Is cyclist training boot camp on two wheels?

This seems to turn all I\’ve read about cyclist training on its head. \”Build the base\” comes up again and again in everything I\’ve read until now. The theory is that a cyclist must build a large, strong base of steady-paced rides at a moderate effort level before launching into the intense work.

So now \”base training\” is to be, well, given the boot?

Mind you, these guys seem to be taking about the full-time rider, the professional rider, who has much more time for training that the rest of us. Even after a break from the bike, they probably have a higher level of fitness than the day-to-day cyclist.

But how about we recreational riders who want to improve? Especially after a spell of minimal riding, such as during Winter in a region where snow and ice preclude outdoor riding. Is it really wise of us to charge out of the gate full blast when we can finally ride outdoors again?

Maybe not. Where I live I\’m able to ride outdoors year-round, and so can\’t speak from experience. Building up gradually merely seems like common sense to me. If nothing else, riding hard too soon after a break might cause such exhaustion/muscle soreness that riding would be miserable for the next few days. I don\’t think any of us really wants that.

Be sensible. If something hurts, back off. Forget about \”no pain, no gain\”. This isn\’t Army boot camp.