Joy Hecht wrote: > ... I'm probably one of those > cyclers-and-paddlers who does everything in too high a gear. But I find that it is > more comfortable to do things in higher gear (or with a slightly wider paddle) - I > seem to be more able to keep the cadence down and get a reasonable momentum going > and keep moving, whereas going at higher cadence and less power per stroke it feels > like I'm burning up much more energy to go less distance. I'm not particularly > speedy on a bike or in a kayak - perhaps above average for my height and gender, but > definitely no racer or anything. But I find myself wondering whether simply some > people's bodies are more comfortable going along in a higher gear to accomplish the > same speed or distance that others would comfortably do in lower gear. I have > always biked in high gears (not up mountains, I should say, mostly just around town) > and find that downshifting is a more strenuous way to cover distance. (Also much > less fun.) It's a matter or training and learning to spin fast on a bike, and probably the same in a kayak. Once you lern to do it, you'll find it is *much* easier to go fast and interestingly enough, much more efficient, too. Various studies have shown that the most biomechanically efficient pedaling cadence is around 75, which is clase to what it turns out the top racers do on very long tours. But they have different physicology from you and I; these are filks who can cruise at 26mph for 120 miles with regular sprints to 30 or 40 mph. Most of us profit by spinning a little faster; we get less lactic acid buildup in the muscles and place less strain on our joints and connective tissues. If you practice spinning fast- 90 rpm minimum, and up to 120 or 180, you'll find it uncomfortable at first, but as you gain experience you'll find it more efficent. You'll also find you can maintain higher speeds for longer periods of time, too. Paddling is probably very similar. I have a number of paddles, including a Werner Little Dipper, and while I am still very much a beginner when it comes to paddling technique, I find that once I adjust to the Little Dipper I can maintain a cadence for much longer than I can with shorter, wider paddles. > Probably I am risking my shoulder, knees, etc. - but is there also an element to > this that is simply a function of how different people's bodies get the best > momentum? Yes, but to far lesser degree than you suggest. Miguel Indurain is 6'2" and went 90 miles at an average speed of 32 mph (!) in a time trial in the Tour d'France. He spins in the 80s. When you're that strong you can think about spinning more slowly ;-) -- Michael Edelman http://www.mich.com/~mje Telescope guide: http://www.mich.com/~mje/scope.html Folding Kayaks: http://www.mich.com/~mje/kayak.html Airguns: http://www.mich.com/~mje/airguns.html *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************Received on Tue Mar 31 1998 - 04:35:36 PST
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