Distance Cycling

Distance Cycling is a great book, which should be on all cyclists bookshelf. The authors are very well informed about distance cycling and the book has a lot to offer the new cyclist as well as a very experienced cyclist. What I liked best about this book is that it is all about distance cycling, that is longer events such as the Metric Centurys and longer. This is what helps to set this book apart from most of the self-help, self-coaching cycling books out there. Another point to consider, is that this book is also up-to-date as it was published around a year or so ago, but not more than two years ago. I liked the author's down-to-earth, common sense yet detailed approach to distance cycling. An added bonus are the anecdotes of how one famous distance cyclist prepared and rode in the RAAM on a bike with essentially touring geometry. I really appreciated that story because it reflects what I think is the author's attitude that you should learn how to use what you have got, and what works for you, to the utmost instead of blindly following the cycling and commercial mantras of the herd. There is something for every level of cyclist in this book, which is rare indeed.

I started riding again last year after 30 years of not. My primary interest from day one was to ride a century. This book is a very good guide for a beginner. I learned a lot, but I also felt like I needed to find another book(s) that went deeper. Nevertheless, my take aways were the training guides/schedules based on time versus mileage--I am using their 8-week schedule for an upcoming century, the section on nutrition and learning what your body can handle and digest while riding, as well as how much to eat, and the concept of heart rate zones. Before I finished the book, I upgraded my bike, had a VO2 Max test done to determine my lactate threshold, and got a Garmin 510 bike computer with heart monitor. In other words, it has helped me to become much more focused and deliberate with regard to my training, and that has made it exponentially more fun. On the other hand, if you're are an experienced rider with years in the saddle, this book might be too lite.

If you want to learn the tricks of the trade for distance cycling than this is the book for you. I ordered and read the kindle version and recieved a hardcopy when I hired John Hughes to prepare me for my coast to coast ride across america. The book covers all aspects from nutrition to stretching and strengthing for 100 mile rides to multi-day events. The biggest thing I learned besides riding many miles is the need for off the bike work. All I wanted to do is ride and this book opened my eyes for the need to have a solid core that will help me climb the mountain passes on my ride. This book details what you need to do.

Probably the best approach to becoming a runner or a cyclist is in fact to join a club and partake of their training/coaching sessions. However, that is not always possible and also doesn't fit the personal choices of many people. I think this book - while written some time ago is nevertheless a very good choice for the self-coached or for a cyclist who wants to think about and review his own approach. It is specifically dealing with the training for and execution of long distance cycling. It is wonderfully practical regarding training and also the fitness training/weight training which should accompany the requiste "time on the bike".

I used to be an amateur racer and bought this book to help transition to endurance riding. I successfully used this book to finish in the lead group of three in the RMCC denver to aspen ride last year. I found the information great, and the detail was enough for me to put together a great training plan. So if you're already an experienced rider who has done races and 100 mile rides this book is still very useful, you will just skip some of the beginner chapters.

I'm just starting to get in to cycling and thought this book might be "over my head" with more info than I'd really need. But it was great! I think it appeals to those interested in long distance racing, but also for someone like me who is just dreaming of long distance touring. Very comprehensive for a wide audience.

In reality, the main appeal of this book is for the very serious rider although it has much valuable and interesting information for any biker. But at age 75, my "training" is far less rigorous.

I thought the book would cater towards the more experienced cyclists, concentrating on endurance cycling. Although there is some good information and a few take away the the book is more at the 100 level.

Very useful book in preparation for cycling to Spain! Actually got two copies, one for husband and one for dad x

I'm a distance cyclist and have read many books on this subject. This is the best on to date. There is lots of technical knowledge in here that confirms my own experience on the bike.

Training for long distance biking

Disappointment. Very basic info. This book is more for the starting cyclist than for the long distance rider looking for tips.