Koobi Cycling Fitness

Level the Field When Training With Friends

Cycling Training Tips

Well, the long winter is finally winding down. Every day I talk to cyclists all over North America who have the itch to get outdoors and ride. For months they’ve been thinking about last year’s greatest rides and races, what made them great and which ones are worth repeating.

I always want to race better each year, and I plan my training to meet my goals. Unfortunately, that pace can leave my cycling buddies behind. Since moving to Colorado Springs in 2001 I have been blessed with a number of cycling enthusiasts who are in the same life stages as I am, and last year our group grew by a couple of new guys. Since there is a wide disparity in cycling fitness, it was a challenge to have the rides work for everyone. I eventually landed on a solution.

Two or three days a week I do a high intensity work out or race. The in-between days I will do a recovery/leisure/social ride with the guys. To increase my challenge, I found an old set of wheels and mounted up the heaviest cheap tires I could find. The combination of tired legs and heavy wheels worked great to slow me down.

I had great rides with great guys who were not up to my fitness level. We talked about work, kids, awesome views, and even abstract concepts like “hope”. (Now, that was a long ride.)

As you plan for this year, look around the garage for an old set of wheels and heavy tires and introduce our great sport to some new guys.

Looking forward to a great season!

Phil Schweizer