I woke up this morning with some tired legs and a song running through my head, “Am I ever gonna see your face again” - except my version was “Do I ever wanna see my bike again?” … and we all know the next part. Of course I don’t mean this (I will be out riding this afternoon!), I was just having a bit of a laugh about the feelings we can all go through after we’ve completed a huge challenge. I probably had similar thoughts after I did big events like Around the Bay, the Otway Classic, and a few of the longer mountain bike races I’ve done. But of course, we bounce back, with a new-found respect and attachment to our bikes and the challenges that they have allowed us to overcome and the places they have taken us. So today, and in the days after a big event, I encourage you to take a quiet moment to think about the journey you have been on to get through this event. Where were you when you started; and where are you now? What have you learnt about cycling, and more importantly what have you learnt about yourself? What barriers have you overcome? Who inspired you, and who have you inspired? |
I also encourage you to start thinking about your next challenge. Remember how focused your training has been, and how much more you were able to achieve because you’ve been working to a particular goal. Rather than hanging the boots up now, think about setting your next challenge, while you have the momentum going. Yes, it is also important to rest, but having another goal already set means that you can plan the rest period, and make it a part of your preparation phase for the next challenge. Otherwise, you might not start again, and lose all that excellent form that you have already built! |
Here are a few ideas to consider for your next challenge.
- Around the Bay in a Day
- Peaks Challenge – Gold Coast, Falls Creek, and Tasmania
- The Great Victorian Bike Ride
- Get into Club Racing
- Diversify and attempt a triathlon
- Try track cycling on a velodrome
- Try mountain biking
- Try cyclocross and get into the 2016 season (starts in May!)
A structured approach to your training Also consider how a more structured approach to your training might help you reach new heights. A personalised training program isn’t just about hitting the right number of kms each week – it has specific exercises/sessions which focus on building different parts of your cycling fitness including strength, speed and power. Off-the-bike exercises are also included to help build your strength and stability, not only improving your cycling fitness, but also helping to reduce the likelihood of injury caused by biomechanical loading. Improving your bike handling skills and riding technique can also make huge improvements to your efficiency, and help you ride further and faster, while conserving more energy. With experience across road, racing, track, cyclocross and mountain biking, Bike it Better can help you build the skills you need! Bike handling is particularly important if you are considering to attempt some racing. |
My next challenge? And what about me, what is my next challenge? I’m planning to turn my focus back to Cyclocross for winter and race as much of the 2016 season as possible! Come along and support the races, they are lots of fun for competitors and spectators alike. Check out “Fields of Joy CX” and “Dirty Deeds” for more information, or sign up to the Bike it Better email newsletter and stay tuned! I hope to ride with you all again soon, and all the best with your future challenges. |
Cazz Clarke is a cycling coach, ride leader and owner of small Melbourne-based business Bike It Better -providing coaching services, training programs and guided rides for beginner to intermediate level cyclists since 2013. Visit www.bikeitbetter.com for more information.
April is "Come Ride With Me!" month at Bike it Better. Attend any Bike it Better ride and bring a friend for FREE! Plus, share photos of your riding adventures for a chance to win a Bike it Better Membership. Conditions apply, see the website for more details.
April is "Come Ride With Me!" month at Bike it Better. Attend any Bike it Better ride and bring a friend for FREE! Plus, share photos of your riding adventures for a chance to win a Bike it Better Membership. Conditions apply, see the website for more details.