This plan has been designed to make use of the club rides for training and for the athlete to build on their skills and fitness in a methodical manner. This plan has been designed to help riders gradually increase their strength and fitness over a 24 week period.
Suggestions that will be helpful in following this program (or any program for that matter).
There is a progression to training. To get stronger on a bike, you really only need a bike and you just need to ride it. However, many people have achieved a higher lever of success by having extra feedback. Having speed and cadence on the bike is helpful feedback. The use of a heart rate monitor is also very helpful. A power meter is very very helpful. This being said, you don’t have to go out and purchase these things right away. Ask a friend to borrow one of these items and witness for yourself how your body reacts to efforts. If you do decide to purchase something, it is helpful to have an uploadable cycling computer that records time, distance, speed and heart rate. Start with what you can afford. Many of the Garmin style computers also allow you to easily upgrade to heart rate and power if you ever decide to go this route.
Keep a journal and record what you do, how you feel, daily goals and accomplishments. This information will help keep you accountable and on task, and also provide you or a coach with valuable information. A company called Training Peaks has an excellent online system that is free for the most basic information and is upgradeable for a monthly fee.