Outdoor cyclists use the term “group ride” to describe organized (and not so organized) rides that often leave from predetermined destinations. These rides may start at a local bike shop or a convenient coffee shop. In many cases, group rides run on a regular weekly schedule, each with their own specific route. This profile follows one of the many routes my club and I use. Riding at a moderate to hard pace, it literally takes an hour to complete. With the exception of the warm-up and cool-down on Massachusetts Avenue, it is a loop. The first hill (Grove Street), third hill (Woods Street), and last hill (Mass Ave) are between a 5.5% and 6% grade. The second hill (South Road) is a 2.5% to 3% grade. The smaller grades make for very aggressive and fast climbing; one needs to be on alert for random attacks of kindness.Read more…

If you read the first article in this series and are excited about starting an outdoor program for your indoor students, I have one important piece of advice: “Wait, proceed with caution.” There are some important issues which you should address before you begin to discuss your plans with others.Read more…

Welcome to our first installment of our newest series: OCD—Obsessed with Cycling Drills. Yes, we are definitely obsessive about everything to do with indoor cycling drills including the music, cues, and objective. Pressure Cooker does exactly what the name implies: it places the body under continuous and increasing pressure. You get to choose whether to put the muscles or lungs in the pressure cooker.Read more…

In this series of articles, Christine Nielsen will discuss the steps involved to create an outdoor cycling program. Her advice is largely based on her experience and the population she works with. Although your circumstances and demographic may be different, we hope you will be inspired to extend your indoor classes by creating an outdoor cycling program of your own.Read more…

Tom, do you have a litmus test to tell if recoveries are too short for the efforts you are asking? For example, if you are asking for a 5-minute, 4-minute, 2-minute, and 1-minute best effort, one right after the other in that order, how much recovery would you give in between each? Thanks.

– Julie Zweck-BronnerRead more…

Learn how this inspiring cycling instructor and life coach has “flipped” his riders and clients to not only choose fitness, but to think of themselves as athletes and take on huge life-changing goals. Dane is as much about the mental side of health and fitness as the physical. After reading about Coach Boyle, you may want to become a “flipper” yourself!Read more…