The Other Side of Dr. Xeno's Brain

It's me, Dr. Xeno. Here are lecture notes and ideas for my work teaching physical and cognitive development across the lifespan (HDEV 3101) at the Department of Human Development at CSU, East Bay. This content is often referred to as mind-brain, mind body connection, brain and behavior; but it is really about the knowledge derived from the related fields of neurology, neuropsychology, neuroscience and cognitive science. Sometimes I just write about my kids or bike racing. Feel free to comment!

Tuesday, March 07, 2006

Dr. A's Stats

From teamie Richard Asturias (8th place):

I downloaded the Alameda Crit today. Here's some of the data:

Average speed: 24.2 MPH
Time: 46:15
Distance: 18.6 Miles
HR Average: 165 (I thought my LT was 168 before that race but I ran alot at 172)
HR Max: 178 (The highest I've ever seen on a bike is 183)
Cadence Average: 95 (seems to high???)

13 Comments:

At 8:30 AM, Blogger norcalcyclingnews.com said...

i run most of my races around 100rpm.

when i drop below 90 ... i'm getting my butt dropped.

butt ~ everybody's differn't, i reckon.

 
At 8:48 AM, Blogger Chico Cyclist said...

I think 95 is great too. I've been trying to work on higher candences....getting away from my normal 55rpm training rides.

 
At 12:06 PM, Blogger Dr. Xeno said...

Gianni Cheetah added:
"I have found that a higher cadence especially in crits is very important, to respond to attacks and to jump quickly. 95 is good for your long legs, I have been working on this on my solo rides this year with a cadence computer I found in a drawer."

 
At 12:08 PM, Blogger Dr. Xeno said...

And Finally, Joe M confirms, 95-100 good:
"A cadence of 95 doesn't seem abnormal at all. From an efficiency standpoint, you want to ride at a 95 to 100 cadence to save the legs. I'd say that you road a perfect race. In terms of heart rate, I don't have a clue if an average of 165 is a good thing for you specifically. Alameda was a race where there were few spots to really hide and rest."

 
At 12:37 PM, Blogger Ron Castia said...

Olaf, NOT. On the flats you are always 2 cogs down from where I am at. When I see your gear and cadence, I would put you at 85.
Maybe your cadence meter is off?

I concur though, 95 is a good cadence for a crit or flat race, otherwise you waste too much energy to get a big gear rolling in order to respond to attacks.

 
At 3:56 PM, Blogger norcalcyclingnews.com said...

maynard - is this coming from the the infamous "i sprinted up Wente finishing hill in my 53x11"?

nope, ur on crack. I'm the guy always 4 cogs lighter in gearing than you.

or, are you just trying to manifest me into slowin' down?

besides, the only time you're around me is when i'm lookin to pinch that lil' booty of yours.

 
At 4:16 PM, Blogger Dr. Xeno said...

easy boys, plenty of cogs for all of us - 'specially me who ran a 12-27 on alameda GP course... teehee, don't tell anyone.

 
At 9:53 PM, Blogger Dr. Xeno said...

Adam M adds:
Rich,
Cadence depends on a lot of things like aerobic fitness, leg/foot length, crank arm length, pedaling style, flexibility, leg muscle volumne, even rotational weight of your crank/chain/pedal/shoe/cleat. 175mm would be a bit harder to spin than 172.5mm. That course was too tight to ride in higher gears.

I'm a "spinner". I rode mostly in the 50x18 at that crit. which translates to a 53x19. I'm old school - sans gadgets.
But my cadence is about 100rpm. When I have more aerobic fitness I'll probably do 110rpm. My Nalini shoes with Ti cleat bolts and aluminum washers are super light. A couple of time I had to drop the chain to a 50x17mm so I can get that fuzzy background effect for the cameras. Just kidding. I always vary my pedalling style regardless of course. I get out of the saddle about every 2 laps to use different muscles. I also float 1 leg about every 11 strokes. I save my push stroke only for the long finishing stretch using 1 gear higher. I suppose if I were stronger I wouldn't have to resort to stupid little tricks.

Do what ever works for you dude. Some people have the watt meter which really helps in determining efficiency.

 
At 8:33 AM, Blogger Ron Castia said...

Actually this is from a guy who sometimes races against geared bikes on a single speed, even crits, 46 x 14.

Sprinting up a hill is a lot different than cruising on the flats.

And I'll never forget the look on your face at Wente when I went by. Kind of like, "where did he come from?"

 
At 3:03 PM, Blogger norcalcyclingnews.com said...

yeah, ur da man.

... now, where'd i put those district champ jerseys?

must be under that mtb state champ jersey.

oh no, it's under the cross champ skinsuit.

oh wait ... there they are, hidden underneath my enormous ego.

me = karma burning off at an unacceptable rate.

 
At 11:44 AM, Blogger Ron Castia said...

I'll never forget it because it will probably not happen again.

Alas, victories are a bit sweeter when far and few between.

 
At 4:47 PM, Blogger norcalcyclingnews.com said...

bs.

you've improved this year and with your uber-squad ... opportunities will arise as soon as the road does likewise.

shyte ... there's gonna be some hurtin' in da bike racing this summer.

maybe i'll take up shuffleboard.

ah well ... the journey sho' is good stuff.

 
At 6:56 PM, Blogger Chico Cyclist said...

OMG - This is hilarious!!!

 

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