Training for the Moab Century Tour? Here are Some Helpful Resources
Our Favorite Training Resources
As of the writing of this post, the Moab Century Tour (September 18th & 19th) is just 70 days away!
As we do every year, we have an amazing mix of returning cyclists and first-time MCT cyclists joining us! This two-day cycling event covers all kinds of terrain in Moab, from weaving through canyons and up to Dead Horse Point State Park on day one, to tackling the La Sal Mountains with the infamous “Big Nasty” climb on day two. Preparing for these types of rides can be daunting, especially if this is your first century! We are often asked for resources and training tips to help make sure you are in the best shape you can be entering the Moab Century Tour weekend.
This is why we’ve put together some of our favorite resources that we still follow today. And remember, any training is better than no training!
Century Training Resources
Barry’s Coaching
Barry has been a long-time friend and supporter of Skinny Tire Events and his training tips, camps, and online guides have been invaluable! While he focuses on training for triathlons, his website has a ton of great information for cyclists - Cycling is one of the 3 triathlon events after all! Check out the link above that has suggested bike workouts, including for indoor and outdoor use. We like this pacing workout for those times where the only bike you can get on in a day, is the stationary one.
Road Bike Rider
This awesome website has been pumping out great cycling content for all skill levels since 2001! What has developed from that is an amazing online resource full of great content from what to wear, to how to train, to bike gear and gadgets. We definitely recommend giving these folks a look and sign up for their newsletters so the great info can arrive right in your inbox. Check out their article, “Is a Two Hour Bike Ride Good?”
Training Peaks
Training Peaks has an online guide, “How to Train For A Century” that simply put, we think is spot on. They also have this great resource where you can enter the date of the century you are training for (psst…September 18th!) and they will email you a guide that works for your timeframe. We think they put it best when they say:
”Whether it’s your first century or your 20th, many of the same training rules apply. However, depending on the type of rider you are (say a weekend warrior versus a mostly indoor session-only type), you may have to prioritize certain types of workouts in order to prepare in the most efficient way possible.”Primary Muscles Used For Cycling
OK -You caught us, this is still Training Peaks. But! This is such a fantastic read that breaks down what muscles you use when you cycle, and more importantly, how to train and build power in those muscles to get even more out of each pedal. Give it a read!
Enjoying your ride is as important as reaching that milestone of riding a century. Training early can help. We hope the above resources can help kick-start your training regime for the century in September! And of course, we always advocate getting plenty of sleep, drinking lots of water, and consuming a healthy diet.
Have a resource you like to follow? Let us know on our Facebook or Instagram channels!
Join Us For The Moab Century Tour
Join us in September when temperatures cool down, the fall foliage comes alive, and cyclists from across the country unite in red rock country to experience awe-inspiring landscapes. All skill levels welcome!
Photo in cover by Daniel Llorente on Unsplash
