I think I’m seeing the light. If you read much about cyclist’s training, you’ll learn of the importance of core work. So why is core work so important?

When I first graduated from adult trike to hybrid, I found that after 15-20 minutes’ riding, my abs would sag; I’d go sway-backed; and my arms feel would start to feel like limp spaghetti.

That wasn’t good for my lower back. It was annoying to have my arms hurt. It wasn’t long before I realized that I had better do something about it, so that I could ride in comfort.

I looked up various exercises for upper body and core in my cycling books. I had to begin by doing only a few reps of each exercise. Honestly, my arms, obliques, etc. were weak as water! Over time I’ve been able to do more reps, but I still don’t do a great many of these exercises. I’ve always kept in mind that, after all, I wasn’t body-building. But as perhaps you can guess, this meant that my progress was slow.

Just since last week, when I do hard efforts, I notice that I’m pulling a little with my arms as I pedal. It helps me to put more strength into those pedals; and lets my weight lift slightly from the saddle. So that’s why we see pro cyclists with good arm musculature!

I use that same technique when climbing. Not that there’s any real climbing on my usual cycling path; just a few humps to get over.

I also have a new idea. Begin increasing the reps of my arm-development exercises; maybe three extra reps per session to start. It might help me to sustain higher speeds for longer. Any reduced weight on the saddle ought to make long rides more comfortable.

Wow! I’m finally seeing the light!