Dirt roads and gravel grinders

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Motivation Monday: Gravel Q&A

It's been said that there's no such thing as a stupid question.  And whoever said that is right.  Chances are if you have a question about something, someone else is wondering the same thing.

Gravel questions are one of the most common questions I get these days.  So since a lot of you probably have similar questions, it's time to answer some of them and spark your stoke for slaying some groad.

It's time for the Guru of Gravel to answer your questions!

It's no secret that gravel riding and gravel events have become one of the hottest and fastest growing segments of the cycling world.  Gravel bikes are everywhere and new events are popping up all the time.  But with all the new tech and new events out there, how do you know what bike or event is right for you?

Most of my listeners know that I've been riding dirt and gravel for years.  Hell, it wasn't even a THING when I was riding it and writing about it.  But here we are, and getting dirty is the popular choice for a lot of riders.

That being said, I've got a bunch of questions that my listeners and readers have asked me.  And because I'm sure a lot of you have similar questions, I'm going to answer some of them in today's episode of the Tailwind Coaching Podcast.

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The Gravel Guru: Top Training Tips For Your Next Gravel Grinder

Gravel grinders have become one of the most popular types of cycling events out there.  From events like Dirty Kanza and Battenkill to the myriad of smaller gravel grinders that happen on a weekly basis, people are learning that it's fun to turn down the road less traveled.

Whether you're riding a dedicated gravel bike or a regular road bike, there are plenty of things you can do to increase your enjoyment of a gravel grinder.  In this episode of the Tailwind Coaching Podcast, I'll get into the basics of a solid gravel grinder training program.  So click on through the jump and learn what you can do to handle the gravel a little better next time you want to get dirty.

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Motivation Monday: Monkey Knife Fight 9 Recap

If you read my previous “Motivation Monday” posts, you'll know I was somehow suckered into riding the Monkey Knife Fight on April 14th.  I'd suggest you read those posts to get an idea of what I've spent the winter and early spring training for.  I described it as “a spring classic, Pennsylvania style.  That means dirt roads, gravel, steep climbs, shitty weather and lots and lots of fun.  And beer.  There's a beer sponsor.  I think it's Funk Brewing, actually.”

Well, the beer sponsor was indeed Funk Brewing (who makes a wicked IPA I might add.)  I'll also add that I was completely correct about the description with one notable, important exception, which I'll get to.

To get an idea of how I proceeded to tackle a beast like this, check out my previous posts about the training theory behind a ride like this.  Yeah, it was lots of muscular endurance and plenty of VO2 max work.  No, it wasn't glamorous at all, but it (sort of) got the job done.

In this edition of “Motivation Monday” I'll recap Monkey Knife Fight 9, tell you what went wrong and what went right.

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Motivation Monday: Pacing For Preservation

If you read my previous “Motivation Monday” posts, you'll know I was somehow suckered into riding the Monkey Knife Fight on April 14th.  I'd suggest you read those posts to get an idea of what I've gotten myself into and where I've been so far in terms of training.  The short, short version of it is this: it's a spring classic, PA style.  That means dirt roads, gravel, steep climbs, shitty weather and lots and lots of fun.  And beer.  There's a beer sponsor.  I think it's Funk Brewing, actually.

In past columns, I've detailed some of my training theory behind a ride like this.  Yeah, it's lots of muscular endurance and plenty of VO2 max work.  No, it's not glamorous at all, but it gets the job done.  In all honesty, training never is glamorous, is it?

I've also gone on to explain how you can tell when your fitness has climbed enough for an “out of order” fitness test.  Since then, it's been pretty quiet.  Why?  Well, there are a couple factors I'll detail today.  But in reality, it's just been grinding out intervals and hoping to get fit enough to not die.

And what's my plan for not dying on this thing?  Click through the jump to find out!

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Motivation Monday: Testing Time

If you read my first “Motivation Monday” you'll know I was somehow suckered into riding the Monkey Knife Fight in April.  I'd suggest you read that post to get an idea of what I've gotten myself into.  The short, short version of it is this: it's a spring classic, PA style.  That means dirt roads, gravel, steep climbs, shitty weather and lots and lots of fun.  And beer.  There's a beer sponsor.

In past columns, I've detailed some of my training theory behind a ride like this.  Yeah, it's lots of muscular endurance and plenty of VO2 max work.  No, it's not glamorous at all, but it gets the job done.  In all honesty, training never is glamorous, is it?

Today, I'm going to chat about how you know it's time to test (even if it's outside your scheduled testing time) and modify your program a bit.

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