Take Outside’s Ultimate Cycling Fitness Test

Geezer is fairly certain that he falls on the “less masochistic” end of the spectrum of his many faithful readers, but because he such a giving sort of person, he is pleased to offer this extremely painful test of the ([pick one: endurance? obsessive compulsive disorder? totally nuts behavior?) requred to roll into the inner sanctum of world class cyclists.  Whatever. It’s Outside magazine’s Have-you-got-what-it-takes challenge to those who would like to compete in the big leagues of cycling competition.
The piece includes a 17-week training plan and six basic rules of the ride:
1.) Riding position is aerodynamic—low and forward to reduce wind resistance.
2.) Nose of the saddle is tilted slightly down.
3.) Saddle is positioned up and forward, as compared with a standard road bike.
4.) Extensions on bars are parallel to the ground and close together.
5.) Knee angle when leg is fully extended is slightly bent, similar to road position.
6.) Shoulders and elbows are bent at about 90-degree angles.