Magazine Review: Bicycling Magazine

The year was 1989. It was the Wild Flower Triathlon race. The 55 mile bike segment loomed ahead of me. I had just finished the swim segment of the race. I was already lightheaded and exhausted. I now had to face torturous hills, 110 degree heat, and perilous downhill turns. If I took a turn too fast, the centrifugal force could send me hurling down a 2000 foot gorge.

For me this was the test. Would my many hours, days and weeks of training and preparation pay off? Yes. I not only finished the race, I cut nearly an hour off my finishing time from the previous year! My teammates were impressed. What was my secret?

Bicycling Magazine.

The articles in this 100 to 150 page magazine really helped me with my training. It features topics such as fitness, training, touring, nutrition, racing, clothing, equipment, new technology, maintenance, product reviews, and cycling experiences.

As with most magazines, you can write a letter to the editor. There are various department headings within the contents, which feature the aforementioned topics. Below I will provide you with some examples of my experience with this magazine.

Fitness And Training

One fitness article I read advised that during the rainy season, I could train indoors using a bike trainer, which is a device you attach to your bike that converts it into a stationary bike. This enabled me to train while I watched TV. Instead of turning into a couch potato during the winter months, I was able to improve my fitness.

Nutrition And Health

Nutrition articles I read taught me to load up on carbohydrates and water a week before a race. Doing so, would give me more energy and stamina. They were right. I also learned that after a grueling race it is important to isolate yourself from others for at least two hours because your immune system is low and needs time to restore itself to normal.

I used to get sick all the time after races until I started isolating myself as the article recommended.

Touring