Katie Rides Bikes.com
-
My indoor training plan experience with TrainerRoad
After signing up for a TrainerRoad (“TR”) subscription, I input my “A” races for the season. Working with their training plan builder on a PC was a better experience than a mobile device. My main goal is to peak while racing the Green Mountain Stage Race in early September 2026. Training in 12-week blocks also
-
Choosing between TrainerRoad and Zwift
Many of my experienced cycling friends and mechanics at Vermont Bicycle Shop recommended using the app TrainerRoad to prepare for the 2026 season. Another option I’ve seen friends use on Strava is the app Zwift. My research into the two has distinguished these key differences: TrainerRoad can build a training plan with AI that automatically
-
Ask and the universe will deliver strength training
I have been feeling a bit overwhelmed by the undertaking of creating a race schedule and training plan. It’s the classic, chaotic, overcommitted pattern I have, but I’m putting it out to the universe that I need help with the endeavor. That seems to be working in my favor because today while I was at
-
Knowledge and support from the Vermont Bicycle Shop
As I shared in Ode to My Bicycle and Bicycle Fitting, I am getting a shiny road bicycle for racing from Vermont Bicycle Shop in Barre, VT. I’ve been visiting them since I got into mountain biking in 2021, and they’re a welcoming, supportive team. When it comes to buying a road bicycle, I am
-
Bicycle fitting
Am I the only one who tried to fake their eye exam for years as a kid…? I started wearing glasses at 8, and even though I was clearly not able to see, I didn’t want to fail the test, so I acted ultra confident. I squinted as hard as I could and tried to
-
Ode to My Bicycle
After succesfully completing my first road race in September 2025, I will be retiring my beautiful commuter bike from races. Don’t worry, she’ll pedal on, just not in the most demanding circumstances. In collaboration with the Vermont Bicycle Shop, I will be riding a Trek Madone SLR 7 AXS Gen 8. Ode to My Bicycleat
-
My training time commitment conundrum
Whether it’s training for a marathon, an endurance swim event, a bicycle stage race, or other feat of fitness, preparing to be in peak shape at the right time takes hours every week for months. As a professional with an office job and commitments outside of work, the time component needs to be considered up
-
Planning my race schedule
Living in the age of AI has its benefits: a rookie like me can access advice to pursue what might otherwise be out of reach. How do you define a dream? It scares me, it thrills me, and I’ve already started self-sabotaging by not biking at all since Labor Day weekend. So, it’s probably a
-
How did I get here?
I didn’t grow up watching sports as a kid, so I didn’t idolize the competitors in the Tour de France. I cruised around on bikes with my brother and friends to some extent. In 2019, I bought an inexpensive road bike off pinkbikes.com and then in 2020, my father-in-law taught me the basics of riding
-
About me and this project!
I’m a fitness enthusiast. I’ve been running distance since middle school and love the sport. More than once I’ve overdone my running (because I haven’t consistently strength trained) while attempting to train for marathons. Whenever I’ve had to stop running because of an injury, I’ve tried other sports. Over the years I’ve learned to lift,