and loose gravel makes for a long walk down. I was ready to bomb down it, but opted to walk and talk with my wife. :o

By mutual agreement, that route is now marked with skull and cross bones and will never be attempted again . . . but that is another story. :rolleyes:

solveg, if we ever meet up on a Minnesota or Wisconsin trail, we can coast and weave for a few miles. I also enjoy doing both.

Coasting...Amen !!!!!
I've taught all three daughters to attack the uphill and enjoy the downhill reward that follows. As far as riding style is concerned, if your tires are on the bottom and you're on the top side what else really matters? ;)

I once knew a guy who refused to coast. He would get off his bike and walk down hills. I think he was a nut. I like to coast.

So I assume I should maintain my single-rider status?

Not at all! Just make sure you're in the very back of the pack!!

Coasting is free ride and recovery time after that uphill climb. Why not use gravity in your favor to save all that energy for the next hill?

LOL, Tom, it's become apparent that you will recognize me if you see me.

Clearly I have to someday start a riding group called the "Coastin' Yodelers". What a great name. Don't any of you make to the top of some HUGE hill on a cool day in March when the sun is hot, and as you descend down the crest you break out in song, or a good Tarzan yell?

As I've been reading this forum, I realize that since I've never ridden with anyone else, I'm apparently doing several things wrong.

My technique in general needs a lot of work, but there's one thing I don't think I can change: I LOVE to coast. I do it as much as I can. I pedal for a while, and then coast until I slow down, then pedal, then coast. It's the payoff for every hill... I never* pedal when I go downhill. I don't like to go especially fast, I like the free ride.

You can stretch, you can sing, you can yodel if you want if it's a nice long downhill. It's like finding free money.

Anyone else feel this way?

Susan

Amen. Happy coasting is the reward for going up the hill.

But if it is a steep hill, then I usually ride the brakes to keep my speed under 25 mph. Highest speed I've hit down a steep (10% grade) hill yet was 27 mph.

Seriously?? :eek:

Dude...that's the fun part.

FWIW - It's good you live where it's pretty flat. Riding the brakes on a long downhill is a good way to blow a tire due to heat buildup in the rims (it also shortens the life of brake pads and rims).

In the beginning I use to pedal like mad to achieve some max speed. It looks like that will forever be 40mph. Since I put on a cyclocross double with a 46t big ring, I can't get beyond 35mph, so stopped trying. Now with my longer rides I coast down all hills as a way to pace myself and usually to rest the legs that just made the climb up the hill. On hotter days I even stand up on the pedals for maximum body cooling. No yodeling, maybe singing along with the tunes on my mp3 player.

In the beginning I use to pedal like mad to achieve some max speed. It looks like that will forever be 40mph. Since I put on a cyclocross double with a 46t big ring, I can't get beyond 35mph, so stopped trying. Now with my longer rides I coast down all hills as a way to pace myself and usually to rest the legs that just made the climb up the hill. On hotter days I even stand up on the pedals for maximum body cooling. No yodeling, maybe singing along with the tunes on my mp3 player.

Regardless of the gearing, getting faster than 40 mph or so is all about aerodynamics. The basic rule is to get "low and narrow"...the lower and the narrower, the faster you'll go. Keep your upper body down near the top tub, and your knees and elbows in tight.

If you're wearing loose fitting clothing, that will slow you down. Likewise, if your jersey is unzipped.

I routinely practice getting aero by chasing down pedaling riders while I'm coasting. It's a kick to pass folks pedaling like crazy while I'm just down low hugging the top tube and grinnin'.

Getting faster than 50 is more about luck and favorable conditions. You need to be very aero, there can't be any wind, and the road needs to be fairly steep and straight, with smooth pavement. You'll know when you get near 50 because the wind starts to sound like fabric being ripped apart, and your mind starts thinking "Holy Sh*t!". :D :eek:

Regardless of the gearing, getting faster than 40 mph or so is all about aerodynamics. The basic rule is to get "low and narrow"...the lower and the narrower, the faster you'll go. Keep your upper body down near the top tub, and your knees and elbows in tight.

If you're wearing loose fitting clothing, that will slow you down. Likewise, if your jersey is unzipped.

I routinely practice getting aero by chasing down pedaling riders while I'm coasting. It's a kick to pass folks pedaling like crazy while I'm just down low hugging the top tube and grinnin'.

Getting faster than 50 is more about luck and favorable conditions. You need to be very aero, there can't be any wind, and the road needs to be fairly steep and straight, with smooth pavement. You'll know when you get near 50 because the wind starts to sound like fabric being ripped apart, and your mind starts thinking "Holy Sh*t!". :D :eek:

don't forget if your tires trip over a rock or a bump going at that speed and you fall you will die :D

don't forget if your tires trip over a rock or a bump going at that speed and you fall you will die :D

Oddly enough, I get into a "relaxed hyper-aware groove" when I'm going fast like that. I probably should be nervous (and I'm old enough to know better), but it's nearly the opposite.

To avoid hazards, I've learned to make quick "flicks" of the bike, and to bunny hop.

That said, I really don't want to hit the asphalt at speed again. Last February I got put on the ground when a guy towing a trailer clipped me while I was going 40 mph...and it hurt like hell :eek: (thankfully, nothing was broken except the bike).

But, the sheer joy of bombing down a big mountain is just too much of a rush to pass up.

One of my most fun moments on the bike came when I was descending Loveland Pass in Colorado. I came up behind a semi loaded with Cadillac Escalades as he approached a tight left hand switchback at 25 mph. There was another semi coming up the pass about 250 meters down the hill. I put my 50-year old sprint in gear, passed the semi at about 40 mph, and moved back into my lane as both truckers blew their air horns at me (I think they were congratulating me :D). And the semi I passed? He didn't catch up to me until the road flattened out about 7 miles further on.

My brother got a speeding ticket on his bicycle.

Seriously?? :eek:

Dude...that's the fun part.

FWIW - It's good you live where it's pretty flat. Riding the brakes on a long downhill is a good way to blow a tire due to heat buildup in the rims (it also shortens the life of brake pads and rims).

Hard to heat up the rims with disc brakes... ;)

Seriously?? :eek:

Dude...that's the fun part.

FWIW - It's good you live where it's pretty flat. Riding the brakes on a long downhill is a good way to blow a tire due to heat buildup in the rims (it also shortens the life of brake pads and rims).

And in my opinion, go fifty on a bike is a great way to shorten YOUR life, with or without a helmet...

I can afford brake pads. :D

I frequently go down hills here that are so steep the only way to feel good is to push your self back OFF the seat and put your stomach on it and your rear end above the tire. I assume that touching the tire at high speed with your rear is not a good thing... :rolleyes:

Costa Rica is young land - what that means is that isn't hasn't had much time to erode. Add on that that the crazy road builders don't have to worry about ice or snow and they believe the closest distance between two points is a straight line and why do you have second in your car except to use it.

There are lots of roads that you just put it in second and grind your way up. I have seen semis barely moving at 2 MPH up these hills. :eek:

I honestly have come up to hills that I was almost certain that the car might flip backwards.

You will go more 40 on those hills - I promise and I don't care how unstreamlined you are. :D What is the speed of freefall again? :rolleyes:

And in my opinion, go fifty on a bike is a great way to shorten YOUR life, with or without a helmet...

I can afford brake pads. :D

LOL - I figure the odds of getting hurt while going fifty are quite a bit less than the everyday risks of playing with 3,000 lb SUV's driven by distracted soccer moms.

Besides, hit a curb with your head at 20 mph, and you're just as dead.

But, if I ever die from going fast downhill, you have my permission to say "I told you so". :D

Coasting, especially on downhills, is one of the simple joys of cycling that the racers and wannabe racers seem to have forgotten. Cycling isn't all about speed or being in a hurry or training or racing or fitness, it's about having fun and enjoying yourself, especially when gliding effortlessly down a nice decline.

I never go fast enough to coast while not going downhill, Chippy!

I'm fine with coasting, but I really like to crank it up on the downhill and feel the pure joy and pleasure of flying along, even passing cars once in a while, call me crazy but I love the speed and the wind. Having said all that when I'm on a long ride and need to rest a bit I'll coast with the best of them. I'm trying to figure out a way to coast uphill, probably losing 20 lbs would help a bit.

FWIW - It's good you live where it's pretty flat. Riding the brakes on a long downhill is a good way to blow a tire due to heat buildup in the rims (it also shortens the life of brake pads and rims).

You've got the wrong part of Wisconsin in mind. There are many hills around me. If I go west, it is a continuous sea of hills for about 75 miles. But I usually ride rail trails, which are flat.

They hold several bike races in this area that feature hills.

The Horrible Hilly Hundreds is a 200km race that has 10,700' of elevation gain. It runs very close to my house.

http://www.horriblyhilly.com/course.html

And then there is the Dairyland Dare, your choice of 100km, 200km or 300km, all hills. They claim that the 300km race has 22,360' of elevation gain, according to the Delorme Topo maps.

My house sits at the bottom of a 10%-11% grade hill. I ride the brakes pretty much all the way down, while sitting as upright as possible to catch as much air as I can.

I frequently stand up and weave on the downhills. What a great feeling of freedom and grace. I've never been graceful other than there. No hands downhill is good fun too. As long as its not too steep.

Coasting, especially on downhills, is one of the simple joys of cycling that the racers and wannabe racers seem to have forgotten. Cycling isn't all about speed or being in a hurry or training or racing or fitness, it's about having fun and enjoying yourself, especially when gliding effortlessly down a nice decline.

Every time I get above about 40 mph, I'm coasting...usually with a big sh*t-eating grin on my face :D (pedaling is superfluous above 40 anyway).

But, for me anyway, the speed is definitely a big part of the fun factor.

No hands downhill is good fun too.

:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

Regardless of the gearing, getting faster than 40 mph or so is all about aerodynamics. The basic rule is to get "low and narrow"...the lower and the narrower, the faster you'll go. Keep your upper body down near the top tub, and your knees and elbows in tight.

If you're wearing loose fitting clothing, that will slow you down. Likewise, if your jersey is unzipped.

I routinely practice getting aero by chasing down pedaling riders while I'm coasting. It's a kick to pass folks pedaling like crazy while I'm just down low hugging the top tube and grinnin'.

Getting faster than 50 is more about luck and favorable conditions. You need to be very aero, there can't be any wind, and the road needs to be fairly steep and straight, with smooth pavement. You'll know when you get near 50 because the wind starts to sound like fabric being ripped apart, and your mind starts thinking "Holy Sh*t!". :D :eek:
Downhill had always been about speed for me. This year I was kind of hangin back, touching the brakes,sitting up, you know... slowin down on purpose. Yesterday I hit a decent hill and with out even thinking I was tucked in, pedaling like a mad man, laughing like a loon. Checked the puter later, hit 50.1...Lord that is fun. If you really think about it hitting the road at 30 wouldn't be much better than 50.....But going 50 sure feels cool. PS The biggest advantage bicycle has over running is coasting Just try to coast while jogging

You've got the wrong part of Wisconsin in mind. There are many hills around me. If I go west, it is a continuous sea of hills for about 75 miles. But I usually ride rail trails, which are flat.

They hold several bike races in this area that feature hills.

The Horrible Hilly Hundreds is a 200km race that has 10,700' of elevation gain. It runs very close to my house.

http://www.horriblyhilly.com/course.html

And then there is the Dairyland Dare, your choice of 100km, 200km or 300km, all hills. They claim that the 300km race has 22,360' of elevation gain, according to the Delorme Topo maps.

My house sits at the bottom of a 10%-11% grade hill. I ride the brakes pretty much all the way down, while sitting as upright as possible to catch as much air as I can.

re: the hills of Wisconsin...I stand corrected.

re: riding the brakes downhill...I'm guessing most of those hills are pretty short. Otherwise, you may be risking a blowout. Try carefully touching your rims at the bottom of one of those hills to see how hot they can get.

Personally, I just can't imagine riding the brakes at 25 mph on a perfectly good downhill! That's not "coasting"...that's "braking", and would suck all the joy out of the downhill for me.

You lot need to start riding fixies - ain't no stinkin' coasting then :eek:

On a serious note, pedalling down hills is a good idea - it helps the blood flow in your legs and thus aids the flushing out of lactic acid from your muscles. You actually recover better from the climb by pedalling down the other side.

However, having said that, I don't run her into top gear and go like blazes ... nor do I ride my fixie in mountainous terrain (that's why I paid for gears :rolleyes: ). I just keep the old legs a turning and relax and enjoy the ride and the feeling of gravity being on MY side for a change. Cripes, what's the point of riding if you're not enjoying it. 'Fitness' and 'health' are just interesting byproducts :D

Richard

re: riding the brakes downhill...I'm guessing most of those hills are pretty short. Otherwise, you may be risking a blowout. Try carefully touching your rims at the bottom of one of those hills to see how hot they can get.

Personally, I just can't imagine riding the brakes at 25 mph on a perfectly good downhill! That's not "coasting"...that's "braking", and would suck all the joy out of the downhill for me.

Well, as I said, I don't ride very much on the hills. I ride rail trails. I don't enjoy riding up or down steep hills.

One of the key factors that discouraged me from riding for my first 17 years in Wisconsin was that I lived in a hilly area. Last year, when a rail trail was constructed right up to my subdivision, I started riding again.

I can understand why many love the thrill of flying down a hill. I see it all the time on the hills around my house. When I was a teenager I used to fly down the hills in West Virginia at speeds in the mid-40s. But I guess I lost my nerve along the way and I no longer like riding at speeds above 25-27. I'd much rather be doing 18-20 on a long 2%-4% "downhill", coasting at times, my head up watching the scenery go by.

I'd much rather be doing 18-20 on a long 2%-4% "downhill", coasting at times, my head up watching the scenery go by.

Yeah! yodel-lay-eeeee-hooo!

I'd much rather be doing 18-20 on a long 2%-4% "downhill", coasting at times, my head up watching the scenery go by.


Yeah! yodel-lay-eeeee-hooo!
I agree with da both of youse.

A slight downhill, or a faint tailwind. Speed around 20 MPH. Heart rate 75%. Pedeling enough to feel some effort, but with enough natural momentum to coast anytime I want. In fact, I try to plan my longer rides to finish up with that scenario. It sure leaves me in a good mood! :) :) :)

And in my opinion, go fifty on a bike is a great way to shorten YOUR life, with or without a helmet...

I can afford brake pads. :D

+1

Thoughts of serious road rash go through my head if I get going too fast down those hills:eek:

Those brake pads cost peanuts compared to doctor and hospital costs.

Downhill had always been about speed for me. This year I was kind of hangin back, touching the brakes,sitting up, you know... slowin down on purpose. Yesterday I hit a decent hill and with out even thinking I was tucked in, pedaling like a mad man, laughing like a loon. Checked the puter later, hit 50.1...Lord that is fun. If you really think about it hitting the road at 30 wouldn't be much better than 50.....But going 50 sure feels cool. PS The biggest advantage bicycle has over running is coasting Just try to coast while jogging


Might be foolish, but it brings back a portion of my youth that is otherwise unachievable. That would be driving the Funny Car. The rush is addictive, but my heart (not to mention my bank account) would no longer stand the sustained stress of the 2 minutes or so of excitement from engine start to engine shutdown. Being over 40 on a bike has some of the same feeling as being at or over 200 in a car. Some things (skydiving etc) are done just for the fun of it, not because it improves your survivability.

Regardless of the gearing, getting faster than 40 mph or so is all about aerodynamics. The basic rule is to get "low and narrow"...the lower and the narrower, the faster you'll go. Keep your upper body down near the top tub, and your knees and elbows in tight.

If you're wearing loose fitting clothing, that will slow you down. Likewise, if your jersey is unzipped.

I routinely practice getting aero by chasing down pedaling riders while I'm coasting. It's a kick to pass folks pedaling like crazy while I'm just down low hugging the top tube and grinnin'.

Getting faster than 50 is more about luck and favorable conditions. You need to be very aero, there can't be any wind, and the road needs to be fairly steep and straight, with smooth pavement. You'll know when you get near 50 because the wind starts to sound like fabric being ripped apart, and your mind starts thinking "Holy Sh*t!". :D :eek:

I back off when the whistling in the helmet gets too loud.
But coast?? Isn't that where the continent meets the ocean??

I back off when the whistling in the helmet gets too loud.

Cool. Where can I get my hands on a whistling helmet?

Cool. Where can I get my hands on a whistling helmet?

Every helmet whistles when you go fast enough.

It is just a matter of the whistling becoming louder than the voices in your head.

Years ago to keep me from whining a fellow rider pointed out that climbing hills was like putting money in the bank and coasting downhill was like getting it back out with interest.

When I'm on my single speed (not ready for fixie yet) I often have to coast because my speed outstrips the rpm I can attain. I just get aero and wait for the speed to drop.

But if it is a steep hill, then I usually ride the brakes to keep my speed under 25 mph. Highest speed I've hit down a steep (10% grade) hill yet was 27 mph.

I was riding a motorcycle in the Alps . . . coming down the Gross Glockner pass. I could get up to 40 or 50 mph on the straights but in the curves I had to slow down to about 20 or 30 mph. Going through one of the curves something passed me . . . on the inside of the turn. It was a guy on a bicycle peddling like crazy. :eek: I would pass him on the straights. He would pass me in the curves. We went that way all the way down the mountain. At the bottom of the pass we both stopped at a cafe. I jumped off my motorcycle and headed off to find this guy. When I found him and approached him he started backing up. He thought I wanted to fight. I just wanted to shake his hand. :D