Make the most of your off-season…

We know from the last post that you’ll have more time off the bike during this off-season. Time off the bike does not have to equal less time for the bike. There are so many other areas in your lifestyle and training that have a huge impact on your cycling success and now is a wonderful moment to pause and spend time on them. This list is nowhere near exhaustive. Many times each item could be broken down into at least several other subsections. There are tons of ways to manage stress and sleep better. Now is the time to find the lowest hanging fruit and get into a rhythm that you can maintain once the training duration ramps up again. Try to pick out a few things below to explore this off-season!

• Pedaling technique

• Skills (off road riding to be a better bike handler)

• Position (bike fit) for more efficiency/better aerodynamics

• Tactics - watch some races

• Stress reducing techniques

• Nutrition - quality

• Sleep

• Mindset

• Sports psychology

• Bike maintenance

• Bike upgrades, lighter, more aero, more efficient parts

• Equipment (butyl vs. latex tubes, best lubricants)

• Clothing (baggy vs. tight)

• Flexibility

• Mobility

• Strength

• Mind/body connection

• Breathing techniques

• Create better habits now that you have spare time

• Become more organized

• Build ten minutes into your routine for meditation/diaphragmatic breathing

• Build ten minutes of stretching after your ride (you have the time)

• Read a book

• Express creativity - draw, paint, instruments - great to reduce stress