Proving that age is no barrier to cycling, Frenchman Robert Marchand has established a cycling world hour record for riders over 100 years old.

Marchand, who turned 100 a few months ago, completed 24.251km around the velodrome at the World Cycling Centre in Aigle, Switzerland. “But I’m not playing at being a champion,” he said. “I just wanted to do something for my 100th birthday.”

He rode a standard track bike with no aero equipment for his attempt, his biggest problem being his familiarity with velodrome riding. “I haven’t cycled on a track for 80 years,” he said. “You have to get used to the fixed gear! I prefer cycling outside but that is impossible at the moment. I don’t want to catch the flu. So I am short on training.”

During his preparation, Marchand was warned not to get his heart rate above 110, a rule that for the most part he obeyed. “I did climb a steep hill not long ago and went up to 134 but it’s best to avoid that,” he said. “But I would be very surprised if I had heart attack.

“For the last five years I have decided not to go for rides of more than 100km. There is no point going overboard. I want to keep cycling for some time yet.”

He claimed his ‘secret’ was none other than looking after himself. “I’ve never abused anything. I don’t smoke, I never drank much. The only thing I did in excess was work. I retired at 89 years old!

“But basically, I am like everybody. I am lucky that I haven’t had any major health problems. My advice to anyone, young or old, is to keep moving. I do ‘physical culture’ every day. It works out my whole body and keeps me supple. Some people when they reach 80 years old, start playing cards and they stay immobile. Not me. I’ve never been able to keep still.”

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Independent Fabrication from Logan Hodson on Vimeo.

Via: VitalMTB

Via: Bike Rumor

Via: BikeRadar.com

This year December has brought perfect weather for riding. There were few rainy days and the average temperature had to be around 55 degrees. Unfortunately, December is also one of the busiest months of the year. I gave you a breakdown of why I say that in a previous post.

Even with the crazy schedule, I make sure not to let day to day life get in the way of exercise and health. To me exercise and eating right has to be a way of life for those wanting to change. If we lose focus of these things we lose more than a the possibility of a flat stomach. We open ourselves up to unwanted and unnecessary health issues. Make sure that no matter what you stay focused on taking care of your body!

December Break Down…

MOUNTAIN BIKE: The past two months I have let down my mountain biking friends. Lack of desire and a 20-40 minute drive kept me to from hitting the trails as often as I should have. This is about to change because, a fellow cyclist and I are the mountain bike guys for a local cycling group. This means we are responsible for planning and leading at least one mountain bike ride per week for the next 12 months. I also helped start another group that hosts and leads travel trips to mountain bike trails 1-4 hours from Raleigh, NC. Now I will have no excuse for getting my miles in each month for the mountain bike.

Mountain bike miles needed: 83 miles

Mountain bike miles pedaled: 26 miles

ROAD BIKE: Unlike mountain biking I can hop on my road bike and and ride as many miles as I would like. If I only have an hour or if I have 5 hours my house is in a great starting location for riding on back country roads with minimum traffic. Due to over indulgence during the holidays, It would have been nice to get more time in on the road bike.

Road bike miles needed: 208 miles

Road bike miles pedaled: 183 miles

OFF THE BIKE: On Monday I told you to get off the bike and into the gym. I want to back up what I tell you to do, so on my monthly goals I will update you on what I have been doing off the bike. In December I was able to make it to the gym at least 4 days per week. Those 4 days consisted of working each muscle group 2 times per week. When I have time I ride the stationary bike for 30-40 minutes after my workout. Some times I like to run to the gym and back to get extra cardio in (thankfully I don’t have to run far, I only live 1 mile from the gym).

Junkyard Cross Race from Erik Silverson on Vimeo.