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Training articles and race reports

graph showing power produced during a cycling workout on a smart trainer outside or ERG mode

Why I don’t use ERG mode

What is ERG mode? Smart trainers include a feature called “ERG mode”. When turned on, ERG controls the load on the trainer to match a prescribed intensity (power target) during a workout. In other words, no matter what cadence you use or how hard you turn the pedals, the trainer adjusts the load so that…

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Cyclists seen from the back during The Boone Ride

The Bone Ride – Milwaukee to Madison and Back

Training for Dirty Kanza 200 or looking for some long miles in the saddle? The annual “Bone Ride” could be your next ride. It happens annually on the 3rd Wednesday in May. You can even mark your calendar now for next year because it’s been going on for 33 years, rain or shine! The ride…

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Group of cyclists seen from the back

The Mafia Holiday Ride in Chicago

The Mafia Holiday Ride (or simply “Mafia Ride”) is a group ride that leaves from the Deerfield Train Station at 7:30AM on holidays or holiday weekends only. The ride usually occurs on Easter, Mother’s Day, Memorial Day, Father’s Day, and Labor Day. It’s a good idea to check the Mafia Facebook Page to confirm the…

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Rough Road 100 Gravel Race inside the Peloton

2019 Rough Road 100 – The Year of Roadies

Rough Road race overview Rough Road 100 in Morris, IL is a well organized and increasingly popular Spring “gravel” event. This year was no exception, and over 400 riders showed up. But the big surprise this year was the friendly weather. Temperatures reached over 60 degrees by the end of the race, and winds were…

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Cyclists riding on a cloudy day with front lights on

How NOT to Slow in a Fast Paceline

This week has been recovery and “fun” in the schedule for me. I’ve taken that opportunity to do some fast group rides with the “big boys” in Chicago. That means getting in a fast paceline. So I joined the “Judson”. This is a fun group ride that starts in Evanston, IL and heads North for…

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Colorful bar graph showing time spent monthly in power zones - cycling

Cycling Training Zones for Speed

The image at the top of this post shows my time in zones before and after changing my training around February 2018. After one year of training with my new coach, my entire power curve is up 25 watts. Furthermore, I’m confident I can raise the curve by another 50 watts over the coming years.…

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