Comments on: Hi Joe, I am a new cyclist coming off my first season of riding. I am a recreational rider and I am very heavily debating on entering an amateur road race next spring. Cycling is just a hobby for me and I was curious if you think racing for recreation is a worthwhile pursuit.

By: The Consensus Line « no one line

The Consensus Line « no one line — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:42:48 +0000

[...] The Consensus Line November 18, 2009, 4:42 pm Filed under: no one line A recent post by Joe Parkin reminds me of something that I recently learned in a handful of cyclocross races: the consensus [...]

By: William Goff

William Goff — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:01:08 +0000

Joe,

In your book you talk about having saved little of the momentos, photos, jerseys, awards, etc…from your professional cycling career. C’mon Joe, you have to have a cache of items from such a pivotal time in your life. Maybe an area of your office where you have hung some team photos and jerseys on the wall, with a shelf for your trophies you won. A few years back, one of the major sports magazines had Greg Lemond gather all his awards, jerseys, momentos, etc…together for a photograph, and then talk about them. How about you humor us and do the same. C’mon Joe! Don’t hold out on us. Now is not the time for false modesty or humility. You did something few will ever do. Be proud and show us the trappings of your career. I think it would be cool.

By: joeparkin

joeparkin — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 02:58:39 +0000

Of course KB, but I am sure he’d be okay with an old schooler calling out his old school uncle. Nice OK connection though … thanks.

By: adam rodkey

adam rodkey — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 02:45:12 +0000

Cooper? What about Kenny Bartrum?

By: Big Mikey

Big Mikey — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:49:40 +0000

Also:

Be absolutely prepared to be devoting a significant portion of your life to cycling and the pursuit of speed. It’s the rare person who starts racing and doesn’t become consumed with it. It’s common to see many endurance athletes obsessed with their sport, unable to think/talk about anything else. Not necessarily a bad thing, all told, but a common affliction.

By: Ed

Ed — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:43:42 +0000

Hey Joe, Funny you bring up motocross. My son and I went to the Southwick,Ma national this past August , and I noticed that many factory team riders were wearing heart rate monitors. The Yamaha team actually had Orbea bikes set up on wind trainers(OK saying windtrainers shows my age!). Great site, and great book.
Ed

By: Justin B

Justin B — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 01:43:45 +0000

Thanks for the response Joe, that just made my day!
Wow, what a small world. I actually frequent Coopers bike shop and ride with the local group based out of there. Thanks for the advice, it’s nice to hear from experienced riders who have no problem sharing tips with new riders. Your book as well as the cyclists training bible are definitely now on my reading list!

By: Brian

Brian — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 01:03:31 +0000

First off Coop is LEGEND, always loved his attacking style, even against that ‘93 Honda engine that was so strong.

My best advice is to join a team or a local group ride that has a pretty high average speed or periodic attacks. You learn to ride in a group and it’s good for your fitness too. In your races learn to conserve and ride near the front to stay away from the Cat 5 crashes. Most of all have fun and don’t be afraid to attack at the end of the race for the win, Cat 5’s are not organized like what you see on TV, forget the lead out, just go for it.

By: Sean K

Sean K — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 20:20:56 +0000

Racing can be a lot of fun. I made some good friends, and focusing on training allowed my beer budget to shrink!

Find a team- then you have training partners and people to share rides with. The social aspect is great.

To Joe’s advice I would add that it is not necessary to spend a lot of money on all the latest, greatest gear at first, but make sure your tires are in good condition in races- flats suck.