Customer Reviews

Cycling Past 50 (Ageless Athlete)

5 star:		(26)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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.

As a not-especially-athletic 50-something who rides to get in shape and lose a few pounds, I found the book a bit of a shock. Aimed at aging jocks, its main focus seems to be training for racing, centuries, and even LONGER rides! But once the shock wore off, I found a lot to help even me: ride often (3-4 times a week), vary the training regimen, and most of all -- learn how to use your heart rate meter. The book provides practical recipes for figuring out your "lactate threshold" (LT) heart rate (about 10% less than what my HRM calls my "maximum" heart rate) -- and then how to base your training program on time spent in various "zones" defined by percent of LT heart rate. It's helping!

Despite the title, cyclists of all ages will find this book useful. There is a great deal of both general discussion as well as specific recommendations for effective training. The sections which are age specific generally are of the form "If you were 20 you would train like this, since you are 50 you need to modify the training like this... (usually allow more recovery)". Thus the discussion becomes relevant for everyone.

Some will probably find the specifics more detail than they are interested in. Fine, take the bigger message (intensity + adequate recovery = ageless perfomance) and you will be way ahead of the game. The discussion of heart rate training is the best I have seen.

Again highly recommended for everyone.

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.

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.........

I'm a very inshape cyclist. I ride over 100 miles on a weekend and train indoors during the week. Great training tips, goal setting and measuring performance. The nutritional information really made a difference in my recovery. This guy is liget. Read it.

I am only 51, have begun cycling at beginning of 2006, have read 3 other handbooks on the subject, but found a unique relevant source of information displaying great understanding. It is really worth taking note of. The author also demonstrates wisdom and thoughtful tips which go beyond the usual type of cycling handbook.
I am pleased to have read it, but also believe cyclists in their 40's should read it in preparation for this time period which will eventually come their way. I wish I knew this information when I was 40.

This book dispells the myths re age and exercise. After reading the facts I also feel encouraged to train more and in the correct way.

The fisiology of training is well explained. After dealing with age related facts and information Joe's book is equaly important for cyclists of all age groups. I would recommend it for people from 15 - 85.

This book will enable you to compile an all year training program for yourself.

This volume has the basic information of the Bible in a better organized format. When one needes more detailed training information, this volume makes finding the material in the Bible less time consuming. It also isn't just for cyclists past the age of 50. Any cyclist seeking sound training advice in a more usable format than the Bible will benefit from this volume.