Cycling Past 50 (Ageless Athlete Series) (Paperback)

~ (Author) "Fifty. The Big Five-O. Did you ever think you'd be that old?..." (more)
Key Phrases: United States, Friday Day, Tour de France (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This time the dean of human performance takes on the metamorphosis of aging along with the associated roller coaster ride of ills and thrills. Joe Friel's journey into aging explores the gamut of changes that affect us as cyclists. For some, Cycling Past 50 confirms the infinity of human physical potential. On a broader scale, it is our complete reference guide for personal exploration."
John Howard
3-time Olympic Cylist, 13-time U.S. national champion, Pan Am Games gold medalist, Ironman Triathlon world champion

"One of America's best cycling coaches shares his wisdom in a comprehensive book directed to the over 50-year-old. Senior riders will appreciate Joe devoting an entire book to them. Younger riders must read this book too-there's so much good information for riders of any age."
Arnie Baker, MD
5-time cycling national champion,
Elite cycling coach, author, and columnist

Product Description

Conventional wisdom says that middle-aged cyclists should slow down and expect to achieve less as they grow older. But in Cycling Past 50, author Joe Friel shows cyclists that with proper training and the right attitude, the years after 50 can be their best ever.

Written for cyclists of all types-road riders, mountain bikers, track racers-this book provides an in-depth look at the full range of considerations for cycling successfully into and through middle age.

Joe Friel, a writer and contributing editor to several top cycling publications and a dedicated rider himself, will inspire cyclists toward better performance and more biking enjoyment as he presents:

• basic principles of training;
• advanced workouts to improve endurance, climbing ability, and sprinting;
• training advice for 100-mile events and multi-day tours;
• planning tips and a workout program for getting into racing form;
• injury prevention tips and exercises; and
• body fueling advice.

In addition to explaining the physical adjustments seasoned cyclists can make to keep their biking effective and satisfying, Friel discusses the mental aspects of cycling successfully into middle age. He explains the importance of developing a positive attitude, maintaining a high level of motivation, and taking pride in their accomplishments. He also reminds cyclists that, above all, biking should be a fun activity that should be shared with fellow riders, family, and friends.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 264 pages
• Publisher: Human Kinetics; 1 edition (April 21, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0880117370
• ISBN-13: 978-0880117371
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #19,206 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #1 in	Books > Health, Mind & Body > Aging > For the Aging
  #4 in	Books > Science > Medicine > Specialties > Geriatrics
  #24 in	Books > Outdoors & Nature > Outdoor Recreation > Cycling

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

124 of 125 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars You don't need to be fifty to enjoy this book!, November 14, 1998

By A Customer

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.

57 of 57 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Just what I needed, July 15, 2002

By	K. Peffley "kpeffley" (Tempe, AZ USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.

31 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars For the hard core cyclist, August 30, 2005

By	Bruce Silver (Aptos, CA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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!