October 21, 2009

During a stage race, why is it so important to do a decent ride on the rest day? What happens physiologically?

toastFernando Castro - Chula Vista, California

Well Fernando, I think this one is actually pretty simple, though I will have to give you the Stage Racing for Idiots version, since I was definitely NOT paying attention in any of my science classes.

You've perhaps heard that people who chronically diet typically have problems keeping the weight off after they quit the diet, often gaining back more weight than they lost. Sometimes it's just that since they've starved themselves (or eaten horribly boring food) while on the diet, as soon as they stop they eat like crazy, killing all benefit of the original suffering. More often than that though, their bodies react to the end of the famine by storing lots of calories. The metabolism slows down.

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September 17, 2009

I’ve been meaning to ask this question, and thought that now would be the perfect time because of the time of year we are approaching, and especially after reading your last post on the food!

TwinkiesScott Carmichael - Sparta, Tennessee

I've been meaning to ask this question, and thought that now would be the perfect time because of the time of year we are approaching, and especially after reading your last post on the food!

What are some techniques your used to keep you weight from getting out of hand during the fall/ winter months?

As cyclists approach their "off-season," what is the key to eating enough to make gains in power/ strength while keeping somewhere close to the "racing weight?" Surely you've got some great stories about cyclists and their weight.

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July 2, 2009

Why do cyclists always drink Coke as the soft drink of choice?

Dennis Kim - Atlanta, GA

"Why do cyclists always drink Coke as the soft drink of choice? You often see them stuffing those little cans in their jerseys during visits to their teams cars. No Pepsi, no Mountain Dew, no Dr. Pepper, no Jolt (or the Belgian/European equivalents). It's always regular Classic Coke, too. I doubt the experiment with New Coke caused chaos in the peleton at the time. I would think that there are other drinks with more sugar/carbs and caffeine. Also, I wouldn't think that there's much caffeine in those tiny cans. I don't get it- and I live in the Capital of Coke, Atlanta. But I also like sleeping with the ceiling fan and A/C on."

Dennis, be careful - if anyone at the mayor's office is reading this, the authorities will most likely be showing up at your door momentarily to deport you from Atlanta. I've been deported and while it is funny, it isn't all that much fun. And let me tell you; as frightening as this may seem, there are places in the United States that don't even have air conditioning and ceiling fans.

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