He could train, but can he train effectively? Does he have the knowledge to train you correctly? Can he advance you to your fullest potential without knowing about advanced training methodology? A semi-fast cyclist does not a coach make, and nor does having 5 bikes, btw.

Yeah, I've seen doods at the gym helping out the other doods, and sometimes, I have to cringe. They either don't understand or know the physiology involved, or they don't understand progression or periodization, or they don't know the names of the muscles or how they interact with other muscle groups... ie: agonist/antagonist muscles and how they work during the weight lifting. Cycling coaches are the same way- it's more than about telling someone to ride a bike, now ride if faster... now ride it even faster! A lot of people underestimate and/or downplay the amount of training we get as coaches, and consequently, end up with unrealized potential. We educate ourselves for a reason- to gain knowledge and insight into advanced training methods so that we can take someone (like you, for instance) and mold them into the greatest cyclist we can make them. I'm going to a conference with Hunter Allen and Joe Friel in a few weeks so I can spend the three days networking and going deeper into the power training- when I return, I expect (after some practice) to be able to apply power training to my resume so that I can not only train lactate threshold and VO2 max, I can now relate all that to power. You can't get that stuff (or at least most people) without a certification or license. That's all I'm sayin'.

If you really want a coach that's certified and licensed, you can always go to www.usacycling.org. If you're happy where you are right now, then ok- so be it. But I think you will realize after some time that you are wanting more, and when you do realize it, you'll find a real coach.

As a P.S., there is no coach in the world that would NOT ride just because of some rain. I had to chuckle a little when I read that one- a serious cyclist would be willing to ride in all weather conditions... well, not sleet and snow as much, which is understandable, but not riding because of the rain? Bikes are made to be ridden, and if you can't handle getting them out in the rain, or if you just have a phobia to rain, then get beater bikes already!


Koffee