Category: Off season fun
A funny broken arm story from way back
Heavily modified Caveman cast
My 2005 off season reading was Brian Lopes’ book on mountain biking skills. As a fairly competent mountain biker, I was amazed at how much there is still to learn about the art of making an off road bicycle go fast.
My favorite quote from the book was: “if you are not pedaling, you should be pumping*”
I was practicing my pumping through a particularly technical section near Stellenbosch. Specialized had their Team Camp here in January. (www.iamspecialized.com ) I was fortunate enough to be able to participate in the camp and the main reason for the camp: Tire testing.
On the very first group ride with the Team I pumped and pedaled all I was worth. Pushing the limits through a long technical section, going faster and faster. I pumped through a rock garden and the next thing I knew I was on the ground, tangled with my bike. I never saw the fall coming, and instinctively I must have put my hand out to protect my face. (In hindsight, it wasn’t worth it)
I bled like a pig, but didn’t hurt too badly and carried on with the ride. However, about an hour later, holding the bar on the downhills became quite painful.
The Caveman’s semi secret XTERRA tips
2008 XTERRA Worlds
The Caveman’s somewhat-secret XTERRA tips.
“Somewhat secret” because I borrowed (and modified) the article from my “All” (previous blog posts) page.
• XTERRA is a strong mans race. An endurance event. Don’t let the seemingly short distances fool you. Forget about 400 repeats on the track and all-out sprints on the trainer. Think sustained power evenly delivered over 2.5 hours or more. Getting from A to B as fast as possible is all about even pacing. In this game, a big aerobic engine and a large strength component will take you places. The good news is, both of these components can be built. The bad news is it takes a lot of hard work!
• Its all about The Base: The most important bike workout during base training is a weekly long ride in the mountains. I usually do 3 rides* a week of 3 to 5hrs at 50-75% of max HR. The key is to try and climb as many vertical feet per hour as possible. For me 1400ft per hour is good going. (That includes the down hills and flats) When climbing I focus on a high cadence, (at least 90rpm) smooth power delivery, and keeping a good, relaxed posture.
Now I remember why I never shave in the shower…
Recent Caveman shaving accident…
Bony legs?
Veins like baby carrots?
Knife too sharp?
Chatting with Macca at Alcatraz triathlon
From iamspecialized.com
Now for questions from the audience…
1992 at Double Standard (70.3) near Gordons Bay, South Africa
Since I’m running low on blogging ideas for my XTERRA Bama race report, what would you guys like to read about?
(if you’re not into setting up the password etc below to leave a reply, just post it on my Facebook page. Link on the sidebar)
