The Long Distance Cyclists Handbook (by Simon Doughty)

top_bhoy

Is the information in this book still relevant?

I'm coming off the back of a horrendous run of injuries and ill health over the last couple of years (it never rains but it pours) and have been inactive for much of the last 15-18 months. I don't race but I'd like to get back to back to some reasonable fitness level of 3 years ago where I would commute 60+km a day and then do maybe 100km on a weekend ride. Those days seem far away right now. Over the last two months however I've worked my self back to just being active and commute on my mtb 20km daily most days.

I do the odd 30km road ride at weekend and now thinking I should up the ante. I intend very shortly to do pilates to help with a lower back pain concern which recently affected me hence I'm cautious about doing too much too soon. Will this book help me plan to improve my cycling distances without killing myself or should I look elsewhere?

marcusjb

It is still relevant for sure, some of the bits on equipment have been eclipsed since 2004, but the physiological stuff is still a relevant approach. However, it may not be the right motivation for your build up back to fitness. It has training plans based on specific goals. It does have one for a 50-100 mile event, but it's real meat is about training for long distance events such as PBP, 24 hour time trials etc.

You really need a specific goal to get the most out of a book like this. Not that getting back to fitness isn't a goal, but in that case all I suggest is just ride your bike, further and faster will come naturally.

Simon's own story is a very sad one, as he was hit by a drunk driver on his way to work at Manchester velodrome. He now requires round the clock care due to the brain injuries he suffered. Just awful.

bahzob

As above its ok but like most forms of training key word is specificity. It's focussed at really long distance cycling.

My suggestion on a training book especially this time of year is this one

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/193403083X

The author is a dikhead but the content is good, especially because the emphasis is all on short workouts that can be integrated into a busy life. It includes a plan to do a novice century which should suit. Don't be put off by the fact it feels as if it's focussed on racing. First thing you do is a test that sets the level for the rest of the plan, the results of this will, by definition,be appropriate for you as will the drills.

Also the plans are 12 week. So if you like you can do one dead easy, just getting used to the workouts while you regain fitness slowly but surely. Once you have done this once you should have got some fitness back and can then redo setting the bar a bit higher.

If you are having back problems or even if not I'd also suggest taking a look at this book.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tom-Danielsons-Core-Advantage-Strength/dp/193403097X

I've done pilates and various other forms of "core" exercises and this book is miles better than any of them. This applies generally, it will work for anyone regardless of sport/fitness level but ofc is especially the case for cyclists. I recommended it earlier in this forum and several others have already tried it and found same.

One big advantage over pilates is that it requires no special equipment and little space. (Again ignore fact "author" is a doper. He is just the face on the cover, the actual content is written by a physio who really knows her stuff).

top_bhoy

bahzob wrote:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tom-Danielsons-Core-Advantage-Strength/dp/193403097X

I've done pilates and various other forms of "core" exercises and this book is miles better than any of them. This applies generally, it will work for anyone regardless of sport/fitness level but ofc is especially the case for cyclists. I recommended it earlier in this forum and several others have already tried it and found same.

One big advantage over pilates is that it requires no special equipment and little space. (Again ignore fact "author" is a doper. He is just the face on the cover, the actual content is written by a physio who really knows her stuff).

Due to the occurrence of the back pain, I did buy the Tom Danielsons book on your recommendation :P . I've not reached the exercises yet to have read in any great detail but having read the first few chapters explaining the human physiology, it explains matters so easily without getting bogged down in the minute details. I've now understood the results of a scan I had which the Dr and physio really didn't do; I'm impressed so far.

Instead of creating a new thread, perhaps others who also bought the Tom Danielson book can relate their experiences having now used it and what benefit they have got from it.

Sounds like the Long Distance Cyclist book isn't for me. The 2 months of uninterrupted activity on the mtb has been great even just going at a steady pace. I might try getting the other book and take it from there. Being single I probably am not time crunched like others as I can pick and choose what do. My muscle mass took a bit of a hit during my lay-off and my concerns are doing too much or doing the wrong thing and getting injured again. Dr and physio advice hasn't been too great so far and seeing a different physio this coming week so I am hoping I will get some actual guidance this time.

Marcus, shocking story about Simon. Its a sobering thought when taking the bike out of what can happen....