From Cycling at its Peak (Iowa, USA)

I have occasionally thought about putting a camera on my bike and filming my favorite training rides so I could watch the video when training indoors. Well, someone has done this for me: Global Rides DVDs. Gene Nacey, creator of Global Rides DVDs, recently asked me to review his Hawaii Rides DVD set.

These DVDs are all filmed moving along on Hawaii roads as if you were riding along on them – very scenic. The three DVDs are titled: Maui Rollers, Oceanside Ride and StrenDurance in Hawaii. Each DVD has an option to listen to three different coaches, one American, one Italian, and one Australian. All speak English with the appropriate accent and each one has a slightly different approach. Each cycling DVD is about 40 minutes in length.

Each DVD also comes with a bonus section: One has a strength training session, one a yoga session and one a Pilates session.

What I was pleasantly surprised to find was how important the visual aspect was. I found it was actually easier to push myself when seeing a road moving in front of me. Many of the roads were uphill and did a pretty good job of giving me the feel that I was actually riding up a hill.

These DVDs all emphasized steady state rides at or around your theshold or target heartrate. The Coach leaves it up to you to determine what your target should be. Unlike other cycling DVDs, these are not intervals sessions. They are sustained heart rate sessions with some climbs.

The music was what I would describe as New Age – instrumental – and might not be hardcore enough for those of you who enjoy listening to rock while riding. It did have a good uptempo beat and the DVDs also give you an option to mute the music and/or the coach. So you can watch the DVD and listen to your own music if you wish.

These DVDs are a fresh new approach to visualizing a ride while training indoors. If you are tired of staring at a blank wall, or want to watch something other than a DVD showing a room full of cyclists on trainers, you might want to give these a try.

You can learn more by going to www.GlobalRide.net