For many serious cyclists in the northern hemisphere, that means a change is coming quickly. It can mean more than just moving from short-sleeved jerseys and bib shorts to tights and arm warmers.
In determining your effort for the year, it pays to first look at how professional or advanced endurance athletes consider their schedules.
From a 30,000 look, a cycling year can be broken down into three distinct sections.
1. The Season
For most, this is between mid-March (beginning sometime around the onset of Daylight savings time) until Early November. This is the time most of your riding takes place.
2. Post Season Pause.
We all need one - a short break in the action to regroup and consider what was right and what didn't work so well last year. Take some time away from the bike to find what your focus for the next season should be.
3. The Offseason
This is where you concentrate on a few rules with your riding season in mind: Don't get lazy - focus on training that improves weaknesses and don't be afraid to take advantage of less riding specific training. Weight and cross training are best this time of year. Nonspecific training? Try hiking, rowing or skiing to keep yourself fit.
There's a saying that goes "transitions can be tough" and with cycling, its true. We will be offering tip and techniques developed from years of cycling experience on how to navigate these. Check back regularly.
