So I went for a ride. Do I need to prepare the same as for a race?
Why, I’m not racing, but are you.
When riding with friends there’ll be times when you push each other hard or the ride goes longer than expected.
Even when you’re riding by yourself, there’ll be time when you push hard or goes further than planned.
As with life, good planning ensures a better chance of things going well and you finishing in front.
Ok, I don’t have time to train much but what can I do to get more out of my rides.
PREPARATION
Diet, as in life is very important. Little things that can help, good high carb meal 2-3hrs before you ride, stay hydrated and plan your ride, how much hydration will you need, if you’re riding more than an hour, snack/gels. (try different snacks or gels. See what works best for you)
With racing a good diet starts months before the race, it will give you more energy, you’ll recover quicker and generally feel better. Marzia Bell at Life and Performance Nutrition has a free masterclass for teen cyclists and mountain bikers on Monday 15th of July at 6pm. If you do race and tired of not winning, this may be the edge you’re looking for. See me if you want a toolkit full of ways. https://www.jrsgymandbike.com/
Your bike, look after it. Clean and lube that chain on a regular basis. Lube, there’s plenty out there but read the instructions as a lot would prefer to be applied 2hrs or more before you ride. So best time is at the end of your ride. Check Ride Mechanic FB page for more insights. Owen is local and works hard on Ride Mechanic products.
Tyre pressure, it’s important. On the road, put as much as you need in, be guided by limits on the tyre. Rail trail I run about 30 psi. Keeps the ride smooth.
Single track and grip equals speed and confidence. At Daisy Hill I’m running 17psi in front and 18 in rear. That’s on my E-bike and I’m probably a couple kilos heavier then I should be. So if you’re lighter and smooth on the mountain bike you can certainly go lower. At Nerang I’d go 21-23 psi, more rocks. So experiment and lean into those corners. You’ll go faster without putting any extra effort in. Start by going down 1-2 psi and work from there.
Shocks, know what pressure you are running, start with factory settings and work from there. Your bike is an amazing beast, set it up right, trust it, tell what you want and enjoy.
Yes long easy ride that involve coffee stops are very important but so are those rides when you are at full scream into a corner and you can hear your tyres working to get grip as lean into the corner with your eyes focused on your exit and in the moment you are one and you smile as you power out of that corner.
Trust there’ll always be more to learn and you can get better. It’s your journey, make the most of it. One pedal at a time. Set yourself goals, ride your bike and say hello out there.
NOW, this is important. Shop local, your bike will need to be serviced and you will need a new bike or 2nd bike one day. Visit your local bike shop, go in and ask questions. Ok, till next time, stay safe.
