Richard Rafoth MD



Dick Rafoth is a gastroenterologist (specialist in diseases of the digestive tract) practicing in Everett, Washington. While training for the Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic, an annual double century ride, he became interested in the role of nutrition in maximizing personal performance.

Noting the variety of training programs used by his team mates, including what he considered unrealistic expectations of nutrition's ability to improve their performance, Dr. Rafoth looked for a book or article to set the group straight. When he found none were readily available, he set about reviewing the medical literature and authored the first edition of Bicycling Fuel in 1988. It is now in its fourth English edition, retitled High Performance Bicycling Nutrition (July, 1998) which is also available in Spanish.

Although he initially focused on nutrition, his interests have widened to all aspects of training related to improving personal athletic performance. Over the last few years, he has focused on multiday trips, particularly in unusual areas or conditions. As an example, he recently completed a 200 mile, high altitude ride (above 10000 feet) in Peru from Lake Titticaca to Macchu Pichu.

Although this home page is focused on cycling, it is applicable to all aerobic sports. Building on the wide variability in personal styles and successful training programs, he welcomes feedback, questions, and suggestions for improving this home page to gasman5@mindspring.com.

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