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Cycling Past 50
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.
- 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.
- GenresSportsNonfictionCycling
264 pages, Paperback
Published April 21, 1998
3 people are currently reading
65 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
October 24, 2021
Excellent read. Although this book is aimed at senior cyclists, it contains information relevant to all cyclists. It is written with the American cycling community in mind and the resource links at the end of the book indicates this but it's still a good source of information.
Cycling it seems is not an easy pursuit to get into. It takes a lot of time and dedication,not to mention training. This book does a good job pointing you in the right direction if you choose to pursue this. Everything is covered from the kind of bike, diet and training.
It's a handy reference book once read, it can kept on a shelf somewhere if you want to dip into it again. As I now consider myself a senior cyclist, I was recommended this book as I was a slow rider doing an average speed of 10 mph. With some training I have improved on this speed to 12.5 mph in less than a year. I have found a lot of information in this book invaluable
Cycling it seems is not an easy pursuit to get into. It takes a lot of time and dedication,not to mention training. This book does a good job pointing you in the right direction if you choose to pursue this. Everything is covered from the kind of bike, diet and training.
It's a handy reference book once read, it can kept on a shelf somewhere if you want to dip into it again. As I now consider myself a senior cyclist, I was recommended this book as I was a slow rider doing an average speed of 10 mph. With some training I have improved on this speed to 12.5 mph in less than a year. I have found a lot of information in this book invaluable
January 1, 2022
A focus for me for the past year has been cycling both real world and virtually. As an over 50 cyclist I wanted to get a little smarter with my cycling while factoring in differences in capability due to age. Cycling Past 50 is the second book I’ve read focused toward 50+ year old cyclist, earlier I’d read the Midlife Cyclist by Phil Cavell and honestly it’s a comparative tool for my review of Cycling Past 50.
I’m going to open by saying there’s some great chapters and thought on cycling and what it takes to train and push yourself to either improve or to keep yourself riding strong. Mr. Friel bring much thought and experience to what’s written here and while sometimes the thoughts and experience are expressed from working with professional cyclist Mr. Friel does a very good job presenting material and making things extremely readable (something I did knock Mr. Cavell about in his book). That said this book it 20 years old and in need of an update. Indoor cycling has evolved from the trainers of 20 years ago to smart trainers and apps were riders can train or race each other ( for the record, Mr. Cavell does address indoor cycling but honestly doesn’t address it like he might have or to the degree it deserves). Cycling Past 50 is also dated with its research where 50+ year olds were “abnormal” while they’re becoming more of the norm. While the age of the book does make you question it, there are factors where it does shine, particularly presentation of factors midlife cyclist should consider, training (basic and advanced), rest and recovery, and fueling your ride (as in eating).
I’ve rated this a 3 star book mainly because it’s 20 years old and there have been changes in cycling since it was first written and in my opinion causes this book to beg for an update either from Mr. Friel or an associate of his (hint,hint). That said there’s good fundamentals or factors 50+ year old cyclist should consider. I’ll also suggest though that these same cyclist should also consider supplementing this book by reading the Midlife Cyclist (similar but different), preforming research on line, or both. I’ll also suggest that both books be considered no matter if you’re doing real world or virtual cycling mainly because the wisdom and recommendations they have can help with both types of cycling.
I’m going to open by saying there’s some great chapters and thought on cycling and what it takes to train and push yourself to either improve or to keep yourself riding strong. Mr. Friel bring much thought and experience to what’s written here and while sometimes the thoughts and experience are expressed from working with professional cyclist Mr. Friel does a very good job presenting material and making things extremely readable (something I did knock Mr. Cavell about in his book). That said this book it 20 years old and in need of an update. Indoor cycling has evolved from the trainers of 20 years ago to smart trainers and apps were riders can train or race each other ( for the record, Mr. Cavell does address indoor cycling but honestly doesn’t address it like he might have or to the degree it deserves). Cycling Past 50 is also dated with its research where 50+ year olds were “abnormal” while they’re becoming more of the norm. While the age of the book does make you question it, there are factors where it does shine, particularly presentation of factors midlife cyclist should consider, training (basic and advanced), rest and recovery, and fueling your ride (as in eating).
I’ve rated this a 3 star book mainly because it’s 20 years old and there have been changes in cycling since it was first written and in my opinion causes this book to beg for an update either from Mr. Friel or an associate of his (hint,hint). That said there’s good fundamentals or factors 50+ year old cyclist should consider. I’ll also suggest though that these same cyclist should also consider supplementing this book by reading the Midlife Cyclist (similar but different), preforming research on line, or both. I’ll also suggest that both books be considered no matter if you’re doing real world or virtual cycling mainly because the wisdom and recommendations they have can help with both types of cycling.
January 7, 2024
Aimed at the serious cyclist, one looking to stay competitive even as they age out of their peak performance years. A side effect is that the vast majority of the book is appropriate for readers of all ages, which conversely made it seem less rather than more dedicated towards the target demographic.
Written in 1998, a certain amount of the material is out of date, and of course it doesn't cover any of the innovations of the past quarter century. As the author has since written several other books about cycling and training, I would therefore seek out something a bit more recent, especially for people who are looking to get started or restarted in the sport.
Written in 1998, a certain amount of the material is out of date, and of course it doesn't cover any of the innovations of the past quarter century. As the author has since written several other books about cycling and training, I would therefore seek out something a bit more recent, especially for people who are looking to get started or restarted in the sport.
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October 27, 2020This is a book for competitive rider, a group of which I am not a member. If you are looking for a general book on fitness for biking, this is not it. If you are patient you will find excellent information on general fitness for biking in this book but it is a little like looking for seashells on a beach: you know that the shells that you want are there on the beach but you must search for them.
April 18, 2011
Perhaps the real reason I didn't want to pick up this book was because if I did, I was outed as the target demographic. Truth hurts, as they say...but it doesn't hurt as bad as over-training injuries, and that might be one of the most important reasons to pick up this book.
The other truth is that 80% of this book applies to readers and riders of every age. Essentially, by making the first two chapters uber-focused on cyclists pedaling through their/our fifth decade, the author sets the stage to talk more broadly about physiology, the body's adaptation to stress (also known as regular exercise, interval training, and planning for peak performance) and more.
The only way someone would find real fault with this book is if she or he expected that every page would carry specific 50+ instruction. The good news is that the human machine isn't that fine-tuned; honestly, once your body stops growing (early to mid-twenties), maintaining your fitness level is paramount and very achievable for every age, all the way up to your seventies and eighties.
A second dollop of good news is that for cyclists (and the "cousin" activity of distance running), endurance performance can improve as you age.
So this book works great as a pat on the back for all readers: keep riding. It also provides a solid base of coaching guidelines, especially key if your riding is tied to a race in the not-so-distant future. Riding every chance you get is wonderful low-impact exercise...but if you are indeed looking to achieve a new PR, especially if you're over 50 and don't recover/recuperate as quickly as you did half your lifetime ago, then you are the reader who will benefit most.
Otherwise, Cycling Past 50 is filled with lots of reminders and other good-to-know info. I learned, for instance, that like many others benchmarks, my VO2 tapers off with age, just like decreases in heart rate max and fast twitch muscle. But endurance capability can be sapped more dramatically as blood volume decreases due to less liquid because when you're 50+ you have to pee more often. Who knew? But with this factoid now burned in my brain, keeping the water bottle handy is elevated to the same priority level as getting more sleep the night before any ride of 20+ miles because, as is also often said, there's just not enough in the tank to hang with the youngsters.
The other truth is that 80% of this book applies to readers and riders of every age. Essentially, by making the first two chapters uber-focused on cyclists pedaling through their/our fifth decade, the author sets the stage to talk more broadly about physiology, the body's adaptation to stress (also known as regular exercise, interval training, and planning for peak performance) and more.
The only way someone would find real fault with this book is if she or he expected that every page would carry specific 50+ instruction. The good news is that the human machine isn't that fine-tuned; honestly, once your body stops growing (early to mid-twenties), maintaining your fitness level is paramount and very achievable for every age, all the way up to your seventies and eighties.
A second dollop of good news is that for cyclists (and the "cousin" activity of distance running), endurance performance can improve as you age.
So this book works great as a pat on the back for all readers: keep riding. It also provides a solid base of coaching guidelines, especially key if your riding is tied to a race in the not-so-distant future. Riding every chance you get is wonderful low-impact exercise...but if you are indeed looking to achieve a new PR, especially if you're over 50 and don't recover/recuperate as quickly as you did half your lifetime ago, then you are the reader who will benefit most.
Otherwise, Cycling Past 50 is filled with lots of reminders and other good-to-know info. I learned, for instance, that like many others benchmarks, my VO2 tapers off with age, just like decreases in heart rate max and fast twitch muscle. But endurance capability can be sapped more dramatically as blood volume decreases due to less liquid because when you're 50+ you have to pee more often. Who knew? But with this factoid now burned in my brain, keeping the water bottle handy is elevated to the same priority level as getting more sleep the night before any ride of 20+ miles because, as is also often said, there's just not enough in the tank to hang with the youngsters.
October 10, 2015
The book was written in 1998. A lot has changed since then in the world of cycling. But even though decades have gone by, the contents of the book stays relevant in the era of facebook. This book is almost timeless.
Mundane things make us old. Since most people have access to a bike, they may not value the machine. But the book provides comprehensive insights on how you can use a bicycle to maintain a healthy lifestyle. You can sense the excitement of the author at just the thought of riding.
People in their 50s or at least people who feel old can use cycling to rejuvenate their love for life. The book provides extensive information on preparation, nutrition, century rides, racing, preventing injuries, positivity, and a host of other things that makes you excited about the possibilities you can conquer in two wheels.
See you on the road.
Mundane things make us old. Since most people have access to a bike, they may not value the machine. But the book provides comprehensive insights on how you can use a bicycle to maintain a healthy lifestyle. You can sense the excitement of the author at just the thought of riding.
People in their 50s or at least people who feel old can use cycling to rejuvenate their love for life. The book provides extensive information on preparation, nutrition, century rides, racing, preventing injuries, positivity, and a host of other things that makes you excited about the possibilities you can conquer in two wheels.
See you on the road.
July 18, 2015
This book offers a wide variety on cycling topics as stated in the title for the mature rider. It is geared more to the serious rider that offers quite detailed information for planning and training to ride events and competitions. Every aspect from nutrition, equipment, conditioning, and psychology is covered and is a valuable sources of information from an accomplished author.
July 6, 2014
Interesting, but probably above my head right now: I'm still trying to build a base, and avoid over-training. I think it might be more useful to me in a year or two, when I'm actually trying to get my legs to the point where I can do one of our Colorado passes without completely blowing up.
February 10, 2010
Excellent training manual for the older cyclist.
Read
November 5, 2018Plenty of practical advice, great training programs, and a positive attitude make this a great read for seniors who are ready to get back on their bikes.
Read
March 22, 2019didn't finish...gave away. those days are over.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews