Day: September 27, 2008

Racing Tactics for Cyclists by Thomas Prehn entertains with its anecdotes about the author’s racing experience. The lessons build slightly on Bike Racing 101. The crosswind echelon described in Chapter 5 was the truly new tactic for me, though I’ve rarely ridden in groups large enough or experienced enough to practice this energy-saving technique. The diagrams are charmingly basic, albeit occasionally helpful. I need to do a lot more riding before I need the lessons shared here.

One physical note: with its hefty margins, this book felt either stretched out beyond its true length or (charitably) ready for note-taking.

Bike Racing 101 details about what the title promises. I’m foolish enough to read this near the end of my first season of bicycle racing. (I finished the book maybe a fortnight ago.)

If I’d read it at the beginning, I might have saved Ken a few questions during the year. Still, even though the “Essentials for Cycling Competition” weren’t new to me, this book is a welcome addition as a reference book that reads well and is organized smoothly.

In the last race of the season this morning, the 48th annual Mt. Tamalpais Hill Climb, I finished in 48:39, which put me in 12th place among the Cat 5 riders. I may have enough experience now to qualify for Cat 4, just based on starts. Since today’s time would have placed me 12th (still!) in that division, I don’t know whether I should push ahead or not.