After months of winter training, structure, and building fitness, we’ve finally completed our first races of the season… and it was a proper reality check.

In this episode of Cadence & Coffee, we break down:

- How we trained during pre-season

- What we expected going into the races

- The biggest shocks from race pace and intensity

- Why race fitness is completely different to training fitness

- Positioning, surges, tactics, and surviving the chaos of the bunch

- What we’re changing moving forward

If you’ve ever felt strong in training but struggled once the race started… this episode will feel very familiar.

#cycling #podcast #cyclinglife #roadcycling #cadenceandcoffee

Most runners have tried cycling at some point… but not many stick with it.

In this episode, we sit down with marathon runner Noumaan to explore his journey through running, his experience with cycling, and why it never quite clicked.

We break down the overlap between both sports, from endurance training and mental resilience to recovery and performance, and get into the real reasons why so many runners struggle to stay consistent on the bike.

From gear overwhelm and time commitment to community and comfort, this is an honest conversation about what cycling gets right… and where it loses people.

If you’re a runner who’s ever thought about cycling, or a cyclist wondering why your running friends won’t join you, this one’s for you.

From long drives and hostel stays to taking on some of the most iconic climbs in cycling, this episode dives into our trip to the French Alps.

We break down the full experience, getting there, basing ourselves in Grenoble, and riding legendary climbs like Alpe d’Huez, Col du Galibier, Télégraphe, Col du Lautaret, and Col de Porte.

But this isn’t just about ticking off climbs… it’s about the reality of mountain riding. The pacing, the suffering, the mental battles, and what the mountains teach you about yourself as a cyclist.

If you’ve ever thought about riding in the Alps, this is the real, unfiltered version of what to expect.

Cycling isn’t just about watts, distance, or data, it’s about fitting it into real life.

In this episode of Cadence & Coffee, we talk about how to balance training with work, travel, family, and everything in between. From early morning rides to squeezing in sessions during busy weeks, we share practical tips and honest experiences on staying consistent.

Because it’s not about having the perfect routine , it’s about showing up.

24 hours. Hundreds of kilometres.
One of the most meaningful journeys in history… done on a bike.

In this episode of Cadence & Coffee, we sit down with a Shareeq who took on the Hijra ride from Makkah to Madinah, pushing through heat, fatigue, and mental limits to complete it in just 24 hours.

We dive into:

The brutal reality of riding in extreme conditions
The preparation behind an endurance challenge like this
The role of the support vehicle and survival strategy
The lowest moments… and what kept him going
And the overwhelming feeling of arriving in Madinah

This wasn’t just a ride.
It was a test of endurance, discipline, and purpose.

Grab a coffee… this one hits different ☕

Starting cycling can feel overwhelming, endless gear, big price tags, and the pressure to have it all from day one.

In this episode of Cadence & Coffee, we break it down simply.

We cover the different types of cycling (road, gravel, hybrid), the essential clothing that actually makes a difference, and the must-have gear every rider needs to get started safely and comfortably.

We also dive into the big question, carbon vs aluminium, and run through the extras you don’t need straight away (yes… even aero socks).

If you’re new to cycling or feeling lost with what to buy, this episode will help you cut through the noise and focus on what really matters:

Ride more. Stress less. Upgrade later. 🚴‍♂️☕

Climbing isn’t just about watts, fitness, or getting to the top — it’s about what happens to you on the way up.

In this episode of Cadence & Coffee, we break down why mountains hit different on the bike. From the mental battle of long climbs to the lessons in patience, discipline, and resilience, we explore why cyclists keep coming back to suffering… and somehow loving it.

In this episode of Cadence & Coffee, we go beyond FTP, carbon wheels and Strava segments.
We’re talking about something bigger.
Belonging.
Is cycling becoming elitist?
Why do so many new riders feel intimidated?
Are clubs accidentally prioritising competition over community?
We break down:
• Why cycling can feel exclusive
• The hidden hierarchy in group rides
• Drop culture vs no-drop culture
• Faith, identity and sport
• Youth development and accessibility
• Why representation matters
• How to build welcoming cycling clubs
Cycling should build people, not just podiums.
👇 Join the conversation in the comments:
Have you ever felt excluded in cycling? What needs to change?

In this episode, we dive into one of cycling’s biggest obsessions: FTP.

Is it the ultimate performance metric, or just a number we use to feed our ego?

We break down:

• What FTP actually measures (and what it doesn’t)

• Why most riders are training in the wrong zones

• Volume vs intensity – what really works?

• Data vs judgment: when to trust your body over your Garmin

• Why “Zone 2” feels too easy (and that’s the point)

• The psychology behind inflated FTP numbers

Plus… we have a little fun with it:

• FTP test trauma

• Strava ego moments

• The “recovery ride” that turns into a race

• And why lowering your FTP feels like deleting Instagram followers

Whether you're training for a TT, chasing watts on TrainerRoad, or just trying to stop getting dropped on club rides, this episode will change how you look at performance data.

☕ Train smart. Leave ego at home.

Can you really maintain cycling performance while fasting during Ramadan?

In this episode of Cadence & Coffee, we break down the reality of training without food or water — and whether you can still build fitness, maintain FTP, and ride strong throughout the holy month.

We cover:

• What happens to your body when you fast

• How dehydration affects cycling performance

• Should you reduce training volume?

• Best times to ride during Ramadan

• Suhoor & Iftar nutrition strategy for cyclists

• Can you do VO2 max sessions while fasting?

• The mental strength Ramadan builds

• The power of community rides like Fasted 500

Ramadan isn’t just a spiritual reset — it can be a performance reset too.

Whether you're a social rider, competitive cyclist, or training for an event, this episode will help you approach Ramadan with intention, structure and clarity.

You might not hit peak watts this month…

But you might build your strongest mindset yet.

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🎙 Cadence & Coffee – Where performance meets perspective.

If you found this helpful, subscribe and share it with a cyclist who’s training through Ramadan.

#Ramadan #Cycling #FastedTraining #MuslimCyclist #EnduranceSports #FTP #CadenceAndCoffee