Sunday, February 22, 2009

Tour of California video

Bike fit & new orthotics


Went over to Bend to see Scott Peterson to get fitted with new orthotics and shims for my cycling shoes. Seems that my Breakaway was set up properly, so no fit was needed. (I simply set it up like another bike that I was fitted on.)

The new orthotics are very light. Just an added bonus because materials have improved!

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Indoor cycling -- observations....

Indoor cycling instructors often say they are "teaching class". Usually there isn't a theme -- just a random workout set to music. What I hate the most is the routine where we rapidly and seemingly randomly transition between positions 1, 2, and 3.

It's interesting to see some people pedaling at a zillion rpm (with practically no resistance). What's up with that?

One of our class leaders is also the club owner. I don't necessarily agree with all the routines (like what's referred to as "freezes". He even pulls out his "favorite" DVD and has members balance it on their head. For a long time.)

However, he does a *lot* of things right. He knows all of our names and he calls us out. He thanks us for coming. He has mini competitions between rows or between the "boys and girls" that seems quite effective. (Sometimes he picks on someone and sends them "up the road", only to be "chased down". He's loud too -- and we really work hard in there!

One of my favorite instructors, the "Helenator" (my nickname for her), no longer works at the gym. She was the 80s disco queen and you knew you were in for a good workout when she says to "turn it up 6 turns!!!"