The Complete Book of Long-Distance Cycling - Build the Strength- Skills- and Confidence to Ride as F Description:

The Complete Book of Long-Distance Cycling : Build the Strength, Skills, and Confidence to Ride as Far as You Want review:
5 stars (The long and very long of it) - So you're getting old and fat and still are as compulsive as ever, what do you do?

If you've been successful in the racing circuit a decade ago, cycling doesn't seem such a bad idea. Still, those years that you could ride 30 miles in an hour make your current 20 look rather pathetic. No problem, go far.



With this philosophy in mind I bought this book by Pavelka and the late Burke two years ago to get some instruction on long distance riding. After doing a complete 200/300/400/600 Brevet series and 24 hour fleche ride earlier this year, I can assure you the value of this text. While this book contains sections that are aimed at cyclists with a significant experience in the over 100 mile range, it is very much an introductory text.



All aspects are discussed in a simple, but elementary fashion. Bikes, position, nutrition, training schedules, night riding, injuries etc. etc. Unfamiliar with distances beyond the 200 mile mark, the continuous hammering on nutrition and injury may seem overbearing, but once you have been there and done that you will appreciate the wisdom of the authors' words.



Some reviewers have commented on the introductory level of this book. That is correct.

Yet, I would like to counter that this book contains all the instruction needed to go the distance. Especially, when it comes to training schedules, those provided here are just guidelines. It goes without saying that those who train at least 20 hours a week, will be moving on to the more racing oriented literature for more targeted information.



In all a very clear, no nonsense book. Next year Boston-Montreal-Boston will be on the agenda and I am pretty certain that it will help me over Middlebury Gap.


5 stars (Thorough Lessons to Learn the Easy Way) - This book pretty much covers it all, from how to adjust your saddle to what to do about hallucinations on your ultra long-distance ride. Although I have a fair amount of experience training for centuries, I learned a lot and have managed to diminish unnecessary suffering. There are training charts and heart-rate guides for the obsessive-compulsives, and a lot of common sense for the rest of us who just like to ride. It's well written and sound. Now, turn off the computer and go ride!
5 stars (Good all-around advice) - Long-Distance Cycling covers all aspects of how to pull off long rides, not just the training aspects.The book starts off with the basics, choosing the right gear and making sure your bike fits properly. These are easy to overlook, but will make all of the difference in the world on a long ride.It then spends some time overviewing a good training program. Like other cycling books, the authors recommend picking up a heart rate monitor and using it for the basis of your training. They provide training programs for different goal distances (such as your first century) that recommend spending time in different heart rate zones. The training and nutrition information is well done, but not amazingly in depth. If you get more serious about the sport, you'll probably want more information, but this book hits is target audience just fine.The later chapters of the book cover all of the unpleasantries that come up during a long ride: sores, pain, general discomfort. Again, this information is invaluable during a long ride.All in all, the authors have done a great job at putting together the information you need to complete your first (or next!) long distance bike ride.