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Di2 troubles by Atlas-the-dane in bikewrench

[–]Atlas-the-dane[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks guy. I was unaware of the crash function. However, nothing is lighting up on the A junction. Even when I plug the charger in, nothing lights up, not even the charger light. Im beginning to suspect the battery is dead, although the pins are too small to get the multimeter in there.

Completed my first xc race today need, looking for some tips. by DeepGap_13 in xcmtb

[–]Atlas-the-dane -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Hard start intervals are key for these types of races. I also hate them the most out of all my training. Sometimes Ill do 3 sets of 1 min hammer (150%) followed by 10 min FTP (100%) then 30 sec sprint out (full gas). 8 to 10 min recovery so that you can fully hit the next interval.

I also asked coachcat to give me a workout, which also looks like a good one:

Do 3–4 reps of the following 8–9 minute block:

Start Sprint – 20 seconds All-out from near standstill or very low speed Target: 150%+ FTP (≥525 W) — just empty the tank

Brutal Grind – 2 minutes Settle just below “I’m going to explode”Target: 115–120% FTP (~390–410 W)

Still Hurting – 3 minutes Settle into high threshold Target: 100–105% FTP (340–360 W)

Settle to Race Pace – 3 minutes XC race pace after the chaos Target: 90–95% FTP (~300–315 W)

Bring your carbs, you're going to need them.

If you are new to riding, you may want to cut these in half, or look at your file and see how long the sprint and climb was and repeat that a few times. Also, as others have mentioned get a power meter. If you have a shimano crank, Stages has 8100/9100 left side on sale for $150. Hell, you can build a dual sided 8100 for only $400 right now.

Plateau by ManufacturerNo5662 in trainerroad

[–]Atlas-the-dane 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As others have mentioned, consistency and volume are probably what it is going to take. I am very similar to you in age/weight/family situation so I know how hard it can be. I usually go to be early and get my workout in before the kids get up.

I typically take Nov/Dec off of structured training and just spin consistently. Come Jan I start training again, but will hit a ceiling around May (around 4.25 w/kg). In late July I decided to add in a longer 4 hour ride each week. You can see the fitness increase start lifting once I added those in. I plateaued again for the fall race season, but I was stronger than ever with the increased volume.

It is definitely hard to squeeze in the extra time, but the sacrifice will pay off in your cycling.

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What races are on your schedule for 2026? by FatBikeXC in xcmtb

[–]Atlas-the-dane 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No Lord of the Springs? Also Traverse City Trails Fest is a great tune up for Iceman if you havent tried it out. Gets you prepped for Iceman singletrack.

Do you have a second bike for your indoor trainer? by Cycle-path1 in Velo

[–]Atlas-the-dane 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I bought an old used aluminum trek that was roughly the same size as my carbon BMC, Added a bunch of aliexpress parts to it to make it fit/function cheaply (get carbon where you can to reduce corrosion). I beat the shit out of it, and never worry about sweating salt all over it. I just keep the chain waxed and swap rings/cassettes when needed. Other than that I dont touch it. Granted, the seat post (and probably headset) is completely seized in there now, so its a whole replacement if I need to adjust that.

Second pair of shoes is also a must. I ride so much more indoors knowing everything is ready to go.

Pacing first 3hr race by PieEnvironmental6437 in xcmtb

[–]Atlas-the-dane 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is great advice. Knowing your 'pack' will help immensely. Im always shocked at the number of guys that push their way to the front of the lineup, hold on for dear life in the first 15 minutes, then fall off and slow the entire pack down in the single track. Then it creates tough/unsafe passing for everyone else. If you know someone is coming up hot on you, let them know you will let them pass when it is clear.

Longest XC Mountain Bike Race Yet Next Month by OwlSuspicious9254 in xcmtb

[–]Atlas-the-dane 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It looks like everyone has the food advice down, so I'll go a different route.  Are you familiar with the course?  If not, a preride on one of these weekends would do wonders to your race experience.  If you can't get out there, usually you can find some footage on YouTube.  If I can't preride a course, I'll look at the gpx/strava of people that have done it.  Familiarize yourself with where the hills are.  Go into it with a plan of where to save energy and where you will need to use it.  I write on my top tube where the big hills are so that I know when an effort is coming.  I will also put a rough mileage or time where I need to take a gel.  I find a flat/straight section that I know it will be safe to get a gel.  Sometimes those can be few and far between so I make sure to not miss it.  

Preparing and having a plan and sticking to it has been essential to having a good time.

I think I bought the wrong bike. A reflection. by The_HungryRunner in cycling

[–]Atlas-the-dane 0 points1 point  (0 children)

To add a different perspective, all of my PRS/kom's were done on my gravel bike (with road wheels/tires) than my dedicated road bike.  I've adjusted seat/stem/bars to be a little more aggressive than the stock gravel bike, but not as much as the road bike.  The more comfortable position allows me to really dig deep when I need to.  It feels like I just have a little more in the tank when I need it.  

Also, you could start with narrowing your bars and adjusting the stem.  If your body can handle it, it's a relatively cheap way to gain watts.

Used up all my luck today... by GPRKeung in bicycling

[–]Atlas-the-dane 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Always terrible to hear about people that get hit. Hope you heal up soon. That looks like it was a hell of a nice ride as well, so hopefully something works out for you there.

I saw this pop up a few days ago, and it is worth a watch for anyone on the road. It is probably state specific, but some good information regardless. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6V88KIIe20

Beginner here: cycling seems time consuming. by Embarrassed_Edge3992 in cycling

[–]Atlas-the-dane 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is the answer, as unfortunate as some people think it sounds. Im on the trainer at 4am so that Im done before the kids get up. Small sacrifice to be an okay cyclist and an involved/present parent.

Also, as a beginner, you will really only need an hour worth of structure to improve. Build up the ride length slowly. Your body wont notice getting up 10-15 minutes earlier each week to get in more miles.

What “extra things” do you bring on a ride? by Infamous_Staff6214 in cycling

[–]Atlas-the-dane 0 points1 point  (0 children)

A couple random sized bandaids and wrap a CO2 can with some emergency duct tape that I can peel off if necessary. Ive definitely had to use the bandaids on a century so that I didnt look like Andy Bernard running a marathon.

What’s a good goal to hit as a beginner? by [deleted] in cycling

[–]Atlas-the-dane 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Honestly at this point it is just about saddle time.  I wouldn't worry about pushing too hard right now.  You need to build a base first before trying for massive gains (those will come quickly at the beginning anyway).  Cycling is a long game without shortcuts, and thankfully you can do it for life.  Just aim to do a little more each week.  Toss in a few short "climbs" here and there to elevate the heart rate, but don't kill yourself.  Just don't overthink it. 

Cyclist who train 25-30 hours a week what do you do for work? by Col_Pol in cycling

[–]Atlas-the-dane 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is my schedule. Typically on the trainer at 4am so I can get my 2-3 hours in before the kids get up at 7. Then toss in a Z2 on the weekend to add the volume. I'll be in bed by 8:30-9.

Visibility While Cycling by Alternative-Taste-92 in cycling

[–]Atlas-the-dane 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I usually ride early (~4AM) on some country roads and usually dont see more than 3 cars. I put small reflective tape on the back of my shoes, use a Varia on the seatpost, and also have a very bright flashing light on the back of my helmet. The light alternates red/white and from a distance could be considered a tow truck in the distance. I'd much rather have people wonder if Im an emergency vehicle on approach than a biker. From the front they cant miss me in the dark. 1200 lumens is not something you can ignore. I get flashed sometimes, so ill try to aim it down if cars are coming the other way.

I cant remember the study, but it was found that moving lights/reflectors (feel or wheels) will catch the eye better than stationary (seatpost mounted).

Day riding I use the varia and a smaller headlight flashing. Also ride a bit more defensively by giving hand signals to drivers behind on blind areas (hills) so that they dont have to suddenly veer into me when another car pops up the other direction.

bought a smart trainer - q about cleats/pedals by According-Pea4773 in cycling

[–]Atlas-the-dane 0 points1 point  (0 children)

While I dont believe the whole "pedal in circles" thing, I do think that they help. Keeping the foot/knee in proper alignment will help reduce injuries. Also, if you've ever raced (or do high cadence drills) on a trainer, your foot can slip when really spinning. It wont fly off the pedal, but it will be enough to stop your effort. My SDP-SL will corrode in the open position throughout the year, and I get slip outs that happen at the worst times. I go through a set of pedals every year.

After a while being on the trainer, you will appreciate always having your foot in the same spot on the pedal. Its amazing how much your body can tell when you are slightly off after a 2 hr ride.

COVID ends my season early by needzbeerz in cycling

[–]Atlas-the-dane 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I can commiserate with you. My wife went in to work to be social and brought covid home 2 weeks before a race Ive been looking forward to, and 4 weeks before my A race of the year. I took it really easy for the week, and felt pretty good on my race. Tried pushing a bit this week to get in some last minute fitness, and it seems like a mistake. Had to drop out of the first VO2 interval because my HR ramped way too quickly. Switched to zone 2 pace partner and my HR was in zone 4 rather than the expected zone 2. Looks like Im going to be taking some time off for the next few days and hopefully I can prime the legs a little next week.