[Alexander Johnston]

Are any Moultoneers considering implementing a long-term strategy focusing on incremental improvements in the light of Team GB’s cycling successes at the Rio Olympics?
I’ve been quite taken by Sir Chris Hoy pointing out that the key factor is not strength to weight ratio but the ratio of strength to area of frontal exposure.
This explains why Laura Trott who is only 5 4 and weighs slightly over 8 stones is such a strong track cyclist.
My goal is to lose 1 lb a year for the next 4 years.

[Les Crook]

Are you saying, Alex, that if I expose my frontal area less I will go faster? In all seriousness I regularly see people on bikes with 700mm wide bars pushing a huge frontal area and struggling into any form of headwind. All my bikes bar my XC bike have bars no wider than 450mm and this I find is a good compromise between leverage and aerodynamics. This is also the reason I put drops on Molly. For those coming to BOA as Molly is 50 I’ll be telling her story in the courtyard assuming I’m allowed.

As for losing a lb a year for 4 years, ill still be a fat git :o)

[Alexander Johnston]

Hi Les
“Are you saying, Alex, that if I expose my frontal area less I will go faster?”
Apparently Yes, from no less a man than the Real McHoy himself!
Seriously though I’ve been inspired by the performance of Team GB.
I’m not sure I can do much to reduce my frontal exposure but I’m going to try and get my BMI into the normal category rather than “overweight”.
Biscuits, chocs and cake are out, at least they are now, when I don’t feel hungry.
Having said that if past experience is anything to go by it will be a triumph of hope over experience.
I’m also going to have a go at upgrading my resistance training. (I’ve found out that several of my octogenarians cycling chums who are surprisingly fit go to the gym 4 times a week, without letting anyone know.
I’m going to build in squats with light weights into my fitness regimen, cut back on sugar and cycle more often, or that is the intention.
All to be implemented slowly and incrementally!
If I lose a stone that will have the same effect as my TSR being made from carbon!

[George White]

I’ve had a good think about this but have vetoed the idea of going to the gym and even of dieting in order to lose weight. However I am practising pedalling vigorously while sitting side-saddle and this has certainly resulted in an increase of speed….problem is I keep running into things which is a bit frustrating I admit.

[Alexander Johnston]

Hi George
Keep persevering.
Riding side-saddle will reduce your frontal exposure profile especially if you rotate your head and look forward.

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