Hello, I'm Henry Kirkland, and I’m proud to be part of the Cycle Smooth Ride Long team. Cycling is more than just a sport for me—it’s a way of life. I’m here to share my passion and expertise with you, helping you navigate the world of cycling with confidence and joy. Whether you’re a beginner looking to get started or a seasoned rider aiming to refine your skills, my goal is to provide you with the insights, tips, and guidance you need to make the most of your cycling journey. At Cycle Smooth Ride Long, we’re dedicated to creating a community where cyclists of all levels can connect, learn, and grow together.
What Sets Clipless and Flat Pedals Apart At the core, clipless and flat pedals offer two very different riding experiences. Clipless pedals (confusing name, we know) actually do involve clipping in your shoes attach to the pedals via cleats, creating a locked in feel. This setup lets you pedal more efficiently through the entire rotation, […]
Clipless vs Flat Pedals: Which is Best for Your Bike Goals? Read More »
Why Strength Training Is Non Negotiable for Cyclists Cycling may be an endurance sport, but strength training is the secret weapon behind long term performance, power, and injury prevention. Here’s why it should be a staple in your routine: Build Muscle Balance to Prevent Injury Cycling is a repetitive motion sport, meaning certain muscles do
Top Gym Strength Exercises to Support Your Cycling Fitness Read More »
The Big Races to Watch The 2026 cycling calendar is already breaking tradition. Several early season one day classics have been shuffled for weather, logistics, or pure strategy. Races like Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and Strade Bianche are taking on heavier weight as testing grounds for both form and team chemistry, with more WorldTour squads sending
What to Expect from the 2026 Cycling Season: Races, Riders, and Innovations Read More »
The Pre Ride Fuel Up If you’re riding long, what you eat before you roll out matters. Aim to fuel up 2 3 hours before you hit the saddle. That gives your body time to digest, convert calories into usable energy, and avoid any unwanted stomach trouble once the pedals start turning. Complex carbs should
What Cyclists Should Eat Before, During, and After a Long Ride Read More »
Start with a Strong Foundation If you’re just getting into cycling or getting serious about it forget trying to be fast out of the gate. Endurance trumps speed every time, especially in the beginning. You need to teach your body how to handle time in the saddle. That starts with building a solid aerobic base.
How to Build Cycling Endurance With These Simple Weekly Workouts Read More »
Why Recovery Isn’t Optional Recovery isn’t some side quest it’s the backbone of long term gains in both endurance and strength. Your muscles don’t grow or adapt during training. They do it after, during downtime, when micro tears heal stronger and energy systems refuel. Skip recovery, and you’re just teaching your body how to stay
Rest and Recovery Strategies for Cyclists to Boost Performance Read More »
After a tough ride, your muscles don’t just ache they’re in repair mode. The stress of cycling breaks down muscle fibers, which is part of how strength is built. But they only rebuild stronger if they’re given the right tools. That’s where protein comes in. Protein delivers the amino acids your body needs to patch
Top 7 Protein-Rich Snacks Every Cyclist Should Have Post-Ride Read More »
