Burning Matches Cycling Podcast

Kurt Hoffmann
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  • Spirituality
  • Semimonthly

If you love riding bikes and want to get better Burning Matches cycling podcast gives you tips and insights from the front lines of real riders like you. My simple goal is to help you enjoy this incredible sport more by riding better and appreciating the sport and spirituality that comes with it. I am Kurt Hoffmann, a former Cat 2 Junior bike racer who raced for the St. Louis Cycling Club during one of its heydays in the 1980s. Founded in 1887, SLCC is the oldest cycling club in the US. I returned to bike racing in 2022 for and since January 2023 have ridden for Northern California bike racing team Red Peloton. "Cycling has always been the greatest outlet for me and became even more important to me as I went through some extremely challenging times in 2024. The cycling community and time spent on my bike were my salvation. I realized how much I love these people and this activity and wanted to explore the stories of my fellow riders who share this love." Kurt Hoffmann What is Does Burning Matches Mean? In cycling, "burning matches" means you've put forth an intense effort that zapped a good chunk of your available strength, endurance or other riding capabilities. For a competitive ride, race or just personal effort, we only have so many matches to burn. A critical path to success is managing your matches. Burning Matches cycling podcast is presented by Alien Feedings, originally started by me as the indie DIY record label for the multiple bands and local music projects I produced in the 1990s. The full video episodes can be watched on the Burning Matches YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@burning-matches Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. Nov 6

    Burning Matches - Rocking Your Cycling Recovery

    Burning Matches Cycling Podcast Ep-023 Rocking Your Cycling Recovery For cyclists looking to improve their game, this episode offers some tips I’ve learned to help navigate those inevitable periods where our training gets derailed by an illness or injury. As previous episodes show, I have been working through serious health issue since June 2026. I have been on a very limited therapeutic-only training regimen. This is 30-50 miles per week in zone 1 and 2 only, down from 150-200 miles per week. Despite the frustration that is inevitable in a period like this, I have learned many lessons that have helped me through this time. More importantly, I believe many of these tips will help me enjoy and be more successful in cycling when my health returns. 00:53 Cycling Recovery Update 01:35 Health Improvements 02:15 Recovery First 03:26 Improve Other Skills 05:55 Enjoy Other Sports 06:42 Connect with Friends 07:20 Have Fun Links Google Health App This is one of the main apps I’ve been using and which is referenced as an indicator of my improved health. https://healthapp.google Red Peloton Cycling club and bike racing team out of Santa Rosa, California that Kurt belongs to. https://redpeloton.com Dr. Sandra Dr. Sandra’s website, Kurt’s functional medicine doctor guiding recovery: https://www.coastalfunctionalmed.com/ Duchy Cycling Coaching https://www.duchycyclecoaching.com/ Previously featured on the podcast and referenced in this episode. Great cycling coaching for riders of all ages but especially 40+. Inline Speed Skating My friend and Red Peloton teammate. John who appears in this episode has been a competitive inline speed skater for many years. He used cycling as cross training but in recent years has focused exclusively on cycling. Below are some resources to learn more about this sport. USA Roller Sports, governing body for the sport. https://www.usarollersports.org/speed-skating World Skate https://www.worldskate.org/ Skate Instruction https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-We8_Bbr7y8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AvdIqDP0wbo&t=228s Bay Area Skating Groups https://m.facebook.com/groups/816282528768805/?ref=share&mibextid=wwXIfr https://www.instagram.com/skatecentralinfo?xtok=MTBubGQ4bzZiZGpreA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr Burning Matches is produced by Alien Feedings https://alienfeedings.com Theme song: The North of California by The Guide to Fast Living https://open.spotify.com/track/7Ml8DDrduQFbQpeMyympyr If you love riding bikes and want to get better Burning Matches cycling podcast gives you tips and insights from the front lines of real riders like you. My simple goal is to help you enjoy this incredible sport more by riding better and appreciating the sport and spirituality that comes with it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Burning Matches - Rocking Your Cycling Recovery

  2. Oct 10

    Burning Matches - Ride Faster 40+

    Burning Matches Cycling Podcast Ep-022 Ride Faster 40+: Metrics & Recovery You can watch the full video version on YouTube. For cyclists 40+ - and actually all ages - I am learning SO much as I work back from serious health issues this year. I believe that not only am I going to return to my previous performance levels, but the things I am learning from working through this will make me a better rider who enjoys this sport even more than I ever have. I hope what I’m learning will help you too. In this episode I focus on some of the metrics I’m using. PLEASE share your comments as I am no expert on this and welcome any feedback/tips from my fellow cyclists so we can all continue to support ourselves with better systems. Most of all, I’m learning to take better care of myself, slow down and appreciate the incredible experience that is riding our bikes. 02:00 Listen to Your Body 02:35 Build Your Goals Around Taking Care of Yourself 02:54 Tools for Training 03:42 Strava Fitness 06:44 Power Skills 08:12 Miles 08:43 Google Health/Fitbit 08:50 Fitbit Resilience 09:43 Sleep - The Easiest Lever 10:05 Garmin 10:28 Garmin Body Battery 10:57 HRV - Heart Rate Variability 11:33 VO2 Max 12:20 FTP/Watts 12:31 My Riding Goals If you love riding bikes and want to get better Burning Matches cycling podcast gives you tips and insights from the front lines of real riders like you. My simple goal is to help you enjoy this incredible sport more by riding better and appreciating the sport and spirituality that comes with it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Burning Matches - Ride Faster 40+

  3. Sep 25

    Burning Matches - Cycling Back from the Bottom

    Burning Matches Cycling Podcast Ep-21 Dr. Sandra Fleming Cycling Back from the Bottom You can be even stronger and faster than you were before. That’s what Dr. Sandra Fleming told me not long after I was wondering if I was ever going to ride at a competitive level again. And I will add that she has been the driver of making it happen. I was already working through the challenges of my divorce from mid 2024 when some extreme new stresses hit me all at once from late 2024 and culminating in the Spring of 2026. I thought I was finally through the biggest challenges of my life, but then my health crashed. Finally able to get out of survival mode, my body just shut down and I lost all energy. I could barely get out of bed, much less ride. In June 2026 I started on a program to protect my health, get the rest I needed, start restoring my system, and began new protocols that included monitoring my biofeedback and following a strict program of rest and recovery. After June, July and August in recovery mode, my body is finally starting to come back, especially the past couple weeks starting around mid-September. I’m finally feeling like I’m actually RIDING and it feels so great. Making it even better is to have hope for my cycling future thanks to Dr. Sandra. This episode continues telling that story, adding the perspective of Dr. Sandra. This is the second in that series and you can see the first episode here: Cycling Thru Ups & Downs https://youtu.be/gPAAaufsIAk?si=8VDjDf4TGzuD9wSU Dr. Sandra and I will now be meeting regularly to give updates on my progress, both from my perspective and hers as the doctor guiding my program. I hope this episode helps other cyclists navigate challenges and find hope when they are going through a rough patch either on or off the bike or both. Oh, special note: I’m not doing 200-mile races, but I appreciate Dr. Sandra’s impression of my capabilities : ) Title and end credit song: The North of California by The Guide to Fast Living https://open.spotify.com/track/7Ml8DDrduQFbQpeMyympyr 00:17 Improvements for All Ages 01:15 How a Life Challenge Can Improve Your Cycling 02:01 Meet Dr. Sandra Fleming 03:22 Kurt’s Health Challenges 04:21 Dr. Sandra’s Perspective 04:30 Point 1: HRV + VO2 Mismatch 06:11 Point 2: The Sum of All Stresses 08:22 Point 3: Underfueling + Energy Availability 09:29 Point 4: Inflammation/Chronic Stress 10:37 Homocysteine 11:16 Point 5: Nervous System Overload 12:40 Turning Down the Volume 13:04 Recover Capacity is Trainable 13:35 The Junior Bike Racer Mentality 15:12 We Have a Plan 16:01 What Happened to My Body? 17:30 The Hardest Part is to Slow Down 18:00 Kurt’s Therapeutic Riding Program 18:54 The Gray Zone 19:41 The Hierarchy of Leverages (5) 19:50 1. Training Load Reduction 20:24 2. Fueling 21:29 3. Sleep: The Highest Yield 21:56 4. Targeted Micronutrients 22:28 5. Nervous System Regulation 24:02 You Can Be Stronger & Faster 25:24 Pace by Data 27:30 Paying Attention to Your Body 28:00 Saying No is Hard but Doable 28:53 Discipline + Balance 30:16 The Right Data 31:34 Every Piece of the Puzzle Matters 32:20 A Better Approach Links Dr. Sandra Fleming http://drsandrafleming.com Primal Trust https://www.primaltrust.org/ Red Peloton Bike Racing Team in Northern California https://redpeloton.com Presented by Alien Feedings https://alienfeedings.com/ If you love riding bikes and want to get better Burning Matches cycling podcast gives you tips and insights from the front lines of real riders like you. My simple goal is to help you enjoy this incredible sport more by riding better and appreciating the sport and spirituality that comes with it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Burning Matches - Cycling Back from the Bottom

  4. Aug 28

    Burning Matches - Cycling Thru Ups & Downs

    Burning Matches Cycling Podcast Ep-20 Cycling Thru Ups & Downs This is my first episode back after a few months. My health took some rough turns as I navigated some extremely challenging times. I had to put my cycling on hold and am now on a therapeutic program to get my health and ultimately my cycling back on track. It is within these “setbacks” we can often find great steps forward. I have been learning many great things in this time off the bike that I am confident will make me better than ever on the bike. I’m working with an amazing doctor, Dr. Sandra Fleming, who is helping guide my health with a focus on my cycling performance. In addition to more episodes interviewing the many great people in the cycling world, I will be providing regular updates on my cycling progress with Dr. Sandra’s medical perspective. Links Dr. Sandra Fleming https://DrSandraFleming.com Group ride footage courtesy of Chris Dieter from Cycling Sonoma: https://www.youtube.com/@cyclingsonoma6543 Episode is our group ride in one of my favorites, Chilena Valley, on March 14, 2026. https://youtu.be/L_-mZYEXl3s?si=HTV7IwAAlEkafvqs If you love riding bikes and want to get better Burning Matches cycling podcast gives you tips and insights from the front lines of real riders like you. My simple goal is to help you enjoy this incredible sport more by riding better and appreciating the sport and spirituality that comes with it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Burning Matches - Cycling Thru Ups & Downs

  5. May 7

    Burning Matches - Even Faster at 40+

    Burning Matches Cycling Podcast Ep-19 Duchy Cycling Coaching Event Faster at 40+ Keep it in the Day! The Duchy cycing coaches are back with more awesome insights on how riders 40, 50, 60+ (they’re even helping riders 70+) can go faster on their bikes. There are some just classic themes from this episode: How to Come Back from a Slump Abandon the Numbers! The Sum Total of All Stresses and my favorite: Keep it in the Day Here’s to all us Busy People Trying to Ride Our Bikes Fast. This is Episode 3 of 3 with Duchy Cycling Coaching, a highly recommended coaching company that focuses on cyclists 40+, but younger riders can learn a lot from Duchy. https://www.duchycyclecoaching.com The Duchy coaches are former European pros and their insights on what helps older riders are extremely valuable. Huge thanks to Will Harper, Duchy founder, and Alex Sanković, a Duchy Coach. Title and end credit song: The North of California by The Guide to Fast Living https://open.spotify.com/track/7Ml8DDrduQFbQpeMyympyr 00:33 Focus on Fueling 01:53 Nigel’s Story on Fueling Benefits 04:15 The Duchy Process 05:10 Eating More on the Bike 06:00 Fuel Yourself on the Bike 06:25 We Need Coaches 07:00 Coming Back from a Slump 07:13 Abandon the Numbers 08:48 Keep it in the Day 09:58 Stop Comparing Yourself 10:52 Just Go Out and Ride 12:05 Your Body is Your Temple 13:07 The Sum Total of All Stresses 14:35 Busy People Trying to Ride Our Bikes Fast Links Duchy Coaching Website https://www.duchycyclecoaching.com Duchy on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/duchycoaching Duchy YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLOLaqAuYc7GI7y2IQG1YgQ If you love riding bikes and want to get better Burning Matches cycling podcast gives you tips and insights from the front lines of real riders like you. My simple goal is to help you enjoy this incredible sport more by riding better and appreciating the sport and spirituality that comes with it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Burning Matches - Even Faster at 40+

  6. Apr 17

    Burning Matches - Fast at 40, 50, 60+

    Burning Matches Cycling Podcast Ep-18 Duchy Cycling Coaching Fast at 40, 50, 60+ This is Episode 2 of 3 with Duchy Cycling Coaching, a highly recommended coaching company that focuses on cyclists 40+, but younger riders can learn a lot from Duchy. https://www.duchycyclecoaching.com The Duchy coaches are former European pros and their insights on what helps older riders are extremely valuable. Huge thanks to Will Harper, Duchy founder, and Alex Sanković, a Duchy Coach. If you love riding bikes and want to get better Burning Matches cycling podcast gives you tips and insights from the front lines of real riders like you. My simple goal is to help you enjoy this incredible sport more by riding better and appreciating the sport and spirituality that comes with it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Burning Matches - Fast at 40, 50, 60+

  7. Mar 29

    Burning Matches - Duchy Cycling Coaching - Older Cyclists Need to Train Differently

    Burning Matches Cycling Podcast Ep-17 Duchy Cycling Coaching Older Cyclists Need to Train Differently I’m trying a bit of a new approach with this episode. I’ve got a full hour with the coaches at Duchy Cycling Coaching, but am breaking it up into 3 shorter episodes. This is episode 1 of 3. I don’t even remember how I got on the Duchy email list but I am SO happy I did. These guys have absolutely game changing advice to help you be a faster cyclist. Even more importantly their advice will give you perspectives that will help you take a much healthier approach to your riding and enjoy it more. I’ll add that even though their coaching is focused on older riders 40, 50, and 60+, younger riders should pay attention. You can get a lot wrong as a younger rider and still be fast. But a lot of these tips could give you a real competitive advantage. Huge thanks to Will Harper, Duchy founder, and Alex Sankovic, a Duchy coach. Duchy Coaching Website https://www.duchycyclecoaching.com If you love riding bikes and want to get better Burning Matches cycling podcast gives you tips and insights from the front lines of real riders like you. My simple goal is to help you enjoy this incredible sport more by riding better and appreciating the sport and spirituality that comes with it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Burning Matches - Duchy Cycling Coaching - Older Cyclists Need to Train Differently

  8. Mar 1

    Burning Matches - Dennis Verity - You Never Got Off the Bike

    Burning Matches Cycling Podcast Ep-16 - Dennis Verity You Never Got Off the Bike Happy Birthday to my stepfather Dennis. On your day I wanted to take few moments to recognize you with two cycling anecdotes that represent many ways you had brought a great presence to my life. One important thing I need to correct: at the Hilly Hundred in Indiana my stepfather actually rode 55 miles that first day. I misspoke as it was the second day that was only 45. Incredible! "Lanterne Rouge" is the name for the person in last place in a bicycle stage race (a multiple bike races over multiple days where the overall time and/or points by the end of the race determine the winners. If you love riding bikes and want to get better Burning Matches cycling podcast gives you tips and insights from the front lines of real riders like you. My simple goal is to help you enjoy this incredible sport more by riding better and appreciating the sport and spirituality that comes with it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Burning Matches - Dennis Verity - You Never Got Off the Bike
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About

If you love riding bikes and want to get better Burning Matches cycling podcast gives you tips and insights from the front lines of real riders like you. My simple goal is to help you enjoy this incredible sport more by riding better and appreciating the sport and spirituality that comes with it. I am Kurt Hoffmann, a former Cat 2 Junior bike racer who raced for the St. Louis Cycling Club during one of its heydays in the 1980s. Founded in 1887, SLCC is the oldest cycling club in the US. I returned to bike racing in 2022 for and since January 2023 have ridden for Northern California bike racing team Red Peloton. "Cycling has always been the greatest outlet for me and became even more important to me as I went through some extremely challenging times in 2024. The cycling community and time spent on my bike were my salvation. I realized how much I love these people and this activity and wanted to explore the stories of my fellow riders who share this love." Kurt Hoffmann What is Does Burning Matches Mean? In cycling, "burning matches" means you've put forth an intense effort that zapped a good chunk of your available strength, endurance or other riding capabilities. For a competitive ride, race or just personal effort, we only have so many matches to burn. A critical path to success is managing your matches. Burning Matches cycling podcast is presented by Alien Feedings, originally started by me as the indie DIY record label for the multiple bands and local music projects I produced in the 1990s. The full video episodes can be watched on the Burning Matches YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@burning-matches Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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