Cycling Past 50 (Ageless Athlete)
by Joe Friel
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Book Reviews of Cycling Past 50 (Ageless Athlete)
Book Review: Insightful and Full of Information
Summary: 5 Stars
This is an excellent book about cycling. Note I didn't say anything about cycling over 50 although I bought it because I started cycling and I'm over 50. So I found myself in a quandry: how can I recommend this to my young cycling friends? They won't want to read this as it's not meant for them. As I was reading I recognized that this had to come from a regular cycling book and to write a new book, the author had just added about 15 pages with mention of being older. Sure enough, Friel is the author of The Cyclist's Training Bible. I haven't read that book but assuming it is similar as the featured reviewer said, it will be a great book also.
Look, once you've read one of these training books they all start to sound similar. The advantage of this book is that it simplistically states its case in a manner where the lightbulb goes off in your head. For example, when he talks about climbing he gives statistics about pro cyclists: the best pro climbers have a weight (in lbs.) to height (in inches) of 2-1 or, a 72 inch cyclists (6 feet) would be 144 pounds. 2.2 and 2.3 are exceptional ratios. And then the point: no pro cyclist has had a ratio of 2.5 to 1. Do your analysis and see your ratio. It will tell you that most body types are going to be elite cyclists. Simplistic but really important info.
I strongly recommend this book for older cyclists and younger cyclists also for the book layout, simplicity and quickness of read.
Book Review: This training information works!
Summary: 5 Stars
I'm a fit 51 year old that has worked out my entire life. Last year I did the Ride the Rockies, a grueling multi-day road bike tour through some of the most challenging terrain in Colorado. I followed the training recommended by tour and did fine, maybe in the top 30% of riders (passed 7 riders for every 3 that past me). A friend recommended this book which I used to modify my preparation for this year's ride... a much more difficult 535 mile ride with an average of 3,000 to 5,000 feet of climbing to do each of the 7 days. I had never followed a periodized training routine before, nor focused on several training techniques mentioned in the book like low heart rate training workouts to build pulmonary efficiency (or more accurately, low threshold workouts... read the book). In the months before the ride, my resting heart rate went from 62 to 48. The results during the ride were amazing. I blew past 99% of the riders and the same group of riders that did the ride with me last year, some on the same level some faster, could not even come close to keeping up with me. Everyone was asking what the heck I did. I pointed them all to this book which I followed closely. In fact, their is so much information in this book which includes other terrific advise on nutritional fueling, etc., that I read it a second time with pen and paper in hand.Book Review: You don't need to be fifty to enjoy this book!
Summary: 4 Stars
While this book contains virtually the same information that is in Friel's The Cyclist's Training Bible, the focus on the older athelete makes the information more accessable and practical. Good reviews of current knowledge of cycling physiology, nutrition, and various training strategies for different types of cycling goals. Very good discussion of self evaluation of personal cycling strengths and weaknesses, along with guidance on how to set cycling goals, and develop abilties. Neither book is aimed at the casual cyclist, but rather those who want to develop and improve their skills. Where the Training Bible seems aimed at the elite athelete, Cycling Past Fifty provides reduced intensity trainig suggestions, and has more discusion on potential limitations, nad training problems. I highly recommend both books. Only four stars because of the poor title, and the level of repetition from The Cyclist's Training Bible.Book Review: I'm Cycling Past 86
Summary: 5 Stars
I would say that this book is excellent for any adult that wants to start or get back to riding a bike again, regardless of his or her age, as long as a physical examination says it's OK.
Now some people might think this book is too advanced, but keep reading and you will get to areas that fit right into your case like a glove. Joe Friel set this book up for everybody. He could of named it 'Cycling past Five', but then he would have to put in 'How to ride in traffic'.
Joe bought to my attention the importance of a Heart Rate Monitor. Of course if you just want to ride around the block, I don't think you'll need one. If you want to improve your cycling ability you better look into it. I'm going to get me one and learn how to use it.
Dynecourt Mahon.........Gods gift to the Daughters of the American Revolution.........
Book Review: Just what I needed
Summary: 5 Stars
I've been a casual cyclist for over a year now, and I was looking for information that would explain in everyday language a strategy for improving my conditioning. This book hit the mark right on the head. I didn't want a detailed plan. I wanted to understand the concepts of training so that I could easily tailor them for myself, and this book provides just that. As mentioned in other reviews, this book is not just for those over 50. It could easily apply to anyone who wants to get more out of cycling, whether it be for long distance riding, touring, racing, whatever. I've known for a long time that working out in different heart-rate zones can improve conditioning and performance, but I've never known how to apply these ideas. Now I do, thanks to this book.