This is “NOT” Coaching. Lets see, you’ve been training hard for months to prepare for a race, as you’re fitness levels improve and the base has been set in stone, the time comes to work on strength, speed or power and a “coach” tells you to add 5-15% of your body weight into a backpack and train on the bike. As this is the year of 2007 and not 1958 (before the wall came down) Eastern Bloke training regime I’d prefer to see a scientific approach to training. Why not get in the gym and do a structured strength weights program. Attempt to read a modern training manual, if the athlete needs rest or to “taper” the athlete should know what’s right for then in the long run. It’s you’re body so listen to it! Bricks and Backpacks are “No School” not “Old School”.