queerpunk

I try and ride for fun. I learn how to fall off a cyclocross bike (and wind up forgetting, too). I try and get in longer rides on the weekends - longer than I usually have time or energy for during the season. I add strength stuff to the mix. I have a few unstructured months.

dunderhi

%&$#! There goes my new winter plan.

queerpunk

I'm not a winter-fixie evangelist or anything, but I see a few things that riding a fixed gear as winter training can do: it can ensure that you operate in higher cadence ranges. I see a lot of riders grind around at 70 rpm in the winter. It's easy to fall into that trap. Keeping yourself in a lower gear can help keep you smooth come spring - keeping you accustomed to the higher cadences. Plus, a simpler drivetrain can ensure that you'll keep riding through the winter, even when it gets mucky. And, some people find it fun - and fun keeps them training through the winter.

None of these are specific to fixed gear bikes, but they can help people out sometimes. It's certainly not a magic bullet for anything, but I don't see much liability either.

carleton

I feel you. There are options for addressing this. One winter I put 165mm cranks on my road bike to match the 165mm that were going on my track bike for the upcoming season. I'd do road rides where I'd average over 100rpm (non-pedaling 0rpm didn't count in the average). So, it's possible and a good thing. That upcoming season, I finished a points race on the lead lap for the first time ever

...and my average functional cadences were higher that season. I was sprinting into the 160rpm range. But, I wasn't that much faster (if at all).

So, if you want to accomplish the same goals of learning to carry higher cadences, just put 165mm cranks on your road bike. You can get some inexpensive 165mm cranks (made for junior bikes) for like $175.

I still don't think that forcing yourself into doing so on a fixed gear actually does anything. That's an old school training technique that few do anymore.

Dalai

I do a lot of kilometers fixed as my commuter is a fixed conversion of an old road bike running Crud road racer Mk2 guards. Primarily ridden as very cheap to maintain (rarely gets cleaned or sees lube), I do find it beneficial to keep leg speed up and if nothing else warmer as I can't coast. Crucial sessions are still done on the road bike...

2016 goals are just to get fit again! Only riding over the last 13 months has been reduced commuting as I cared for my wife with terminal cancer. Now I am using exercise a coping mechanism after she passed away on the 2nd August so am back riding, running and about to convert the small studio in the back yard into a weights room. Expect to get either very fit again or injured!

carleton

I sent you a note, Dalai.

queerpunk

wow, Dalai. Condolences.

dunderhi

I'm sorry for your loss.

jhdoucette

I am in the southern hemisphere so 2016 season is just a head. Me I am just getting back into track cycling. With the 2017 Master Games in New Zealand and the Avantidrome just a few hours away I figured this would be a good reason to get back in the game.

So my 2016 goal is to start training for the Games. I am already registered for the event and was able to get accreditation to use the Avantidrome based on my past experience on the track at Winnipeg and Calgary.

I have a 333 meter outdoor velodrome a kilometer from home which is handy for getting used to a fixed gear again and do some training. In October weekly crits and track racing are starting which will make for some good training opportunities. Also the Avantidrome has some classes on a fairly regular schedule so I plan to make a few trips there to take classes and get used to the track.

I am in the 50 plus age group so the distances are short. There are lots of really fast master races here in NZ so I do not expect to get good placings, but expect to have some fun.

Banchad

Due to a combination of that godawful run of rain and familial commitments I made it to a grand total of 1 race night. Disappointed is an understatement.

queerpunk

Making plans for 2016.
Gonna work with a coach.
Gonna race international events.

carleton

That's a lot in a few short sentences. Good luck and keep us posted!

queerpunk

Thanks! It's early yet. Things will take shape... later. Especially when the NTC, National Championships, and other big-event calendars are released.

I'm 33 and don't know how much longer I want to be ambitious an ambitious Cat 1. But I figure I'm not quite done - and even though I'm not, like, going to travel to Europe, or try to get a World Cup selection, there are some clear challenges right in front of me (namely, a month of UCI racing at T-Town).

So I want to see what I can do when somebody else is providing input on my training plan.

DMC707

Forgive my ignorance, but whats the selection process for Worlds? Just show up in Encino (2017, not 16) with your bike, your UCI card and a few shekels to get in? or is there a more rigorous screening process - (performances at Natz, UCI points, etc.)

VanceMac

No, there is no qualifier for Masters Worlds. But if you show up at Encino, your competition will be very light. Worlds is at Carson, not Encino.

DMC707

All part of the master plan----

Velocirapture

What Carleton said.
Looking forward to the report backs, @queerpunk

queerpunk

Here's the first report -

My coach looked at my data (I have only a year's worth of racing and training data) and said, "You make a shockingly low amount of watts for somebody at your level."



I'm excited to be working with my coach, Robert of PDX Elite Coaching because he races the same races as I do, has worked really hard to get to this level, is detailed and analytical, has learned a lot from trial and error, and is an extremely thoughtful, decent, righteous dude.