Motorad

Do you have any recommendations for books-on-bikes, probably to be in keeping with the older folks such as in this forum? In the < General Cycling Discussion > forum, one recommendation was a book written by Joe Friel: "Cycling Past 50".

Have others read this book and liked it? I think this book was written several years ago, so I don't know how up-to-date it is, in regards to the 2007-technology bikes (and don't if that amount of time would matter). Still relevent for the 2007-technology?

Are there any other books that you would recommend?

Beverly

I have the "Cycling Past 50" and have found it contains some good information on bike fit, training, nutrition, off-bike exercises to prevent injuries, etc. Not much of the information is tied to 2007-technology bikes.

If you're having any problems fueling the longer rides I can recommend Nancy Clark's "Sports Nutrition Guidebook". It's a good book for general nutrition information even if you're not a cyclist. I bought it because I have osteopenia and wanted to improve my diet to be sure I was doing everything possible to build stronger bones.

Red Baron

I 2nd the vote for Friel's 'cycling Past 50' and also his 'Cyclist Bible'.

The VERY Best book I read often is "Bike for Life - How to ride to 100". By Roy Mallack & Bill Katovsky.

These 3 I read OFTEN!!!!!!!

Also like the books on Lance Armstrong, a story of him not necessarily 'you'. But still good.

skydive69

I concur on the recommendation for "Bike for Life..." I have met one of the authors, and thoroughly enjoyed the book. From a local perspective, it has a 9 page piece on John Sinibaldi (2 time Olympian and cycling hall of famer), one of our local heroes who died a year ago at the age of 92.

CrossChain

skydive69....you're back! Maybe you've been back for a while and I've missed you. Anyway, hoping all is recovered and you're back on the road. Nice to see your avatar again.

+1 on Bike for Life.

John E

How 'bout for those of us whose bikes are past 50 (or nearly so)?

"The Dancing Chain" comes to mind.

skydive69

Thanks for the good wishes. I must happily report that I am recovered from my broken neck and won the Florida state time trial championship and the road race on a break away last month after being in a neck cast for 5 months last year. I have the honor of representing the state at the senior olympics in Louisville this coming June! On top of all that, I had one of the most thrilling experiences of my short riding career. I was riding with the fastest group in our club last Saturday, the 26 mph group (we have groups starting at 26, and then groups in two mph increments down to about 12 mph). Inspite of the speed (reaching at times 31 mph), it felt effortless, and as I did a pull at about 26 mph coming back into town, I was grinning ear to ear thinking how great life is, and that a 66 year old geezer was leading a group of some very successful, young, low category racers! Life is good!!

CrossChain

umatillarider

skydive69 you are my new hero, and it takes a lot to get there!!! when i grow up (i am 63) i want to be just like you........well, maybe similar. good news on your recovery and kudos for your winning efforts and great attitude. a true inspiration to all of us in the senior category - and to the youngsters too.

skydive69

Thanks umatillarider. There were times when I was pumping away in my garage on my trainer with my neck in a cast and in lots of pain that it seemed sort of hopeless, but I kept pumping away, and it paid off. I don't know if you read the magazine "GeezerJock" - a great magazine for masters sports, but I was nominated for their so called AMS GeezerJock Magazine Masters Athlete Comeback of the Year award, and my story will be featured in their March issue.

I'm about to leave for a great 63 mile ride to the beach and back on a beautiful Florida morning - it's supposed to be over 80 here today!

George

I take my hat off to you skydive69. I don't know the whole story of what happened, and I don't see the magazine around here(Katy Texas), but it surely is a inspiration.A lot of people started riding in this 55 and over place we live in over here by watching my wife and myself riding all the time, they started. We're not putting the miles on you are,but it still feels good to get out and do it. Thanks!

skydive69

Hi George, I just spent a couple of weeks in Dallas doing lots of rides with my son. He spanked me pretty good on some of the climbs, but I guess it's okay to be abused by your own genetics that is 35 years younger! Just got back from a great 65 mile ride with some very fast company. I believe GeezerJock is only available through the mail: www.geezerjock.com

RockyMtnMerlin

Another vote here for "Cycling Past 50."

SSP

Dude...I want to be like you when I grow up! (I'm currently 54).

RockyMtnMerlin

One of the nice things about cycling at "our age" is that most of us have gone beyond the need to base our cyling on what others achieve. I have seen lots of masters racers and there is no way that I could keep up with most of them. Even if I trained my butt of I don't think I could do it. They are beasts on a bike. But, that does not reduce my joy of cycling at all. They are what they are and I am what I am. Oh by the way, skydive69, if you ever get up to Wyoming, can I draft off you?

Artkansas 

A big thumbs up for "Bicycling Bliss" by Portia H. Masterson



It has a lot of good tips on developing a bicycling lifestyle, incorporating weights, wise bicycling, proper breathing. Few bicycling books seem to be focused exclusively on the dedicated non-racer, like most of us.

TysonB

And now, for something ENTIRELY different . . .

Some of these books are about riding as an older rider. How about JUST RIDING?

For the kids of any age, (especially if you were there in the 60's and 70's) try Bob Roll's book:

BOBKE II.

A book by a wandering bike racer (including several TdF's) turned famous Tour Day France announcer. IT's great. His recounting of the 7-11 team and the Motorola team days is interesting and funny. I was a motorcycle racer and had a number of similar experriences. It's just too good and so real.

Tyson
Cushing, Oklahoma

SSP

Tell us about the technology used in your TT's at the state level. I've had some success myself in Senior Games TT's, and in some duathlons...so for this year I'm focusing more on competition and thinking about upgrading my TT gear. I currently use a Trek 5200 road bike with bolt-on Syntace C2 aero bars, but I'm thinking this might be the year to get a dedicated TT bike.

What kind of bikes were you running against in the state championship? And, how much other gear were your competitors using? Aero helmets? Skin suits? Special booties? Other?

TIA.