[quote=RichardK]We moved to the Florida east coast from California last year.
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Going downhill though... I don't think there is any way to train for that here. Those muscles aren't used in cycling. It doesn't tax your aerobic system and it wrecked me. I guess you could load up your pack and jump off a box a thousand times a week. But that sounds pretty horrible.
Try to find some standing balance training. It helps on both the up and down. The closer you are to balance to begin with, the less work it takes to recover and stay straight on an uneven trail. The more tired you are, the more that effects comfort and safety and how brutal the downhill can be. Unfortunately, the bike only trains strength and aerobic capacity.
Also, learn to avoid heel strike. Try to land the ball of the foot first instead of the heel. Walking like you are on a sidewalk can be brutal going downhill whether you are fresh or tired.
Dale B. Dalrymple
