The 2012 Denver Century Ride is proud to be partnering with Optimize Endurance Services to offer customized training plans for our cyclists. Keep your eyes out for training rides, personalized plans and more!

Optimize Endurance Services is a Colorado-based coaching and physiology testing service. We specialize in working with any type, age or ability of endurance athlete to help them achieve their goals. Our clientele includes cyclists, triathletes, ultra-runners, adventure racers, and duathletes. We offer services to improve the physiological, mental and nutritional aspects of sports performance. Our aim is to optimize our clients performance through structured, periodized training built around their lifestyle and availability to train.

Free Training Plan

Optimize Endurance Services is also offering a FREE 8 week general training outline, starting April 23, for download. Learn More!

Free Coach-Led Training Ride

Mark your Calendar – Saturday, May 26, 9am  – Optimize Endurance’s coach-led Denver Century Ride Training Ride! The 40-50m ride will begin at the Southwest BikeSource (5264 South Wadsworth Boulevard in Lakewood).  A map of the route is coming soon! Ride details can be found on our Training Calendar.

Training Plans for Purchase

2012 Denver Century Ride General Training Plans are designed specifically for the event and offer access to a USA Cycling-certified coach. Plans contain specific workouts designed to prepare anyone, from a relatively new cyclist to the experienced rider, in completing the new for 2012 Denver Century courses be it the 62, 85 or 100 mile option. Choose from either the 12 week beginner plan starting March 26th or the 16 week experienced plan starting February 27th.

Optimize Endurance Services provides these plans via TrainingPeaks, an online interface for coach and client with download capabilities and nutrition tracking. Plans include periodized training, a core strengthening program and organized practice rides of the route with a skilled, Optimize Endurance Services coach. Learn More!

Looking for even more Training Tips?

Keep up with our monthly training articles available HERE!

Don’t Forget to Order Your Official 2012 Jersey!

DCR Exclusive: Tips from the Pros

Straighten Up and Fly Right – Tips on How to Improve Your Descending Skills

For many cyclists, the hardest part of their ride can be a long, leg burning ascent up a beautiful climb such as Lookout Mountain. However, the most challenging part is often the long, twisty descent that accompanies that climb. Becoming more confident in your descending skills can make the ride less hair-raising, more enjoyable and safer. Here are some tips on how to become a better cyclist when the road slopes downward:

Proper tire pressure – Just because your tires say they can be pumped up to 120psi doesn’t mean you should. Proper tire pressure should be based upon your body weight and the width of tire that you are using. The lighter you are, or the wider the tire, the lower pressure you can run. Properly inflated tires can give you more grip and make the ride more comfortable. HERE is a great article that will help you calculate the proper pressure for your weight and equipment. Also, make sure to pump up your tires often (at least a couple of times a week) as they will lose air over time.

Pay attention to the road – Always important, but even more so when your speed is high and the road is coming at you fast. Be alert for gravel, potholes, and rough road surfaces and adjust your speed accordingly.

Don’t ride your brakes – Brake pads create friction to slow you down. That friction results in heat which is transferred into the rim, tire and tube causing an increase in pressure. Too much pressure and your tube can burst. Not a fun experience when you’re flying downhill. If you are constantly having to use your brakes, make sure to feather them off and on. This will allow the passing air to help cool the rim and will also prevent brake fade.

Do all of your braking BEFORE you start the turn – Before you begin to turn, assess how tight the corner is and brake accordingly. Braking and turning each apply extra force to the tire. Doing both at the same time increases the likelihood of losing traction.

Position your body properly – Think long and low. Position your hands in the handlebar drops. Keep your weight back over the saddle, and your upper body close to the top tube. Position your outside leg down and put pressure into that pedal.

Look where you want to go and your bike will follow – Keep your head up and try to look as far ahead as possible. Think about the turn in three parts and shift your vision to each point as you progress through the corner. Entrance: the point where you will begin your turn. Apex: the middle of the corner where you will begin to stand the bike back up. Exit: the end of the turn.

As always, practice makes perfect but be aware of your limitations. In order to get better you must be willing to push your boundaries but not to the point where you are taking unneeded risks. Stay safe and keep the rubber side down!

Adam Fivehouse, USA Cycling LIII Certified Coach, provides testing and coaching through Optimize Endurance Services. Contact him at 720-270-6876 or by email at adam@optimizeendurance.com