The Importance of Recovery

The Importance of Recovery

Build your endurance and fitness gradually – the importance of recovery Let’s get back to some basics this week. We are going to discuss progression in developing fitness, specifically as it relates to riding RAGBRAI. To be able to ride long miles for seven days in a...
Use Those Gears, Spin Those Legs

Use Those Gears, Spin Those Legs

Here’s a topic I haven’t written about in all these years of doing this. I’m going to discuss using the gears on your bike and some suggestions on the optimal cadence you should be aiming for as you ride. So unless you have a single speed, and a few of you may, you...
Equipment Essentials for RAGBRAI

Equipment Essentials for RAGBRAI

As you start to think about what equipment you will need for RAGBRAI, I’ve put together this list of items you will need or want. Not all are essential and some are optional. There are a lot of other things you will need to pack as well for your trip such as camping...
The Secret to RAGBRAI Training

The Secret to RAGBRAI Training

The Secret Don’t you love it when headlines use the word ‘secret’ as if there is some unknown answer waiting to be discovered that only the author knows? Well I’m about to reveal this secret to all my RAGBRAI readers.  But first a bit about training philosophy. One of...
2026 Training Plan

2026 Training Plan

Welcome to RAGBRAI LIII! Find all of Coach Ertl’s Training Blogs and past training plans in our Training section on RAGBRAI.com. Hey folks, I’m back for another year of hopefully inspiring and educational blogs to help you prepare for RAGBRAI this...